Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I'll take a photo, if I ever get the courage to open my hood again. I don't like to do that because it allows me access to unauthorized areas of my 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
Yeah, getting rid of the evidence does seem to help at least for a while anyway. Are you sure you aren’t related to some of the field people I have to deal with on a regular basis?
You have a career you never even knew you had an aptitude for.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Well in the People's Republic of Cambrige, MA there is a market that has been around for years that many folks have an issue with:
Southwest Airlines.
SWA has price match policies that are a complet joke and basically a Ponzi Scheme. The expirations come faster than you can say "what?." The expiration date being based on when you first bought the ticket they price matched, not the day of the price match nor the date of the actual flight. Hooey! Also, the price match policy should trump the "non-refundable fare" policy, but they make you take credit rather than a refund. Then when you go to use the refund monies they tell you its expired and disappeared.
No good reason for denial to my $40 from SW customer relations. They said they felt it wan't fair to pass on these costs to other customers via fare increases. What costs? The $40 was my money in my book. It just disappeared into thin air.
Control their liabilities? I'm sure they can control their liabilities over 5 years rather than 1.
They said they make every effort to inform customers of the expiration date, but then go on to state the only notification was a revised itinerary sent when the Price match change was made that has a notation to look at a footnote in fine print.
Fine print with ONE notification is "every effort?"
LOL! Southwest is going downhill, fast!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Be sure to notify your relatives and loved ones not to use SW.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Bless you my child! You have given me the perfect excuse to use when people ask if i work on my own cars.
Congratulations on your successful repair. It reminded me of my successful repair on the computer last year---bought a new computer. :P
Richard
How large is your lawn? You mean that you couldn't cut it in one session? A person with a lawn that big doesn't need to ask others for money.
Richard
Richard
The yard is 1/3 acre. There a house in the middle of that which greatly reduces the size of the lawn.
I was interested in one of those rechargeable electric models, but wasn't so sure how long they would last.
How has your mower been working out for you?
Other than you have to still operate it.
I do have a rider mower that was a concession to my health but I try to avoid it when I can. I'm trying to fix up the yard a little because after the transplant I can't touch the yard for a year.
Read too many stories of the battery dying after a year or two.
Didn't have a trustworthy opinion until now. :shades:
I happened to be there when the shop folks were rolling it down a hallway between offices and into the showroom. They can't start the motor because it's so loud when it's running in the enclosed space. The 10 had been taken to an Elegance d'Concours the day before (first in class).
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I am REALLY good at fixing broken things. If it is a large item, such as a furnace, I fix it with a series that includes a telephone and a check. If it is a smaller item, such as a computer, I fix it by replacing it with a new one.
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
LOL, fezo, I can picture you in the kitchen mixing up a big batch of batter to stuff into your mower. No wonder it took two days.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Where the heck did that y go? I know I had it here....
Good job but to rebuild the engine you need to hit it with a hammer.
I had a moment of diagnostic triumph this week with the Vette. I was driving around and I heard what sounded like a plastic bag caught on the undercarriage flapping in the wind. I checked under the car and even popped the hood but couldn't find any flapping plastic.
Finnally, I was moving cars around the driveway and I had the Vette running. Suddenly, I hear the dang flapping--while the car is standing still!
I popped the hood and looked really close at the engine. I just caught some unusual movement toward the front of the engine. I turned off the motor and looked again--there it was.
My serpentine belt was starting to shred and a 6 inch piece was hanging off and hitting the underside of the hood will every revolution. It was so hard to spot that my garage had missed it when the car was in the shop recently. Once we knew what it was, it was an easy fix.
And I didn't even have to hit it with a hammer.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Well then what's the point?
Oh, my lay persons diagnosis was..............I thought you were going to tell us it was a cat caught in the fan belt!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That's why I'm an aircraft technician. Well said!
If I could fix an airplane I would find that very satisfying.
Especially the one we took from Toronto to London UK. We sat on the runway for one hour while they fixed a fan that wasn't working in the cargo hold area.
On the way back we were held up for an hour and a half because the crew was late getting in and needed more time to be within the hours off guidelines, between flights. Then we waited in the plane for a half hour because we needed another flight attendant and the plane she came in on was late, and she had to run over to get on our plane.
Now if you could fix the airlines, that would be really a big help.......... :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
So, here's my questions; What car would you buy if you had a budget of $20,000, a budget of $30,000, a budget of $50,000, and if you are brave, a budget of $100,000!
I'll go first.
1. I just saw an ad for the new Jetta and they start at about $15k. I think I would give that serious consideration. I think I would also check out a Cruz...they seem pretty substantial for under $20k If I needed extra room I would check some of the Chrysler Patriot type vehicles. The Focus seems nice but is too small.
2. I think at $30k I would consider the Fusion seriously. The base Fusion I rented was very minimalist, it was a good value, well executed, but minimal. The higher end model was really enjoyable. To me it felt and drove like a more expensive car. I thought, a few years ago this would have been called a Galaxie or Ford 500.
3. At $50k I would compare a BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and a Mercedes C Class. The interiors are nicer in an Audi and a BMW 3 Series, so that would eliminate the MB for me. I like the Audi interior, and AWD, and the turbo 4 cylinder engine. I would like to compare it to a Cadillac CTS and Lincoln MKZ (I think), but I don't think I am quite ready to go back to an American made car. It's like insurance agents...I am not going to leave my current agent unless he messes up.
4. $100k. I tend to think I would get a BMW 5 Series, maybe a 550 with the V8 engine. I think I could get it all equipped for around $80k. The left over money would pay for a nice holiday and help cover the extra cost of fuel.
That's it, who's next............................
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hmmm... Modern car? Used XJ8. Perhaps a new Sonata if I had to go new. Not just BC I work for Hyundai.. but these really are nice cars. 56 Lincoln Premiere HT or perhaps a 58 Olds/Pontiac 2 door HT if could find one.
$30k? CPO Genesis, CPO 3 series/A4, MAYBE an A6. or a used Jag Super V8, those are rather sweet. 58-60 T-Bird ragtop. Nice 37 Ford Coupe.
$50K? New A6 for not much over this.. but I hate buying new cars. CPO A8 would probably be the way top go, or a CPO S550 4Matic. Also a clean 356 Coupe or a 58 Bonneville. Maybe a 56 Lincoln Premiere convertible if I could find one. 32 Ford High Boy roadster with a flathead.
$100k? 55-56 Packard Convertible, new 7 series, maybe a 356 Convertible, 57 Bonneville or 58 Bonneville ragtop, 36-37 Lincoln Zephyr 3 window in NICE shape would be $75k ish, maybe a 42/6/7 Packard Convertible or Coupe.
Quite a variety at each price point, in some cases from CPO to old classic. You did mention Sonatas and I would consider those as well as Optima's in the under $20k (CPO) or under $30k (new) category - I would have to compare it to a Fusion, I like the style and the driving experience of an Optima I rented a few years ago.
When I thought about this I was thinking cars you would use as an every day driver. I'd like to have a restored car, but since I would be hopeless at keeping it running, and since we don't have room for it, it just wouldn't be practical. But, I would love a T-Bird any year from 1955 to 1967....after that they weren't T-Birds any more to me.
1967 T-Birds:
1968 T-Bird....after they jumped the shark....
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have over the last few days driven pretty loaded up versions of the Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus. Both very nice. The Buick was a very nice riding car. Not overly soft but certainly not sporty (I am staying away from the "Touring Package" on this car) Needless to say I liked it alot. Very roomy and comfortable and the amenities were nice. I didn't have any problem with hitting my knee on the edge of the dashboard as Driver and a friend of mine noted. Decent lease offer (before negotiations) was presented. Very low money factors and $3600 rebate from US bank certainly help things. Residual was low at 47%.
Taurus was nice but I don't think is in the running any longer for many reasons. The car is big, but somehow not that roomy inside. The center console is so huge the seat is narrow and the back seat is very short on leg room. Technology wise the Taurus excels and does drive and ride fairly nicely. The interior isn't as upscale as the Buick and is a touch under par at 39K. In comparison a car like the Genesis has it all over the Ford in interior quality.
At this point one night during the week I am going to talk to my salesman at Buick and ask for a demo for an extended test drive and hope to be making a decision soon. If I find the Buick isn't for me, I'll price out an Avalon. I know I'll like it, but, have already had two and the 2011 isn't much different than the 06 I had. Stickguy mentioned a Volvo S80 but I've sat in one and its a bit tight and also a bit out of my price range.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
You know tjc, I think you have narrowed the field very well for the kind of car you are looking for. I felt that maybe I was too harsh about that knee thing, so I googled, "Buick Lacross hit knee" to see if this happens to other people. When you look this up, you will see lots of complaints about this....but this one said it best, and it is from Edmunds.
Who Designed the Interior?
By mobo on 05/16/10 06:10 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2010 Buick LaCrosse CX 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
Review
There is no "inner beauty" to this car. Exterior is an eye catcher but the design inside is really poor. The arm rests are too narrow; middle console has no space for arm rest for driver and if you put a bottle in the console you must rest your arm ON the bottle!; the location and design to close the door is goofy. Here is the clincher - both my husband and I constantly hit our knee getting in and out of this car - it was crazy and really annoying. We are not big people - he is 5'10" and 160 and I am 5'7" at 130. Taller and heavier people should be forwarned - expect to have knee surgery after getting in and out of this car.
___________________________________________________________
If you didn't find this to be a problem, then you should go for it. I have been a passenger in a Lacrosse and it was very comfortable and rode well. The Avalon is almost faultless, so that is a safe bet too. I think your comments on the Taurus were accurate, and I found the windows to be small and the car very dark inside.
Good luck with the wedding plans and car..........
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Possible, but I think that after 28 years it just died of old age. I'll keep an eye on it though.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
One thing that scares me about any performance car is the fear that it has been abused and is thus just a rolling repair bill.
I was wondering if you car pros have any tips for telling the beaters from the creampuffs. I know enough to check for blue or white exhaust and leaking oil, you know, the big stuff. What I'd like to know are the little clues and signs of hard service that might not be apparent at first glance. I'm especially weak in evaluating manual trannys as the only ones I've driven in decades are in school buses or my old van (which shifts like a bus).
I would of course get a professional mechanic to sign off before purchase but I'd rather weed out the total junks myself before spending money on a pro.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
At $20K you'd be hard pressed to beat the Cruze. I might try a low end Mitsu Outlander for a crossover.
At $30K, a Mustang GT, no question.
$50K, I sure would like to try out a BMW3 but an Infinity G would be nice too.
At $100K I don't even know the names of them but that Caddy CTS (is that the right name?) with the Corvette motor sounds pretty sweet. I'm sure I could find a few more if I had all that loot.
So driver100, when are you writing us all the checks?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It was the least expensive vehicle I drove over the weekend.
I have been driving my 54 Ford to work on a daily basis.... Some basic preventative stuff, a few minor mods and you're good to go.
Look for paintwork, evidence of accident repairs, look at the tires.. is it wearing mismatched el cheapos? Other than that, truthfully there's little way to tell how the car was driven, be more concerned with how it was maintained.
If you think it's worth that gamble, go for it.
SVT vehicles are low volume and I would love to have just about any one of them.
On the way back we were held up for an hour and a half because the crew was late getting in and needed more time to be within the hours off guidelines, between flights. Then we waited in the plane for a half hour because we needed another flight attendant and the plane she came in on was late, and she had to run over to get on our plane.
