You didn't use the Jipst method or try giving your price of $250 and walking out?
Speaking of the "Jipst Method" (you must also capitalize the "M"), I plan on calling the patio sliding door salesman tomorrow and offer him $1,500.
They sent me a $250 gift card off their original offer the other day. I think they're starting to cave after only 3 weeks. I wait another 4 months they'll be offering it to me for free. :P
Early summer of 2009 I bought a screen door to replace the one on the door from the laundry room to the deck. I didn’t put it in right away and then I forgot about it, so I decided to wait until the following summer (2010) to install it.
The job is done and Mrs. jmonroe comes out to inspect my handy work and says, “it’s about time you put that door in. It looks nice. How much did we pay for it? It’s been so long I forget”. I said, “consider it free because if we had it installed the installation cost would have been almost as much as the door”.
She just wouldn’t leave it alone and said, “but we would have had the use of it a year ago. When you bought THAT car you didn’t wait a year to wax it”. :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Agreed. I had to be the first one on my block with the LCP. Paid nearly $80 premium, got a hat. Tried a P3AT. Very close copy. Still glad I got the name brand, slight edge.
“but we would have had the use of it a year ago.
That's like a friend told me how much he saved by buying toilet paper in case load quantities. He saved about $10 on 80 rolls.
I said it isn't worth it for me to store it, and think of the interest I am losing on the money invested, and if I get hit by a bus I could have spent that money on a nice dinner, instead of having it all tied up in toilet paper.
That's like a friend told me how much he saved by buying toilet paper in case load quantities. He saved about $10 on 80 rolls.
Something are important very important.
I can remember hearing stories of people dashing off to the supermarket when they heard a heavy snow was on its way. It seems they wanted bread, milk and toilet paper. To be honest with you I can drink water, find something somewhere to eat but like I said some things ARE important. You live in the North, so you otta know that. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I was curious about this, and maybe someone has a reply.
I saw a motor homegoing by and he had a Malibu that he was towing along. Lots of people do this. I thought you couldn't tow or pull a car along that had an automatic transmission. Can you pull a car with automatic? I was thinking, even if you could, I guess you should always check it is in neutral, don't want to tow it in park for very far.
Also, some friend who have a 2004 Camry heard some strange noises from the muffler. They took it to a Toyota dealer and they said the muffler would be $250, but it needed other things done to make it safe....total cost $1200. They paid $50 and said they would go somewhere else. They called some independent garages and the first one said they would fix the muffler for $150. They called another garage and they said they would fix it for $75. So they had it done there and the car works fine. The people at the garage fixed the problem and didn't mention they needed other things done.
I get a feeling some dealerships are desparate to make as much as they can, however they can.
Driver, you should not tow any vehicle with the drive wheels on the ground for more than a short distance.
The exception is 4WD with a transfer case which allows for complete disconnect of the wheels from the transmission. Reason is the trans will overheat without a steady flow of coolant while the wheels spin the trans.
FWD cars with the front wheels in a dolly are fine. Also RWD with the rear wheels on a dolly are also fine.
4WD without a transfer case disconnect and all AWD vehicles must be towed with a rollback or flatbed with all wheels off the ground. Even in Canada!
A while back I posed the same question. I told about a 2005 Chevy (Malibu I think) with about 200K miles which the seller said had always been towed behind a motorhome.
Isell said towing an auto tranny that far would ruin it.
"...some dealers are desparate..."
I recently received a mailer from a new Subie dealer with all sorts of come-ons including a scratch-off for prizes and cars. My wife read the fine print and found out that in order to claim any of the prizes we would have to travel to Irvine, CA which is about 3000 miles away.
An ad in the paper today for a lease deal on a Ford F-150 touted a low $229/mo. payment. The fine print revealed a $4,000 down payment a $600 "acquisition" fee and a 10K mile yearly limit. I hate to think what the money factor was.
