Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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I rarely pass along something I get in email in the way of humor or politics. Almost all of it I couldn't post here without being in violation of proper speech or visuals.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Perhaps one of these...
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Once again, this is a key point that you left out from your original post, but why let details get in the way of a good argument, right? :P
I'm glad that your particular situation was able to work out.
You bought the car with the expressed purpose to sell at a profit. Pretty much the same as buying stock to sell it later at a profit.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
-FOB I know about (Corvette) does NOT broadcast a signal. Nothing happens until you touch the door handle button. This wakes the car up, its antennas sends out a signal that the FOB responds to with a transmission, if all the codes match, the car unlocks.
-There are variations with auto-lock, how far away/how long the FOB has to go out of range of the antenna for the car to autolock. And, of course, you have to walk the FOB far enough to be outside the range of its antenna, otherwise it thinks you are still inside the car. But locked, the car doesn't look for the FOB and the FOB isn't broadcasting. I do not have my car set to autolock.
Locking or opening the car by pushing the button on the FOB is a different thing, it broadcasts a signal to the car to do this. I think its somewhat a different thing, maybe even used different antenna system.
Starting the Corvette is something else. The antenna system must be able to trianglelate that the FOB is inside the car. Just opening the door doesn't get it done for the car to start, it's got to be inside. You hook up some car cell phone chargers inside the car, it's stray electrical transmission may mess up the antenna signal to allow the car to start. Even some cell phones set down by a FOB or in the same pocket can cause starting problems.
It's complex. You set a Corvette up to autolock, and you throw your coat with the FOB in the back, it will lock. The antenna are not looking back there for the FOB, they look in the drivers seat area. And you are locked out of the car.
The car's battery is dead or low, you don't get in the car with the FOB if you do not have the juice to drive the antenna and unlock system. You need to read your manual about getting in the car with a dead battery. The FOB battery is dead, you don't get in the car. Or start the car. The Corvette FOB does have a short range re-active chip of some sort in it and a slot in the glove compartment - you slide a dead battery FOB in the slot and the car will start.
You stop the car with a bad battery and you don't get out of the car using the electric push buttons for the door/s. People that don't read the manual have called the cops, 'trapped' in their car, and had their door glass broken out to 'rescue' them.
(There's a manual release for the door inside. Well hidden from easy view.)
As I said, it's complex. There are even more issues about FOB 1 and FOB 2.
As far as making a habit of remembering to remove said FOB from pants pockets, I'm working on that. I can't imagine they'd be cheap to replace once lost or ruined.
Sounds like the FOBs create more issues than they solve.
Just to restate my opinion, I never had any problems with real, honest to goodness keys. Put said key in lock tumbler or ignition. Twist said key. DONE! :P
Nothing was left out! You can buy a car from a dealer in Ontario "as is". If the buyer wants to get a license for the car he has to have it certified, but that's up to him. He can have it towed to his home or another garage. But, what I said was accurate in Ontario, you can, buy a car, from an individual or a dealer, and if it is bought "as is" there is no warranty or recourse to the seller...deal is final.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks, that was what I thought....you buy the car at the end of the lease, to make Isell happy, a 3 year old Taurus for $10,000 and resell for $14000. You have made a $4000 profit, less taxes I suppose, and that would be income.
The IRS would have a little bit of trouble matching all that up, but it is always best to declare income and stay out of trouble, and I am sure you would do that
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Not really....but I know a hamburger 50 years ago was 25 cents, fries 10 cents, ice cream cone 10 cents. They are all up about 15X what they were then. Gas, is probably up 10X, so although it sounds like a lot, I don't think it is relatively speaking. A gallon of Evian water would probably cost you 10 bucks!!!!!!!!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Like I said GG, your FOB key has all your engine data on it. Drive it in to any Acura dealer and they will know who you are, when you bought the car, how the engine is running, what service needs to be done, etc. You can't do that with the 50 cent key you can copy at the hardware store.
When you go in for service you won't be hunting around for your warranty and service information, you just hand your key to the (at my dealership, very attractive)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I usually like to be inside when I start my car. In fact, I think my foot has to be on the brake or clutch or it won't start.
You need to read your manual about getting in the car with a dead battery
Guess you should leave the manual on the exterior of the car, maybe under the back bumper.
Just joking, I enjoyed reading your post about the problems with a Corvette FOB. Seems like you need to have a masters degree in engineering to operate a Vette, which is just supposed to be a carefree fun car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ahhh.. technology! It actually amazes me how sensitive the sysyem is. For example, since I don't have a garage
I'm working on that. I can't imagine they'd be cheap to replace once lost or ruined.
Even on Ebay the fob for my car is $149.00 :surprise:
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
As far as all of my data being stored on it, unless it's somehow wirelessly transmitting mileage, usage, etc (which it might be doing, I don't know), I don't see how the dealership can ascertain any information from it, aside from what car it's tied to. Again, could be wrong on that count.
Speaking of service work, unless I get coupons for discounted service from the dealership, most of my service is done at an independent shop near me. The guy I go to has been doing my service work for over 15 years. He's invested a ton of money into equipment that reads a bunch of different models. And, has all the correct service intervals manuals for every car I've taken to him. He never advises to get any more service than what's called for. He lives in my general area. He relies solely on word of mouth advertising and he does a very brisk business as a result. He stands behind all of his work. He has to. if he doesn't, his business would go to hell in a handbasket.
I've seen BMWs and Audis in his shop. I've also seen some esoteric vehicles in his shop as well, that no one else could service (like a Citroen I saw there once...weird looking car).
In short, I trust him.
I understand that there may be some benefit to going to the Acura dealer to service my car, as they may have some specialized training. But, even my independent guy has all the recall notices (if any) that the dealership has, and always recommends taking those recalls back to the dealership to have them done for free (something he obviously can't do).
So, unless that FOB has some sort of wireless connection stating how I drive, and the conditions I drive in, I'm inclined to go to my independent guy. If it does, I'll have to ask him if he's got the "reader" for it.
Interesting note. the Acura service people told me NOT to change the oil until the "service minder" says to (same thing the Honda folks told me on the Accord). Apparently there's some sort of "special oil" that Honda/Acura puts in their vehicles for break-in purposes. After quizzing them on break-in, they also said to drive it like I stole it. Tempting, but I'll stick with the owner's manual recommendation to take it easy for the first 600 miles, and let the brakes seat without undue stress the first 200 miles.
I'll take my 50 cent key. I don't need my key fob to know what I'm doing.
I don't need "rain sense" wipers either. If it's raining, I know it and I 'll simply turn on my wipers.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I pulled the keys out of my golf bag to unlock the car after the round was finished.
As I put the clubs into the trunk, and was sitting on my bumper, changing my golf cleats, instead of putting the keys in my pocket, I sat them next to my golf bag in the trunk. For reasons that confound even me, I don't know why I did that. But, just as I slammed the trunk lid closed, I immediately realized what I had done. :sick:
No one was home to bring me an extra set of keys. My golf compadres had already left. So, an hour and a $100 bill later, I had my keys extricated from the trunk via AAA locksmith.
Sounds like the FOB will keep me from doing that, again.
$150 for a new FOB? Guess I'll be much more careful not to do a wash and dry cycle.
What about rain? Or, how about dropping the FOB in the snow? Anything happen with your FOB in those instances?
I found one part of it on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT9ezrplrM8. The opening sequence shows the pin stripe race, but then it moves on to another part of the movie. It looks like the other parts of the video are linked to in the right pane of the window. Enjoy!
With the fob in your golf bag it is usually close enough that you can open your trunk without actually taking the fob out of the bag. So it is very easy to just throw your golf bag in the trunk, etc.
On my car, when you try to close the trunk with the keys inside there is a loud beep and the trunk latch won't work.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
GG, What if you need something checked under warranty? Won't the indie guy charge you?
I could be wrong because I don't know much technically, but I believe the key gives all kinds of diagnostic information. Maybe best to check the manual.
I agree, thebig keys take awhile to get used to,. but one day you won't even think about it. You will think that is normal, and a flimsy piece of metal will seem pretty crude. Welcome to the 21st Century.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Funny you say mention that. I went to a Phillies game last year and on the way to the car the skies opened up and I was completely soaked. My fob was in my pocket and I was worried. I tried to dry it off the best I could and all was fine. I guess they are sealed well enough to shake off a little moisture. I would think a wash cycle would do them in, though.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Rain sensing wipers do more than that. On the bmw and I think it would be the same on any car with this feature, they do not come on automatically, you have to actually push a button.
The great thing about them is they only wipe the windshield when there is enough rain on them. They are excellent for light rain when you don't need the wipers going constantly. They go faster or slower on their own.
Once you have it you wouldn't want to be without it, like power windows or keyless entry. The name doesn't exactly explain what they do.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
isell....rain sense wipers.....I'm thinking the same as you. If it's raining, I'll know it and switch on the wipers. However, as someone else said, they really like that feature.
So, maybe just like the FOB, if I had it, maybe I'd like it, too.
Still, I think back to some of the "heaps" I've owned in my lifetime with crank windows, manual threadbare bench cloth seats, big (aftermarket) hurst "T-bar" floor shifters, and remember how much fun those cars were. Of course, in reality they were death traps considering where safety advances are today. And, I've conveniently forgotten how much time and energy I had to put forth just to keep them running, too.
