Sunday went over to the dealer to look at all the leftover '10 Elantra's. Not even 1 to be found, scratch that. Now looking at the Cruze. Also, got a call from the salesman I started working with a couple of months ago, that my Explorer is in. I think they used my name to order it; got a letter from xm radio congratulating me on my new vehicle purchase. Tomorrow, i am going to look at it, although I'm sure we will have to renegotiate everything.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Also, got a call from the salesman I started working with a couple of months ago, that my Explorer is in.
OK, we’ll hold you to a sales tale. This is more than we’ve seen in months. An Explorer for Explorer not too many here can claim a tale like that. I have a sales tale too, see below.
got a letter from xm radio congratulating me on my new vehicle purchase.
I got a bill for my XM Radio in the Genny because my “once only promotional rate” that I got at this time last year is over. They wanted $162 and change to renew. I called and told them to go ahead and turn it off because I was not paying that. I would only pay the rate they gave me for 2010. Guess what, it ain’t a once only thing after all. They will renew at the 2010 rate of $90.92 all in; taxes, music royalty fee, mailed billing fee of $2, etc. I wanted the bill mailed to me since I did not want to put this on my credit card because next year it would automatically be billed to my credit card, at the then prevailing rate, and to negotiate that back to the “once only rate” would surely be a hassle. The $2 billing fee is well worth it to me for that reason alone. I’ve got to hand it to them, they tried their best to talk me into saving the billing fee by going the credit card route but I wasn’t falling for that one. It almost felt like being in the back room with the F&I guy but I held my ground.
It seems like anything concerning a car is negotiable. The regulars here know, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Goodness. I learn something new each day. I had no idea that using a semi-colon could make a person appear pretentious. I guess I know where that places me. I used to tell my students that there would always be the standard written and spoken English. Based on what I have seen during the last few years, I tend to believe that I spoke incorrectly.
"The only thing that we have to fear is fear itself." Try out the cars. I promise you that you won't have a near death experience---unless you don't know how to drive them.
I dunno. It begins to have the feeling of piloting a space shuttle...
It is pretty intimidating. We went out tonight and just sat in one and walked around looking at colors...told the hostess we just wanted to look around.
The 5 Series seems big to me, but might seem better if actually driving it. Seems very solid and well made.
Went to the MB dealers on the way home. It was a beautiful evening and we had the roof down...I don't know if I want to give up my convertible.
We were going to sit in a GLK. They look nice in black or white. If you get white it could have a black roof, I think that is where the sun roof is. We got there at 10 after 8 and they closed at 8 so we couldn't sit in it. Looking inside though, I really like the looks. It certainly isn't to big, in fact it seems fairly narrow, but it is very square and the windows are large...which I like.
This could be the longest sales story in history. My wife made a good point though, if I buy while I am still working it can be a tax deduction...30% the first year...and that's worth considering.
Sunday went over to the dealer to look at all the leftover '10 Elantra's.
A new Elantra passed me the other day and they look really good...you wouldn't think it was an economy car. This one was a bronze metallic, I notice Hyundai has the widest choice and some of the nicest colors around.
If I was seriously considering an Elantra, I would also check on the Cruze, but also a Sonata, it might not cost too much more and it might have more room and features.
I wanted the bill mailed to me since I did not want to put this on my credit card because next year it would automatically be billed to my credit card
Smart move...you wouldn't get that rate again if they have your credit card.
You did well getting at the reduced rate....they really are pushing it to charge you almost double.....and then you have to fight to get it reduced. These things have a certain value, and $100 is about the limit.
Try out the cars. I promise you that you won't have a near death experience
There are lots of witnesses. What if I like a GM? My wife won't want to drive it...hmmmm, maybe that's a good thing.
I will do my best to take some time and give it a try. I just don't think it is my thing, I've been in a few taxis and I think I know what it is going to be like before I even get started. But, it could be an interesting experience. If I don't like it, and I accidently buy it, and don't like it, you could buy it from me.
driving for UPS for a couple years after I got out of the Navy cured me of that, forever
I drove taxis when I was going to teachers college, but I still like a standard. If i was driving for a living, or to get to work, I would want an automatic. Now I am semi-retired so the car is more for fun......and the standard transmission just adds to the enjoyment. There's something about doing your own shifting, that adds to the driving enjoyment level....and it gives you enhanced feel of the road. :P
Way back in 1993 I got t-boned by a geezer in a Cimmaron. Totaled my 85 Accord and sent me to the hospital. No broken bones but plenty banged up.
Anyway, after a while I start looking for a replacement. There was a - probably 86 - 535i and a local used car dealers lot. It had been there quite a while. I test drove it and just loved it. But I was still haggling with the insurance company on the Accord and hanging onto their provided rental (a Chevy Lumina).
Insurance calls and says they won't up their offer and want their rental back. I counter with continue the rental until Monday and I'll come right down and pick up the check, which I do. I proceed right over to the used car lot and my BMW is gone!
I ended up in my much loved 87 Maxima wagon so that was OK but to this day I still refer back to "my BMW."
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
These things have a certain value, and $100 is about the limit.
I like XM Radio and last year I said that if I had to, I'd pay full MSRP. I don't know what my limit will be as the years go by but for this year MSRP is $162 and I'd have paid that if I had to. Mrs. jm can't believe that I'm willing to pay that much but some things I like and I'm going to get them. It's not that excessive if you like something.
Just like last year when I said, "stop complaining, just pay the bill will ya. I deserve it and I'm worth it". Her reply was, "I deserve a new dining room but I haven't gotten one, yet". I wish she'd get off that already. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
From 2000-2003, we owned a Miata. I just had to have it. After a few months, I grew tired of shifting gears. I gave it to my wife and started driving her car. She loved shifting gears. :surprise: Who knew?
When I hear people talk about large cars today, I have to realize that their perspective of large is not the same as mine. That's because my point of reference for large cars is the '50's and '60's. Take the new SRX as an example. You have absolutely no storage space unless you put down the rear seat. In that case, you have lost your additional seating. The GLX isn't much better. If a family of four goes on vacation for a week, they carry quite a bit of stuff. Today's vehicles don't seem to cooperate with that fact. Naturally, there are exceptions such as the Escalade, the Suburban, and the Tahoe. The problem is that you have to pay the really big bucks for those vehicles. Our SRX is the perfect size for storage without driving a big SUV. Cadillac was crazy to change that style.
Sonoma County was indeed beautiful and it is a great place to visit.
The Kansas City area? It is HOME baby !! After 33 years we would never move away from our friends and family here.
If we ever did move, I am such an easy touch on the golf course, my golf buddies would move along with us.
Actually, when we moved to this house 5 years ago, our old next door neighbors moved right across the street from us about 6 months later. My theory is that his wife is secretly in love with me !!
I'll make you a deal. If you buy a Town Car and don't like it, I'll take it and give you my convertible. My wife doesn't like to ride with the top down. It messes up her hair. :mad: That limits some of my convertible experience. Yes, I know. I would have to give you some cash along with the convertible.
I agree. Home is where the heart is. You would love it here---32 golf courses within ten miles of your house plus the famous Pinehurst #2 and the PGA tours.
I will agree with you about this. Using a standard does make driving more fun and gives more control of the car. Unless you're stuck in heavey urban traffic. Rush hour will cure all but the most die hard standard lover of any desire to drive a stick.
Thats one of the reasons I like the wifes car with the shiftable automantic. I can put it in manual mode for when its needed or desired.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I ended up in my much loved 87 Maxima wagon so that was OK but to this day I still refer back to "my BMW."
Ouch, so close yet so far away. You mentioned the new 535 looks like a space ship....I think you would really like a Saab. They are made to be simpler, it takes you back to when driving was just for fun.
I think over all, you were probably came out ahead with the Maxima.
My story is that I leased a 1964 Chev Celebrity from a broker. When I went to pick it up the guy said come over here I want to show you a real car. He lifted the garage door and showed me a 5 Series BMW. I didn't have a clue what it was...I thought it was some loser foreign car like a Fiat. I told him it was nice, but probably came across as being an idiot. At that time I thought anything other than an American car was garbage.
A few years later though I rented a Maxima and a Honda, and I thought, ............these are pretty good cars!
Her reply was, "I deserve a new dining room but I haven't gotten one, yet".
XM radio is definitely more important than having a dining room table.
It's funny the different priorities men and women have.
I don't play CDs when I am driving. I can find enough to listen to on the regular radio. I want to have live news bulletins, in case a tornado comes along, or if war is declared. I don't want to be driving along in ignorant bliss if there is a major catastrophe.
I like listening to talk radio shows. But, as someone once said to me, why listen to people discussing matters who know a lot less than you do?
Some topics can be interesting, and often there are guests who are knowledgeable.
I gave it to my wife and started driving her car. She loved shifting gears.
My wife always preferred shifting. When we bought our cars I was going to get an automatic. I even thought 4 gears was a lot, why would any one want 6 to shift threw (or is it through). But 4 wouldn't even be that much fun, 6 is really nice...basically only use 5 and 6 when you are on a highway.
I tried the car I wanted with an automatic and with a manual. I really enjoyed the shifting a lot more. The cars I used to drive with gears were pretty rough...a Hillman, VW, Sprint, Comet,........it makes a big difference when you have a manual in a modern well made car.
The big thing is you feel you are part of the car...part of the driving experience. This could be because you have more control, you choose the gear you want to be in taking a corner or in merging onto a highway.
The only thing is you can't get a broken arm or leg or you could be very immobile.
When I hear people talk about large cars today, I have to realize that their perspective of large is not the same as mine. That's because my point of reference for large cars is the '50's and '60's
This is very true. I remember when a Ford Maverick or a Chev Nova were compact cars. If you see one today they look huge. And a 60s Ford or Chrysler look like they are the size of a huge truck.
We have an oversized 2 car garage but there is just enough room to open doors and walk around the back to get at the trunk. I don't think a slightly larger car would work very well. And our cars aren't that big!