Even a dummy like me can tell that it was a bad deal.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I told about a 2005 Chevy (Malibu I think) with about 200K miles which the seller said had always been towed behind a motorhome
Maybe that was the Malibu I saw being towed. That's what it was, about a 2005 model Malibu. I didn't think they made those as standards.
$4,000 down payment a $600 "acquisition" fee and a 10K mile yearly limit It wasn't even to buy it...that's for a lease!
That reminds me, other friends we saw here have a Ford deisel truck.....it kept stalling and finally wouldn't start. The truck has 100000 miles, not much for a deisel. An indie mechanic said it was too hard for him to repair, take it to a dealer. They took it to a dealer and it took 2 weeks to get a part and to fix it. They were afraid the repair would cost over $600. Well, the part cost $82, but the total repair bill was $2200! A part from the oil filter fell into the pan and gummed it up. Almost all of the $2200 was for labor.
A little short sighted (pun intended) by the insurance companies if you ask me. I was spending ~$400-$500/year on eye exams, glasses, and/or contacts anyway. They were covering 1/2 of that bill.
You are right, insurance companies should gladly pay for laser vision surgery. It costs more to keep replacing glasses.
Both of you are wrong. The insurance companies are brilliant. You paid 100% of the surgery, and they no longer had to cover your 1/2 of the glasses bill. Win win for them. :P
Actually now, most of them give you a discounted rate if you go to their preferred doctors.
The insurance companies are brilliant. You paid 100% of the surgery, and they no longer had to cover your 1/2 of the glasses bill
Very true. But, if I still had a health plan that covered eye glasses I would use it to buy prescription reading glasses 1.5X power, instead of buying them for a buck at the dollar store.
LCP recall was easy. UPS out/back in 5 days all prepaid. Got spare mag and floorplates plus a nice hat. Not a problem as I have many alternative choices. Beretta/Browning are still my favorites. Kimber is winter carry.
mako....interesting reading your dealer responses.
As most know, one of my big pet peeves is the dealer sales person not listening to what I want. It usually goes something like this....
GG-I'm looking to buy a "Bulbousmobile" today. Do you have one in white that I can take a look at? Sales-Sure, in the back lot. Let me go get it for you. .....after a 10 minute wait..... Sales-Here you go. Hop in. GG-this one's brown. I want to see a white one. Sales-I just love this brown color. It's probably the best color for the "Bulbousmobile". GG-Oh look at the time. I must be going.
Or.....
GG-Here's my out-the-door offer. I've included everything. This is what I'll write a check for right now for your car. Let's make this really simple. It's either a "yes" or "no" proposition. If it's yes, I'll write the check and I'll drive away in my new car. If it's "no", no hard feelings. We'll shake hands and I'll move on to another dealer. SALES-Mr GG, your offer didn't take into account doc fees, or the fee to check that the tires are round. But, we're really close. GG-Thanks for your time. Gotta run.
(If that doesn't work, just to to tmotorsports.com and find the yellow Escape)
The price seems high relative to TMV, but NOT to other Escapes/Tributes of similar year & mileage available in the metro area... and I can only choose something that's available for sale. Every other Escape in the same price range that I've found has higher mileage, or isn't 4WD, or doesn't have leather.
I'm only doing about 10K miles per year now - this will cost me several thousand less than my insurance settlement, so I'll have some $ stashed. I figure if I keep it and drive it for a few years with no car payment, I can save up more money to buy another vehicle outright when it's time.
Feedback? I'm having this looked at today.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
They list a 2002 Escape at Price Range: $6,575 - $7,650 Invoice $17,404
I would be concerned about the mileage a bit, but I checked 2010 models and almost all of them were at the same mileage, and they cost $11000 to $12000.
So, over all, I think it sounds like a pretty fair value...it would be nice to get it for $6600-$6800. If what the dealer says about themselves is true, they sound pretty reliable, though I would see if there are any complaints.
If it's in great condition, I don't mind paying a little extra. It's also got a tow hitch, which is a plus (waverunner). I doubt I'll get it that low, given that there aren't any in my area priced anywhere NEAR $6800 - like, they're all $1500-$2000 more.
