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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Yeh, I guess I could have got one of these and saved $150 bucks;
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
4 of them have their drivers license, but 3 have a vehicle.
1 has a Jeep and the other 2 have Explorers.
The 4th one is looking for something to drive.
At some point, I mentioned that I did not want kid #2 taking a car to school, although my wife said it would be ok.
We have '11 and '02 Explorers.
I didn't want the '02 going to school, as I could see it becoming a dorm bus.
That means the wife gets a new car, we pass on her car to kid #1 and kid #1's car to kid #2.
If that happens and car less nephew hasn't bought something, maybe it will happen.
My nephews were trying to push me in that direction.
To be continued...
Hope you can make a computer spreadsheet to keep track of who gets what!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
How are the shingles coming along?
btw...did your dealership apply the 3M plastic to the front end of cars?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You’re a little high with the price and way low with the hours. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
It was just a rough estimate...I am not a detail (engineer) type person. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Among Canadians who expect to work past the traditional retirement age of 65, 61% say they plan to work because they need to and only 39% say it’s because they want to.
Fortunately for me I’m in the 39% bracket and unfortunately for me I’m still not going to have TOO much money when I finally decide to hang up my slide rule.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You know, all this talk about the 3M thingy got me to thinking about this. A few years ago Son #1 took his Altima to a body shop to have the hood repainted because of some stone chips. When he got to talking to the guy the guy mentioned that he uses a hardener in the paint when he does the hood so that it won’t chip like the original factory paint job but he said the best way to prevent chips is to have this shield thingy installed. He takes my Son over to a car that just had it done and my Son opted for it. I don’t remember what he said he paid for it or if it was the 3M or a generic but it works.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
This is a page from the Acura Dealer who will be doing the work. I think the 3M shield is a great solution...protects against chips, bugs and birds.
3M Paint Protection
And, what I like is once it is on I don't have to worry about it again...it's protected, no check up every year, no reapply. Car is probably worth more at trade in time too. It works for me.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Been up to quite a bit - what can I say! First, my doctor saw me yesterday and referred me to a dermatologist since his initial diagnosis of shingles was troubling to him. So, this morning, I went to see the dermatologist. He took some biopsies and scrapings - very painful. The dermatologist doesn't think it's shingles because the only welt is the one on my abdomen and no where else. Secondly, he asked me if I had developed any other symptoms - like a cold or sore throat - and it just so happens I am suffering from one, which surprised me since I was sick with the same thing last month, which resolved itself, but I got it back again. (talk about RUN ON SENTENCES, GOOD GRIEF).
He isn't sure what it is, but he ordered an Rx for a special cream with steriods, etc., to relieve the burning and itching. Both doctors believe this was brought on by my weakened immune system. I contracted hepatitis C from several blood transfusions I had after back surgery in 1980. They discovered I had this in 1995. They did extensive investigations on me regarding how I could have contracted it - I did not have sexual relations with anyone but my wife - who never contracted the disease, interestingly enough, and I don't use IV drugs, etc. So, after eliminating everything else, it had to be from the blood transfusion - back then they did not screen for hep C. (more RUN ON SENTENCES, GOOD GRIEF). So, they figure due to my immune system being in bad shape, it's possible this is some form of viral infection. I also had my gall baldder taken out 8 weeks ago, and I could have contracted something in the hospital.
So they want me to continue taking the anti-viral medication until it is finished. They are going to put a rush on the biopsy and scrapings, but it takes about a week to 10 days for results. By then, they will know what kind of infection I am suffering from. So, needless to say, things have been somewaht hectic.
You were going to take your Lexus to the dealer
Well, after seeing the dermatologist this morning, I went down to pick up my car. Lexus reps and service technicians claimed that vibration was not noticeable to them after test-driving the car many miles. So, they did nothing to the car. I am not surprised - they sure aren't going to blame the tires for this since no one else is complaining about the vibration. It only happens when the tires are cold - it dissipates eventually, so it has to be the tires. I'm just going to live with it (I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my cars, so it's probably not as bad as I think it is). I don't expect to get more than 15,000 miles on these Dunlops anyway, and since I plan on keeping this car for at least 2 or 3 years (it's a 2013, so it will be "new" for at least another 18 months, lol), I will replace the tires early next year "or" sooner if my perfectionistic approach to cars gets the better of me.
Otherwise, I've done nothing, nothing at all. Yes, they did give me a 2012 ES350 as a loaner. Quite a difference between the ES and the GS, that's for sure.
did your dealership apply the 3M plastic to the front end of cars?
I don't have the 3M protective coating on my car, but Lexus of Pembroke Pines here in South Florida is a certified dealer and installer for 3M protective shield.