I found my X3 didn't really carry much more than a car, unless the back seat was down. If you look at the inside, the space behind the rear seat is shorter than the length of a trunk. The space above the window line isn't that useable, unless you don't mind your rear vision disappearing, and the possibility things could go flying through the car.
The space in the GLK behind the rear seat is really small. That's OK, we pack really light. Our last trip, 9 days in London and Dublin and we each had one carry on. People take way more than they need. Just learn to take less.
I don't want to drive anything too big...that feels like driving a truck which feels like work....not where I want to be these days. My car is for fun!
My wife doesn't like to ride with the top down. It messes up her hair.
I know what you mean. If my wife is in my car the weather has to be ideal for me to be able to put the top down. It has to be between 68 and 74 degrees, no wind, no direct sunlight. I sometimes wonder why I got the convertible.
But, there are times that are ideal, like yesterday evening, sun just setting, 70 degrees, no wind, a beautiful drive along the lake.....few things get better than that.
I don't think another convertible will solve this problem. Will a TC fit in your garage?
With 32 courses to choose from I would be like a blind dog in a meat house !!
That’s about the way a fellow worker put it when I lived in SC.
One day not too long after I was assigned to work with a different group, this born and raised local guy from GA asked me where I lived. I told him and he said, “oh, nice place. What course do you play”? I said, “I don’t play golf”. Then he asked me how many horses I had and what breed. I said, “none”. He has this weird look on his face and said, “then why are you living there. That place is a golfing mecca and horse country. Do you want to adopt me? It’s a shame to waste nice courses like that”.
There weren’t quite 32 golf courses in the town I lived in but there had to be 20 and about half of those were golf course communities like the area where we lived. If I stayed there rather than moving back to the Burgh in ’97, I would have probably learned the game. A few of my friends that moved there from the Burgh always said, “when in Rome ”
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
XM radio is definitely more important than having a dining room table.
That’s the way I see it too. I’m in the car a lot longer than I’m in the dining room.
While Mrs. jmonroe likes to complain about me having XM Radio she likes it too. Not too long after we got the Genny (was given free XM for the first year), when she was in the car and heard the oldies on “50’s on 5” she said, “so this is how you know the artist and what year the song came out when we hear an oldie when we are in my car. It's because you see it on the screen in this car. I should have known your memory wasn’t that good”. :sick:
Now when she’s in the car and I don’t have the screen set to show the details of what is being played, she says, “hey, hey, change the display. I want to see who’s singing that and the year”. A couple more rides in the Genny and she’ll get the idea.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
There are times when I can't believe how similar our lives have been, considering how different our personalities are and where we live. I got the same questions when we retired to this place---what course do you play and how many horses do you own? I tried golf back in the '70's. With my eye/hand coordination problem, I was a failure. My wife plays a little, but it isn't a passion with her. Most of my nieghbors strike out with their golf carts early in the morning and return at lunch time or even later. We have lots of horse farms here, but you need the mega bucks to run them---one of the most expensive hobbies on the planet. I should know. Years ago we had a horse---my wife grew up as a horse woman with riding lessons, horse shows, etc. She wanted to keep her horse---on our teaching salary! The feed, boarding, and vet bills were a killer. We finally sold Nelley Gray to a breeder. It's definitely a life style for those with plenty of discretionary cash.
When we were first looking for a house here, I told the real estate agent that I did not want to be on a gold course---broken windows all of the time and less privacy. I did want to be either near or on a lake. Our house is across the street from one of the seven lakes. It's a pretty area and there is right much to do in a cultural sense. We also liked the idea of being one hour from Raleigh and one hour from Greensboro. In addition, our medical facilities are among the best in the state. We have so many excellent physicians move here because they love golf and horses. An added benefit is that my sister built a house here on a golf course---three broken windows in four years. My nephew also lives in the area. Will we stay here forever? All things are debatable.
Yes. We have a standard garage, but our large SRX and full size convertible both fit. It's a little tight, but we're used to it. You can open the doors and still get to the trunks in the back. We finally learned how to angle the vehicles as we drive into the garage. Since our house was built in 1980, perhaps our garage is a little wider than the ones that are built today. I never thought of that until this minute.
It's "through". "Threw" is past tense of "throw", as in "I threw the ball." You can also solve the preposition problem by saying, "Why would anyone want to shift through six gears?". That moves it away from the end of the sentence.
, perhaps our garage is a little wider than the ones that are built today. I never thought of that until this minute.
I am sure that is true. The newer the house the smaller the garage, unless it is especially built to be oversize. I have a friend who lives in a 5 year old townhouse, and I think his wife's Mini Cooper would fit in the garage, but nothing larger. I watched one of his neighbors and the neighbor had to back out of the garage, and his wife had to get in once the car was out of the garage......that's pretty pathetic.
I don't have to want to park a certain way because the car is too big. I don't want a big car and I don't need a big car. A car can be comfortable without being too big.
I know that and I really did want to know. At one time I wouldn't have to even think about it...I would have known, but, when you have all of these grammar mavens watching you..........you tend to be on the spot, and forget.
Welcome and many happy years of motoring with your new car. You may not know it, but your dues are due now. We offer a prorated schedule, but you must contact jmunroe as he is the "keeper of the ledger". We only accept small bills.
After today's weather, not sure i agree with you about staying in the KC area! A little quality time in a basement closet goes a LONG way.
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'm also glad we have a new dues-paying member. Jmonroe collects and records, but as you might imagine, most of that goes straight into my pocket. New member = new shoes for kirstie_h. Or maybe I'll just blow it all on dishwasher detergent.
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
There are times when I can't believe how similar our lives have been, considering how different our personalities are and where we live.
I’ve thought the same thing on more than one occasion. It’s either bright minds think alike or misery loves company. :confuse:
We have lots of horse farms here, but you need the mega bucks to run them---one of the most expensive hobbies on the planet.
You are right about that. Makes you wonder who has money like that. There were even polo matches on the weekend in our town. Although there was no way we were going to have a horse or horses, when we moved to SC and were still in the stage of finding a lot to build our house, we considered an equestrian lot in an adjacent community that had standard lots too but decided against it. I’m not one who wants a larger than average lot so why should I pay more for a very large lot that I didn’t want to maintain. As it turned out, the one we got was almost an acre and I left a good portion of the back of the house beyond the yard area a nice undisturbed natural wooded area (lots of ground back there).
Two developments down the road (about 50 homes) the lots were entirely equestrian lots and almost everyone had at least 2 horses. When we had visitors from the North come down we always drove them through that development and all of them were amazed at how much different the life style was in the part of SC where we lived.
Can you top this one?
All of the lots on the side of the street where we lived were about the same size as ours. One day after work I’m sitting on the deck having an ice tea and I hear clink (pause), clink (pause), clink I thought I recognized the sound but I’m thinking, ‘nah, that can’t be what I hear’. So, I get up off the deck (I’m not putting down the ice tea ) and go into the back yard toward the sound. What the I see that my neighbor left about 20 feet behind his yard area wooded but behind that he had a netted covered batting cage complete with automatic pitching gizmo installed for his 8 and 10 year old daughters. :confuse: So I was right, the clinking was the aluminum bat hitting the softballs. When I grew up if I wanted to hit a ball I had to go to the playground with other kids not go into my own back yard and have some dooflicky throw a ball to me. The kids today are spoiled, and yes, I am jealous. :mad:
How many of those do you have in your neighborhood?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
After today's weather, not sure i agree with you about staying in the KC area!
Were you in the tornado zone? That was a whopper...those poor people in Joplin. One good thing if you were in the zone, chances are there won't be another one like that for another 85 years or so.
It must be unimaginable to come back and see not only your house completely destroyed but a good part of the town....and 1500 missing people.
They say the population is growing all through the tornado belt, but I think there are probably better places to live....at first I thought, mmmmm California, but that might not be so good either. Guess not New Orleans, well, maybe in Richards or JMonroes neighborhood, but not if you play baseball with a metal bat.
For someone who isn't really in the market for a new car, we went to 3 dealerships today. I will write about the experience soon.
We had tornado warnings/sirens all day, but nothing hit - just a few little touch-downs that didn't do serious damage, thankfully. It just seemed LONG because my daughter's on the Kansas side of Kansas City, where they hit first, and I had to talk her through her anxiety on the phone til the danger passed, then as soon as I was done, sirens went off here. Blah.
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
There is one house in the neighborhood that has a batting tunnel and another with a putting green.
In the golf community we lived in while in SC, putting greens were not that uncommon. Batting cages? There was only one that I knew of.
All I have is a plywood wall for my son to play wall ball off of to improve his lacrosse skills.
For him to be competitive with the other kids you might have to spring for a real Lacrosse training thingy. That plywood thing sounds like something my father would have made for me.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I had to talk her through her anxiety on the phone til the danger passed,
What an awful thing to live through. 200 mph winds that rip houses and buildings apart. And the centre of a tonado is a vacuum that just carries anything into the middle of it 1000s of feet up in the air. It must be terrifying.
I am not sure what you are supposed to do, but I guess you are knowledgeable about what to do. I suppose basements are good, bathtubs if you don't have a basement. Guess closets have something going for them.
One lady said she tried to hold a pillow over her face and she had to hang on to it for dear life. Her husband covered her. She survived, but he died when something pierced his back.
It would take too long to cover the whole day so we will start with my first stop. I decided I didn't have the dog with me on my way to work so I stopped at the Lincoln Mercury dealer. The 1st thing I noticed was they only had 2 spaces for "customers". I guess they're not too optimistic. The next thought was, that's smart having a "customer parking" spot....at least it gives the salesman a chance to notice a possible customer coming through the door.
I was looking for a new Grand Marquis. I didn't see one so I walked around and spotted a Lincoln MKS I sat in it, nice seats, good instrument layout, very comfortable. A nice young salesman came over and asked if he could help. I said a friend who lives in North Carolina told me I had to look at a GM when I am looking at new cars.
Salesman said, yes, they are great cars, but, they don't make them any more. He said I wish I had a used one you could look at. He then took my name and phone number and said he would call if one came in.
I left. But, I think if he was a really good salesman he would have asked me what I thought about the Lincoln...because I was surprised at how good it felt.
When I got to work my wife really didn't like the idea of a Lincoln. She said it won't have very good handling. I checked Edmunds, and the review for the 2011 MKS looks like this. What Edmunds Says;
Though boasting a plethora of standard features and substantial interior space, the 2011 Lincoln MKS is outclassed by the competition and less expensive sedans alike.
Pros Spacious interior, plentiful standard features, top safety scores, good power and fuel economy from the turbocharged V6.
Cons Lackluster base V6, strange combination of soggy handling and firm ride, mediocre interior materials, overpriced for what you get. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------ She knew about the "soggy handling" before we even tried it. Sometimes she is too smart for her own good - or I guess for my own good.
We left early from work and went to two dealers after that. To be continued...............................
We need to install new windows in the nursery- simple replacement vinyl windows- or so I thought. I know Richard has some experience with renovations- although I suspect more wood than vinyl windows.....and some others here do as well....hoping once again the board can be a wonderful resource.....
The window store is pushing Silverline- a company recently bought by Anderson- however internet research seems be very suspect.....
Lowes had a lot of good things to say about United- however I cant find too much on them
Seem to read lots of good things about Simonton windows- the window place seems to brush that off- in love with the Silverline brand b/c of the Anderson backing- or moreso the commison I suspect- hoping anyone here might have some thoughts....
btw- so far the CRV is fantastic- the wife loves it- very easy in/out of the car at nearly 7 months- camry is left out in the cold it seems....which is great seeing as how I just put 400 bucks into a less than 3 year old car the day after singing the papers on the CRV- full synthetic oil change, wheel alignment (pot holes around here are killer- actually thankful i only needed that and dont have any bent rims) and two new front tires- at 13K miles....
Hoping everyone here and thier loved ones are ok in the vicious weather cycle....
The last line of severe weather(large hail/70 mph winds/tornadoes) is @2 hours out; all the cars are garaged and the Jeep in pulled in under the rear deck. This should at least insure that we will not receive any large hail...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
We went with a local company that manufactures its own windows. It eliminates the problem of the installer blaming the manufacturer and vice-versa. No complaints. Perhaps you have a similar manufacturer/installer nearby?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Comments
Not even 1 to be found, scratch that.
Now looking at the Cruze.
Also, got a call from the salesman I started working with a couple of months ago, that my Explorer is in.
I think they used my name to order it; got a letter from xm radio congratulating me on my new vehicle purchase.
Tomorrow, i am going to look at it, although I'm sure we will have to renegotiate everything.
OK, we’ll hold you to a sales tale. This is more than we’ve seen in months. An Explorer for Explorer not too many here can claim a tale like that. I have a sales tale too, see below.
got a letter from xm radio congratulating me on my new vehicle purchase.
I got a bill for my XM Radio in the Genny because my “once only promotional rate” that I got at this time last year is over. They wanted $162 and change to renew. I called and told them to go ahead and turn it off because I was not paying that. I would only pay the rate they gave me for 2010. Guess what, it ain’t a once only thing after all. They will renew at the 2010 rate of $90.92 all in; taxes, music royalty fee, mailed billing fee of $2, etc. I wanted the bill mailed to me since I did not want to put this on my credit card because next year it would automatically be billed to my credit card, at the then prevailing rate, and to negotiate that back to the “once only rate” would surely be a hassle. The $2 billing fee is well worth it to me for that reason alone. I’ve got to hand it to them, they tried their best to talk me into saving the billing fee by going the credit card route but I wasn’t falling for that one. It almost felt like being in the back room with the F&I guy but I held my ground.
It seems like anything concerning a car is negotiable. The regulars here know, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Richard
Richard
That makes two of us. Maybe it's a Western PA thing with all the hills.
Like I've said before, working my way through night school, driving for UPS for a couple years after I got out of the Navy cured me of that, forever.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
It is pretty intimidating. We went out tonight and just sat in one and walked around looking at colors...told the hostess we just wanted to look around.
The 5 Series seems big to me, but might seem better if actually driving it. Seems very solid and well made.
Went to the MB dealers on the way home. It was a beautiful evening and we had the roof down...I don't know if I want to give up my convertible.
We were going to sit in a GLK. They look nice in black or white. If you get white it could have a black roof, I think that is where the sun roof is. We got there at 10 after 8 and they closed at 8 so we couldn't sit in it. Looking inside though, I really like the looks. It certainly isn't to big, in fact it seems fairly narrow, but it is very square and the windows are large...which I like.
This could be the longest sales story in history. My wife made a good point though, if I buy while I am still working it can be a tax deduction...30% the first year...and that's worth considering.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A new Elantra passed me the other day and they look really good...you wouldn't think it was an economy car. This one was a bronze metallic, I notice Hyundai has the widest choice and some of the nicest colors around.
If I was seriously considering an Elantra, I would also check on the Cruze, but also a Sonata, it might not cost too much more and it might have more room and features.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Smart move...you wouldn't get that rate again if they have your credit card.
You did well getting at the reduced rate....they really are pushing it to charge you almost double.....and then you have to fight to get it reduced. These things have a certain value, and $100 is about the limit.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There are lots of witnesses. What if I like a GM? My wife won't want to drive it...hmmmm, maybe that's a good thing.
I will do my best to take some time and give it a try. I just don't think it is my thing, I've been in a few taxis and I think I know what it is going to be like before I even get started. But, it could be an interesting experience. If I don't like it, and I accidently buy it, and don't like it, you could buy it from me.
I'll do my best to give it a try.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I drove taxis when I was going to teachers college, but I still like a standard. If i was driving for a living, or to get to work, I would want an automatic.
Now I am semi-retired so the car is more for fun......and the standard transmission just adds to the enjoyment. There's something about doing your own shifting, that adds to the driving enjoyment level....and it gives you enhanced feel of the road. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Way back in 1993 I got t-boned by a geezer in a Cimmaron. Totaled my 85 Accord and sent me to the hospital. No broken bones but plenty banged up.
Anyway, after a while I start looking for a replacement. There was a - probably 86 - 535i and a local used car dealers lot. It had been there quite a while. I test drove it and just loved it. But I was still haggling with the insurance company on the Accord and hanging onto their provided rental (a Chevy Lumina).
Insurance calls and says they won't up their offer and want their rental back. I counter with continue the rental until Monday and I'll come right down and pick up the check, which I do. I proceed right over to the used car lot and my BMW is gone!
I ended up in my much loved 87 Maxima wagon so that was OK but to this day I still refer back to "my BMW."
I like XM Radio and last year I said that if I had to, I'd pay full MSRP. I don't know what my limit will be as the years go by but for this year MSRP is $162 and I'd have paid that if I had to. Mrs. jm can't believe that I'm willing to pay that much but some things I like and I'm going to get them. It's not that excessive if you like something.
Just like last year when I said, "stop complaining, just pay the bill will ya. I deserve it and I'm worth it". Her reply was, "I deserve a new dining room but I haven't gotten one, yet".
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Richard
Richard
The Kansas City area? It is HOME baby !! After 33 years we would never move away from our friends and family here.
If we ever did move, I am such an easy touch on the golf course, my golf buddies would move along with us.
Actually, when we moved to this house 5 years ago, our old next door neighbors moved right across the street from us about 6 months later. My theory is that his wife is secretly in love with me !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I'll make you a deal. If you buy a Town Car and don't like it, I'll take it and give you my convertible. My wife doesn't like to ride with the top down. It messes up her hair. :mad: That limits some of my convertible experience. Yes, I know. I would have to give you some cash along with the convertible.
Richard
Richard
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Thats one of the reasons I like the wifes car with the shiftable automantic. I can put it in manual mode for when its needed or desired.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Ouch, so close yet so far away. You mentioned the new 535 looks like a space ship....I think you would really like a Saab. They are made to be simpler, it takes you back to when driving was just for fun.
I think over all, you were probably came out ahead with the Maxima.
My story is that I leased a 1964 Chev Celebrity from a broker. When I went to pick it up the guy said come over here I want to show you a real car. He lifted the garage door and showed me a 5 Series BMW. I didn't have a clue what it was...I thought it was some loser foreign car like a Fiat. I told him it was nice, but probably came across as being an idiot.
At that time I thought anything other than an American car was garbage.
A few years later though I rented a Maxima and a Honda, and I thought, ............these are pretty good cars!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
XM radio is definitely more important than having a dining room table.
It's funny the different priorities men and women have.
I don't play CDs when I am driving. I can find enough to listen to on the regular radio. I want to have live news bulletins, in case a tornado comes along, or if war is declared. I don't want to be driving along in ignorant bliss if there is a major catastrophe.
I like listening to talk radio shows. But, as someone once said to me, why listen to people discussing matters who know a lot less than you do?
Some topics can be interesting, and often there are guests who are knowledgeable.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My wife always preferred shifting. When we bought our cars I was going to get an automatic. I even thought 4 gears was a lot, why would any one want 6 to shift threw (or is it through). But 4 wouldn't even be that much fun, 6 is really nice...basically only use 5 and 6 when you are on a highway.
I tried the car I wanted with an automatic and with a manual. I really enjoyed the shifting a lot more. The cars I used to drive with gears were pretty rough...a Hillman, VW, Sprint, Comet,........it makes a big difference when you have a manual in a modern well made car.
The big thing is you feel you are part of the car...part of the driving experience. This could be because you have more control, you choose the gear you want to be in taking a corner or in merging onto a highway.
The only thing is you can't get a broken arm or leg or you could be very immobile.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
OMG. Imagine what using colons makes a person out to be!!! I'm going to have to quit the colons. Would that be called a colonectomy?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
This is very true. I remember when a Ford Maverick or a Chev Nova were compact cars. If you see one today they look huge. And a 60s Ford or Chrysler look like they are the size of a huge truck.