But I'm pretty sure I don't want to face the potential maintenace & repair costs. Such a nice vehicle... BUT, i kind of think the Ford is a safer bet, given that it's such a mass-market vehicle that I can get parts/service locally and quickly, if needed.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I doubt I'll get it that low, given that there aren't any in my area priced anywhere NEAR $6800
Interior looks nice. Yellow exterior? Seems like it would be a hard sell. If they are asking $7,900, they should take $6,900 with little problem. Use the "Jipst Method" and you'll get it for around $5,900.
Yes, but I actually *like* the yellow, though it will bring my career as a stalker to a screeching halt.
isellhondas did mention that I should make a fuss about it being yellow.
Headed out in a bit to look at a couple other options. I'll definitely write a final report here.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Kirstie, I am very fond of my Escape. To the point I'm putting off buying a new Mustang. I bought mine (2007, V-6 4WD) as a winter vehicle while waiting for Mustangs to come out in Yellow. Now, I'm in no hurry to let it go. Mine is plain jane, cloth seats, no sunroof, etc. Here's another one to compare in 2002 model. 2008 went to foot e-brake instead of hand if that's important to you. It is to me.
Thanks for the info and your experience. The comparo was helpful too - that one's had 3 owners and "issues" on the carfax report, so if this one's clean and one-owner, I will be more inclined to it.
e-brake isn't a big deal to me. It's very flat here.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Tried both. P3AT jammed a lot. You might want to check it out online. Sold it. LCP no problems. Works fine. It's a keeper. Your mileage may vary.
Kirstie, I know several people with the Ford Escape, and they all like them. None of them has that color, though. It is, uh, quite visible, that's for sure.
Kirstie....looks clean. I like your plan to pocket some of the insurance money and then drive this for a few years and put money aside for something more tricked out further down the road.
I figure they've got $6K, maybe $6.5K into this vehicle. Put another couple hundred into it for inspections. a 'lil this/'lil that and a dandy detail.
Throw out $7K even, one time offer, and see if they bite. I'm betting they will.
Also, watch the disclaimer they have "Price does not include $50 for incidentals".
Kirstie, I know you're looking for that sweet spot of a car with the big price already depreciated and lots of free miles left, but I just have to share this one with you. Just in case you're into one that is going to appreciate in the future. Hope you like it...it's Yellow and it makes me want to write a check.
Wow, and it has go-faster flames! What a deal. It only lacks a giant, red, ticket-me-now target on top.
Thanks to all for the advice. I went out and drove a few other models, none of which really changed my mind regarding content-to-value.
I'll probably throw a lower number at him - I found one offered at a nearly identical price, slightly lower miles, same options, in black. I'm going to see if he can "make" me take the yellow instead by knocking off some $.
GG, I'm *hoping* that the $50 is their doc fee. As much as I like this vehicle and the price, I'm still prepared to walk if it all doesn't go according to my evil plan.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
The Escape is nicely loaded... not bad for the price...
The BMW? Twice in the ad, he says it's a 2003, when the title says 2004..
Either way, I think he is a little over-priced, given the miles... And, while white is a great color for that model, I can't stand the sand colored interior...
I wouldn't bet on that transmission, if you are going to tow, either....
But, you are right, I would be concerned about expensive repairs. Although 120k highway miles sounds good. I don't think you can go wrong with the Escape, unfortunately, the BMW could be a money pit. But it must be tempting. :confuse:
Gee, I missed the whole Lasik discussion. If you want to know how much faith the guys who do this have in the procedure ask them if it matters that you only have one eye. I joking asked my do who does tons of this surgery of I was a candidate. Not only did he of course say no but he dropped his whole calm doctor demeanor. He went pretty white.
kirstie - I like that Escape. I agree with gg's take. Even I would see that thing coming.... As our host you have an obligation to come in with a sales story....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I joking asked my do who does tons of this surgery of I was a candidate. Not only did he of course say no
I only know myeye doctor said she was amazed with the results of the laser eye surgery. I don't need glasses and my eyes are fine. She said she is asked about it all the time, and judging by my results she would use that as recommendation to others who want it.
