My brother loves the one on his '13 F-150. He got a creeper for his birthday recently so he can get to the wiring more easily for hooking up the backup camera he put on his popup camper. So now he has the OEM screen for lining the hitch ball up with the trailer and a screen for backing the camper into a slot.
My brother loves the one on his '13 F-150. He got a creeper for his birthday recently so he can get to the wiring more easily for hooking up the backup camera he put on his popup camper. So now he has the OEM screen for lining the hitch ball up with the trailer and a screen for backing the camper into a slot.
What's the challenge in THAT?
Whatever happened to getting in/out of the truck 17 times to get it right?
After I got home, I went over everything very thoroughly, and found a mysterious $700 charge. The line item said something about “xxxxx insurance”. So this morning, I was at their front door at 9 a.m. when they opened, and asked about this mysterious $700. Turns out to be “gap insurance”. Now get this, ladies and gentlemen: I financed a small amount, $14k, just in order to get their “finance incentive” ($750 if memory serves). $14k loan against a brand new truck with an MSRP of $41k, and they stick me with “gap insurance” to the tune of $700. Without telling me, without asking me, just stick it in the paperwork.
Congrats on the new truck!
Dealers have tried the same thing on me with gap insurance, several times. That kind of deception takes a lot of nerve. I once had a business manager tell me that the lender I was using required GAP insurance (American Honda Finance!). I had to wait a few weeks for the loan to come through to prove he was lying and get my money back. The GM of the dealership actually said my wife and I must have misunderstood what he told us! Unbelievable...however I do buy at least 1 car a year and have never been back to that dealership. I would post the dealer name here but I think that is against the rules.
If anyone actually does need GAP insurance check with your auto insurace provider. Mine offers it for about $20 per year. Quite a bit less than $700 - considering you shouldn't need it more than 2-3 years for most vehicles.
2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
@tommister2, naming names is fine. You're also welcome to write a Dealer Review, although we limit those to reviews of purchases (or attempted purchases) made in the last two years.
@tommister2, naming names is fine. You're also welcome to write a Dealer Review, although we limit those to reviews of purchases (or attempted purchases) made in the last two years.
Thanks...I'll let it go since this happened 8 years ago...sure felt good to vent
2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
henryn, congrats on the punch. Sounds nice, and a great deal.
I could go on and on about at least 5 car deals in the last 15 yrs., where afterwards i discovered an "over charge" in the high hundreds, which I called out each dealer on. They were all different dealers, and I am 5-0 on getting my overcharges back, and right then and there, the next day when I discovered it. I learned from each, and it hasn't happened since, but two Lexus' ago another attempt was made. It was nipped-in-the-bud when I threatened to walk on the deal then and there.
My problem (self diagnosis) was that the wait for, and during the finance office session, wore me down, and made me impatient. Then, overly infatuated with the car, I was remiss at going over the figures as thoroughly as I should have.
My problem (self diagnosis) was that the wait for, and during the finance office session, wore me down, and made me impatient. Then, overly infatuated with the car, I was remiss at going over the figures as thoroughly as I should have.
Probably a pretty solid diagnosis, carnaught, and we have all been there!
That is why I have purchased two Subarus from "my" dealer in Seattle ( a leisurely 2,200 miles away): The process is so straightforward, fast, and pain-free, that it just doesn't even make sense for me to go anywhere else if I am looking for that brand (even if I might be able to squeeze another few hundred dollars out).
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
My problem (self diagnosis) was that the wait for, and during the finance office session, wore me down, and made me impatient. Then, overly infatuated with the car, I was remiss at going over the figures as thoroughly as I should have.
Probably a pretty solid diagnosis, carnaught, and we have all been there!
That is why I have purchased two Subarus from "my" dealer in Seattle ( a leisurely 2,200 miles away): The process is so straightforward, fast, and pain-free, that it just doesn't even make sense for me to go anywhere else if I am looking for that brand (even if I might be able to squeeze another few hundred dollars out).
I'm going to guess you bought the Subie from Carter from a sales guy with the initials "JS"...am I close?
My problem (self diagnosis) was that the wait for, and during the finance office session, wore me down, and made me impatient. Then, overly infatuated with the car, I was remiss at going over the figures as thoroughly as I should have.
Probably a pretty solid diagnosis, carnaught, and we have all been there!
That is why I have purchased two Subarus from "my" dealer in Seattle ( a leisurely 2,200 miles away): The process is so straightforward, fast, and pain-free, that it just doesn't even make sense for me to go anywhere else if I am looking for that brand (even if I might be able to squeeze another few hundred dollars out).
I'm going to guess you bought the Subie from Carter from a sales guy with the initials "JS"...am I close?