This, Mr. Driver, is why I'm paid most of the time to endure flying these days. I try my best to get business class or better for flying on my own time (with miles credit), but equipment or crew issues hit everyone equally.
Which airline, BTW. Air Canada? I flew them a lot back in the '70s, but CP Air was nicer. They no longer exist. Funny how that works.
It was the least expensive vehicle I drove over the weekend.
Did you notice the gear shift lever works by pushing a button on the side and then just touching the shifter a fraction of an inch? It feels different and strange at first, but once you get used to it it seems very sophisticated. And when you come to a stop, the car is in park, until you put your foot on the gas.
These things will take awhile to get used to, but they are supposed to teach you how all this stuff works when you pick up the car. With the iDrive and GPS system etc. this could take me a week of courses.
If that was the lowest price what were the other cars?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You deserve big bucks for flying all the time. I am so tired of airports, delays, unhelpful staff, arrogance airlines have, and what they serve as food, and now extra amount for one piece of luggage.
The old CP was always much better than Air Canada. Today Westjet is much better than AC and if you can go on Porter it is the best. Air Canada is a company that tries to make your life as miserable as possible. I think there slogan should be, "If you are a masochist, you will love Air Canada.....we make flying as painful as possible". :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Pushing forward for reverse and back for drive came pretty quickly.
The car I drove first couple of times was a 550i GT, which started @ around 60k, but with options was 72+.
I only saw the base prices on the X5 Diesel and the 535 I also drove, so I don't know what the sticker prices are.
My wife drove an X6 plus a Mini Countryman.
I just really enjoyed the balanced driving experience and presence of the 535.
$20K---one year old Grand Marquis (about $23K)
$30K---New Flex (about $35K)
$40K--- New F150 4x4 (about $30K with the $10K discounts now)
$50K---New Cadillac CTS (about $56K)
$100K---Rolls Royce Silver Cloud (any year)
Richard
I will certainly make sure I am not hitting it before I pull the trigger. I like to sit really far back, so I think that may have something to do with it. The LaCrosse has alot of front seat legroom. With the seat all the way back my leg was fully extended. I like that.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I agree, you nailed it. The car is perfectly balanced...can go on twisting roads and always stays flat. Power when you need it. And, I love the big wide flat hood on it. Too many cars have a windshield that is high and you can't see any of the hood at all.
I went out before really learning how to operate that gear shift. When I brought the car back after a test ride there was a Jetta backing out and I had to reverse. It took me awhile to find reverse because it is very different than a regular shifter....the guy in the Jetta must have thought I was either being rude or I was a novice driver because it took me awhile to back out of his way.
I am glad another person now understands "the feel of the road". Perfect balance, steering and control are all part of it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
$30K---New Flex (about $35K)
$50K---New Cadillac CTS (about $56K)
Good choices, but you do push the envelope. A little over budget at each price range, but, I know you are a hard worker and will strive to come up with the extra dollars to make it happen.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That would make a huge difference....having the seat way back. My wife likes the seat all the way forward and I like it 3/4s of the way forward...helps keep me awake. I think there was an option on the 535 to have seats that massage your back while you are driving.....interesting option. Not for me though, I don't want my car to give me a massage.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
The Jetta has never been known as a particularly reliable car, but it was thought to have decent driving characteristics and an above average use of cockpit materials and design panache. of course you had to pay a bit more to get those amenities and the Jetta was always pretty pricey compared to its competition. The new Jetta has been gutted and decontented to price it at a point that helps get VW some needed US (and global) market share. Unless you buy the wagon--which exemplifies VW's previous approach--you will be sorely disappointed in the new Jetta. Chintzy is the adjective that comes to mind --but, then, what should anyone expect with a $15K starting price. Hell, they're not even made in Wolfsburg anymore.
I would think just about every other model in the category would be a step up. I still have affection for VW, but am really glad I jettisoned mine more that 15 years ago.
Gogiboy
I can understand that....I don't want to get that personal with my car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250