I don't know about it if you have vision in only one eye. I did have it done in both eyes at the same time so I don't think that mattered too much. I will say, it is a huge step, and I would be sorry if it failed. I couldn't watch it being done on the big screen, but my wife doesn't mind that kind of thing, so she watched it taking place and she was fascinated.
Speaking about sight....I love that yellow color on Escapes. Once a neighbor had one just like that and I always liked it. It's for brave people who don't just want to blend in with the scenery. Very safe too, that's why they make fire trucks yellow now, instead of red.
You'd be amazed at how much all that changes with just one eye. They are scared stiff about having the only eye you have go bad. For a long time they didn't even want me to wear contact lenses because of the risk, admittedly very low, of infection. I did do contacts for maybe a year and then had to off them for a recurrence of an eye problem and just never went back. More trouble than they are worth.
I had one friend whose Lasik had a somewhat bad result. She now has a glare at night from it. Nothing can be done about it.
That said, every other person I've ever run into that has had eye correction surgery just raves about it.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
This is sad. Florida temperature has been in the high 70s this week and will continue into the high 70s next week, no sign of rain...hate to leave. Back home it is around 32 + or -.
Thinking of buying a villa condo townhome. Great complex with a club house and pool. Built in groups of 4, each unit has 1 1/2 car (golf cart) garage, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open concept, vaulted ceilings. Unit is immaculate, asking $130,000, all appliances included, furniture negotiable....looks like new!
Lady is selling it privately to avoid real estate fees. I undrstand in Florida you just swith the titles at a title office, no lawyers to draw up the paperwork.
Any ideas or things to beware of? We know the condo fees $340 mo and taxes $1800 a year. It isn't a car but might qualify as a sales story.
Very safe too, that's why they make fire trucks yellow now, instead of red.
They used to paint the fire trucks here in yellow, but they have all been red for the past 12 years. Does anyone want to guess why??? Free dues to Edmunds for 2 years if you get it correct!
Haha kidding - My fire company has Red Fire Trucks and there is another company in the County that has lime green trucks and the running joke is they were picked too early.
Or perhaps it was painted yellow since it is a lemon and breaks a lot?
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Probably because even 3 year olds know that fire engines are red.
And also due to the Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study done by FEMA in 2009. At least that's one of the reasons in the US. Not sure about Canada.
No laser involved with my cataract procedure. More like micro surgery. They make a tiny slit, break up the old lens with sound waves, remove it, put in clear lens. It looked like a soft contact. No stitches required. Took about 10 minutes. My doctor did 10 surgeries that day.
Surgery was 4 days ago. I thought my right eye was perfect, but now I do believe I can see a smidge better with "new" left eye. Couldn't hardly see at all with the left eye before!!
Procedure was completely painless. Had a little itching and watering that night, but after a good nights sleep it was fine. Feels completely normal now, except that I can see. I am very grateful.
Cataract surgeries are amazing. I saw someone come out of old cataract surgery in 1966. 10 year old kid. I was 15. He was all bundles to where he couldn't move with tubes coming out and all that and a six week recovery time projected. Less than 20 years later saw a guy who must have been 80 go in and come out within a hour and could see fine the next day. Amazing.
Based on a hundred pages in I'll highly recommend the Art of Racing in the Rain. Funny thing is anyone who had told me to read it had been talking about the racing stuff in it, failing to mention that the narrator is a dog.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
to resurrect a topic from a few weeks back, finally decided to break down and buy a new desktop.
after much shopping and research, realized that PCs are really cheap now relative to what they used to be.
and in order to keep up with the richards, forget the quad core. going straight to 6 core!
upper level Dell (XPS) multi-media decktop. Fancy processer, 6 gigs of ram, nice dedicated graphics, etc. Pretty well total overkill for anything I am likely to do.
$699, delivered to my door. amazing. I paid 2K more than that 10 years ago for 1/10th the machine (but it did have a monitor!)
Regarding Condo's ,you need to be aware of the maintenance fee deliquency rate.If its over a certain % you will not on a resale be able to sell to anyone but a cash buyer.You also need to look at the reserves the condo has built up for infrastructure maintenance.Also being in Florida you need to make sure a hurricane can't wipe out your development and you.
I'm sure I am missing important things here.Condo's can be very tricky
Fezo, I will definitely check that book out. Sounds like something I would like.
Stickguy, speaking of Richard, he must be somewhere overseeing the demolition/burning of that house he almost inherited.
Sounds like you got a heck of a deal on that computer. I remember buying my first "computer" from Radio Shack back about 1984. It was basically an electronic daily planner and cost $600.
I can also remember, back in the 70's, the first time I prepared the office budget on a computer and being amazed that you could change one number, push a button and it would automatically change the outcome throughout the entire document.
Then you would have to run to the other end of the office and go into the temperature and humidity controlled glass room, filled with equipment, and have the computer expert print it out for you on a printer the size of a mid sized sedan. About half the time it actually worked. Man you never heard such clacking and whirring!!
My 1st PC was also from Radio Shack - a 286 running MS DOS 3.2. With the optional 20 MB (that's megabyte) hard drive & a dot matrix printer that would wake the dead, it set me back $2500 in 1987.
Watch out for condos especially in FLA. The foreclosure rate in FLA is ridiculously high. The condo boards are terrible to deal with and they spend money like it is going out of style. I recently sold a condo in NY (suburbs) and lost about $80,000. Think about it, how often are you going to actually go down there? Instead of diving head first into the FLA real estate market, why not find your perfect place in FLA & rent it for a week or 2 weeks a year. You won't have to worry about property upkeep, taxes, or insurance (especially HURRICANE insurance).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Comments
Speaking of the "Jipst Method" (you must also capitalize the "M"), I plan on calling the patio sliding door salesman tomorrow and offer him $1,500.
They sent me a $250 gift card off their original offer the other day. I think they're starting to cave after only 3 weeks. I wait another 4 months they'll be offering it to me for free. :P
Wait 5 months and they will pay you to put it in. :shades:
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Early summer of 2009 I bought a screen door to replace the one on the door from the laundry room to the deck. I didn’t put it in right away and then I forgot about it, so I decided to wait until the following summer (2010) to install it.
The job is done and Mrs. jmonroe comes out to inspect my handy work and says, “it’s about time you put that door in. It looks nice. How much did we pay for it? It’s been so long I forget”. I said, “consider it free because if we had it installed the installation cost would have been almost as much as the door”.
She just wouldn’t leave it alone and said, “but we would have had the use of it a year ago. When you bought THAT car you didn’t wait a year to wax it”. :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Agreed. I had to be the first one on my block with the LCP.
Paid nearly $80 premium, got a hat. Tried a P3AT.
Very close copy. Still glad I got the name brand, slight edge.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
That's like a friend told me how much he saved by buying toilet paper in case load quantities. He saved about $10 on 80 rolls.
I said it isn't worth it for me to store it, and think of the interest I am losing on the money invested, and if I get hit by a bus I could have spent that money on a nice dinner, instead of having it all tied up in toilet paper.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If it's such a great car, why are you selling it?
If you're losing money by me not financing,
you'll obviously be better off by me not buying.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Something are important very important.
I can remember hearing stories of people dashing off to the supermarket when they heard a heavy snow was on its way. It seems they wanted bread, milk and toilet paper. To be honest with you I can drink water, find something somewhere to eat but like I said some things ARE important. You live in the North, so you otta know that. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I saw a motor homegoing by and he had a Malibu that he was towing along. Lots of people do this. I thought you couldn't tow or pull a car along that had an automatic transmission. Can you pull a car with automatic? I was thinking, even if you could, I guess you should always check it is in neutral, don't want to tow it in park for very far.