I live 3 minutes away from Carter VW. Carter is super competitive, most of the time. Their customer service is also second-to-none. I wouldn't go anywhere else for a Subaru or VW in Seattle.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
My problem (self diagnosis) was that the wait for, and during the finance office session, wore me down, and made me impatient. Then, overly infatuated with the car, I was remiss at going over the figures as thoroughly as I should have.
Probably a pretty solid diagnosis, carnaught, and we have all been there!
That is why I have purchased two Subarus from "my" dealer in Seattle ( a leisurely 2,200 miles away): The process is so straightforward, fast, and pain-free, that it just doesn't even make sense for me to go anywhere else if I am looking for that brand (even if I might be able to squeeze another few hundred dollars out).
I'm going to guess you bought the Subie from Carter from a sales guy with the initials "JS"...am I close?
My brother loves the one on his '13 F-150. He got a creeper for his birthday recently so he can get to the wiring more easily for hooking up the backup camera he put on his popup camper. So now he has the OEM screen for lining the hitch ball up with the trailer and a screen for backing the camper into a slot.
Your brother is a wily one, isn't he stever? Yeah, he doesn't feel like doing it my way...which is basically guessing at the location, perhaps hitting the trailer end a bit. And getting out to look at the whole mess and then getting back in to try and line it up again.
I love it when people come up with these practical ideas to make their drives better.
He's also blind in one eye @iluvmysephia1. Some of us need all the help we can get.
He had a good lesson about 20 years ago when his FIL did a perfect job of backing their big RV into his yard. Kind of missed that there was a basketball goal alongside the driveway. Those backboards are real effective at making gashes in rigid fiberglass, lol.
I'm going to guess you bought the Subie from Carter from a sales guy with the initials "JS"...am I close?
That would be a fairly well-educated guess, yes.
I bought a Forester from him back in 06. No BS. Yes, he does the cars101 site and I can't imagine how much time he must put in it. He is reason alone to consider a Subaru.
Very happy with my mini usb charger I got for the Golf...works just like it should and hopefully won't blow any fuses. Would still love a aux input but not going to get upset about it. No 2016's in my dealer yet as am curious as to the changes on the dash. Not having the android system in my vehicle isn't a biggie for me since I don't use my phone in the car much. I was just pissed that all these new things weren't included in a brand new model, the logic of waiting a year is just, well, illogical! And, like anyone who knows me, I don't do stupid or illogical well!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
sounds like S. Carolina could spare you a few million gallons.
Up near Philly, was not too bad. Mostly just a good soaking but not enough to do more than make the lawn have puddles. It did green up my grass pretty good. The Jersey shore towns though took a pounding.
I hope everyone is out shopping and our east coasters are not impacted by the significant rains.
My son is in Columbia SC and fortunately his apartment complex is high and dry(in any case, he spent the weekend in Athens GA to see the Alabama-Georgia game). The big question is when will classed at SC resume?They were cancelled today and the school just announced that they will be cancelled tomorrow. It's a real mess; much of the campus has no water pressure and areas that do are under a boil water advisory. They had to bring in porta-potties for the dorms and only a few cafeterias are open.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Talked to a friend yesterday whose daughter is at UNC Wilmington. She and some classmates were paddle boarding on the soccer field over the weekend due to the flooding.
I'm going to interrupt the weather specs and on other boards, the endless speculation of VeeDub's future by commenting on a test drive today. I checked out the 2016 Mazda 3 i Touring hatchback with the popular equipment package. Like my Encore, that setup gives you almost everything except Nav and leather seats. It has 16" alloys instead of 18" which I actually prefer (not looking forward to the cost of replacing the 18 inchers on the Encore).
I really enjoyed driving it. The hatch felt very light and solid all at the same time. Maneuverability is fantastic -- you can flip a U turn and end up in the closest lane to you going the other way. I had the 2.0 liter and it felt plenty punchy for my style of driving. Also quieter than I remember Mazdas of the past.
The interior is terrific with a couple of exceptions. The tech/infotainment center is the best I've seen so far. I like the joystick/knob in the middle -- avoids the reach to the touch screen like in my Accord. Really easy and intuitive to use. There are some cheap aspects and some really nice ones -- you get leather wrapped steering wheel but the inside door handles seemed pretty low rent, for example.
Overall, I'm just not sure. If we ditched the Accord and got this, we would basically have two small vehicles. Which might be fine. I would really like to try out the new Chevy Volt but I doubt they'll be in the Midwest anytime soon. That might have to wait till we relocate to California. I also love the Buick Verano but the current version gets lousy FE so I'd want to wait for the new one. Between this and the Corolla though, I'd take the Mazda, although the Corolla has more room. I think I want something a little more lux than either of them, however. But not at a high price! There are always tradeoffs!
one thing with the Mazda. if you really want built in Navi, that is an easy add to the touring. The unit is all set up for it. Just need to buy the SIM card to pop in, and good to go. They quote $400 for it.