We have an oversized 2 car garage but there is just enough room to open doors and walk around the back to get at the trunk. I don't think a slightly larger car would work very well. And our cars aren't that big!
I found my X3 didn't really carry much more than a car, unless the back seat was down. If you look at the inside, the space behind the rear seat is shorter than the length of a trunk. The space above the window line isn't that useable, unless you don't mind your rear vision disappearing, and the possibility things could go flying through the car.
The space in the GLK behind the rear seat is really small. That's OK, we pack really light. Our last trip, 9 days in London and Dublin and we each had one carry on. People take way more than they need. Just learn to take less.
I don't want to drive anything too big...that feels like driving a truck which feels like work....not where I want to be these days. My car is for fun!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know what you mean. If my wife is in my car the weather has to be ideal for me to be able to put the top down. It has to be between 68 and 74 degrees, no wind, no direct sunlight. I sometimes wonder why I got the convertible.
But, there are times that are ideal, like yesterday evening, sun just setting, 70 degrees, no wind, a beautiful drive along the lake.....few things get better than that.
I don't think another convertible will solve this problem. Will a TC fit in your garage?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I definitely wouldn't have a standard if I was driving in rush hour traffic, or probably even using the car to go to work each day.
This is definitely a retirement play. More time to enjoy actually driving....time just isn't as important.
Not sure if paddle shifters would give the same affect...I would have to try that if it becomes an issue.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That’s about the way a fellow worker put it when I lived in SC.
One day not too long after I was assigned to work with a different group, this born and raised local guy from GA asked me where I lived. I told him and he said, “oh, nice place. What course do you play”? I said, “I don’t play golf”. Then he asked me how many horses I had and what breed. I said, “none”. He has this weird look on his face and said, “then why are you living there. That place is a golfing mecca and horse country. Do you want to adopt me? It’s a shame to waste nice courses like that”.
There weren’t quite 32 golf courses in the town I lived in but there had to be 20 and about half of those were golf course communities like the area where we lived. If I stayed there rather than moving back to the Burgh in ’97, I would have probably learned the game. A few of my friends that moved there from the Burgh always said, “when in Rome ”
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
That’s the way I see it too. I’m in the car a lot longer than I’m in the dining room.
While Mrs. jmonroe likes to complain about me having XM Radio she likes it too. Not too long after we got the Genny (was given free XM for the first year), when she was in the car and heard the oldies on “50’s on 5” she said, “so this is how you know the artist and what year the song came out when we hear an oldie when we are in my car. It's because you see it on the screen in this car. I should have known your memory wasn’t that good”. :sick:
Now when she’s in the car and I don’t have the screen set to show the details of what is being played, she says, “hey, hey, change the display. I want to see who’s singing that and the year”. A couple more rides in the Genny and she’ll get the idea.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
When we were first looking for a house here, I told the real estate agent that I did not want to be on a gold course---broken windows all of the time and less privacy. I did want to be either near or on a lake. Our house is across the street from one of the seven lakes. It's a pretty area and there is right much to do in a cultural sense. We also liked the idea of being one hour from Raleigh and one hour from Greensboro. In addition, our medical facilities are among the best in the state. We have so many excellent physicians move here because they love golf and horses. An added benefit is that my sister built a house here on a golf course---three broken windows in four years. My nephew also lives in the area. Will we stay here forever? All things are debatable.
Richard
LOL! Why not? It beats the hell out a colonoscopy!
Richard
Yes. We have a standard garage, but our large SRX and full size convertible both fit. It's a little tight, but we're used to it. You can open the doors and still get to the trunks in the back. We finally learned how to angle the vehicles as we drive into the garage. Since our house was built in 1980, perhaps our garage is a little wider than the ones that are built today. I never thought of that until this minute.
Richard
It's "through". "Threw" is past tense of "throw", as in "I threw the ball." You can also solve the preposition problem by saying, "Why would anyone want to shift through six gears?". That moves it away from the end of the sentence.
I wouldn't have commented, but you did ask.
Richard
A new TC isn't that big. It measures 215in in length, nothing compared to a 79 which was 233.
All in all a TC is about 2 foot longer than most midsize sedans.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I am sure that is true. The newer the house the smaller the garage, unless it is especially built to be oversize. I have a friend who lives in a 5 year old townhouse, and I think his wife's Mini Cooper would fit in the garage, but nothing larger. I watched one of his neighbors and the neighbor had to back out of the garage, and his wife had to get in once the car was out of the garage......that's pretty pathetic.
I don't have to want to park a certain way because the car is too big. I don't want a big car and I don't need a big car. A car can be comfortable without being too big.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know that and I really did want to know. At one time I wouldn't have to even think about it...I would have known, but, when you have all of these grammar mavens watching you..........you tend to be on the spot, and forget.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
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’ve thought the same thing on more than one occasion. It’s either bright minds think alike or misery loves company. :confuse:
We have lots of horse farms here, but you need the mega bucks to run them---one of the most expensive hobbies on the planet.
You are right about that. Makes you wonder who has money like that. There were even polo matches on the weekend in our town. Although there was no way we were going to have a horse or horses, when we moved to SC and were still in the stage of finding a lot to build our house, we considered an equestrian lot in an adjacent community that had standard lots too but decided against it. I’m not one who wants a larger than average lot so why should I pay more for a very large lot that I didn’t want to maintain. As it turned out, the one we got was almost an acre and I left a good portion of the back of the house beyond the yard area a nice undisturbed natural wooded area (lots of ground back there).
Two developments down the road (about 50 homes) the lots were entirely equestrian lots and almost everyone had at least 2 horses. When we had visitors from the North come down we always drove them through that development and all of them were amazed at how much different the life style was in the part of SC where we lived.
Can you top this one?
All of the lots on the side of the street where we lived were about the same size as ours. One day after work I’m sitting on the deck having an ice tea and I hear clink (pause), clink (pause), clink I thought I recognized the sound but I’m thinking, ‘nah, that can’t be what I hear’. So, I get up off the deck (I’m not putting down the ice tea
How many of those do you have in your neighborhood?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
All I have is a plywood wall for my son to play wall ball off of to improve his lacrosse skills.
Were you in the tornado zone? That was a whopper...those poor people in Joplin. One good thing if you were in the zone, chances are there won't be another one like that for another 85 years or so.
It must be unimaginable to come back and see not only your house completely destroyed but a good part of the town....and 1500 missing people.
They say the population is growing all through the tornado belt, but I think there are probably better places to live....at first I thought, mmmmm California, but that might not be so good either. Guess not New Orleans, well, maybe in Richards or JMonroes neighborhood, but not if you play baseball with a metal bat.
For someone who isn't really in the market for a new car, we went to 3 dealerships today. I will write about the experience soon.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
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
My heart go's out to anyone affected.
In the golf community we lived in while in SC, putting greens were not that uncommon. Batting cages? There was only one that I knew of.
All I have is a plywood wall for my son to play wall ball off of to improve his lacrosse skills.
For him to be competitive with the other kids you might have to spring for a real Lacrosse training thingy. That plywood thing sounds like something my father would have made for me.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
What an awful thing to live through. 200 mph winds that rip houses and buildings apart. And the centre of a tonado is a vacuum that just carries anything into the middle of it 1000s of feet up in the air. It must be terrifying.
I am not sure what you are supposed to do, but I guess you are knowledgeable about what to do. I suppose basements are good, bathtubs if you don't have a basement. Guess closets have something going for them.
One lady said she tried to hold a pillow over her face and she had to hang on to it for dear life. Her husband covered her. She survived, but he died when something pierced his back.
Hope it goes away soon.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I was looking for a new Grand Marquis. I didn't see one so I walked around and spotted a Lincoln MKS I sat in it, nice seats, good instrument layout, very comfortable. A nice young salesman came over and asked if he could help. I said a friend who lives in North Carolina told me I had to look at a GM when I am looking at new cars.
Salesman said, yes, they are great cars, but, they don't make them any more. He said I wish I had a used one you could look at. He then took my name and phone number and said he would call if one came in.
I left. But, I think if he was a really good salesman he would have asked me what I thought about the Lincoln...because I was surprised at how good it felt.
When I got to work my wife really didn't like the idea of a Lincoln. She said it won't have very good handling. I checked Edmunds, and the review for the 2011 MKS looks like this.
What Edmunds Says;
Though boasting a plethora of standard features and substantial interior space, the 2011 Lincoln MKS is outclassed by the competition and less expensive sedans alike.
Pros
Spacious interior, plentiful standard features, top safety scores, good power and fuel economy from the turbocharged V6.
Cons
Lackluster base V6, strange combination of soggy handling and firm ride, mediocre interior materials, overpriced for what you get.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------
She knew about the "soggy handling" before we even tried it. Sometimes she is too smart for her own good - or I guess for my own good.
We left early from work and went to two dealers after that.
To be continued...............................
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We need to install new windows in the nursery- simple replacement vinyl windows- or so I thought.
I know Richard has some experience with renovations- although I suspect more wood than vinyl windows.....and some others here do as well....hoping once again the board can be a wonderful resource.....
The window store is pushing Silverline- a company recently bought by Anderson- however internet research seems be very suspect.....
Lowes had a lot of good things to say about United- however I cant find too much on them
Seem to read lots of good things about Simonton windows- the window place seems to brush that off- in love with the Silverline brand b/c of the Anderson backing- or moreso the commison I suspect-
hoping anyone here might have some thoughts....
btw- so far the CRV is fantastic- the wife loves it- very easy in/out of the car at nearly 7 months- camry is left out in the cold it seems....which is great seeing as how I just put 400 bucks into a less than 3 year old car the day after singing the papers on the CRV- full synthetic oil change, wheel alignment (pot holes around here are killer- actually thankful i only needed that and dont have any bent rims) and two new front tires- at 13K miles....
Hoping everyone here and thier loved ones are ok in the vicious weather cycle....
This should at least insure that we will not receive any large hail...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive