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I have a BMW story some people won't like. I saw a friend at tennis the other day, and I asked her how her 2008 BMW Cabriolet which she bought about 6 months ago is. She said she loves it, but she has put it away for the winter and now she has to drive her GMC Jimmy for the winter...but since she got used to the bimmer she thinks the Jimmy is pure garbage....squeaks, rattles, numb steering....so she is going to trade it in for an X5!
Guess she understands "the feel of the road" now.
And a very Happy Chanukah to you sandman and the many others on this site who are celebrating Chanukah which is pretty early this year.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
For those who celebrate, have a happy one!
Sandman, your comments are well taken. Please stick around.
For those who celebrate, have a happy one!
Sandman, your comments are well taken. Please stick around.
Weren't you going to travel up to New York over Thanksgiving?
For some reason, I can see you getting annoyed at the family at some point and sneaking out to the SRX to watch It's a Wonderful Life.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
One starts with a 'C' the other doesn't.
Really its just two different ways to Romanize the spelling of a Hebrew word. Actually without a 'C' its spelled Hanukkah, Why it has two k's and the other doesn't is beyond me.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I am my own cash for clunkers program. I like the looks of the Century/Regal of that time period so who knows. How many miles?
My latest clunker (93' Caddy Deville) is turning out to be a pretty good bargain. My son packed a bunch of his friends into it and drove a 400 mile road trip down to Stamford CT to see the 'Jerry Springer' show. The car didn't blow up and got high 20s for gas milage. Not too bad for a big 4.9L V-8.
My current clunker search is for my 18 year old nephew. I've been tasked with finding a decent car for under $2000. In the last two weeks I've been able locate a few dozen sub 2K vehicles with less than 100K miles. I've had to stick to mainly domestic cars because anything Japanese under 2K usually has really high milage.
My best one so far was a 1992 Olds Achieva with only 32,000 miles for $1600. Not much of a car but that combo of milage and price ring my bells. Now if I can only get the nephew to make a decision I might have another sales story.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I think I do too.
After driving my Eclipse to work every day for a month I took the old van. There is a turn that I usually take at 60 in the Eclipse because it holds the road pretty good. Lost in thought I took that corner at 45 in the van and almost went in the ditch. It became very clear to me that there can be a BIG difference between vehicles.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
You mean by next month? :confuse: :sick:
We opt for paper bags at the local Kroger. Fill 'em up to save on cost.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You mean by next month?
Exactly....Nissan has a car that is all electric and costs a lot less. Took less than a month.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You got it! Exactly right. The 2 "k"s are the same....since you are making a Hebrew word into English it is just an "Englishization" (Richard and Imid are going to love that word) of a Hebrew word so there is no exact English spelling...it is just an attempt to do it phonetically.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But, the part I was wondering about was they said Costco members can save an additional $1000. My question is, how is that done. Do you buy it at a Ford dealer or at Costco. Wouldn't this be upsetting if I was a manager of say a Walmart store and I had to get a Costco membership? Would they give me $1000 off even if I wasn't a Costco member but I made a big fuss? What gives? Why should Costco members get an extra discount? Isn't that discrimination?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hardly. But I've learned my lesson and I won't try to convince you with facts.
Maybe you should email GM and tell them to stop working on the Volt and save themselves billions.
The term you want is "romanization" as its the Roman (or latin) alphabet that you are using to spell out the word so that a speaker of a language that uses the Latin alphabet can sound out the word.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
It is doubtful GM will ever make money from the Volt. For one thing, they are only making 12000 the first year, and you can't make money at that rate of production. The Volt is a showpiece car to show that GM is a leader, but they could be going down the wrong path.....we'll see.
Facts, why bother with facts, I think entertainment value is far more important.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Anglicization is a much better term. But, on dictionary.com they had a really good word, transliteration.
Why is the Jewish holiday spelled “Chanukah,” “Hanukkah,” and “Hannukah?” Is there a correct spelling?
The answer comes down to transliteration. Unlike translation, transliteration is when you “change (letters, words, etc.) into corresponding characters of another alphabet or language. In Hebrew, the language from which the Jewish festival originates, the word for Hanukkah is not easily transliterated into English. This accounts for why there are so many spelling variants. But “Hanukkah” and “Chanukah” are the two versions that are most widely used and accepted.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There is a turn that I usually take at 60 in the Eclipse because it holds the road pretty good. Lost in thought I took that corner at 45 in the van and almost went in the ditch
Now, imagine that kind of cornering and control, only about 328X more precise, and then you will have some idea of the handling of a bimmer.
I took the BMW in for the 2nd oil change, at the 30k mile mark. $160 worth of work plus replacing a faulty rear brake sensor which registered that I had travelled about 260,000 miles. 2 hours of labor plus a car wash. Total cost = $0.
