Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

qbrozen said:

just to add something: you CAN burn through an old paintjob quite easily, regardless of the tool. Paint that has already been thinned out and sun baked over time. So the usual user warnings apply.

I guess that can happen but I wasn't talking about cars that are ready for the scrap yard. I guess this is a good time for @oldfarmer50 to chime in since he may some old hoopties he'd like to experiment with.

jmonroe

I’d really worry about burn through if I was using something like compound rather than wax. There are tons of YouTube videos on how to buff correctly. As I said, I only used a buffer to take wax off. And now the most abrasive thing I use is a microfiber towel.

My old van has the paint coming off in sheets so no worries there.

It sounds to me like your van needs a good glue job before you start in on waxing it. Like they say...first things first.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

qbrozen said:

just to add something: you CAN burn through an old paintjob quite easily, regardless of the tool. Paint that has already been thinned out and sun baked over time. So the usual user warnings apply.

I guess that can happen but I wasn't talking about cars that are ready for the scrap yard. I guess this is a good time for @oldfarmer50 to chime in since he may some old hoopties he'd like to experiment with.

jmonroe

I’d really worry about burn through if I was using something like compound rather than wax. There are tons of YouTube videos on how to buff correctly. As I said, I only used a buffer to take wax off. And now the most abrasive thing I use is a microfiber towel.

My old van has the paint coming off in sheets so no worries there.

It sounds to me like your van needs a good glue job before you start in on waxing it. Like they say...first things first.

jmonroe

Maybe a rattle can repaint. They have tons of videos on how to do that too.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

qbrozen said:

just to add something: you CAN burn through an old paintjob quite easily, regardless of the tool. Paint that has already been thinned out and sun baked over time. So the usual user warnings apply.

I guess that can happen but I wasn't talking about cars that are ready for the scrap yard. I guess this is a good time for @oldfarmer50 to chime in since he may some old hoopties he'd like to experiment with.

jmonroe

I’d really worry about burn through if I was using something like compound rather than wax. There are tons of YouTube videos on how to buff correctly. As I said, I only used a buffer to take wax off. And now the most abrasive thing I use is a microfiber towel.

My old van has the paint coming off in sheets so no worries there.

It sounds to me like your van needs a good glue job before you start in on waxing it. Like they say...first things first.

jmonroe

Maybe a rattle can repaint. They have tons of videos on how to do that too.

I believe you and although I haven't seen it I've been told their are videos showing guys painting cars with rollers.

jmonroe

stickguy

skip the repaint. go straight to a wrap! Besides, a roller will be quicker than spray cans.

and who needs a carwash? Spring time. Can't go anywhere anyway, and the driveway is always open!

graphicguy

Re buffer.....It depends on the kind of wax you use and how thick it’s applied. Overall, very thin layers of wax should be applied. The more you pile on, the more likely it will take more pressure to remove....especially those thick paste waxes.

These days, most people are using synthetics, or at least a synthetic/carnuba blend. Those are really easy to put on and take off.

When using a buffer, don’t use any more extra pressure pushing down on it. Just let it glide.

I’ve used Zaino synthetics for many years. They provide very good durability and gloss. But, they tend to be pricey, and some of them you have to be a chemist to mix.

-Liquid Glass
-Meguiars
-Mothers

Tried most of them. I like synthetics more than I do carnubas (which tend to leave residue in seams and around emblems, which is a [non-permissible content removed] to remove).

Just applied a ceramic hybrid to the Stinger. We’ll see how long it lasts.

When you get in trouble with a buffer is when you put pressure on it while buffing and you leave it in the same spot for too long. If the polish you’re using is aggressive, that will eat through the clear coat and leave a dull spot. That’s harder to do than to just glide it over the paint, though.

If you have a troublesome spot (like tag, bird droppings, etc), don’t try to buff it out. Use. Goo gone on it and then wax over the top.

nyccarguy

@graphicguy

If you have a troublesome spot (like tag, bird droppings, etc), don’t try to buff it out. Use. Goo gone on it and then wax over the top.

It is safe to use goo gone on the paint?

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
One of my kids texted me that Hal Steinbrenner passed away.
Guess he had be sick for a while.

nyccarguy

explorerx4 said:

@nyccarguy,
One of my kids texted me that Hal Steinbrenner passed away.
Guess he had be sick for a while.