I know what you mean about nothing but small cars. Sometimes you need a bit more room, but we usually have that in the "family" car (CUV or in past minivan). I came close to getting the 3, but wife wanted something a bit roomier up front.
I actually am quite interested in seeing the volt too. that could work for my next car.
The sales manager showed me where the SIM card goes. However, I'm perfectly happy with Google Maps, and the turn by turn directions syncs with the infotainment system. That system is one of the best aspects of the new Mazdas.
You've answered it nicely, Stick. I just got back from almost finishing up the second floor; one more room and some caulking and that'll be done.
And yeah, the van was slammed with tools coming home but I'm still sure we can downsize.
Also had the TPMS light come on tonight. I noticed the LF tire looking a bit low yesterday and forgot to check it. I ignored the light and drove the 8 miles home in the dark and made it okay.
I did my dining room some years back with that snap together laminate. Was not really hard, just tedious, and I ended up throwing my back out after all the kneeling and stuff (I think putting the 1/4 round on did me in). Not something I have any desire to do again. One hassle was having to put down a few layers of plywood to build up the height enough that it matched the adjacent rooms (or came close enough).
I did my dining room some years back with that snap together laminate. Was not really hard, just tedious, and I ended up throwing my back out after all the kneeling and stuff (I think putting the 1/4 round on did me in). Not something I have any desire to do again. One hassle was having to put down a few layers of plywood to build up the height enough that it matched the adjacent rooms (or came close enough).
I really really really don't want to talk about home improvements. As you can see from the time stamp of this post, it's keeping me awake at night. Later today the quartz countertops get installed in the kitchen, which is the last major task we're doing for now. Still have a couple of little projects to finish up this weekend and I think (hope? pray?) we'll be done for the time being. I'm tired of living in a construction zone, and I've yet to catch up on the trash we're generating.
The garage needs to have all the tools cleaned out of it so I can organize it well enough to get at least one car into it. Found out the HOA doesn't allow you to park on the street; fortunately, the driveway is long enough and the E-GT and MINI are short enough to park one behind the other for now.
It does look good, I will say that. Hardly resembles the house we bought.
Someone, talk me down. With all of the drama surrounding VW, it looks like dealers are starting to get pretty aggressive.
Local dealer has a 2016 4-door GTI DSG S with Lighting in Pure White, which is the exact car I've been pining for for quite some time. Initial pricing on it was $2000 off MSRP, not including the VW Loyalty Rebate, which they said I might be able to finagle as well.
My thinking is VW values will take a dip, and then cars like the GTI and TDI will eventually recover and I'll have taken advantage of the mess. I could be wrong, especially if VW really tanks from this mess...
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I'd be sorely tempted if I had already had my eye on a specific VW (gasser) model. Since I drive them forever, resale is less of a concern to me than the crowd in here. Guess a lot would depend on the dealer reputation. I don't think the dealer here is going anywhere but they aren't very big. I suppose they could collapse into a corner of one of their sister showrooms, but don't think that's very likely.
I agree with the lease idea here - I bought the GTI that I had, but would lease any VW, right now... - Ray Also would only lease any vehicle with electric motive power - Volt, Tesla, etc ...
Someone, talk me down. With all of the drama surrounding VW, it looks like dealers are starting to get pretty aggressive.
Local dealer has a 2016 4-door GTI DSG S with Lighting in Pure White, which is the exact car I've been pining for for quite some time. Initial pricing on it was $2000 off MSRP, not including the VW Loyalty Rebate, which they said I might be able to finagle as well.
My thinking is VW values will take a dip, and then cars like the GTI and TDI will eventually recover and I'll have taken advantage of the mess. I could be wrong, especially if VW really tanks from this mess...
If that is what you want, then go for it...but I would hurry if I was you because these bargains might not last long. VW has said that they will not provide loaners to VW diesel owners in the U.S. because the EPA has certified that all the U.S. diesels ARE SAFE TO DRIVE. To me that means that they are safe for the owner and safe for the environment. My question is, if that is true, what is all the fuss about !!
Comments
Whatever happened to getting in/out of the truck 17 times to get it right?
Dealers have tried the same thing on me with gap insurance, several times. That kind of deception takes a lot of nerve. I once had a business manager tell me that the lender I was using required GAP insurance (American Honda Finance!). I had to wait a few weeks for the loan to come through to prove he was lying and get my money back. The GM of the dealership actually said my wife and I must have misunderstood what he told us! Unbelievable...however I do buy at least 1 car a year and have never been back to that dealership. I would post the dealer name here but I think that is against the rules.