Also, some friend who have a 2004 Camry heard some strange noises from the muffler. They took it to a Toyota dealer and they said the muffler would be $250, but it needed other things done to make it safe....total cost $1200. They paid $50 and said they would go somewhere else. They called some independent garages and the first one said they would fix the muffler for $150. They called another garage and they said they would fix it for $75. So they had it done there and the car works fine. The people at the garage fixed the problem and didn't mention they needed other things done.
I get a feeling some dealerships are desparate to make as much as they can, however they can.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The exception is 4WD with a transfer case which allows for complete disconnect of the wheels from the transmission. Reason is the trans will overheat without a steady flow of coolant while the wheels spin the trans.
FWD cars with the front wheels in a dolly are fine. Also RWD with the rear wheels on a dolly are also fine.
4WD without a transfer case disconnect and all AWD vehicles must be towed with a rollback or flatbed with all wheels off the ground. Even in Canada!
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Thanks for the answer Mako. I thought that was the case, but you explained it all very clearly and completely.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A while back I posed the same question. I told about a 2005 Chevy (Malibu I think) with about 200K miles which the seller said had always been towed behind a motorhome.
Isell said towing an auto tranny that far would ruin it.
"...some dealers are desparate..."
I recently received a mailer from a new Subie dealer with all sorts of come-ons including a scratch-off for prizes and cars. My wife read the fine print and found out that in order to claim any of the prizes we would have to travel to Irvine, CA which is about 3000 miles away.
An ad in the paper today for a lease deal on a Ford F-150 touted a low $229/mo. payment. The fine print revealed a $4,000 down payment a $600 "acquisition" fee and a 10K mile yearly limit. I hate to think what the money factor was.
Even a dummy like me can tell that it was a bad deal.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Maybe that was the Malibu I saw being towed. That's what it was, about a 2005 model Malibu. I didn't think they made those as standards.
$4,000 down payment a $600 "acquisition" fee and a 10K mile yearly limit
It wasn't even to buy it...that's for a lease!
That reminds me, other friends we saw here have a Ford deisel truck.....it kept stalling and finally wouldn't start. The truck has 100000 miles, not much for a deisel. An indie mechanic said it was too hard for him to repair, take it to a dealer. They took it to a dealer and it took 2 weeks to get a part and to fix it. They were afraid the repair would cost over $600. Well, the part cost $82, but the total repair bill was $2200! A part from the oil filter fell into the pan and gummed it up. Almost all of the $2200 was for labor.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You are right, insurance companies should gladly pay for laser vision surgery. It costs more to keep replacing glasses.
Both of you are wrong. The insurance companies are brilliant. You paid 100% of the surgery, and they no longer had to cover your 1/2 of the glasses bill. Win win for them. :P
Actually now, most of them give you a discounted rate if you go to their preferred doctors.
The lifetime warranty is what sold me on P3AT.
If you have an early LCP, didn't it have a recall? Something about what happened if you dropped it? You should do some checking.
Very true. But, if I still had a health plan that covered eye glasses I would use it to buy prescription reading glasses 1.5X power, instead of buying them for a buck at the dollar store.
I'll fix them! :mad:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
As most know, one of my big pet peeves is the dealer sales person not listening to what I want. It usually goes something like this....
GG-I'm looking to buy a "Bulbousmobile" today. Do you have one in white that I can take a look at?
Sales-Sure, in the back lot. Let me go get it for you.
.....after a 10 minute wait.....
Sales-Here you go. Hop in.
GG-this one's brown. I want to see a white one.
Sales-I just love this brown color. It's probably the best color for the "Bulbousmobile".
GG-Oh look at the time. I must be going.
Or.....