(Please don't say I paid for it in the cost of the car.....the car is a tremendous value for what they charge, 4 year no charge bumper to bumper warranty or not).
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
An example of anglicization would be taking the name of the city München and spelling it Munich. Note they both use the Latin alphabet.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Like I said in an earlier post it’s starting to get cold around the Burg and Mrs. jmonroe is still talking Sonata with bun warmers. So how about a well cared for ’05 Hyundai XG350 with less than 39.5K miles. It partially meets your criteria of not being Japanese. It’s all waxed up for the winter and ready to go but there ain’t no way you’re getting that beauty for less than $2000.
Hurry up, if you don’t want it ‘jip’ might.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I know you disagree, however, Value and BMW do not belong in the sentence.
The "free" scheduled maintenance is nothing more than a marketing ploy. It belongs in the same category as 0% financing, rebates, etc. Its primary use is to move cars off the lot.
Also..... it may be "no cost to you" at the time of service, but it is certainly not "free",
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
1999 Buick Regal LS, it's got 107,000 original miles. I'm the second owner. In the nearly 7 years I've owned it, I've only had to replace an MAF sensor, and recently a power window regulator. Also, just put on new ceramic brake pads in front, and getting ready to buy new tires. Oil change every 4k miles. All you'd need to do for the next 5 years or so is fill it with gasoline. Just got registration renewed, the taxable value was around $2,600. It's got 3 minor "dings" from idiots who can't park straight, so I'd give you a good deal on it.
Ouch, only 328X more precise? Shirley (in memory of the late great Leslie Nielsen) you jest? :P
Actually it sounds like something I'd be interested in. It books for around $7k, low miles, well waxed and taken care of. The front side angle actually reminds me a bit of my Regal. I'll arm wrestle oldfarmer for it.
BMW owners don't want to hear about how all of these "free" repairs aren't really free.
It is, indeed. a marketing ploy and I have to admit, a very good one that people buy into.
It is FREE for me because I would have bought the car and paid what I did for it without the 4 year bumper to bumper. It is like a nice BONUS, so yes, to me it is free and the car was worth every penny of what I paid for it. If you put the same options and features on a Camry it would probably cost more than the BMW, and you would still not get the handling and control. Not only that, but it will hold it's VALUE better than the Camry or almost everything else out there too!
I repeat, for me the 4 year bumper to bumper is like a free bonus, it wasn't the deciding factor. But it is nice to know BMW has enough confidence in their product they can do a 4 year B to B warranty.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Nicely explained isell. But really, a similar Mercedes would have cost about double for a 4 passenger convertible (and the Mercedes would have had a soft top as opposed to a hardtop), so I was pleasantly surprised that the BMW was about half the price....so value depends on the individual.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm not brand loyal. And, I buy whatever strikes me as a good car at the time I'm out looking. I also drive a bunch of cars that are generally in the same ballpark of what I'm actually looking for.
I know my late Father was brand loyal to anything Ford (including Mercury and Lincoln). Whereas my late Mother was loyal to Cadillac.
They both felt that those brands made the best cars on earth. Frankly, I couldn't have disagreed with either of them more.
However, as they say, perception is reality.
I know of some who have been loyal to Honda for decades. Trying to get them to even look at another vehicle would be considered heresy by them.
You are the person that BMW loves. Nothing wrong with that.
It's just that generally speaking, most move from one car brand to another, with little in the way of brand loyalty.
Come to think of it, this is the 2nd TL I've bought. It's the only time I've purchased two of the same brand AND model of ANY car. Of course, there were plenty of different cars in between, but it's the first time that's happened for me. I've also had 3 Hondas in the past. Somehow, I still don't feel brand loyal.
Oh yeh, I forgot to factor in the BMW having summer tires, make that 334X better, and don't call me Shirley.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What Camry are you referring to? You have a 3 series 'vert right? Starting price is way more than any Camry I've seen. A 328I convertible starts at $45,500 (US). You can barely get the Camry's luxo cousin the Lexus ES350 to that number! As for Camry's I think about 32K is as high as they can get.
I repeat, for me the 4 year bumper to bumper is like a free bonus, it wasn't the deciding factor
So, let me get this straight...you would drop almost 50K on a brand new car with no warranty whatsoever, or are you referring to just the maintenance end of it?
but it will hold it's VALUE better than the Camry or almost everything else out there too!
In terms of resale % I'd bet it is not as big a gap as you think.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I am an Aries and one quality they have is they are supposed to be loyal...if you believe that c--p.
I am not really that loyal or believe BMWs are the be all and end all. They do have certain qualities that make driving more of an experience. I basically can see some good in almost all cars, kind of like people. I sometimes go on about BMWs more for fun than anything. It is only a car after all, and it does have some nice features, but I loved my Jeeps and even my Cavalier at the time. The Corsica, ah....not so much.
A car is a car, most will get you from A to B, some will do it cheaper, some with big soft seats, some with very light steering, some with more power......but if I didn't mention BMWs every once in awhile I wouldn't have as much fun, and some people wouldn't have the fun of making comments back.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Put a hardtop convertible roof on that $32000 Camry (if it could be done), Run Flat tires, all the electronics, throw in a more powerful engine and a few toys and you'll be within 10%.
you would drop almost 50K on a brand new car with no warranty whatsoever
I wouldn't buy any car without a warranty. But I would have bought the car with a standard 3 year warranty....and I would have to do the oil changes.
In terms of resale % I'd bet it is not as big a gap as you think.
I think the gap is pretty big about now. BMW sales were up 20% in Canada for November this year, Toyota is down 24%. That will affect your trade in value.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Having said that, I really like the bmw 3 series- audi A4-and MB C Class. If I was in the frame of mind to buy one and keep it past the warranty, the maintenance and repair costs would not be a source of worry. If I'm shelling out 50k for a nicely equipped ride, then paying for keeping it running is as good a way as any to spend money. If super reliability and cheap upkeep is your priority, you might want to stick with asian and some of the new domestic stuff. Of course Porsche is at the top of the euro reliability list -- go figure. I could probably get in one but would need the jaws of life to get out.
I agree with what you said in your post...European cars aren't for every one. When you take your car in for service you hand the service manager your key. They hook the key up to a computer and they know everything about your car.....and probably about you...like what political party you voted for etc.
In this case the brake sensor tells them how much brake pad is left, and if there are other problems.
This is good technology in some ways, and not so good in others. It is good for BMW because they get your car for all the servicing....that is one reason the D3 had their problems, lack of service work which is very profitable...because the corner garage could fix them.
I am not sure all the technology is the answer. The Kia I rented a year ago had minimal electronics and that has something to be said for it....gets you there with minimal fuss or muss.
But, I do like performance and engineering in BMWs, MBs and Audis, and it seems to be the price you have to pay to have those things.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It actually happened to me on my 89 Town Car as well. This time I was much smarter and didn't drive the car. I had it to towed to my mechanic, he fitted the new bushing and I saved the transmission.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I dunno. This is big outside but not all that much bigger in any useful way I see. the trunk is pretty identical to my 00 Accord.
Drives more like what I think of as a Camry than an Accord though it still has a more Honda noise level - quieter than our Accord but noisier than my wife's Camry. It's an EX-L. Based on this one I wouldn't pay for the leather. As a loooonnngg time Accord guy it's disappointing. It's OK - kind of like my retail Pontiac or my dad's old Buick Century was OK.
If I were buying Honda at the moment I'd be in a Civic or a CR-V.
Lexus makes a comparable car to the 3 series convertible, the IS350C. I think that is a more fair comparison. I would be willing to bet you get more for your money wit the Lexus.
I also wouldn't think that run-flats would be an improvement over a conventional spare tire. They are crazy expensive and ride hard.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
That is an accurate review. I like the new Accord, although I know it was criticized by a lot of Honda faithful.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
How about "anglicisation"?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
It is more of a warranty/maintenance agreement that includes not only normal warranty items but the routine maintenance as well.
It's not a matter of "confidence" in their product as much as a pre paid maintenance contract.
And, I'm not knocking it. I think it's a smart marketing program. I wish Honda had done the same thing. I can assure you that had they done this, the price of their cars would have definatly gone up!
And, no, it wasn't FREE to you either but you seem to like it and that is a good thing!
right now, the only Honda I would even look at is the CRV. Nothing else vaguely interests me, or fits a need.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The Civic is OK (though I hate the starship dashboard) but if I were looking at that size I'd be talking a 3.
Honda has been very disappointing for several years now. Just kills me as one who had been a regular Honda guy.
Maybe I'd check out an Altima or something....
Not true in my case; my 104K mile 2004 X3's repair and maintenance costs have averaged less than six cents per mile. My 124K 1995 318ti less than five cents.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I'll consider about anything that isn't assembled by the UAW. That said, the 370Z, Lancer Evo, and WRX STi are the only Japanese cars that I find interesting. I'd also consider an S4/RS4, a 911 and a Caymen. Just need to dump that albatross of a Mazda...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
So now BMW has a bunch of pre-"free" maintenance cars out there with few (if any) oil changes on the used market, as well as the post-"free" maintenance cars that have about 30% of the scheduled maintenance that the car really needs to last a long time. Any wonder that the used BMW market isn't what it once was?
Just sayin'.
I never saw any evidence that people skimped on maintenance on cars they leased but I'm sure it happens especially if they KNOW they aren't going to buy it at the end.
Also, just because a person leases it doesn't have to be because they can't afford to just buy it.