I've been reading over the 20+ posts I missed yesterday and today re: the protective film, very interesting subject. When I was in the business, we offered this as an installed option, but sold very few of them. I believe we charged $400 for the full treatment - bumper, hood, mirrors, fenders, etc. I also remember that there was a huge profit in it for the dealership and the salespeople. I think our cost was $200 installed, leaving a nice bit of change for the salesperson. The film is easy to remove, as well, but at the time we were selling it, it was easy to tell that a clear film was on the car. I think the product(s) has improved significantly over the past 3 or 4 years where it is difficult to tell if the film is on the car.
If I drove 15,000 miles a year, I think I would have it installed!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
There's some advantages to working until you drop. For example you can have your retirement party and your wake in the same hall. :sick:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
That's wonderful, fezo*. Must feel great! Hope you are enjoying!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Geez, you have a problem that is difficult to solve and your car has a problem that is difficult to solve. Must be like sympathy pains or something going on. You know how they say dogs look sort of like their masters, I am wondering if cars are kind of like their owners.
I thought it sounded like shingles, but a lot of the things the dermatologist said sound very possible too. Lots of immune things flare up as we get older.
I was explaining to the dentist how I like to wear a cap when I am playing tennis, but in the last year or two I foundI get a rash from it. My dentist said he has to wear rubber gloves for work, and he gets a mild rash now on his hands when he wears the gloves.
OMG, so much to look forward to as we get older.
About the 3M plastic. Dealers charge $500 to $700 so this body shop is pretty reasonable at $275. That made me think though....as you said, dealer cost is $200, but at a dealership they have a large overhead and want to make a hefty profit, the salesman gets his cut, etc etc. I was also getting the seats coated with stain proof 3M product. I thought it should be about $200, but the dealer said it was about $500!!!! I thought for that much, I'll take my chances. But now I am thinking maybe I could get it done at a place like this Acura Dealer or a private place for my $200. What do you think, if you want to do this kind of thing maybe it is better to go to an independent guy?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Love your thought processes. What a great way to save some money too!
Oh wait, at that point it won't matter too much! :sick:
Reminds me we went to change our wills a bit today. At the end I asked the lawyer if he could put in a clause that would say, "If I go first can I make it so that if my wife meets a new guy he won't get my BMW?"
My wife promised me that if that happened she won't give anyone my 535, she will sell it........or, I told her you can give it to Fezo (no, I made that up, besides you are eyeing that Mustang).
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Glad to hear you are a free turkey....for awhile anyway.
Enjoy your time at home.......how long were you in there? I know it was a long time in some ways, but went fairly quickly in other ways.
I guess since you have been checking in it seems like you were never really away. Have a good weekend and nice to see the progress.
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
What do you mean just kidding?!!??!?? This si my only shot at a BMW that's not shot.....
Was out in the Solara for a bit. Hadn't driven since mid-March. Lat time I was home was then. Life is good....
Independents are fine if you know all there is to know about that particular shop! Certified installation shops have the protective film precut to a specific car. I spoke to my Lexus dealer and he said their tinting company precuts the tint and the protective film to the specs of the car they are working on.
Check with the Better Business Bureau if you go to an independent guy and always get 4 or 5 references, whether an independent or certified dealer installer. Always best to be safe than sorry. My dealer said he would do the full protective film installation for $400. That sounded fair considering the film costs about $150 and then you need to add the cost of labor.
Also, a large, well-known dealership has a reputation to uphold and will probably stand behind his work better - what do you think *driver?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
State police say a trooper clocked Anthony Anderson (AKA oldfarmer) of Poughkeepsie driving at 193 mph around 8 p.m. Wednesday in the southbound lanes of Interstate 87 just south of Albany — the same stretch of road where another motorcyclist was spotted doing 166 mph earlier this month.
One of them had to be you.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
My friend with his $130,000 Maserati highly recommended the shop I am going to. It is part of an Acura dealers operation, the body shop (can't they find a better name than that?), and they seem to do work reasonably, as if they were an independent. He has had a few things done there and they prices they charge are very reasonable.
I think these days they get the material and then via computers can cut it to the exact measurements of the car they are working on. If the cost is $150 then it is probably $175 in Canada, and charging $275 seems very reasonable. It takes an hour and a half so $100 for about an hours work isn't too difficult. You can buy a kit and do it yourself, but I'll have ripples and bumps all over if I did that.
I was thinking about your car and I think if you noticed a vibration it is probably there. I don't think it is right to say that since they didn't notice it it isn't there. I think it should be checked by an independent expert, and I think you should see if there is a columnist for an automag or something who would check it out.
I say this because my father was the same way...he was very good mechanically. He bought an Olds Omega, his first GM car in about 30 years and he knew from day one the brakes weren't right. Several years later they found the brakes weren't right and the cars could spin out of control.