Yikes. He was young. It was Hank who died.

ab348

The report I saw on the SNY website described it as a "lengthy illness" unrelated to the present-day troubles.

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

@graphicguy

If you have a troublesome spot (like tag, bird droppings, etc), don’t try to buff it out. Use. Goo gone on it and then wax over the top.

It is safe to use goo gone on the paint?

I've never had an issue using it on tar, bird droppings or bugs. But, I wipe it on, and wipe it off. Then, I wash the surface where it was applied.

I'm meticulous on my cars. And, I only use two different products on my cars' finishes. First, I use a clay bar. If that doesn't do it, out comes the goo gone. Never had a problem with either.

nyccarguy

graphicguy said:

nyccarguy said:

@graphicguy

If you have a troublesome spot (like tag, bird droppings, etc), don’t try to buff it out. Use. Goo gone on it and then wax over the top.

It is safe to use goo gone on the paint?

I've never had an issue using it on tar, bird droppings or bugs. But, I wipe it on, and wipe it off. Then, I wash the surface where it was applied.

I'm meticulous on my cars. And, I only use two different products on my cars' finishes. First, I use a clay bar. If that doesn't do it, out comes the goo gone. Never had a problem with either.

Good to know.

fintail

I keep a spray bottle of detailer in the trunk/back along with a few towels. If I get bird bombed, I douse it in detailer, let it sit for a few, then gently wipe it off.

Sandman6472

Used to use some wax product I got at the Harley Davidson store, phenomenal shine & easy on/off. Think I still have a small amount in there but it's a bit old by now. I've always insisted on a clean vehicle!

jmonroe

A little follow up on what I posted yesterday about a detail guy on YouTube demonstraighting the use of a Porter Cable random orbit car polisher. It's a 2 part series. Just click the top left box after the the first video runs (and there are even more detail vids after this). Total time is around 18 minutes (for the 2 parts of interest). FWIW, I think this guy is better than any of the other detail guys I've watched.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XAqpOe9Zt4

jmonroe

28firefighter

There is also a Goo Gone specifically formulated for use on cars. I used it on the Alfa to remove some of the transport adhesive that the dealer forgot to remove.

In other news, my Dad had a software update done on his Stelvio last week. Went to start the car and it is completely dead - will not turn over under any circumstances. Both batteries are fully charged. Getting flatbed to the dealer as we speak. Luckily he has another car he can drive because he is still seeing patients in clinic and at the hospital.

Sandman6472

Used my red bandana last night to pick up our large pie and all was fine. Even the cop sitting outside didn't budge one bit! Looked like I was gonna rob the place though. But it fit over my mouth/nose and wasn't that uncomfortable to be honest. Not something I care to do over the long haul but as a temp measure, worked quite well honestly. Glad that we can recycle these from my postal days when I used them as a sweat rag basically. Would stick them in cold water, roll them up and put them on the back of my neck to cool off in the excessive heat. Worked every time and to be honest, they're all still in perfect shape. One wash/dry and good to go. Wife tried one and no objections at all...it works!
Hoping that we'll only be doing this for another week or two at most, I just want to go back to the old normal. It wasn't perfect, but hell, sure beats this!!

jmonroe1

Sandman6472 said:

Used my red bandana last night to pick up our large pie and all was fine. Even the cop sitting outside didn't budge one bit! Looked like I was gonna rob the place though. But it fit over my mouth/nose and wasn't that uncomfortable to be honest. Not something I care to do over the long haul but as a temp measure, worked quite well honestly. Glad that we can recycle these from my postal days when I used them as a sweat rag basically. Would stick them in cold water, roll them up and put them on the back of my neck to cool off in the excessive heat. Worked every time and to be honest, they're all still in perfect shape. One wash/dry and good to go. Wife tried one and no objections at all...it works!
Hoping that we'll only be doing this for another week or two at most, I just want to go back to the old normal. It wasn't perfect, but hell, sure beats this!!

WHOA, I didn't think you were allowed to eat pies (pizza, apple, cherry and such) during Passover or is it over now? If it isn't over that cop should have nabbed you.

jmonroe

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

There is also a Goo Gone specifically formulated for use on cars. I used it on the Alfa to remove some of the transport adhesive that the dealer forgot to remove.

In other news, my Dad had a software update done on his Stelvio last week. Went to start the car and it is completely dead - will not turn over under any circumstances. Both batteries are fully charged. Getting flatbed to the dealer as we speak. Luckily he has another car he can drive because he is still seeing patients in clinic and at the hospital.

so did it run fine for a week or was that the first time he tried to start after the update?

Goo gone is a staple in my garage. Works great on lots of stuff, including emblem residue when debadging.

qbrozen

wow wow wow. This is amazing.

https://www.japaneseclassics.com/vehicle/1992-toyota-hilux-ssr-g-2/

Sandman6472

We cheated last night! To be honest, we've been eating pretty bland these pat few weeks and just had a hankering for a good pizza. Hoped to just pass that through here, but you guys are too sharp. But yes, we cheated last night and ya know what, it was sooo good! Hopefully, G-d will forgive us as we're living in some crazy times now.

fintail

Nice seats and curtains. I would prefer stock wheels, and I suspect the original spare wheel wasn't black, either. Not sure if modern insta overlander chic works well on such a preservation piece. The USDM version was everywhere around here back in the day, seen as a premium product.

tjc78

Sandman6472 said:

We cheated last night! To be honest, we've been eating pretty bland these pat few weeks and just had a hankering for a good pizza. Hoped to just pass that through here, but you guys are too sharp. But yes, we cheated last night and ya know what, it was sooo good! Hopefully, G-d will forgive us as we're living in some crazy times now.

You said you wanted a good pizza... how did you get to NY or NJ and back with it?

tjc78

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

There is also a Goo Gone specifically formulated for use on cars. I used it on the Alfa to remove some of the transport adhesive that the dealer forgot to remove.

In other news, my Dad had a software update done on his Stelvio last week. Went to start the car and it is completely dead - will not turn over under any circumstances. Both batteries are fully charged. Getting flatbed to the dealer as we speak. Luckily he has another car he can drive because he is still seeing patients in clinic and at the hospital.

so did it run fine for a week or was that the first time he tried to start after the update?

Goo gone is a staple in my garage. Works great on lots of stuff, including emblem residue when debadging.

I use that stuff on everything!

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

There is also a Goo Gone specifically formulated for use on cars. I used it on the Alfa to remove some of the transport adhesive that the dealer forgot to remove.

In other news, my Dad had a software update done on his Stelvio last week. Went to start the car and it is completely dead - will not turn over under any circumstances. Both batteries are fully charged. Getting flatbed to the dealer as we speak. Luckily he has another car he can drive because he is still seeing patients in clinic and at the hospital.

so did it run fine for a week or was that the first time he tried to start after the update?

Goo gone is a staple in my garage. Works great on lots of stuff, including emblem residue when debadging.

He drove it 3-4 times since the update and then it borked.

jmonroe1

Sandman6472 said:

We cheated last night! To be honest, we've been eating pretty bland these pat few weeks and just had a hankering for a good pizza. Hoped to just pass that through here, but you guys are too sharp. But yes, we cheated last night and ya know what, it was sooo good! Hopefully, G-d will forgive us as we're living in some crazy times now.

Forgiven huh? It seems like we both subscribe to the philosophy that it's better to beg forgiveness than ask for permission. Works for me everywhere except the house I live in.

jmonroe

28firefighter

The Alfa dealer is reporting that at 21 months old, it needs a new battery for - wait for it - $375 installed. Of course, he doesn't have much choice. The car would not jump start and it needed to have its ECU completely reset after replacing the battery. He lost all of his navigation programming, radio presets, bluetooth, etc.

The dealer told him to call Alfa premium care to fight to be reimbursed for it...

Michaell

tjc78 said:

Sandman6472 said:

We cheated last night! To be honest, we've been eating pretty bland these pat few weeks and just had a hankering for a good pizza. Hoped to just pass that through here, but you guys are too sharp. But yes, we cheated last night and ya know what, it was sooo good! Hopefully, G-d will forgive us as we're living in some crazy times now.

You said you wanted a good pizza... how did you get to NY or NJ and back with it?

I thought you went to Chicago for good pizza?

(ducking and covering)

sda

I’ve been browsing several new car dealers on their pricing on certain used cars. I would have thought I’d seen some price reductions on cars that I’ve looked at daily for at least 3 weeks. No price reductions, at least online. I suspect they would consider a lower offer. Does this seem to be typical? And no, just browsing. I don’t think I’ve driven 100 miles in the last month.

houdini1

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

I never got a buffer. I really don't trust using it so I just do it by hand. Generally use McGwires (tech wax synthetic or cleaner wax). Goes on easy enough with the foam bad, then wiping off with a microfiber cloth is not too bad. doesn't end up taking all that long.

I do have one of those carts though. Got 5 casters I think, a seat, and a shelf where the wash bucket sits. Pretty handy. Can use it for doing the lower panels if you want.

If the reason you don't "trust" using a buffer is because you're afraid you'll ruin the paint, that won't happen if you use a 10 inch random orbit buffer. I have a 10 inch Craftsman that I've had since the 80's. I think it was made by Wen. FWIW, a few years ago I watched a detail guy on YouTube use the industry standard Porter Cable 5 1/4 inch random orbit buffer using rubbing compound to show that even then you won't harm the paint. I don't want to try that but he wanted to dispel rumors about the use of that type of a buffer. You WILL harm paint by using 7 inch and larger high speed buffers (non-random orbit). Those tools should only be used by the pros.

BTW, you can get a 10 inch random orbit buffer for less than 20 bucks at Harbor Freight. I bought each of my sons one of those years ago because I didn't want to start making calls to find out which one of them had my Craftsman. I really got tired of doing that. :@ That had to be at least 8 years ago and they both said it worked just as well as my Craftsman.

So now you won't have an excuse about using a buffer. I've heard you say several times over the years that you're cheap but surely you have an extra 20 bill hidden somewhere.

jmonroe

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

I never got a buffer. I really don't trust using it so I just do it by hand. Generally use McGwires (tech wax synthetic or cleaner wax). Goes on easy enough with the foam bad, then wiping off with a microfiber cloth is not too bad. doesn't end up taking all that long.

I do have one of those carts though. Got 5 casters I think, a seat, and a shelf where the wash bucket sits. Pretty handy. Can use it for doing the lower panels if you want.

If the reason you don't "trust" using a buffer is because you're afraid you'll ruin the paint, that won't happen if you use a 10 inch random orbit buffer. I have a 10 inch Craftsman that I've had since the 80's. I think it was made by Wen. FWIW, a few years ago I watched a detail guy on YouTube use the industry standard Porter Cable 5 1/4 inch random orbit buffer using rubbing compound to show that even then you won't harm the paint. I don't want to try that but he wanted to dispel rumors about the use of that type of a buffer. You WILL harm paint by using 7 inch and larger high speed buffers (non-random orbit). Those tools should only be used by the pros.

BTW, you can get a 10 inch random orbit buffer for less than 20 bucks at Harbor Freight. I bought each of my sons one of those years ago because I didn't want to start making calls to find out which one of them had my Craftsman. I really got tired of doing that. :@ That had to be at least 8 years ago and they both said it worked just as well as my Craftsman.

So now you won't have an excuse about using a buffer. I've heard you say several times over the years that you're cheap but surely you have an extra 20 bill hidden somewhere.

jmonroe

What gauge of sandpaper do you use?

tjc78

Michaell said:

tjc78 said:

Sandman6472 said:

We cheated last night! To be honest, we've been eating pretty bland these pat few weeks and just had a hankering for a good pizza. Hoped to just pass that through here, but you guys are too sharp. But yes, we cheated last night and ya know what, it was sooo good! Hopefully, G-d will forgive us as we're living in some crazy times now.

You said you wanted a good pizza... how did you get to NY or NJ and back with it?

I thought you went to Chicago for good pizza?

(ducking and covering)

Nothing wrong with a little deep dish ... but thin crust reigns supreme!

tjc78

sda said:

I’ve been browsing several new car dealers on their pricing on certain used cars. I would have thought I’d seen some price reductions on cars that I’ve looked at daily for at least 3 weeks. No price reductions, at least online. I suspect they would consider a lower offer. Does this seem to be typical? And no, just browsing. I don’t think I’ve driven 100 miles in the last month.

I’m thinking that maybe the people than run the website/marketing may be furloughed?

sda

tjc78 said:

sda said:

I’ve been browsing several new car dealers on their pricing on certain used cars. I would have thought I’d seen some price reductions on cars that I’ve looked at daily for at least 3 weeks. No price reductions, at least online. I suspect they would consider a lower offer. Does this seem to be typical? And no, just browsing. I don’t think I’ve driven 100 miles in the last month.

I’m thinking that maybe the people than run the website/marketing may be furloughed?

True, very possible.

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

Michaell said:

tjc78 said:

Sandman6472 said:

We cheated last night! To be honest, we've been eating pretty bland these pat few weeks and just had a hankering for a good pizza. Hoped to just pass that through here, but you guys are too sharp. But yes, we cheated last night and ya know what, it was sooo good! Hopefully, G-d will forgive us as we're living in some crazy times now.

You said you wanted a good pizza... how did you get to NY or NJ and back with it?

I thought you went to Chicago for good pizza?

(ducking and covering)

Nothing wrong with a little deep dish ... but thin crust reigns supreme!

I also prefer the thin crust pizza. Often called New York style arond here. There is a pizza shop that is in a huge outdoor shopping center not too far from us. When we were doing flip house #1 that's where we always got our pizza. This place also uses sliced sausage not the crumbled type. BIG difference as far as I'm concerned. Mrs. j doesn't like that style. When she even eats pizza she prefers the medium crust that they make at the sports bar we go to quite a bit. Their pizza is pretty good too but I like the New York style better. In fact this sports bar started out as a pizza shop at least 30 years ago then they went to the sports bar type place but they still do a lot of pizza biz, in house and takeout. What I refuse to eat is pizza from bars around here. I think I ate bar pizza for the last time about 25 years ago. When it comes to pizza I'm a snob.

jmonroe

kyfdx

Pizza? Anyone a fan of New Haven style?

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

The Alfa dealer is reporting that at 21 months old, it needs a new battery for - wait for it - $375 installed. Of course, he doesn't have much choice. The car would not jump start and it needed to have its ECU completely reset after replacing the battery. He lost all of his navigation programming, radio presets, bluetooth, etc.

The dealer told him to call Alfa premium care to fight to be reimbursed for it...

WTH? Ummm... customer service? How about THEY call Alfa!

28firefighter

They refused. Said Alfa "Premium" Care only responds to the customer filing a formal complaint.

I'm not crazy though, right? For a car that has been driven nearly 24k miles in 21 months, it seems illogical that the battery would be dead already let alone that they would charge him for it.

sda

28firefighter said:

They refused. Said Alfa "Premium" Care only responds to the customer filing a formal complaint.

I'm not crazy though, right? For a car that has been driven nearly 24k miles in 21 months, it seems illogical that the battery would be dead already let alone that they would charge him for it.

I would have thought the bumper to bumper warranty would have taken care of it, or at least prorated it. Better yet with Alfa’s somewhat negative reputation, they should have covered it.

stickguy

batteries I think are 12 months? But that does seem like a logical case to do a good will.

Chicago style is a tomato casserole. Not a Pizza. one of the only things I miss about living in the NYC metro area.

I think the dealers are hoping for decent prices, figuring only desperate people are trying to shop, but if you show up or contact them (whatever you are able to do in your area) with a halfway realistic offer, they will work it out. also possible that since inventory is also frozen, they are will to wait a little longer until the country starts opening again, hoping that a little flurry of pent up demand buyers will show up, knowing that they won't be getting fresh stock for a while.

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

The Alfa dealer is reporting that at 21 months old, it needs a new battery for - wait for it - $375 installed. Of course, he doesn't have much choice. The car would not jump start and it needed to have its ECU completely reset after replacing the battery. He lost all of his navigation programming, radio presets, bluetooth, etc.

The dealer told him to call Alfa premium care to fight to be reimbursed for it...

WTH? Ummm... customer service? How about THEY call Alfa!

I agree. Why should the customer have to do it but this seems like the way businesses operate today. Here's what happened to me in Sam's last Summer:

Went shopping during a weekday and when we got to checkout they only have 2 lanes open other than self checkout and only about 4 of them are open and all the lines are quite long. I asked an employee if they could open up another line or two and I'm told I should talk to the store manager. I said I don't know who the store manager is and she points him out and said, "that's him over there". I said wait a minute you're the employee, shouldn't you be the one to talk to him? Unhappily she gets him. He tells me they are very short handed because too many employees called off that day (it was a very nice summer day). He then tells me to follow him over to the service desk. He then asks one of the service guys to check me out and he tells me he's going to give me a $20 gift card for my inconvenience. I thank him and he said, "don't worry about it. I'm going to see to it that things are changed around here, if it's the last thing I do". :@ As the guy is checking me out I see the manager say something to him. When he's done I give him my CC and when he returns my card he also gives me the $20 gift card. When I asked why he was giving it back to me he said the manager told him to load it for another $20 and it would be good the next time I came in. I almost fell over.

As we are walking to the car I told Mrs. j that sometimes when I open my big mouth good things happen. She said, "OK, that was very nice of them but what about all the other people in that line". My answer was I guess they don't have big mouths or they were'nt inconvenienced.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

sda said:

I’ve been browsing several new car dealers on their pricing on certain used cars. I would have thought I’d seen some price reductions on cars that I’ve looked at daily for at least 3 weeks. No price reductions, at least online. I suspect they would consider a lower offer. Does this seem to be typical? And no, just browsing. I don’t think I’ve driven 100 miles in the last month.

I’ve noticed the same thing. Very few price reductions. There was one that I was looking at that had a $2k price drop but when I did a Sunday peek it had significant rust for being on a new car dealer’s lot.

Only way to know how firm the prices are is to make an offer.

oldfarmer50

tjc78 said:

sda said:

I’ve been browsing several new car dealers on their pricing on certain used cars. I would have thought I’d seen some price reductions on cars that I’ve looked at daily for at least 3 weeks. No price reductions, at least online. I suspect they would consider a lower offer. Does this seem to be typical? And no, just browsing. I don’t think I’ve driven 100 miles in the last month.

I’m thinking that maybe the people than run the website/marketing may be furloughed?

I never thought of that.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

The Alfa dealer is reporting that at 21 months old, it needs a new battery for - wait for it - $375 installed. Of course, he doesn't have much choice. The car would not jump start and it needed to have its ECU completely reset after replacing the battery. He lost all of his navigation programming, radio presets, bluetooth, etc.

The dealer told him to call Alfa premium care to fight to be reimbursed for it...

WTH? Ummm... customer service? How about THEY call Alfa!

I agree. Why should the customer have to do it but this seems like the way businesses operate today. Here's what happened to me in Sam's last Summer:

Went shopping during a weekday and when we got to checkout they only have 2 lanes open other than self checkout and only about 4 of them are open and all the lines are quite long. I asked an employee if they could open up another line or two and I'm told I should talk to the store manager. I said I don't know who the store manager is and she points him out and said, "that's him over there". I said wait a minute you're the employee, shouldn't you be the one to talk to him? Unhappily she gets him. He tells me they are very short handed because too many employees called off that day (it was a very nice summer day). He then tells me to follow him over to the service desk. He then asks one of the service guys to check me out and he tells me he's going to give me a $20 gift card for my inconvenience. I thank him and he said, "don't worry about it. I'm going to see to it that things are changed around here, if it's the last thing I do". :@ As the guy is checking me out I see the manager say something to him. When he's done I give him my CC and when he returns my card he also gives me the $20 gift card. When I asked why he was giving it back to me he said the manager told him to load it for another $20 and it would be good the next time I came in. I almost fell over.

As we are walking to the car I told Mrs. j that sometimes when I open my big mouth good things happen. She said, "OK, that was very nice of them but what about all the other people in that line". My answer was I guess they don't have big mouths or they were'nt inconvenienced.

jmonroe

Did you use the gift card to buy the new tire to replace the one the employee slashed for interrupting him? Sam’s has a wide selection.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

The Alfa dealer is reporting that at 21 months old, it needs a new battery for - wait for it - $375 installed. Of course, he doesn't have much choice. The car would not jump start and it needed to have its ECU completely reset after replacing the battery. He lost all of his navigation programming, radio presets, bluetooth, etc.

The dealer told him to call Alfa premium care to fight to be reimbursed for it...

WTH? Ummm... customer service? How about THEY call Alfa!

I agree. Why should the customer have to do it but this seems like the way businesses operate today. Here's what happened to me in Sam's last Summer:

Went shopping during a weekday and when we got to checkout they only have 2 lanes open other than self checkout and only about 4 of them are open and all the lines are quite long. I asked an employee if they could open up another line or two and I'm told I should talk to the store manager. I said I don't know who the store manager is and she points him out and said, "that's him over there". I said wait a minute you're the employee, shouldn't you be the one to talk to him? Unhappily she gets him. He tells me they are very short handed because too many employees called off that day (it was a very nice summer day). He then tells me to follow him over to the service desk. He then asks one of the service guys to check me out and he tells me he's going to give me a $20 gift card for my inconvenience. I thank him and he said, "don't worry about it. I'm going to see to it that things are changed around here, if it's the last thing I do". :@ As the guy is checking me out I see the manager say something to him. When he's done I give him my CC and when he returns my card he also gives me the $20 gift card. When I asked why he was giving it back to me he said the manager told him to load it for another $20 and it would be good the next time I came in. I almost fell over.

As we are walking to the car I told Mrs. j that sometimes when I open my big mouth good things happen. She said, "OK, that was very nice of them but what about all the other people in that line". My answer was I guess they don't have big mouths or they were'nt inconvenienced.

jmonroe

Did you use the gift card to buy the new tire to replace the one the employee slashed for interrupting him? Sam’s has a wide selection.

Didn't have to. Why do you think I let Mrs. j tag along when I go to Sam's?

jmonroe

stickguy

just leafed through the latest Road & Track issue. they ordered up a Caterham 7 to test. It arrived in 9 crates, assembly required. Now that sounds like a fun project for the extended lock down period! Assuming you have any money/income left to pay for it.

roadburner

Lotus Sevens were initially all sold as kits to avoid taxes in England. It’s a fairly simple build; one company offers a Seven clone that is designed to take. BMW 4 or 6 drivetrains.

nyccarguy

I found my red wax applicator pad last night:)

pensfan83

oldfarmer50 said:

sda said:

I’ve been browsing several new car dealers on their pricing on certain used cars. I would have thought I’d seen some price reductions on cars that I’ve looked at daily for at least 3 weeks. No price reductions, at least online. I suspect they would consider a lower offer. Does this seem to be typical? And no, just browsing. I don’t think I’ve driven 100 miles in the last month.

I’ve noticed the same thing. Very few price reductions. There was one that I was looking at that had a $2k price drop but when I did a Sunday peek it had significant rust for being on a new car dealer’s lot.

Only way to know how firm the prices are is to make an offer.

I think dealers that have been closed are going to try and maximize their margins over volume, at least out of the gate. For those who hunt the Leasehackr type deals I think the going might be rough for a bit or at the very least not as easy...even for brands that usually lease well.

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

sda said:

I’ve been browsing several new car dealers on their pricing on certain used cars. I would have thought I’d seen some price reductions on cars that I’ve looked at daily for at least 3 weeks. No price reductions, at least online. I suspect they would consider a lower offer. Does this seem to be typical? And no, just browsing. I don’t think I’ve driven 100 miles in the last month.

I’ve noticed the same thing. Very few price reductions. There was one that I was looking at that had a $2k price drop but when I did a Sunday peek it had significant rust for being on a new car dealer’s lot.

Only way to know how firm the prices are is to make an offer.

I think dealers that have been closed are going to try and maximize their margins over volume, at least out of the gate. For those who hunt the Leasehackr type deals I think the going might be rough for a bit or at the very least not as easy...even for brands that usually lease well.

Don't forget that dealers will also be applying for interest deferment loans like many other businesses. Nobody is going to make their monthly/quarterly sales "bonus" numbers, so dealers won't be as motivated to sell "at a loss." So yes they are sitting on inventory right now, but the factories are shut down. We are going to see inventories dwindle down over the next few months. When production resumes, dealers might place orders for less cars. They might hire back less sales staff thus further reducing their overhead. This might be what pushes a lot of dealers to change their business models and move more towards shopping online.

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

I found my red wax applicator pad last night:)

Lucky you, just in time for a second application.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

jmonroe1 said:

nyccarguy said:

I found my red wax applicator pad last night:)

Lucky you, just in time for a second application.

jmonroe

Next car that gets done will be my Prelude. That will get the full on "Cabarnet Red @jmonroe Genesis 5.0" treatment.