If anyone actually does need GAP insurance check with your auto insurace provider. Mine offers it for about $20 per year. Quite a bit less than $700 - considering you shouldn't need it more than 2-3 years for most vehicles.
I could go on and on about at least 5 car deals in the last 15 yrs., where afterwards i discovered an "over charge" in the high hundreds, which I called out each dealer on. They were all different dealers, and I am 5-0 on getting my overcharges back, and right then and there, the next day when I discovered it. I learned from each, and it hasn't happened since, but two Lexus' ago another attempt was made. It was nipped-in-the-bud when I threatened to walk on the deal then and there.
My problem (self diagnosis) was that the wait for, and during the finance office session, wore me down, and made me impatient. Then, overly infatuated with the car, I was remiss at going over the figures as thoroughly as I should have.
That is why I have purchased two Subarus from "my" dealer in Seattle ( a leisurely 2,200 miles away): The process is so straightforward, fast, and pain-free, that it just doesn't even make sense for me to go anywhere else if I am looking for that brand (even if I might be able to squeeze another few hundred dollars out).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Your brother is a wily one, isn't he stever? Yeah, he doesn't feel like doing it my way...which is basically guessing at the location, perhaps hitting the trailer end a bit. And getting out to look at the whole mess and then getting back in to try and line it up again.
I love it when people come up with these practical ideas to make their drives better.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
He had a good lesson about 20 years ago when his FIL did a perfect job of backing their big RV into his yard. Kind of missed that there was a basketball goal alongside the driveway. Those backboards are real effective at making gashes in rigid fiberglass, lol.
We just don't tow.
Congrats - sounds like a very nice truck,
and a great deal!
Enjoy!
- Ray
Not a truck guy....
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
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The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
We are tinder dry.
Up near Philly, was not too bad. Mostly just a good soaking but not enough to do more than make the lawn have puddles. It did green up my grass pretty good. The Jersey shore towns though took a pounding.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I really enjoyed driving it. The hatch felt very light and solid all at the same time. Maneuverability is fantastic -- you can flip a U turn and end up in the closest lane to you going the other way. I had the 2.0 liter and it felt plenty punchy for my style of driving. Also quieter than I remember Mazdas of the past.
The interior is terrific with a couple of exceptions. The tech/infotainment center is the best I've seen so far. I like the joystick/knob in the middle -- avoids the reach to the touch screen like in my Accord. Really easy and intuitive to use. There are some cheap aspects and some really nice ones -- you get leather wrapped steering wheel but the inside door handles seemed pretty low rent, for example.
Overall, I'm just not sure. If we ditched the Accord and got this, we would basically have two small vehicles. Which might be fine. I would really like to try out the new Chevy Volt but I doubt they'll be in the Midwest anytime soon. That might have to wait till we relocate to California. I also love the Buick Verano but the current version gets lousy FE so I'd want to wait for the new one. Between this and the Corolla though, I'd take the Mazda, although the Corolla has more room. I think I want something a little more lux than either of them, however. But not at a high price! There are always tradeoffs!
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
I know what you mean about nothing but small cars. Sometimes you need a bit more room, but we usually have that in the "family" car (CUV or in past minivan). I came close to getting the 3, but wife wanted something a bit roomier up front.
I actually am quite interested in seeing the volt too. that could work for my next car.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/37317/dodge/grand-caravan/asking-price-on-a-dodge-van?new=1
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And yeah, the van was slammed with tools coming home but I'm still sure we can downsize.
Also had the TPMS light come on tonight. I noticed the LF tire looking a bit low yesterday and forgot to check it. I ignored the light and drove the 8 miles home in the dark and made it okay.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The garage needs to have all the tools cleaned out of it so I can organize it well enough to get at least one car into it. Found out the HOA doesn't allow you to park on the street; fortunately, the driveway is long enough and the E-GT and MINI are short enough to park one behind the other for now.
It does look good, I will say that. Hardly resembles the house we bought.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
No flat tire this morning, must just be the cooler temps. One tire was normal at 36, one was 34 and two were 32 psi.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Local dealer has a 2016 4-door GTI DSG S with Lighting in Pure White, which is the exact car I've been pining for for quite some time. Initial pricing on it was $2000 off MSRP, not including the VW Loyalty Rebate, which they said I might be able to finagle as well.
My thinking is VW values will take a dip, and then cars like the GTI and TDI will eventually recover and I'll have taken advantage of the mess. I could be wrong, especially if VW really tanks from this mess...
Other vehicles not so much and for some reason I remember it being a real PITA to reset.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I bought the GTI that I had, but would lease
any VW, right now...
- Ray
Also would only lease any vehicle with electric
motive power - Volt, Tesla, etc ...
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460