He loved his Fords and Mercury's and bought a new one every year or two from 1954 until he bought the Omega which was probably 1980. But, he could sense if a car wasn't right. I think your radar is right about the Lexus, it isn't up to your standards, and the suits gave it a spin so you would think you were wrong.
I hope you can find someone who will take it for a ride....it would make an interesting article for a car magazine to follow up. See if the manufacturer was honest in their evaluation.
Hey Kirstie, can we line up a test run?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
No doubt about it. *driver, but it is so slight after a few minutes of driving once the tires warm up, it's not worth the stress! I am sure it's the tires and Lexus does not warrant the tires - Goodyear/Dunlop warrant them and Dunlop already said the were within specs. So shy should I get out of sorts over a slight vibration. As soon as I get to my level of tolerance, I'll just go out and have Michelins put on - probably their premium Pilot Sper Sports for around 1000 dollars including installation. I'll get them at my Lexus dealership who will give me a grat discount and they know how to install them without ruining the tire pressure monitors.
With all the other problems I am facing right now, I just need to set some priorities regarding acceptable stress levels
Thanks for your interest and concern, *driver!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Sounds like a good plan Mike, and a good attitude. My brother in law has a 2006 Impala that they bought and leave in Florida to use in the winter. The car sat there for 7 months and he said the tires had such flat spots they could barely drive it. They had to get new tires right away, but he bought good ones and the car has been fine ever since. He unhooks the battery when he is back home for 7 months in the summer.
Actually, flat spots on most tires can be a problem up here for the first few miles during the winter, when the temperature is around 20 or 10F. I guess we just accept it. Since they have tire air pressure monitors and heated seats they should make pre-heated tires. What a great idea, I think I will try to go on Shark Tank with it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I've verified this on three separate cars (my LaCrosse, 08 Elantra, and my company's Pacifica).
Just my .02.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
That has to be a great feeling after being away like you have been. It sounds like you are progressing well or they wouldn’t have sent you home. Either that or the nurses are tired of running from you.
Keep up the good work.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Tire pressure monitors have been around long enough that any tire shop worth their salt should know how to mount tires on rims with TPMs and not cause any problems. However, I will say that some shops try to convince their customers that extreme care has to be used so you have to be careful where you buy your tires if you have TPMs. I say this is a bunch of you know what. The Firestone store where I bought my Bridgestone Serenity’s is just such a shop ($4 a tire). When I was getting prices at this time of the year in ’10 for the Genny, 2 of the 4 stores gave me a written quote that had a TPM service charge on them. That kind of turned me off when I got the first one because the next store didn’t have this fee. When I mentioned it to the guy he said, “we used to do that but we can’t get away with it anymore so we stopped a couple years ago”. When I questioned the Firestone store guy he had one of those looks like ‘OH Sh== he knows something about tires’ and said, “company policy says I have to charge you for it and it has to be on the bill but I can give you a better price on the tires to account for it, OK”? I said, “sure that’s OK because you weren’t going to make a sale charging me for it”.
I guess you can chalk this up in the column headed...If You Don’t Ask You Don’t Get.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You make an excellent point, *tjc! I noticed the vibration much more on the Florida Turnpike then anywhere else, and only on their newly paved areas of asphalt! Just about everywhere else, the car rides smooth! I'll bet you that's what the problem is.
Thanks, you made a bery sick guy feel much better!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Just like my vibration movement from the Michelins on my 03 when it was new: if the road was "busy" with little up and down variations, that kept the suspension working and the cyclic vibration that tended to fall into a harmonic stage was lost. Couldn't feel them. However, if the road is very smooth like new asphalt properly laid, I could feel the harmonic movement build up in the tires. Hunter 9700 used to minimize tire compression variation by moving tires on the rim (or rim to rim with newer machine) or replace tires. Luckily a strip of county road next to my Buick dealer had just been freshly paved with asphalt, so the manager could use the electronic sensors and verify the vibration from wheels.
Cadillac at the time was replacing tires with Michelins to reduce the sensation. Bonneville was changing some of the rubber bushings on parts of the suspension to control the reaction of the lighter suspension parts.
I also noticed that when pulling the wheels with slightly more engine force on newly paved uphill sections of I-65 through KY I would feel the movement more. Downhill parts almost never had an oscillation apparent. That indicated a slight alignment factor or flexing of rubber mounts of suspension parts that affected the toe-in.
Put on Michelins recommended and you'll probably stiffen up the tires slightly and lose the float, quiet disconnect from road sound and feel with the current tires.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
This car has electronic steering. It is also running all weather tires. All weather tires have the different tread than summer tires. Since I live here in Florida, I should be running summer tires, not all weather tires. I believe all of these factors contribute to the slight vibration that I'm getting in the steering wheel.
Lexus, and Lexus from Torrance, roadtested the car for over 200 miles. The roads down by the dealer are not the same as the roads here by the turnpike. The turnpike has freshly asphalted roads while interstate 75 roads are not as newly resurfaced. I also have to remember that this is the first Lexus I've had in over 10 years after driving BMWs and Mercedes Benz automobiles for the past 10 years, all of which came with high performance summer tires.
Thanks so much for your input. It's much appreciated!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
around here, the roads range from rough to bomb craters. It is horrible, and a huge reason I would never buy something with a sport package with real low profile tires.
also, I thought I posted this but it seems to have disappeared, but if you really want to switch tires, make an offer to the dealer to sell them at dead cost and throw in free installation. That will make it way cheaper for you, and not actually cost them anything.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That is funny! We are very lucky here in South Florida because our roads are in excellent condition. We don't have to deal with salt, ice, and snow. We don't have to deal with the constant contraction and expansion of the asphalt due to the cold and warm temperatures like you do up north.
They just resurfaced the turnpike and that makes it extremely smooth. The very smooth road surface would be more sensitive to any imperfections in the tires. On interstate 75, the road is not as freshly resurfaced, which would tend to hide any imperfections. Quite frankly, I feel it has something to do with the tread.
Like I said in my previous post, I'm just not going to get myself all worked up over something so insignificant! When the time comes, whenever that might be, I'll put the Michelins on.
And I do understand that your roads up north can be really rough since they don not resurface them frequently enough due to the economic problems we've been experiencing. Also, remember that the turnpike repairs are paid for by the tolls.
Make them an offer...
I did, I offer them $500 to switch the tires. They refused unfortunately. But they did say that when I want to replace the tires, they will beat any price out there from any reputable dealership or tire company.
Thanks much for your feedback and input!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012305130022
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If I lived anywhere near that place, I'd have ATV's in my garage, not cars!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I also developed a bubble on one of the Genesis's tires from RT130, another screwed up road.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Had a good time today. Drove up to Barnegat Lighthouse and then got my toes in the ocean. Ah, home....
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I saw the replay of that awful call by the 3rd base umpire who called a "foul ball" on what was obviously a fair ball on that line drive that hit the third base foul line! Yep, it's a no-hitter thanks to the bad call - but a no-hitter nonetheless! Too bad the Mets's 1st no-hitter in over 8000 games had to be tainted by a bad call! I've been waiting for this for sooooooo long!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I really couldn't be happier for Santana, The Mets, & especially their truly loyal fans. I'm actually going to 2 Subway Series games next week (Fri & Sat).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I know there's a $1,000 rebate on it. I just don't know the market on these cars. You, however do!
http://www.autohausonedens.com/new/Mercedes-Benz/2012-Mercedes-Benz-C350C4-32bbe- 5f50a0a0065018edd8df9f6b426.htm
Greatly appreciate your help.
I know there's a $1,000 rebate on it. I just don't know the market on these cars. You, however do!
http://www.autohausonedens.com/new/Mercedes-Benz/2012-Mercedes-Benz-C350C4-32bbe- 5f50a0a0065018edd8df9f6b426.htm
Greatly appreciate your help.
I didn’t see the “bad call” so I don’t know how bad it was but I doubt it was deliberate. It couldn’t be as bad as an NFL coach who deliberately cheated the game in his unsuccessful quest for a perfect season a few years ago.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
First of all, are you, your sister, or a close member of the family veteran or on active duty? USAA has special pricing on Mercedes-Benz autos. You need to become a member first! Check it out at their website, USAA.com.
Look up the invoice on Edmunds with the exact equipment etc. Subtract the $1000 from that invoice price. Then make the offer based on invoice less $1000. With business being this bad, you can probably get an invoice or close to invoice price on the car she wants less that $1000. Also check to see if you have a conquest discount available to you. If so, you can subtract that as well! Even though this is a new model, you should be able to do very well!
Hope this helps. If she lives down here in Florida, I would have no problem getting her the price she wants.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
but as always, the ump called it foul, therefore it was foul.
'
besides, almost every NH (and many should have been NH) have featured a bad call, bad scoring decision, etc. Lots of luck (or good fortune) involved in a no no.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yes, of course it's still a no-hitter. But on the replay, you could see the chalk dust flying around the ball. I would think the umpire was probably out of position to miss that call. I used to umpire high school ball, and frequently missed calls were due to the umpire being out of position. Even though it looked like the empire was in good position, if he was slightly to the left or slightly to the right, he might have seen the ball better. Who knows?
Let's face it, the Mets definitely needed a break and Divine intervention delivered!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2018 430i Gran Coupe
The pricing would be before the fees are added. AutoNation owns most of the dealers down here (Mercedes) and their fee is $599 I believe. So if you are purchasing the car out of state, the pricing is what I suggested. In Florida you need to add the dealer fee (added profit) as discussed in previous posts.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2018 430i Gran Coupe