My older sister has a '65 289 Mustang manual 4 speed that's been professionally frame off restored. It's beautiful. But, driving it? Ummmm, it's only good for car shows. It's a hoary beast to drive. Have to give yourself plenty of distance to stop it (like locomotive types distances). And, shifting it? You can cancel your gym membership if you drive it often. Steering it? You kind of wrestle the steering wheel where you think you might want to go, and hope you get within 5 feet of that input.
Another scary observation -- never has more sophisticated automotive technology and power been put within the grasp of folks who haven't a clue on how to deal with it on the road. All you need is a downpayment and a decent credit score.
I know what you all will be saying "Jayrider -- you forgot about drivers ed." My apologies in advance.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
On my car there is an "auto" position. I leave it there all time. If I am on the highway and someone uses their windshield wash or some sort of spray from the road comes up they instantly come on and swipe the windshield. Like you note, if the rain gets faster the wipers get faster. There is a full "off" setting if you take your car through the car wash, etc.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I don't need them either and though I had them on a previous vehicle, I don't miss them now. I do kind of miss the auto-on/off headlights. We've got the "headlights on when wipers on" law here, which I think is good, but if it's not dark out I sometimes forget to turn on my lights - I don't need Officer Friendly spreading his good cheer.
I wouldn't likely pay extra for either feature, but as long as you can turn off the "auto" features, they're fine.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
But, I often ask myself, "is this car tech good?" Or, is it a way for manufacturers to slice a few more pennies out of production costs. At some point, it became cheaper to make power windows than it did for crank windows for manufacturers to widely adopt them. When I was a kid, I remember thinking how cool it was the first time my Dad got a car with power windows. Same with A/C....at some point it had to be cheaper to put in A/C than to disrupt the assembly line to make a car without A/C. Those things were considered "luxury options" even 25 years ago.
I think we're going in that direction with FOBs and push button start. Doesn't Nissan offer that on most of their vehicles?
Same deal...someone looked at the cost of putting in key tumblers in the doors/trunk, and the cost of putting in steering column key tumblers, as well as the cost of cutting keys. Then, they came up with a spread sheet showing the cost of key tumblers in the doors, the trunk, steering columns, and cutting keys. Then, they looked at eliminating all of those and just putting little electronic buttons to replace all of that, controlled by a little FOB with a little PCB in it, and found that was cheaper.
That guy probably got a big raise and a promotion. Now, it's a highly desirable "feature".
Maybe they're looking to eliminate wiper stalks all together because it will save a little bit. Maybe, in the future there will be little sensors that will turn on/off windshield wipers on most cars. Someone else will get a big raise and promotion because they thought of putting it in all of their vehicles....and the "wiper stalk manufacturer" will go out of business.
I thought the same except driving in lightly wet times the various delay speeds never quite fit what was needed: one minute it needed a swipe every 10 seconds and another minute it needs a swipe every 3 seconds. The auto system does that part great.
I'd like to have my auto wipers on my car offer the fixed delay period wipes as well. The unit is only, low, high, and auto.
So I somewhat agree with kirstieh that flexibility to configure the system is an advantage.
A downside to my auto wipers is that if it's just left ON, the headlights always are on full strength. Otherwise the DRLs work at lower power.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Plus on the Accord, the key and the remote fob are one piece, so more buttons to wear out, and more expensive to replace.
Hmmm, I wonder how many Fobs Jmonroe is going to ask for with his next purchase?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Not to mention that cars are more fuel efficient now, so all things being equal, you're buying less gas.
On both my Passat and Grand Cherokee the wipers start on automatically when it rains.
It took them another year to admit the problem and take care of customers who were not willing to hire a lawyer like me. It took lose of human life for them to do what's right.
Excellent story and I particularly liked it because it illustrates how nicely a Courtesy Trade can work. And, in this case, everyone was a winner.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
They realized something was amiss and immediatly reacted.
None of us had the foggiest idea about what they were talking about becuase none of us had ever heard of such a thing and neither had our shop.
As I understand it, on some 20087-2008 Odysseys and Elements, it is possible for small amounts of air to get into the system whanich can result in a spongy pedel.
I haven't heard about any loss of life.
Any complex car can and will have glitches. I'm just glad Honda realized what was happening and jumped right on it.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
You turn around and sell the car privately for $25000.
I don't think Revenue Canada is going to come after you because it's a personal vehicle and you're not a broker.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
A bicycle, a bus pass, or a chauffer service :P
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Bicycles break, buses break and limos have problems too.
What did we do in the "old days" when NOTHING got recalled?
Is this the service intervals manuals your mechanic has?
(ducks while running away)
Sorry just couldn't resist. :P
I've used an independent shop for my Mercedes even though I work in a dealership that can service all makes and models. It's hard to find a good indy guy.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX