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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    Unfortunately your car has what BMW calls a "lock valve" AKA the infamous Clutch Delay Valve(CDV) that can cause clutch issues. Ditto for the self-adjusting clutch

    Very informative...thanks for your answer. I have had a few standards over the years and have never worn out a clutch....the car has 38k miles on it.

    That dumbing down affect sounds interesting. I sometimes feel the car guides you into the right gear, and if you make a mistake with the clutch the car makes up for it on it's own....very intuitive. For example, if you are stopped on a hill, it takes awhile for it to roll back when starting off.

    I will take the mat out like Explorer suggested, and if I detect it I have to take it in before Oct 16...I'll make a note.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    edited September 2011
    Then remove the mat and see if that makes a difference.

    I removed the mat and when we took the car out today it was just fine.

    I screwed in the anchors again, put the mats back in, and will see how it is over the next few days.

    You and RB were very helpful, it didn't sound like a clutch problem from RBs comments, and if that was all it was - just the mat, you two helped to save me a lot of time and inconvenience, not to mention embarassment.

    Thanks to you both.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    We'll see how things work now. Two days ago I ran into 150 posts here which I still haven't caught up on. Tried to respond three times and the Edmunds connection wasn't working.

    Well, just quickly have spent have several days poking in the ocean. Two days ago while doing that the doctor (well his office) from Sloan Kettering is trying like mad to get a hold of me because my platelet count is almost non-existent. Also, it turns out there is no match in the family for me so we are into the national donor bank. Once again try bethematch.org if you are between 18 and 60.

    I could have used better last couple of days in that I'm bruising all over but the ocean's been nice. The low platelets have me spontaneously bruising like mad.

    It looks like October 1 is retire on disability day.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Steve, is there any way for you to know the number of matches in the national donor bank? Also, how long is the waiting list for you if there is a match? Is there something that they can do right now to build up your platelet count? Sorry that I'm way over the 60 age limit. Just to be on the safe side, keep after your company's HR people to have the disability papers ready by October 1. Having worked in HR, i used to have to get on the girls in the back office about doing the disability process in a timely manner. You definitely want a smooth transition between regular pay and your new disability pay. Good luck. I'm thinking about you.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Joe, I was reviewing some posts (looking for one in particular) and realized that I never congratulated you on your new purchase. My mother's last car was a Buick Regal. She did love it. Your black on black sounds great, especially matched up with the chrome. I'm glad to hear that the experience was a pleasant one.

    Richard
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Your requested host "townhall-talk.edmunds.com" could not be resolved by DNS.

    For assistance, contact your network support team.



    I think the site may be running intermittently for the long weekend.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    Yeah, I keep getting the 404 "page not found" message. I think they are aware of the problem...probably not many programmers working this weekend...
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,726
    if someone baked them some cookies, things would probably get fixed up a whole lot quicker. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    doctor (well his office) from Sloan Kettering is trying like mad to get a hold of me because my platelet count is almost non-existent.

    Fezo, I hope you are able to enjoy the rest of your vacation......and that a donor comes through soon.

    Keep us up to date.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    All the best fezo. With all you have been thru this should be a cake walk.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Possibly a lot of programmers are working this long weekend. Long weekends are when we got to bring up new systems or significant system maintenance or upgrades. I've worked several of the 3-days 'holidays'. Don't miss doing that any more.
  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168
    Thanks Richard. I'm still getting used to it. It's such a change from the Mazda 6 I traded in. I keep comparing the Regal to the Mazda and have to stop doing that. They are completely different animals.

    The Mazda was one of the very few cars I ever owned that I was almost completely satisfied with. The Buick is lacking a few features I had come to really, really like.

    I will post, in a few weeks, how things are going since Kirstie's MIL (or mother - I forget) is interested in the Regal.

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Hey Steve,

    Get well buddy. Gald you got to do some body surfing.

    We need to get you fixed up once and for all!
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    The Mazda was one of the very few cars I ever owned that I was almost completely satisfied with. The Buick is lacking a few features I had come to really, really like.

    That would make interesting reading. Can you give us a sneak peak about what the differences are and what you prefer in each car?

    I saw a black Regal yesterday and it looked really smart. I know some people will get upset, but, it looked very European to me. There's enough chrome to set the black off nicely.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    Wow, finally got caught up on this thread. Been real time challenged lately!

    For the ecoboost issue, one of this months car mags (MT?) tested all 4 engines in F150s. The EB engine was quickest, and got the best MPG in their test (~17.5 vs. 15.5 for the other 3 engines).

    More interesting, they had a base 3.7NA V6, that was still pretty quick (0-60 in about 7.9 secs IIRC). But, darned thing got about the same MPG as the 5.0l V8!

    TJC? based on your criteria, I would actually go older. You aren't going to drive it much, so why get something new enough to still require a big note? My recommendation (worth, of course, bumpkus) would be lease something if you want a payment, or search for a 10-12 YO grandpa car (GM maybe) like Lemko got, and just pay cash. COuld keep that for a while and probably not lose a dime on it.

    Steve, good luck finding a match. I would get tested, but I still have "defective" blood so they wouldn't take me I don't think! Also, a friend of mine has a brain tumor and is getting treated at S-K (he lives in Ct.) Wife raves about the place.

    and the guy with the new paperwork? From what you described, the trade commitment was 14,900. So, they owe you $900, since basically all they did was miscalculate the payoff. If they put 14,900 on the sales contract, that is what they should give you.

    Can't remember the other items worth noting, but now I can feel caught up!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    Yeah, I got something similar last night and this morning. Probably one of the Edmunds hosts tripped over a wire while dancing at the Labor Day office party and pulled the plug. :P

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Yes, I also am having trouble getting on here.

    Richard
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    2006 Town Car. Wow, that dealer really knows how

    to showcase a car. That blue carpet really does it.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    For example, if you are stopped on a hill, it takes awhile for it to roll back when starting off.

    That's the "hill holder" feature, which was pioneered by Subaru. Unlike the CDV and SAC, it actually enhances the driving experience.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,920
    I'll have to disagree with that.. I hate the hill-holder..

    Plus, when it comes to training a new driver on a manual, it just interferes with the process (though, admittedly calms the nerves)..

    Edmunds Price Checker
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  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    "...That blue carpet really does it..."

    LOL. I never noticed that but I was wondering if they took that big red sign off the door when you bought it or did you have to drive around with it forever. ;)

    Nevertheless, it's a good example of what I'm talking about.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,726
    Richard,
    You didn't do a little software consulting for Edmunds this weekend?
    There are no wires or screws involved, so what could possibly go wrong? ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Nope, it was Studebaker that pioneered the hill holder. Many years before Subary saw the light of day!

    I'm having a heck of a time logging in here by the way!
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    edited September 2011
    I downloaded the Google Chrome browser a few months ago...and have used it exclusively since then. It is simple and fast and very intuitive. I like it a lot better than IE or Firefox. I am not sure how they handle their updating, but I never have to do it manually, it just seems to be automatic with no prompting, etc. I am also not having any log in issues.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Maybe I'll try that instead of Explorer. Thanks!
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "There are no wires or screws involved..."

    That doesn't matter. I can screw up connections simply by using a few keys on the board. :P

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Perhaps some of us are behind in our dues. :shades:

    Richard
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    edited September 2011
    "...Richard, You didn't do a little software consulting for Edmunds..."

    I think kirstie_h spilled her drink on the switchboard during the party. I'm sure with all the money Edmunds pays them they can afford some pretty wild shindigs. ;)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168
    One of the things I'm having trouble getting over is the keyless start. I know many have said they never had a problem using a key to start a car before so what's the big deal?

    With the Mazda I just put the key thingy in my pocket and was done with it. Not only did the car start and stop by just pushing the start/stop button, but you could lock the doors by pressing a button on the door handle. It would unlock when you touched the door handle. I don't know how many times now I have crawled in the car and then had to root in my pocket for the key or tried to get in and the door was locked.

    It's probably just habit and I will adapt, but it was nice.

    Homelink is another thing. Now I have to have a garage door opener on the visor. I'm still punching at the rearview mirror.

    As I said, habits, but nice nontheless. :shades:

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,726
    edited September 2011
    Your new career as a hacker? :surprise:
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    I think kirstie_h spilled her drink on the switchboard during the party.

    Either that or they have so much money stuffed in every nook and cranny it is gumming up the works.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    That's what I suggested. Those cars haven't changed much over the last 10 years. This one was at a NJ dealer:

    Very nice....for $18k that looks like it could be a good buy. Selling price should be about $15k, but that one looks extra nice.

    Hope it wasn't rebuilt after a flood or something. Looks too good almost, to be true.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    edited September 2011
    "...Looks too good to be true..."

    That was the first one to come up on the autotrader list when I did a search within 200 miles of Trenton NJ. There were 130 other Town Cars that were either 2005s or 2006s.

    $18 might be too high, I don't know TC prices. I was more interested in that low milage. I'm sure Isell will say that's not important but I like the idea of have a less used auto. :)

    BTW, that must be SOME party the Edmunds hosts are having. I couldn't log in for the third time today. :surprise:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I never said low miles weren't a good thing.

    Miles shouldn't be the only or even main criteria when evaluating a good uded car.

    Some cars are "less used" at 75,000 miles than anotehr one may be at 35,000.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I am going to run your numbers later on when I have a little time and give you some results. However right now I want to address this:

    Assuming a car 5 to 10 years old will need some repairs,

    Not to sure about that these days. Keep up the regular maintence and you most likely won't need "repairs" for a long time. The last time I did a repair was changing out an alternator and it was the first repair on a 12 year old 160+K mile car.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    Not only did the car start and stop by just pushing the start/stop button, but you could lock the doors by pressing a button on the door handle.

    Those are things you get used to, and it is very difficult to go back once you find it easier. Small things, but the engineers at Mazda, in this case, were just a little more on the ball.

    It is the way the Europeans (and possibly Japanese but not sure) just make the lights blink when you lock your doors - very sensible. Meanwhile my Jeep, at the time, has the horn go off, and scares any one walking by half to death.
    I just had the thing dismantled. But, there's that extra bit of engineering and thought put into some cars.

    GM has come a long way with cars like the Regal, but that unfortunately is a step backward for you....but, I think you will get used to the difference.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    I was more interested in that low milage. I'm sure Isell will say that's not important but I like the idea of have a less used auto.

    In the debate about low mileage and high mileage, I was told low mileage isn't always good. The car could have been used a lot for short trips, the engine doesn't get warm enough and water isn't burned off in the oil, or something technical like that.

    High mileage cars are usually highway driven cars. Lots of long runs, not too much braking and starting up all the time.

    I tend to like lower mileage cars too, but not ridiculously low.
    That TC looks nice though, very tempting, a premo car in mint condition, for $18 thou!!!!!!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    edited September 2011
    "...Some cars are "less used" at 75,000 miles than another one may be at 35,000..."

    I don't disagree. Depends on the car too. way back when, a guy I know had a 1970 Chevelle SS with a 454 (I think). Monster of a car and he showed it at every opportunity. Within 20K miles it was junk from the abuse.

    A car like a Town Car with 11K miles probably never was abused like that. So as long as you can verify that it got routine maintence (and it didn't get flooded) it should be as good as new.

    On a car like that, the first thing I would check would be accident history.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Most of what you listed I would not call "nanny" devices and they actually improve the car, its handling and/or functionality. The weight of those things are largely cancelled out by other weigt reductions in cars.

    Face it cars are heavier due to being bigger.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    "...Face it cars are heavier due to bing bigger..."

    My Eclipse stripper is 150lbs. lighter than the loaded model. It weighs only 400lbs. less than my son's 93' Deville. I think at least SOME of the weight increase is due to extra equipment and all around heavier construction.

    When you read those reviews that tout "increased structural rigidity" translate that to "heavier".

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Not too sure about that these days."

    I have to agree. I owned my Explorer XLT for seven years and never had a repair. I did regular maintenance. I don't count batteries, tires, and brake shoes as repairs.

    Richard
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    98 FORD CONTOUR ONLY 80k RUNS GREAT GREAT ON GAS

    Yeah but how well does it run on the road?

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Our 2003 CRV with 58,000 miles has had ZERO repairs. The original brake pads still have more than 50% remaining.

    It just burnt out a headlamp bulb. Since they were installed at the same time, I replaced both of them.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    It just burnt out a headlamp bulb. Since they were installed at the same time, I replaced both of them.

    For maximum performance, when you replace one light bulb, you should replace all of them........ha ha :P

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,506
    This drives me crazy 2007 Corvette

    Why bother dumping all this money into this car, only driving it 5600 miles in 4 years, then have the sack to ask more than what a new one cost?

    I totally agree on mileage when it comes to used cars. Isellhondas once explained it this way & it made total sense.

    Use a 3 year old minivan with 30,000 miles as an example. You take a look at it & say "Wow! At $25,000 this thing has basically not too many miles and brand new was $40K. He shoots, he
    scores!". The reality is that this Minivan looks nice and has low miles, but they were probably hard miles. Lots of "city driving.". Drop the kids off, pick the kids up, grocery shopping, home depot, 1 road trip a year where the thing was loaded to the gills with a roof rack & maybe a trailer. Lots of light to light, heavy on the gas, heavy on the brake.

    Cars are really meant to be driven. I've heard not to be afraid of Porsches that are daily drivers and have miles on them as opposed to the garage queen, low mileage, cream puff that gets Zainoed more often than it needs gas & is only used during perfect, ambient conditions.">link title

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,506
    I had lots of trouble logging in. 1st I thought it was my iPhone having problems. Bit then couldn't get on with wife's laptop.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    One of the local towns had their yearly end of summer bash. Scattered around were several car displays (little disappointed that there were no test drives, they usually have at least one drive event) and we stopped at each and enetered their win car 'X' contest (wish us luck). Got a good look at the new Fiats and I taked to the lady from the marketing company they used. I asked the lady if they changed the meaining of Fiat. She laughed and tried to come up with something that Fiat now means. I think she said Fantastic Intellegently Applied Technology or something like that.

    Time will tell.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    edited September 2011
    "Selling price should be about $15K..."

    You are correct. The asking price of $18,995 is too high. With 11k miles, Edmunds says that it should sell right at $15K in "clean" condition. "Outstanding" condition is at $15,800. The dealer is $3k off target. An offer of $15,500 would take it home I imagine. Even at that offer, I would want a complete car history before writing the check. If it's legit, that would be one nice car.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Had a chance to examine the new Fiat---not impressive to me. Reminds me of the old Pacer. Ugh!

    Richard
This discussion has been closed.