Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I've had pretty good luck with my GM products. The only weak area for me has been the AC systems. With one exception they all failed. No brand is perfect and the other domestics have had their own unique failures too.

The only flawless car was the Mitsu but that was bought new and never got to the age of my usual fare.

That's really odd because most GM AC systems let you hang meat in the car whereas most Mitsus are defective right off the lot.

When I owned GM cars (Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile), I found their air-conditioning systems to be the best on the market at that time (1960's-1990's). I also remember back in 1987, 1988 and again in 1991, I owned Mercedes Benz vehicles and the air-conditioning systems in those cars was HORRID! It would take forever to get the car cooled down. I think at the time they were producing cars more for the European markets where air-conditioning was not as critical in a car as it is in the summers here in North America. When I bought my first "modern" Mercedes in 2008, the air-conditioning was superior. I also have found the air-conditioning system in my BMW to be outstanding as well - and we get "hot" down here with loads of humidity. I think auto manufacturers have finally mastered temperature and humidity control in the cars they build - which was not the case 15+ years ago.

Let's see...GM cars I have owned. All bought used with between 20k and 120k miles.

82' Olds can't remember if AC failed but everything else did.
84' Chevy. Compressor failed within a month.
91' Olds. AC failed in the100k miles range.
84' Vette. Came with a bad AC but it was 25+ years old at the time.
98' Buick (son's) AC failed around 80k miles.
93' DeVille (son's) flawless AC for the 5 years he owned it.
04' Chevy. Came with bad AC.

My Chrysler and Ford products developed small leaks which required recharge every year or two but kept working.

All this means nothing across the millions of cars sold by GM. It's just my personal experience. I'd buy another GM as quick as any other brand if I liked it and the price was right.

berri

I think what you get with cars now is once everything works well they start the Chinese parts cost cutting; excuse me "value analysis", then problems start popping up. Honda went through some periods of AC problems. But the difference was that Honda admitted it and extended the warranty period on "all" of them.

driver100

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

graphicguy said:

ab...how would leasing a car change whether it is a lemon or not? Leasing or buying....if a car is a lemon won't change.

I don't lease, anyway.

(EDIT....I have looked at some of those super cheap leases Michaell pointed to several weeks ago for a grocery getter).

I would consider leasing rather than buying if I really wanted a particular car but didn't know whether I could trust it. For example, I would rather lease a Tesla, Rover, Cadillac, Alfa Romeo because if I don't like it I hand it back in after the lease. If I do like it I buy it at the end of the lease. Just more options and easier to ditch.

Besides, it seems every time I look at a lease, I negotiate a good price. And then, on the back end, I'm paying lease inception fees, acquisition fees, disposition fees, this fee and that fee. All of a sudden, the good deal I thought I had made, doesn't look so good any more.

I understand how some would like to lease. Nothing against it. Just not for me.

I tend to agree, but leasing is good for some people in some situations. I think to make the best of a lease, especially if you are over on miles, you have to buy the car back and use it for awhile to recoup some of the surcharges etc. I guess in the case I am talking about, where you aren't too sure how much you trust a car you want to buy, it is like insurance....if the car needs repairs during the warranty period you may want to just hand it back in after the lease is over.

dino001

oldfarmer50 said:

If you grew up during the old system the change must have been dramatic and traumatic. To then set off to a foreign country took a lot of courage. My hat's off to you.

It wasn't as bad, I was 19 when the switch happened. I always say I finished my high school in a communist regime and started college in a free country. As I look back, it was really something. I can only imagine those 40something, like my parents were then, how difficult it was for them to adjust.

driver100

When I was walking Gigi today I saw one of these:





I thought it was U-G-L-Y!

GLC SUV COUPE It does get excellent reviews though....5 out of 5 on Edmunds.

Mr_Shiftright

The jacked up stance reminds me of the AMC Eagle.

murphydog

driver100 said:

When I was walking Gigi today I saw one of these:





I thought it was U-G-L-Y!

GLC SUV COUPE It does get excellent reviews though....5 out of 5 on Edmunds.

I can't explain why but this thing appeals to me, when in full AMG guise. I know, I know - not a sporty car and less useful space than a traditional SUV. Fortunately there is zero dollars in the budget for one...

fintail

The AMG model is the kind of thing I expect to see erratically driven by a "new driver" on the eastside. It's a MB X4.

thebean

abacomike said:

Took my first Epclusa tablet as part of my first step in trying to finally rid my body of this awful Hepatitis C Virus last night just before bedtime. At 3:00 AM, I woke up in a cold sweat and my body felt like a truckload of bricks fell on top of me. I tossed and turned and in between, I finally got some sleep. I woke up at 6:30 AM and felt like I would never get out of bed again. By 9:00 AM, I was showered, dressed, and out the door on my way up to take a walk at the Mall. I only had to stop once to rest.

So, I have some decisions to make - when is the best time to take this pill? According to the pharmacy that fills my prescription, taking it with my evening meds is best as I won't feel the ill-effects of the drug making me tired, weak and headachy. I will try to continue taking the drug, but a bit earlier - like 6:00 PM with my regular meds, so the insomnia and side-effects will hit me before midnight so I can get a good night's sleep. I'll just have to get used to this drug.

I have to have that 22 vial blood test in about 3 weeks just prior to my appointment with my gastroenterologist. Hopefully, the test results will show no detectable virus. I have to have those tests every 4 weeks. I am praying this works - it will boost my immune system and protect my liver as well as my kidneys. This disease is murder.

According to the Federal Government, 1 in every 9 "baby-boomers" is infected with Hepatitis C and don't know it. That's why they strongly urge boomers to get tested for Hep C. It is estimated that many millions of people in my age category are walking around with it. Unbelievable.

Mike, how does a person get Hep C?  I'm a boomer, but never thought to get tested.

jmonroe

How should I celebrate?

I got my $85 check from the IRS today.

Leave it to the government to lie to you. They said it would take 6 to 8 weeks. I e-filed on April 13. I guess I better read the fine print. Maybe it ain't good for another month.

Do you think Congress has approved a law about this too?

jmonroe

fintail

Regarding banks, I am surprised we have it as good as we do - Saturday hours, open past 4, etc. They virtually write their own regulations, and influence government - not the other way around.

That being said, I had to deal with a Citi billing issue (payment was processed but not posted), and it worked out fine.

ab348

When the bank up here (Canada Trust) started opening longer hours and on Saturdays back in the '70s, I lived near a branch. I opened an account there just for that reason and kept a little money in it just in case. I remember going there on a Saturday and not only being amazed that they were open, but that the place was packed. It did wonders for their business and eventually they got bought/merged with TD Bank.

tjc78

fintail said:

Regarding banks, I am surprised we have it as good as we do - Saturday hours, open past 4, etc. They virtually write their own regulations, and influence government - not the other way around.



That being said, I had to deal with a Citi billing issue (payment was processed but not posted), and it worked out fine.

I know people have their issues with Citi, but I've had one of their cards since 1997 and have zero complaints. Their fraud alerts are excellent and customer service on the card I have (Diamond something or other) is also excellent. 

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

When I was walking Gigi today I saw one of these:





I thought it was U-G-L-Y!

GLC SUV COUPE It does get excellent reviews though....5 out of 5 on Edmunds.

What is it? The initials GLC would indicate a Mercedes.

cdnpinhead

ab348 said:

When the bank up here (Canada Trust) started opening longer hours and on Saturdays back in the '70s, I lived near a branch. I opened an account there just for that reason and kept a little money in it just in case. I remember going there on a Saturday and not only being amazed that they were open, but that the place was packed. It did wonders for their business and eventually they got bought/merged with TD Bank.

I enjoy hearing about the Canadian banks that served me so well in Edmonton and Vancouver all those years ago. The Bank of Montreal was my choice, and they treated me very well in both locations; my wife went with the Bank of Nova Scotia. Those banks seemed to have done very well over the years. Those of us in the know realize that BMo whatever it is down here is really the Bank of Montreal, and Toronto Dominion has a similarly hard to decipher moniker, but TD is part of it.

driver100

jmonroe said:

How should I celebrate?

I got my $85 check from the IRS today.



jmonroe

One word...................Denny's!

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

When I was walking Gigi today I saw one of these:





I thought it was U-G-L-Y!

GLC SUV COUPE It does get excellent reviews though....5 out of 5 on Edmunds.

What is it? The initials GLC would indicate a Mercedes.

Good guess....yes it is. Mercedes went to this more rounded look but a lot of people want them to bring back the boxy GLK like rs D's car.

driver100

murphydog said:

driver100 said:

When I was walking Gigi today I saw one of these:





I thought it was U-G-L-Y!

GLC SUV COUPE It does get excellent reviews though....5 out of 5 on Edmunds.

I can't explain why but this thing appeals to me, when in full AMG guise. I know, I know - not a sporty car and less useful space than a traditional SUV. Fortunately there is zero dollars in the budget for one...

I guess some people like them....they do sell a few. I also saw a bmw 328 wagon today and that looked really elegant.....is that what Dino is getting? Probably has the same amount of room inside and is probably nicer handling with the low center of gravity.

What is with the SUV thing anyway. Is it because people need more room inside, is it so you ride higher, is it so you feel safer in a larger car, is it a feeling of power? My SUVs were like work vehicles and I don't like the open storage area........but, just my opinion.

laurasdada

houdini1 said:

My son bought a 2007 Jag XK coupe a couple of years ago, ruby red. When he visits he always drives his company car, but today he drove over from St. Louis in the Jag. I had seen pics of it before but this was the first time seeing it live in the wild. Beautiful, looks brand new. 10 years old and 56,000 miles. Oh, and the sound of that burbling V8. I'm to dumb to know how to attach a pic.

Houdini, my midlife crisis was a 2009 Jag XK, platinum. Had to grow up again in '13 and traded it for the current XF. The XK is gorgeous, and I still miss the V8 sound and smoothness! Great GT.

laurasdada

GG: Congrats, what a long, strange trip it's been! Finally, you've pushed the boulder to the top of the hill, and it ain't gonna roll back down (over you)!

explorerx4

@driver100,
Here is a story.
Went to work one day while it was still dark out and drove over a piece of wood in the road.
I didn't realize what happened at the time, but when I got to work the cooling fans were hanging underneath the car.
The SUV behind me drove over it with no damage.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
Here is a story.
Went to work one day while it was still dark out and drove over a piece of wood in the road.
I didn't realize what happened at the time, but when I got to work the cooling fans were hanging underneath the car.
The SUV behind me drove over it with no damage.

But, if there was a low hanging branch over the road you may have driven under it.....and the SUV may have smacked it right on the windshield!

abacomike

thebean said:

abacomike said:

Took my first Epclusa tablet as part of my first step in trying to finally rid my body of this awful Hepatitis C Virus last night just before bedtime. At 3:00 AM, I woke up in a cold sweat and my body felt like a truckload of bricks fell on top of me. I tossed and turned and in between, I finally got some sleep. I woke up at 6:30 AM and felt like I would never get out of bed again. By 9:00 AM, I was showered, dressed, and out the door on my way up to take a walk at the Mall. I only had to stop once to rest.





So, I have some decisions to make - when is the best time to take this pill? According to the pharmacy that fills my prescription, taking it with my evening meds is best as I won't feel the ill-effects of the drug making me tired, weak and headachy. I will try to continue taking the drug, but a bit earlier - like 6:00 PM with my regular meds, so the insomnia and side-effects will hit me before midnight so I can get a good night's sleep. I'll just have to get used to this drug.





I have to have that 22 vial blood test in about 3 weeks just prior to my appointment with my gastroenterologist. Hopefully, the test results will show no detectable virus. I have to have those tests every 4 weeks. I am praying this works - it will boost my immune system and protect my liver as well as my kidneys. This disease is murder.





According to the Federal Government, 1 in every 9 "baby-boomers" is infected with Hepatitis C and don't know it. That's why they strongly urge boomers to get tested for Hep C. It is estimated that many millions of people in my age category are walking around with it. Unbelievable.

Mike, how does a person get Hep C?  I'm a boomer, but never thought to get tested.

Hepatitis C is a virus.  It attacks the liver, immune system and causes kidney damage.  It remains in the body for many years with no apparent symptoms detectible by the individual carrying the virus.  Eventually, it causes liver failure and/or hepitatic carcinoma (liver cancer).

IV drug users who share needles; sexual relations with a carrier when blood is present; blood transfusions.  Thus, the virus is transmitted from person to person by coming into contact with blood from the infected person and entering the bloodstream of the host.  Surgeons, nurses etc. are also in danger of contracting the disease during surgery mishaps or accidents when testing blood samples.

I always remind lab technicians, nurses and others who could accidentally come in direct contact with my blood of the dangers of contracting Hep C from my blood.  

My wife never contracted Hep C, which surprised me and my children were born 10 years before I became infected from a blood transfusion in a hospital in 1980.  I was first diagnosed in 1995 in California.  Since I never had promiscuous sexual relations with anyone and I was not an IV drug user, the doctors felt that the only way I could have contracted the virus was from the transfusion.

Prior to 1989, Hep C was not a known virus.  Thus, blood donors blood was not tested for Hep C until the 1990-91 time frame.  That is why baby boomers are the most likely population group to have been infected.

Hemophiliacs are/were at tremendous risk because of the need for blood transfusions frequently due to internal bleeding.

thebean

@abacomike, thanks very much for all that information.  Such bad luck to have gotten it from a transfusion.  I hope your new meds are successful and that you can get accustomed to them with no side effects.  You deserve better than this.

nyccarguy

@fintail - saw this today and was thinking something like this would suit you nicely when the lease on your bluetec is up

oldfarmer50

I saw this and thought it was interesting:

http://buzzdrives.com/20-cars-that-are-plummeting-in-value-3/20/?brx_aid=393dc4&utm_content=393dc4__20 Cars that are Plummeting in Value__http://cdn.taboolasyndication.com/libtrc/static/thumbnails/5417b392d0022cd5e0bc8dc3ecce587f.jpg&utm_source=taboola&utm_campaign=BD_20_Cars_That_Are_Plummeting_in_Value-Tablet-ww1-3-WL&utm_medium=breitbartcom

Very outdated as they are talking about first year depreciation on 2015 models. Some of it not relevant like a 40% drop on the Camaro ( new design came out in 2016 so yeah, a 2015 would take a hit). Still kind of makes you think that some of these might be a bargain 3-5 years used.

fintail

That'd definitely be something I would consider - that's a 2014 only car, last of the V8 non-AMG E-class. Looks like a well equipped car, I see parktronic, pano, and I suspect it has more. Fuel prices might make an impact, I am still smiling at the highway mpg of the Bluetec. Technically still 2 years on the lease, plenty of time to see what comes up in the market.

nyccarguy said:

@fintail - saw this today and was thinking something like this would suit you nicely when the lease on your bluetec is up

jmonroe

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

How should I celebrate?

I got my $85 check from the IRS today.



jmonroe

One word...................Denny's!

I said "celebrate" not waste it.

jmonroe

sb55

I used to work right next to a Citi, branch, so that's the bank I used. I have 2 Citi credit cards, 1 personal and 1 business. I have no problems with them after what happened to me.
6 years ago my daughter was in the Peace Corps in Namibia (Africa). We went to visit her twice. The first time we went, whenever you went to a restaurant, they brought a credit card machine to the table and you never lost sight of your card. The 2nd time we went back, on the first night we got to Windhoek (largest city in Namibia) and we went to a restaurant that we had gone to on the 1st trip. This time they took my card. Being jet-lagged and exhausted after a 30 hour trip, I didn't question it. I remember that it took a long to bring the check and card back to the table. Partway through my trip, my card was denied. That was strange, as I paid my bill before I left and barely used it. When I got home, I found out that my card was cloned and they ran up about $15,000. in fraudulent charges. At stores in Namibia and South Africa. I was able to document where I travelled, so Citi made good on all of the charges.
After that, I have no complaints with their credit card department.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

I saw this and thought it was interesting:

http://buzzdrives.com/20-cars-that-are-plummeting-in-value-3/20/?brx_aid=393dc4&utm_content=393dc4__20 Cars that are Plummeting in Value__http://cdn.taboolasyndication.com/libtrc/static/thumbnails/5417b392d0022cd5e0bc8dc3ecce587f.jpg&utm_source=taboola&utm_campaign=BD_20_Cars_That_Are_Plummeting_in_Value-Tablet-ww1-3-WL&utm_medium=breitbartcom

Very outdated as they are talking about first year depreciation on 2015 models. Some of it not relevant like a 40% drop on the Camaro ( new design came out in 2016 so yeah, a 2015 would take a hit). Still kind of makes you think that some of these might be a bargain 3-5 years used.

I really liked that article OF and I think it is current. When they talk about 2015 cars they are saying some 2015 models are worth half of their original value. My 2015 E400 was probably worth more than half, but if I had to buy a replacement car it would have cost me about $30000. Because of the full replacement insurance I paid about $2000 for a few extras the first car didn't have...well worth the $60 the coverage cost.

That was a good list to find good used cars that you can buy for a great price used, especially at about the 2 year mark where they have lost about half their value. Some lose their value because they are expensive to maintain, like a Lancer and Dodge Charger.

Lots of surprises too, Impala, Camaro, CTS, Genesis, Yukon, Leaf, etc

Thanks....very interesting for me.

driver100

nyccarguy said:

@fintail - saw this today and was thinking something like this would suit you nicely when the lease on your bluetec is up

That picture makes me sad......it looks exactly like my demolished 2015 E400.

I think it looks edgier and classier than my 2017 model.

houdini1

sb55 said:

I used to work right next to a Citi, branch, so that's the bank I used. I have 2 Citi credit cards, 1 personal and 1 business. I have no problems with them after what happened to me.
6 years ago my daughter was in the Peace Corps in Namibia (Africa). We went to visit her twice. The first time we went, whenever you went to a restaurant, they brought a credit card machine to the table and you never lost sight of your card. The 2nd time we went back, on the first night we got to Windhoek (largest city in Namibia) and we went to a restaurant that we had gone to on the 1st trip. This time they took my card. Being jet-lagged and exhausted after a 30 hour trip, I didn't question it. I remember that it took a long to bring the check and card back to the table. Partway through my trip, my card was denied. That was strange, as I paid my bill before I left and barely used it. When I got home, I found out that my card was cloned and they ran up about $15,000. in fraudulent charges. At stores in Namibia and South Africa. I was able to document where I travelled, so Citi made good on all of the charges.
After that, I have no complaints with their credit card department.

What really irks me about credit card fraud is that the merchants, banks, and police just sort of shake their heads and say, oh well, too bad. It is as if they don't want to catch the crooks. If someone walked into a bank with a gun and stole $15,000. an all points bulletin would be out immediately to shoot on sight, and that person would be tracked to the ends of the earth.

abacomike

When it comes to credit cards, I only use 2 of the four cards I carry.  I always pay off the total balance before the due date so that my credit reports show zero balances, but ALWAYS "pays as agreed."  The only Balance shown is my installment loan for $24,000 on the car.  It's a 72 month loan at 2.42% - I took it out to show borrowed money that is paid back to the lender.  Installment loans and mortgages are the best way of acquiring outstanding credit scores so long as these installments are paid on time and show balances reducing each month.

In case of identity theft, my attorney told me that if large balances appear on my credit reports, it is much easier to defend the fraudulent charges because I never carry balances.  The credit cards I do have are at least 10+ years old and even though I don't use 2 cards very often, if I canceled those cards, it would negatively affect my credit scores because total available credit sharply reduces - credit bureaus look negatively at those card cancelations.  

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

How should I celebrate?

I got my $85 check from the IRS today.



jmonroe

One word...................Denny's!

I said "celebrate" not waste it.

jmonroe

Celebrate with $85! Sounds like Denny's to me.

suydam

If I make a large purchase my credit card bank texts me to ask if I made the purchase. So they are trying to be more proactive now.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I've had pretty good luck with my GM products. The only weak area for me has been the AC systems. With one exception they all failed. No brand is perfect and the other domestics have had their own unique failures too.

The only flawless car was the Mitsu but that was bought new and never got to the age of my usual fare.

That's really odd because most GM AC systems let you hang meat in the car whereas most Mitsus are defective right off the lot.

When I owned GM cars (Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile), I found their air-conditioning systems to be the best on the market at that time (1960's-1990's). I also remember back in 1987, 1988 and again in 1991, I owned Mercedes Benz vehicles and the air-conditioning systems in those cars was HORRID! It would take forever to get the car cooled down. I think at the time they were producing cars more for the European markets where air-conditioning was not as critical in a car as it is in the summers here in North America. When I bought my first "modern" Mercedes in 2008, the air-conditioning was superior. I also have found the air-conditioning system in my BMW to be outstanding as well - and we get "hot" down here with loads of humidity. I think auto manufacturers have finally mastered temperature and humidity control in the cars they build - which was not the case 15+ years ago.

Let's see...GM cars I have owned. All bought used with between 20k and 120k miles.

82' Olds can't remember if AC failed but everything else did.
84' Chevy. Compressor failed within a month.
91' Olds. AC failed in the100k miles range.
84' Vette. Came with a bad AC but it was 25+ years old at the time.
98' Buick (son's) AC failed around 80k miles.
93' DeVille (son's) flawless AC for the 5 years he owned it.
04' Chevy. Came with bad AC.

My Chrysler and Ford products developed small leaks which required recharge every year or two but kept working.

All this means nothing across the millions of cars sold by GM. It's just my personal experience. I'd buy another GM as quick as any other brand if I liked it and the price was right.

After 13 years and 192k miles the X3 was 0.4 lbs low on refrigerant. The Jeep has a BIG leak somewhere, and unfortunately it sounds like it's the evaporator. Ugh. The 22 year old 318ti has 144k on it and has not required any A/C service.

suydam

AC went out in my '04 Pontiac Vibe at about 8 years.

oldfarmer50

houdini1 said:

sb55 said:

I used to work right next to a Citi, branch, so that's the bank I used. I have 2 Citi credit cards, 1 personal and 1 business. I have no problems with them after what happened to me.
6 years ago my daughter was in the Peace Corps in Namibia (Africa). We went to visit her twice. The first time we went, whenever you went to a restaurant, they brought a credit card machine to the table and you never lost sight of your card. The 2nd time we went back, on the first night we got to Windhoek (largest city in Namibia) and we went to a restaurant that we had gone to on the 1st trip. This time they took my card. Being jet-lagged and exhausted after a 30 hour trip, I didn't question it. I remember that it took a long to bring the check and card back to the table. Partway through my trip, my card was denied. That was strange, as I paid my bill before I left and barely used it. When I got home, I found out that my card was cloned and they ran up about $15,000. in fraudulent charges. At stores in Namibia and South Africa. I was able to document where I travelled, so Citi made good on all of the charges.
After that, I have no complaints with their credit card department.

What really irks me about credit card fraud is that the merchants, banks, and police just sort of shake their heads and say, oh well, too bad. It is as if they don't want to catch the crooks. If someone walked into a bank with a gun and stole $15,000. an all points bulletin would be out immediately to shoot on sight, and that person would be tracked to the ends of the earth.

The bank robbery occurs within their jurisdiction. Cops don't like doing work for cops in other jurisdictions. Also it's hard to catch these people since they may be operating from forign lands. The guy speeding down the road with the money bag is low hanging fruit by comparison.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I saw this and thought it was interesting:

http://buzzdrives.com/20-cars-that-are-plummeting-in-value-3/20/?brx_aid=393dc4&utm_content=393dc4__20 Cars that are Plummeting in Value__http://cdn.taboolasyndication.com/libtrc/static/thumbnails/5417b392d0022cd5e0bc8dc3ecce587f.jpg&utm_source=taboola&utm_campaign=BD_20_Cars_That_Are_Plummeting_in_Value-Tablet-ww1-3-WL&utm_medium=breitbartcom

Very outdated as they are talking about first year depreciation on 2015 models. Some of it not relevant like a 40% drop on the Camaro ( new design came out in 2016 so yeah, a 2015 would take a hit). Still kind of makes you think that some of these might be a bargain 3-5 years used.

I really liked that article OF and I think it is current. When they talk about 2015 cars they are saying some 2015 models are worth half of their original value. My 2015 E400 was probably worth more than half, but if I had to buy a replacement car it would have cost me about $30000. Because of the full replacement insurance I paid about $2000 for a few extras the first car didn't have...well worth the $60 the coverage cost.

That was a good list to find good used cars that you can buy for a great price used, especially at about the 2 year mark where they have lost about half their value. Some lose their value because they are expensive to maintain, like a Lancer and Dodge Charger.

Lots of surprises too, Impala, Camaro, CTS, Genesis, Yukon, Leaf, etc

Thanks....very interesting for me.

Just for laughs I checked out Impalas at local dealers. This one probably had a high 30s MSRP:

http://www.listingallcars.com/details/2016-Chevrolet-Impala-Used/-413566317835825835

Just about 50% in one year.

explorerx4

That Impala has over 35k miles on it.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

That Impala has over 35k miles on it.

Probably one that truly had all highway miles.

Maybe a rental? High trim level though.

How about this one?

http://www.listingallcars.com/details/2017-Chevrolet-Impala-Used/-4925384199635380466

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I saw this and thought it was interesting:

http://buzzdrives.com/20-cars-that-are-plummeting-in-value-3/20/?brx_aid=393dc4&utm_content=393dc4__20 Cars that are Plummeting in Value__http://cdn.taboolasyndication.com/libtrc/static/thumbnails/5417b392d0022cd5e0bc8dc3ecce587f.jpg&utm_source=taboola&utm_campaign=BD_20_Cars_That_Are_Plummeting_in_Value-Tablet-ww1-3-WL&utm_medium=breitbartcom

Very outdated as they are talking about first year depreciation on 2015 models. Some of it not relevant like a 40% drop on the Camaro ( new design came out in 2016 so yeah, a 2015 would take a hit). Still kind of makes you think that some of these might be a bargain 3-5 years used.

I really liked that article OF and I think it is current. When they talk about 2015 cars they are saying some 2015 models are worth half of their original value. My 2015 E400 was probably worth more than half, but if I had to buy a replacement car it would have cost me about $30000. Because of the full replacement insurance I paid about $2000 for a few extras the first car didn't have...well worth the $60 the coverage cost.

That was a good list to find good used cars that you can buy for a great price used, especially at about the 2 year mark where they have lost about half their value. Some lose their value because they are expensive to maintain, like a Lancer and Dodge Charger.

Lots of surprises too, Impala, Camaro, CTS, Genesis, Yukon, Leaf, etc

Thanks....very interesting for me.

Just for laughs I checked out Impalas at local dealers. This one probably had a high 30s MSRP:

http://www.listingallcars.com/details/2016-Chevrolet-Impala-Used/-413566317835825835

Just about 50% in one year.

That is a big hit on a one year old car. It does have over 35k miles on it though....wonder what it was used for? That is like 3 years of driving so I would rather pay more and get one with lower miles.

Another interesting thing about those depreciation values is that some people buy a particular car like a Nissan Leaf because it will save on the cost of gas. But, then you lose even more dollars in depreciation than what you save. Some of those cars have a cheaper initial cost but by the time you trade it in it may cost less to own a more expensive car.

I also learned, a car I would really consider from that list is a bmw 328. Big depreciation but still getting a great car to drive.

Another surprise was a Nissan Rogue depreciated quickly. A friend has one and though it doesn't appeal to me it rides nicely, it is comfortable, and it feels solid. That sounds like a good buy.....used!

driver100

houdini1 said:

sb55 said:

I used to work right next to a Citi, branch, so that's the bank I used. I have 2 Citi credit cards, 1 personal and 1 business. I have no problems with them after what happened to me.
6 years ago my daughter was in the Peace Corps in Namibia (Africa). We went to visit her twice. The first time we went, whenever you went to a restaurant, they brought a credit card machine to the table and you never lost sight of your card. The 2nd time we went back, on the first night we got to Windhoek (largest city in Namibia) and we went to a restaurant that we had gone to on the 1st trip. This time they took my card. Being jet-lagged and exhausted after a 30 hour trip, I didn't question it. I remember that it took a long to bring the check and card back to the table. Partway through my trip, my card was denied. That was strange, as I paid my bill before I left and barely used it. When I got home, I found out that my card was cloned and they ran up about $15,000. in fraudulent charges. At stores in Namibia and South Africa. I was able to document where I travelled, so Citi made good on all of the charges.
After that, I have no complaints with their credit card department.

What really irks me about credit card fraud is that the merchants, banks, and police just sort of shake their heads and say, oh well, too bad. It is as if they don't want to catch the crooks. If someone walked into a bank with a gun and stole $15,000. an all points bulletin would be out immediately to shoot on sight, and that person would be tracked to the ends of the earth.

Houdini, I think it is just because no one really cares. CC companies make so much money on all the transactions and interest they just think of it as a cost of doing business. Police don't get involved, too hard to chase down and by that time the card is dead. Merchant doesn't care.....they sold the goods. Customer doesn't care because it is usually covered. CC company likes to keep it quiet as well.

explorerx4

When I clicked on the carfax for the silver one, it said it was a rental.
The white one has a carfax button, but it doesn't 'Show me the carfax'.

fintail

You have a Chinese market LWB W213? I know Canada is destination one for real estate speculators from the land of sketchy fortunes, but I didn't know domestic market cars were being sold there already

I agree about the design, I like the more angular upright design more - but I like the new LED gauges and widescreen.

driver100 said:

That picture makes me sad......it looks exactly like my demolished 2015 E400.

I think it looks edgier and classier than my 2017 model.

fintail

I've worked in fraud and am a CFE. The individual losses aren't large enough to justify the legal and administrative costs of chasing down this type of thief. Unless a bandit can be definitively tracked down to a pattern involving a solid high 6 figures or more, nothing will be done. I work for a consumer-facing firm that has had issues with identity thieves, and we have sought prosecution, but not until damages are the price of a teardown bungalow in Bellevue. Anything less is just not worth the effort, both internally and dealing with law enforcement/justice system.

These guys aren't using guns, a don't leave a trail the typical cop can follow. They are a financial risk, but not a real public safety danger.

houdini1 said:

What really irks me about credit card fraud is that the merchants, banks, and police just sort of shake their heads and say, oh well, too bad. It is as if they don't want to catch the crooks. If someone walked into a bank with a gun and stole $15,000. an all points bulletin would be out immediately to shoot on sight, and that person would be tracked to the ends of the earth.

abacomike

Just got home from my daily walk - didn't do very well - had to stop 5 times to rest. Feel very weak and tired - those pills are beginning to take their toll on me.

Just checked rainfall totals for my neighborhood - 4.2 inches of rain since midnight and the forecast is for another 3 inches by midnight tonight - and this is not rainy season. Streets and roads have lots of surface flooding. Hopefully it will be enough rain to end this drought we have been having here in South Florida. We sure needed this rain.

driver100

fintail said:

You have a Chinese market LWB W213? I know Canada is destination one for real estate speculators from the land of sketchy fortunes, but I didn't know domestic market cars were being sold there already

I agree about the design, I like the more angular upright design more - but I like the new LED gauges and widescreen.

driver100 said:

That picture makes me sad......it looks exactly like my demolished 2015 E400.

I think it looks edgier and classier than my 2017 model.

I like the angular design of the 2015 and the larger windows, especially the wedge shaped front side windows of the 15 model. I love the digital instrument panel in the 17 model though....that makes the car really special.

I had a suspicion the 2017 E400s were selling somewhere else other than Canada.....of course not available in the US. Lots of Chinese speculators buying up businesses and property in Canada. One $2million home went on the market near me recently and they had 14 offers the first day, and 7 were from Chinese investors who didn't even look at the property. Property around the Toronto area is up 35% over a year ago, and it was high then.

I

fintail

I like to have outward visibility, too. As far as I know, doors and glass should interchange between all 2010-16 models. E400 is probably a thing in most markets - for whatever reason, MBUSA has been allowed to embark on its own unique marketing scheme and product line. The Canadian line is a bit different, closer to the UK line. Heck, in Germany you can still get an E with a manual transmission.

I am in Vancouver now and then, a city somewhat ruined by real estate speculation. It has crept south, too - for a period last year, more than half of detached property transactions in my postal code were to offshore cash buyers, and there's no real vetting of the origin of these funds here or north of the border. Money that would land you in prison if earned the same way here is welcomed with open arms. It's not as bad as Vancouver or Toronto yet (both places must have ratios of average detached house to income approaching 15:1 or more now), but it is getting there.

driver100 said:

I like the angular design of the 2015 and the larger windows, especially the wedge shaped front side windows of the 15 model. I love the digital instrument panel in the 17 model though....that makes the car really special.

I had a suspicion the 2017 E400s were selling somewhere else other than Canada.....of course not available in the US. Lots of Chinese speculators buying up businesses and property in Canada. One $2million home went on the market near me recently and they had 14 offers the first day, and 7 were from Chinese investors who didn't even look at the property. Property around the Toronto area is up 35% over a year ago, and it was high then.

I

explorerx4

One of my remote coworkers bought a house in Brampton less than a year ago. He says its' value is up about 25%.