GG-Here's my out-the-door offer. I've included everything. This is what I'll write a check for right now for your car. Let's make this really simple. It's either a "yes" or "no" proposition. If it's yes, I'll write the check and I'll drive away in my new car. If it's "no", no hard feelings. We'll shake hands and I'll move on to another dealer.
SALES-Mr GG, your offer didn't take into account doc fees, or the fee to check that the tires are round. But, we're really close.
GG-Thanks for your time. Gotta run.
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?ct=u&car_id=294281835&dealer_id- =579566&car_year=2002&dealership_view_name=www.tmotorsports.com&address=&result_- car_id=null&sort_type=make_modelASC&cardist=6443
(If that doesn't work, just to to tmotorsports.com and find the yellow Escape)
The price seems high relative to TMV, but NOT to other Escapes/Tributes of similar year & mileage available in the metro area... and I can only choose something that's available for sale. Every other Escape in the same price range that I've found has higher mileage, or isn't 4WD, or doesn't have leather.
I'm only doing about 10K miles per year now - this will cost me several thousand less than my insurance settlement, so I'll have some $ stashed. I figure if I keep it and drive it for a few years with no car payment, I can save up more money to buy another vehicle outright when it's time.
Feedback? I'm having this looked at today.
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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One page that might be helpful is AutoTrader:
Reviews 2002 Explorer
They list a 2002 Escape at Price Range:
$6,575 - $7,650
Invoice
$17,404
I would be concerned about the mileage a bit, but I checked 2010 models and almost all of them were at the same mileage, and they cost $11000 to $12000.
So, over all, I think it sounds like a pretty fair value...it would be nice to get it for $6600-$6800. If what the dealer says about themselves is true, they sound pretty reliable, though I would see if there are any complaints.
Good luck!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I was tempted by this: http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2220824521.html
But I'm pretty sure I don't want to face the potential maintenace & repair costs. Such a nice vehicle... BUT, i kind of think the Ford is a safer bet, given that it's such a mass-market vehicle that I can get parts/service locally and quickly, if needed.
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Interior looks nice. Yellow exterior? Seems like it would be a hard sell. If they are asking $7,900, they should take $6,900 with little problem. Use the "Jipst Method" and you'll get it for around $5,900.
isellhondas did mention that I should make a fuss about it being yellow.
Headed out in a bit to look at a couple other options. I'll definitely write a final report here.
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Here's another one to compare in 2002 model.
2008 went to foot e-brake instead of hand if that's important to you. It is to me.
2002 Escape Yellow
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
The comparo was helpful too - that one's had 3 owners and "issues" on the carfax report, so if this one's clean and one-owner, I will be more inclined to it.
e-brake isn't a big deal to me. It's very flat here.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Kirstie, I know several people with the Ford Escape, and they all like them. None of them has that color, though. It is, uh, quite visible, that's for sure.
I figure they've got $6K, maybe $6.5K into this vehicle. Put another couple hundred into it for inspections. a 'lil this/'lil that and a dandy detail.
Throw out $7K even, one time offer, and see if they bite. I'm betting they will.
Also, watch the disclaimer they have "Price does not include $50 for incidentals".
What might those "incidentals" be?
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
67 NOVA Yellow
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Thanks to all for the advice. I went out and drove a few other models, none of which really changed my mind regarding content-to-value.
I'll probably throw a lower number at him - I found one offered at a nearly identical price, slightly lower miles, same options, in black. I'm going to see if he can "make" me take the yellow instead by knocking off some $.
GG, I'm *hoping* that the $50 is their doc fee. As much as I like this vehicle and the price, I'm still prepared to walk if it all doesn't go according to my evil plan.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
The BMW? Twice in the ad, he says it's a 2003, when the title says 2004..
Either way, I think he is a little over-priced, given the miles... And, while white is a great color for that model, I can't stand the sand colored interior...
I wouldn't bet on that transmission, if you are going to tow, either....
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Guess which one I would take?
But, you are right, I would be concerned about expensive repairs. Although 120k highway miles sounds good. I don't think you can go wrong with the Escape, unfortunately, the BMW could be a money pit. But it must be tempting. :confuse:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
kirstie - I like that Escape. I agree with gg's take. Even I would see that thing coming.... As our host you have an obligation to come in with a sales story....
I only know myeye doctor said she was amazed with the results of the laser eye surgery. I don't need glasses and my eyes are fine. She said she is asked about it all the time, and judging by my results she would use that as recommendation to others who want it.
I don't know about it if you have vision in only one eye. I did have it done in both eyes at the same time so I don't think that mattered too much. I will say, it is a huge step, and I would be sorry if it failed. I couldn't watch it being done on the big screen, but my wife doesn't mind that kind of thing, so she watched it taking place and she was fascinated.
Speaking about sight....I love that yellow color on Escapes. Once a neighbor had one just like that and I always liked it. It's for brave people who don't just want to blend in with the scenery. Very safe too, that's why they make fire trucks yellow now, instead of red.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I had one friend whose Lasik had a somewhat bad result. She now has a glare at night from it. Nothing can be done about it.
That said, every other person I've ever run into that has had eye correction surgery just raves about it.
donutsyellow!Back home it is around 32 + or -.
Thinking of buying a villa condo townhome. Great complex with a club house and pool. Built in groups of 4, each unit has 1 1/2 car (golf cart) garage, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open concept, vaulted ceilings. Unit is immaculate, asking $130,000, all appliances included, furniture negotiable....looks like new!
Lady is selling it privately to avoid real estate fees. I undrstand in Florida you just swith the titles at a title office, no lawyers to draw up the paperwork.
Any ideas or things to beware of? We know the condo fees $340 mo and taxes $1800 a year.
It isn't a car but might qualify as a sales story.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
They used to paint the fire trucks here in yellow, but they have all been red for the past 12 years. Does anyone want to guess why??? Free dues to Edmunds for 2 years if you get it correct!
Haha kidding - My fire company has Red Fire Trucks and there is another company in the County that has lime green trucks and the running joke is they were picked too early.
Or perhaps it was painted yellow since it is a lemon and breaks a lot?
And also due to the Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study done by FEMA in 2009. At least that's one of the reasons in the US. Not sure about Canada.
Surgery was 4 days ago. I thought my right eye was perfect, but now I do believe I can see a smidge better with "new" left eye. Couldn't hardly see at all with the left eye before!!
Procedure was completely painless. Had a little itching and watering that night, but after a good nights sleep it was fine. Feels completely normal now, except that I can see. I am very grateful.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I really hate those maintenance fees. How much does it cost to mow a tiny yard once a week !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Based on a hundred pages in I'll highly recommend the Art of Racing in the Rain. Funny thing is anyone who had told me to read it had been talking about the racing stuff in it, failing to mention that the narrator is a dog.
after much shopping and research, realized that PCs are really cheap now relative to what they used to be.
and in order to keep up with the richards, forget the quad core. going straight to 6 core!
upper level Dell (XPS) multi-media decktop. Fancy processer, 6 gigs of ram, nice dedicated graphics, etc. Pretty well total overkill for anything I am likely to do.
$699, delivered to my door. amazing. I paid 2K more than that 10 years ago for 1/10th the machine (but it did have a monitor!)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm sure I am missing important things here.Condo's can be very tricky
Stickguy, speaking of Richard, he must be somewhere overseeing the demolition/burning of that house he almost inherited.
Sounds like you got a heck of a deal on that computer. I remember buying my first "computer" from Radio Shack back about 1984. It was basically an electronic daily planner and cost $600.
I can also remember, back in the 70's, the first time I prepared the office budget on a computer and being amazed that you could change one number, push a button and it would automatically change the outcome throughout the entire document.
Then you would have to run to the other end of the office and go into the temperature and humidity controlled glass room, filled with equipment, and have the computer expert print it out for you on a printer the size of a mid sized sedan. About half the time it actually worked. Man you never heard such clacking and whirring!!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD