They called today, they are covering both repairs.
Sounds like they did the normal thing most companies would do....try to deny your claim if they can. It was a close one to call, depends on how you interpret the start of repairs and the time you received the letter.
Like I said before, if they are generous, they should cover the repair - give you the benefit of the doubt. I think big companies will deny the claim unless you fight for your rights.
I think if it gets nasty it is worth mentioning you will go to small claims court. No company wants to spend time and money doing that. I was telling a friend about my plumbing ordeal and he said he has a friend and when he is in these situations the friend says, "I am a retired senior citizen and you know what thet means....I have lots of time on my hands to fighting you on this!".
At this point I'll be happy with .75 cents on the dollar
You are truly generous man. You would accept $7.50 check for a $1000 repair (0.75 cents/dollar = 0.75% = 75 cents per $100) !!! Just enough to get another Timex watch in Rite-Aid
Sorry, coulnd't resist. I know exactly what you meant, but it was still fun to point it out.
You're in 2nd place behind GG and the Audi exchange deal for the best story of the year award.
First off I should be in 1st place not 2nd. My screwing went without acceptable resolution for me. ‘gg’ was dealing with a reasonable dealership, I wasn’t. Secondly I didn’t know we were giving out awards. To do that all stories must go before the “I Got Screwed Board” for final determination (members not chosen yet, for consideration pay your dues). ‘andres3’ is now out of the running so I have less completion.
It gives you a great story to tell your friends and neighbors, that alone is easily worth 3000 bucks!
I’d rather have the 3000 bucks. Do you want me to tell you where to put the story? :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
OK, here is the final decision. Briefly, I thought $1000 was a little high for 2 hours of work. I complained, a supervisor came out to see the work yesterday. I told the super that I thought $600 was a reasonable price for the work done, and $700 was acceptable but on the high side.
In my mind I thought if the refund is less than $300 I will tell them to shove it, and I will write letters to every consumer advocate I know, I will deliver flyers in the neighborhood, I will have business cards made up which I will leave anywhere I go, I will post on consumer internet sites.
They called this morning and said they would give me a refund of $250. That was my real in my mind very bottom line and what I kind of expected if anything. So, it isn't worth all the hassle for $50. I told the person who called that was acceptable and satisfactory, so no negative comments to people, though I have probably told 30 people already.
I think it is worth it to complain if not satisfied, but you have to do it in a businesslike manner, and not act like a hothead or something.
Congrats driver. You and gg should co-author a book on how not to get screwed over by corporate fatcats.
I took the Kia in for the first oil change yesterday. I had them pull up all the owners maintenance records. A nice 4 page summary of all activity in chronological order.
I couldn't help but laugh at a couple items that the prior owner complained about.
First, when I was looking at the car for the first time, I asked owner if the spark plugs had been changed. He replied it didnt have spark plugs... "they don't make them like that anymore I thought". He did admit to knowing nothing about cars. :P
On his Kia maintenance sheet, he had brought the car in for seatbelt malfunction. Kia instructed that it was jammed and informed how to use seatbelt.
The other issue was prior owner had brought the car in at 7,000 miles for a possible oil leak. The service writer wrote,"no leaks found, advised customer of A/C condensation". :sick:
for their author/book recommendations. The '02 Explorer sprung a rear axle shaft leak. Luckily, I noticed it a couple of days ago, and it had only been leaking for less than a week. Will cost $250-300, but that's better than $1500+ to replace the whole rear axle assembly. She was pushing for egghead to take the old Explorer to school, but I think it's pretty much off the list now. A new car for somewhat is more likely now.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Kind of funny, my older kid works on the BMW account for her company. it doesn't pay a lot, but the experience can't be beat. There's been lots of travel, which is her thing. When egghead was deciding on where to go to college, I told her I'd buy her a Mustang GT 500 convertible(55k) if she went to UConn. We would have ended up ahead financially after 2 years. She said she wasn't going to compromise her education just for a car. Since she started out as a freshman with 31 credits, I told her she could graduate in 3 years, but she didn't go for that pitch either.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
One of our employees bought an approximate 2004 Ford 500. It's been a good car and has been pretty reliable. Today he couldn't make it to work, because the it couldn't hold a charge (that's as much as I heard). So, he lost a days pay at $25 an hour and he will have a lot more work to do when he gets back, and it is hard on a small company to lose a critical employee for a day.
Where I am going with this is, I can see buying a used car if it is a 2nd car used for groceries or to get to the gym . If your car is critical to your job, or education, and there is any way you can swing it, I think it is better to buy a new dependable car. By the time you calculate the cost, and the value after 3 years, and the dependability, and much more such as safety,...it is just better to have a new car...at least one or two years old at the most.
explorer....I'm sure you're very proud of her....rightfully so.
I know if I had made the same offer to my son, no question he would have taken the car.
That said, I offered him 3 months in Europe (Round trip tix, a Eurail Pass, set him up in reasonable digs, with Italy as a base....where he could fall back on relatives). My thinking at the time, he was following a girl to college (vs making up his own mind where he wanted to go).
He turned it down. For good or for ill, the girl went away. And, my son did just fine at the local University (University of Cincinnati). But, for awhile there, I thought things were going to turn out much different (and much worse) than they did.
So the previous owner had all work done at the dealer? That's lucky for you. Most time private party used car have few or no service records. Myself, I never use to keep repair receipts although now I do for the most part.
Was the availability of records a big factor in your purchase?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
One of our employees bought an approximate 2004 Ford 500. It's been a good car and has been pretty reliable. Today he couldn't make it to work, because the it couldn't hold a charge (that's as much as I heard).
I don’t know how long your employee has had this car but if this is the only problem he has had with it, that is a pretty good track record. Unfortunately, the batteries today give almost no warning before they die. One time the car kicks over like it is new the next time nothing. I don’t know what the drop dead widget thingy is that they put in these newer batteries but that seems to be the way they die today. Batteries seem to last only 5 or 6 years today vs. 8 or more years ago.
There are exceptions of course but what I’ve noticed within the last 5 or so years is that one day you come out to your car and nothing happens. A rare exception happened to a fellow worker just 2 days ago in the parking lot after work. He turned the key and there was a pause with no sound then the car had a labored cranking sound then it started. This guy has a 2007 Fusion and he is well aware of the way batteries die today and was going to replace it in the Fall to get ready for winter. But he got a reminder earlier than September/October. So, on his way home he got a new battery. Now he’s set for the rest of the Summer then Fall and Winter for maybe 5 more years.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
He turned it down. For good or for ill, the girl went away. And, my son did just fine at the local University (University of Cincinnati). But, for awhile there, I thought things were going to turn out much different (and much worse) than they did.
Those girls can sure mess up a young guy alright.
Midway through Son #1s sophomore year through the mid part of his junior year at Penn State he was getting pretty serious with a girl but his grades were still pretty good. None of my business what happened but they split and I saw that his grades went up. :confuse: When I questioned him about this he said, “now that the romance is over I can spend more time on my subjects and not help her with hers”. :surprise:
Like I said you can get messed up and not even know it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You'd think that would make sense wouldn't you, but not always...
23 years ago I had a job interview for a teaching position within the same system where I held an adjunct position. It was a tenure track job and I NEEDED A JOB. Day comes for me to drive to my interview (it was an evening and I was staying overnight at a hotel) about 3 1/2 hours away. Car is a 1988 VW Golf that we'd bought new. This is March or April of 1989. As I'm leaving home and getting on the interstate the car starts bucking and coughing, then stalling. I finally get it started again, process repeats itself so I don't dare drive it another three hours and instead limp home on some side roads.
Later I plead with the folks at the other institution to reschedule my interview as I'll happily rent a car or get mine fixed in the meantime. No way. That's the way the cookie crumbles. Problems with the fuel system on an 8 month old car--all fixed under warranty of course, but job is out the window.
Farfegnugen my [non-permissible content removed]. I've had four Japanese cars since and held all for much longer than the VW and never had one strand me or leave me in the lurch (unless you count the one I totaled on the interstate, knock on wood)
. Batteries seem to last only 5 or 6 years today vs. 8 or more years ago
Batteries are so good these days, don't need much care. Remember adding distilled water and cleaning off the crud?
The employees car is a 2005, he hasn't had any issues, he bought it in 2008, so it is probably time for a new battery. My point is, I like the convenience and the reliability of a new car.
For many years I could only afford used cars and most were pretty good. But, I did spend more hours than I would want to today, waiting in garages for repairs to be made. I'd rather work harder, or do without something, and try to get into a new car. Once you get one it is just the difference you pay each time you get a car. It might cost less than you would think to drive a new vehicle.
Once you get one it is just the difference you pay each time you get a car. It might cost less than you would think to drive a new vehicle.
That almost sounds like the way a salesman would talk to up you into a more deluxe model but I know what you mean. When I was raising a family I had plenty of used cars and they rarely gave me a problem. I never bought anything more abused than 3 years and they had low mileage so that explains why I kept doing it.
Now today, because of this conditioning that used car buyers have put themselves into they don’t realize that used car prices are way up and since they have their old school used car mentality, the used car market has been able to remain elevated for a few years. Once these old school thinkers look out of the box so to speak they might be driving a new car for just a little more per month and more than likely have the car they really want.
That’s my theory anyway.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I didn't have any issues with my son dating this particular girl. It's just he wasn't making any of his own decisions by doing so. Male or female, gotta make your own decisions....especially the important ones (like where to go to college).
In the back of my mind, I thought if I could provide a "life experience" (like sending him to Europe), he would see what I was saying.
Still, once college started, they drifted apart...she went one way, he went another.
I asked him several weeks ago if he'd heard from her. He said he hadn't spoken to her in a couple of years. But, she dropped out of college and bounced around a bit doing different jobs. But, she was planing to head out to Vegas to be a casino worker. Don't know what that means, don't want it explained.
Don't fret over losing that job. Academia is more cut throat than any business I know. That whole publish or perish stuff and the sometimes childish antics of your colleagues can make that kind of job a nightmare.
I do agree that batteries don't die like they use to. I've replaced two in the last year and both were fine one day and dead as a doornail the next. In the old days I would nurse a weak battery for at least a couple of years before giving up that precious $20 for a new one.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"...girls can sure mess up a young guy alright..."
Yeah, but a good woman can save your soul. My girlfriend (future wife) would stay up all night typing papers, drag me out of a stupor and take me to church and best of all laugh at my jokes. She sealed the deal when she bought me that 74 Charger. When I think what kind of sordid life I would have lead without her I shudder.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
. Once these old school thinkers look out of the box so to speak they might be driving a new car for just a little more per month
Although the initial cost of a new car is higher, there are certain costs associated with a used car that have to be factored in.
A used car will have more repairs, it could leave you stranded...say hotel bills, or missing an important appointment. Then, you may have to trade it in earlier to get another used car so you pay taxes on the car again. Also, for me it's a little bit of a gamble, most used cars if you buy carefully can be quite good, but every once in awhile a real lemon comes up!
I haven't been up on the forum for a while due to problems I have had with my iphone browser, called "SAFARI". After working with Apple Care on the phone for a few days, they had me download "CHROME" to use as a browser for edmunds.com/forums only. The browser works on all other sites (safari), but for some reason, when I try to reply to an email from the this forum, I get all kinds of error messages. It started happening last week.
So, whenever I get an email that a new post is up on this forum, I have to go in manually and use Chrome instead of Safari.
I wonder if Edmunds is aware of the problem with Safari. I sent them three emails, but they have not responded to any of my inquiries.
Does anyone else use Safari for this forum site, like on their IPAD or Iphone?
> my iphone browser, called "SAFARI". After working with Apple Care on the phone for a few days, they had me download "CHROME" to use as a browser for edmunds.com/forums only.
Sounds like Apple is behind having the correct technology in place on this one again. I recall the flaws in my Apple Macintoshes and software.
She sealed the deal when she bought me that 74 Charger.
Mrs. j would have never thought of doing something like that for me. Even if I asked she would have said, “this car (my almost brand spanking new ’66 Bonneville) is pretty nice, you don’t need another car”.
When I think what kind of sordid life I would have lead without her I shudder.
I was’t as bad as you in my younger days. I was a very responsible guy, really. As much as I complain about Mrs. j she is alright. Mostly because she writes the checks to pay our bills. Hell, if she didn’t do that I’d be in prison waiting to hear when my parole hearing was due.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
For 9 months, I never had a problem accessing the full Edmunds site on my IPhone 3GS and now my 4S. Then, without warning, I could not get signed in to the forums. I had no difficulty on my PC, just the iPhone. I post 95% of my posts using my iPhone.
The guy at Apple Care thought the issue was with the site itself - but I said it could be the browser. So, we downloaded Chrome on my PC to my iPhone by "syncing" the phone to the iTunes software. Then, I manually accessed the edmunds forums and it worked great! But I can't replace Safari with Chrome as the main or dominant browser. So I have to manually access forums using Chrome by opening the Chrome App.
So, whenever I get an email that a new post is up on this forum, I have to go in manually and use Chrome instead of Safari. Are we really worth that much effort?
lol.......I was wondering that too, but didn't want to ask :sick:
I have three Windows 7 computers: small laptop and two desktops, one at home, one at work. No troubles on desktops, except some slow working or occasional short site collapses, which happen like a clockwork. But the laptop, ho boy. I. Explorer on my laptop suddenly displays Edmunds website differently, no link bar above, no forum links. Even when somehow get to welcome screen of the login, it told me first I had account error, now it reads some garbage. Loaded Firefox and it works fine, but constantly wants me to log in (loses the settings).
This website has more problems than any other I visit. If not for its content and company, I would have been out long, long time ago.
Hey guys! Just saying hello & checking in from Charlotte, NC. Holy Heat batman, it's HOT here! 1st leg of my trip went well. Stamford, CT to Philadelphia, PA. Stopped at "please touch" children's museum to let the boys run around for a few hours. What a spectacular place.
We left Philadelphia & drove to Leesburg, VA. Had a fantastic time visiting family.
Wednesday AM we loaded the Pilot back up & drove from Leesburg, VA to Charlotte, NC. VA is a massive state. Took 4 hours of my 6 hour drive. The Pilot has proved to be a comfortable road trip companion. Plenty of room for my family (me, wife, & 3 kids under 6) and our stuff. Most went in the cargo area & some in a Thule Roof Bag. I've kept the speed at a modest 70 - 75 mph (even when the speeds are 70).
GG - glad you got your Audi issues resolved. Best of luck to you & Mazel-Tov on your new A6.
Welcome back boom!
I even got a few sales & "non" sales stories to tell probably when I get back.
Mike - I pretty much post exclusively from my iPhone 4 using safari. Rarely do I encounter a problem.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
What is going on with this recent rash of car purchases?! There have been more new rides in the last two months than this site has had in the last two years. Naturally, it's a great thing to be happening. Hope you enjoy your Optima. It sounds like a good deal and a nice vehicle.
Update#1: The three roofs are completed---30 year architectural for $8,200.
Update #2: Plumbing line from house to street completed---$2,000
The anxiety is gone, plus $10,200. :sick: Still, it is a good feeling and we can now concentrate on the Japanese garden and other decorating projects.
"If I called a guy on Wednesday and he couldn't come until Thursday, I would have moved on to the next guy."
I don't know where you live, but where we live it would be rare indeed if any workman came on the same day that I called him. In fact, we would be lucky if he came the second day. Also, appointments for us mean nothing and promises are meaningless. Many of them lie like dogs and don't ever apologize when they show up a week later. In some cases, you are at their mercy. My plumber did pretty well, but the roofer that I wanted took forever to arrive---and he knew that we had leaks. We waited for a week, and it rained every afternoon! Thank goodness for trash cans and plenty of towels. People kept saying that he would do a good job if you could just get him to come. At least it is behind us now.
I assume your trip to Victoria was successful - seeing the family, relaxing, etc.!
It was really nice to see the family, but they do live in a remote area, we have to travel on a gravel-washboard logging road for 2 hours to get there. If a looging truck is approaching you have to pullway over to the side of the road. There are workers in pick up trucks speeding along and best to let them go by too. Once you pull over you have to let the dust settle or you can't see. In some places there is no barrier, and the drop is about 30 stories.
We got off the plane and went to Hertz to rent a car. He asked where we were going and I said the name of the town. He said, I don't want to give you a car to go there, that's not a public road. I said we have done it several times and I would be careful. He said there would be a charge of $150 to clean the car when we returned.
I went slow to avoid stone chips etc. On the way I was wondering if my insurance would cover me. There is a sign at the beginning that says Private Road...I guess the logging company owns it. If I went over the cliff or was hit by a loggingtruck we may not be covered.
So, now we have decided next time we will meet them in town and stay at a lodge.
Living in a remote area is a whole different lifestyle, it isn't for me. They have a restaurant there that is open Thurs, Fri and Sat, if the owners feel like it. And when they are open they treat you like you are a nuisance being there. I am trying to figure out, who prefers to live in the middle of nowhere. I need a real bed, a TV and radio nearby, restaurants, stores, other people around even if i don't actually talk to them.
but where we live it would be rare indeed if any workman came on the same day that I called him.
A friend told me these tradesmaen work on the panic principle. If you are having a problem, roof, electical, electronic, plumbing, furnace, air conditioner, these guys know you are in panic mode....you just want the thing fixed so you can get on with your life.
They take full advantage of the fact...they arrive late, they say they will do the work right away but they don't. It is hard to trust them at all. Ask your friends if they have had a good experience with a trades person and then write the name down in your address book. If disaster strikes it will be too late to find a good one.
However, if you don't, check out companies on the internet before you call. I google "reviews for Acme Plumbing beantown OH" or whatever. My guy had 1 and a half stars out of 5, with lots of similar complaints about overcharging.
This experience has showed us one thing. On a dark street corner late at night, you would be open to discounts and negotiations.
It showed me that if I owed you $100, and we were walking down a dark street, and a robber all of a sudden showed up and pointed a gun at us and said, "OK guys, give me all your money", then the first thing I would do is say, "Richard, here's the $100 I owe you". :P
Many of them lie like dogs and don't ever apologize when they show up a week later.
As everyone knows, I usually do my own work so I was oblivious to the problems people had with getting someone to do something for them. When we moved to SC we heard it was worse than it was in other places people had lived in, especially from those that lived in the Burgh. They would tell Mrs. j you better hope jmonroe can continue doing things because when the day comes that you need someone down here, lookout.
As I said before I don’t like landscaping work and the time came that we needed some Pine Straw. I talked to a few neighbors about who they used and I was given several names. I was given the same name by a couple of neighbors and it was funny because they all said the guy is good but you never know when he’ll show up. So keep that in mind. I figured I’m not doing business with that guy so I called another guy on the list. He said he’d be out the next day, no problem. Four days later he’s still not there. I called the next name on the list and surprisingly he showed up the next day but hours later.
Mrs. j kept walking around saying, “I can’t believe this place, I just can’t believe this place”. :sick: I told her, “this is what you get when you have to rely on someone to do things for you. Get used to it. I just spoiled you all these years”. Three days after the guy came and laid down the Pine Straw the first guy I called knocked on the door. Mrs. j said, “I guess you can see that we had that done days ago.” She said the guy had this look of disbelief on his face and as he walked away he said, “lady, you could have at least called and let me know”. :surprise: Really, why would I call someone who I thought had died.
Eventually some of my neighbors stopped using that guy too but not right away. Some people have more patience than others.
Welcome back.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I am trying to figure out, who prefers to live in the middle of nowhere.
We have a second home in the Caribbean and although the location is beautiful (overlooking the Caribbean Sea) getting there is an adventure. As often happens with greedy developers they make promises that they cannot keep leaving homeowners in a lurch.
In this case the developer ran out of money before completing the roads. A gravel base was laid but was never finished with asphalt or concrete. Meanwhile, the rains have degraded the road so severely that traversing it requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle. It is less than a half-mile long but since it is up a fairly steep hill it requires total concentration especially when you have a nagging spouse.
But once up there it is the closest thing to Nirvana. It is peaceful, lush and green with constant trade winds making AC unnecessary. At nights we have to cover with a light blanket. Unfortunately, we spend only three weeks a year there as my job does not allow much free time.
It is peaceful, lush and green with constant trade winds making AC unnecessary. At nights we have to cover with a light blanket.
That sounds like a nice spot to go to for a short period of time...like a few months, just to get away from your usual routine for a change.
The people in this remote area of Vancouver Island live there all year round! To get groceries they can email the grocery store, the groceries are put on a ship, and they are delivered 3 times a week. To go to a dentist or doctor appointment or to get your license renewed you have to travel 2 hours each way on a logging road to get to town. If your car needs repairs just hope it doesn't break down on the logging road. The kids get picked up to go to school in a School Boat. You have to be a DIYer because there aren't too many tradesman you can call.
It's too bad the builder in your case went under and the roads weren't completed. That kind of thing happens too often. I know about buyer beware and laissez faire, but personally, I would like to see more safeguards or laws made to protect consumers. In this case, in my case with the plumber, in GGs case, and Monroes case, it would be nice to have an independent panel to help consumers....consumers have little recourse in so many situations, sometimes through no fault of their own.
You guys post too much. I was away for work for 2 weeks back in April and I've been behind ever since. I finally gave in and skipped the last 600 messages.
Comments
Sounds like they did the normal thing most companies would do....try to deny your claim if they can. It was a close one to call, depends on how you interpret the start of repairs and the time you received the letter.
Like I said before, if they are generous, they should cover the repair - give you the benefit of the doubt. I think big companies will deny the claim unless you fight for your rights.
I think if it gets nasty it is worth mentioning you will go to small claims court. No company wants to spend time and money doing that. I was telling a friend about my plumbing ordeal and he said he has a friend and when he is in these situations the friend says, "I am a retired senior citizen and you know what thet means....I have lots of time on my hands to fighting you on this!".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You are truly generous man. You would accept $7.50 check for a $1000 repair (0.75 cents/dollar = 0.75% = 75 cents per $100) !!! Just enough to get another Timex watch in Rite-Aid
Sorry, coulnd't resist. I know exactly what you meant, but it was still fun to point it out.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
First off I should be in 1st place not 2nd. My screwing went without acceptable resolution for me. ‘gg’ was dealing with a reasonable dealership, I wasn’t. Secondly I didn’t know we were giving out awards. To do that all stories must go before the “I Got Screwed Board” for final determination (members not chosen yet, for consideration pay your dues). ‘andres3’ is now out of the running so I have less completion.
It gives you a great story to tell your friends and neighbors, that alone is easily worth 3000 bucks!
I’d rather have the 3000 bucks. Do you want me to tell you where to put the story? :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
lol
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You're right! We need two awards. One for best "good news story" of the year (GG) and one for the "loser of the year". :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In my mind I thought if the refund is less than $300 I will tell them to shove it, and I will write letters to every consumer advocate I know, I will deliver flyers in the neighborhood, I will have business cards made up which I will leave anywhere I go, I will post on consumer internet sites.
They called this morning and said they would give me a refund of $250. That was my real in my mind very bottom line and what I kind of expected if anything. So, it isn't worth all the hassle for $50. I told the person who called that was acceptable and satisfactory, so no negative comments to people, though I have probably told 30 people already.
I think it is worth it to complain if not satisfied, but you have to do it in a businesslike manner, and not act like a hothead or something.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I took the Kia in for the first oil change yesterday. I had them pull up all the owners maintenance records. A nice 4 page summary of all activity in chronological order.
I couldn't help but laugh at a couple items that the prior owner complained about.
First, when I was looking at the car for the first time, I asked owner if the spark plugs had been changed. He replied it didnt have spark plugs... "they don't make them like that anymore I thought". He did admit to knowing nothing about cars. :P
On his Kia maintenance sheet, he had brought the car in for seatbelt malfunction. Kia instructed that it was jammed and informed how to use seatbelt.
The other issue was prior owner had brought the car in at 7,000 miles for a possible oil leak. The service writer wrote,"no leaks found, advised customer of A/C condensation". :sick:
The '02 Explorer sprung a rear axle shaft leak.
Luckily, I noticed it a couple of days ago, and it had only been leaking for less than a week.
Will cost $250-300, but that's better than $1500+ to replace the whole rear axle assembly.
She was pushing for egghead to take the old Explorer to school, but I think it's pretty much off the list now.
A new car for somewhat is more likely now.
When she hits the big time, maybe she'll put a BMW in your driveway.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
jipster.....I was hoping for a place in one of your books.....maybe as an addendum!
it doesn't pay a lot, but the experience can't be beat.
There's been lots of travel, which is her thing.
When egghead was deciding on where to go to college, I told her I'd buy her a Mustang GT 500 convertible(55k) if she went to UConn.
We would have ended up ahead financially after 2 years.
She said she wasn't going to compromise her education just for a car.
Since she started out as a freshman with 31 credits, I told her she could graduate in 3 years, but she didn't go for that pitch either.
One of our employees bought an approximate 2004 Ford 500. It's been a good car and has been pretty reliable. Today he couldn't make it to work, because the it couldn't hold a charge (that's as much as I heard). So, he lost a days pay at $25 an hour and he will have a lot more work to do when he gets back, and it is hard on a small company to lose a critical employee for a day.
Where I am going with this is, I can see buying a used car if it is a 2nd car used for groceries or to get to the gym . If your car is critical to your job, or education, and there is any way you can swing it, I think it is better to buy a new dependable car. By the time you calculate the cost, and the value after 3 years, and the dependability, and much more such as safety,...it is just better to have a new car...at least one or two years old at the most.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know if I had made the same offer to my son, no question he would have taken the car.
That said, I offered him 3 months in Europe (Round trip tix, a Eurail Pass, set him up in reasonable digs, with Italy as a base....where he could fall back on relatives). My thinking at the time, he was following a girl to college (vs making up his own mind where he wanted to go).
He turned it down. For good or for ill, the girl went away. And, my son did just fine at the local University (University of Cincinnati). But, for awhile there, I thought things were going to turn out much different (and much worse) than they did.
So the previous owner had all work done at the dealer? That's lucky for you. Most time private party used car have few or no service records. Myself, I never use to keep repair receipts although now I do for the most part.
Was the availability of records a big factor in your purchase?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I don’t know how long your employee has had this car but if this is the only problem he has had with it, that is a pretty good track record. Unfortunately, the batteries today give almost no warning before they die. One time the car kicks over like it is new the next time nothing. I don’t know what the drop dead widget thingy is that they put in these newer batteries but that seems to be the way they die today. Batteries seem to last only 5 or 6 years today vs. 8 or more years ago.
There are exceptions of course but what I’ve noticed within the last 5 or so years is that one day you come out to your car and nothing happens. A rare exception happened to a fellow worker just 2 days ago in the parking lot after work. He turned the key and there was a pause with no sound then the car had a labored cranking sound then it started. This guy has a 2007 Fusion and he is well aware of the way batteries die today and was going to replace it in the Fall to get ready for winter. But he got a reminder earlier than September/October. So, on his way home he got a new battery. Now he’s set for the rest of the Summer then Fall and Winter for maybe 5 more years.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Those girls can sure mess up a young guy alright.
Midway through Son #1s sophomore year through the mid part of his junior year at Penn State he was getting pretty serious with a girl but his grades were still pretty good. None of my business what happened but they split and I saw that his grades went up. :confuse: When I questioned him about this he said, “now that the romance is over I can spend more time on my subjects and not help her with hers”. :surprise:
Like I said you can get messed up and not even know it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You'd think that would make sense wouldn't you, but not always...
23 years ago I had a job interview for a teaching position within the same system where I held an adjunct position. It was a tenure track job and I NEEDED A JOB. Day comes for me to drive to my interview (it was an evening and I was staying overnight at a hotel) about 3 1/2 hours away. Car is a 1988 VW Golf that we'd bought new. This is March or April of 1989. As I'm leaving home and getting on the interstate the car starts bucking and coughing, then stalling. I finally get it started again, process repeats itself so I don't dare drive it another three hours and instead limp home on some side roads.
Later I plead with the folks at the other institution to reschedule my interview as I'll happily rent a car or get mine fixed in the meantime. No way. That's the way the cookie crumbles. Problems with the fuel system on an 8 month old car--all fixed under warranty of course, but job is out the window.
Farfegnugen my [non-permissible content removed]. I've had four Japanese cars since and held all for much longer than the VW and never had one strand me or leave me in the lurch (unless you count the one I totaled on the interstate, knock on wood)
Gogiboy
Batteries are so good these days, don't need much care. Remember adding distilled water and cleaning off the crud?
The employees car is a 2005, he hasn't had any issues, he bought it in 2008, so it is probably time for a new battery. My point is, I like the convenience and the reliability of a new car.
For many years I could only afford used cars and most were pretty good. But, I did spend more hours than I would want to today, waiting in garages for repairs to be made. I'd rather work harder, or do without something, and try to get into a new car. Once you get one it is just the difference you pay each time you get a car. It might cost less than you would think to drive a new vehicle.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You may have been a billionaire today if only you had a more reliable car for that interview you missed.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That almost sounds like the way a salesman would talk to up you into a more deluxe model but I know what you mean. When I was raising a family I had plenty of used cars and they rarely gave me a problem. I never bought anything more abused than 3 years and they had low mileage so that explains why I kept doing it.
Now today, because of this conditioning that used car buyers have put themselves into they don’t realize that used car prices are way up and since they have their old school used car mentality, the used car market has been able to remain elevated for a few years. Once these old school thinkers look out of the box so to speak they might be driving a new car for just a little more per month and more than likely have the car they really want.
That’s my theory anyway.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I didn't have any issues with my son dating this particular girl. It's just he wasn't making any of his own decisions by doing so. Male or female, gotta make your own decisions....especially the important ones (like where to go to college).
In the back of my mind, I thought if I could provide a "life experience" (like sending him to Europe), he would see what I was saying.
Still, once college started, they drifted apart...she went one way, he went another.
I asked him several weeks ago if he'd heard from her. He said he hadn't spoken to her in a couple of years. But, she dropped out of college and bounced around a bit doing different jobs. But, she was planing to head out to Vegas to be a casino worker. Don't know what that means, don't want it explained.
Don't fret over losing that job. Academia is more cut throat than any business I know. That whole publish or perish stuff and the sometimes childish antics of your colleagues can make that kind of job a nightmare.
I do agree that batteries don't die like they use to. I've replaced two in the last year and both were fine one day and dead as a doornail the next. In the old days I would nurse a weak battery for at least a couple of years before giving up that precious $20 for a new one.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yeah, but a good woman can save your soul. My girlfriend (future wife) would stay up all night typing papers, drag me out of a stupor and take me to church and best of all laugh at my jokes. She sealed the deal when she bought me that 74 Charger. When I think what kind of sordid life I would have lead without her I shudder.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Although the initial cost of a new car is higher, there are certain costs associated with a used car that have to be factored in.
A used car will have more repairs, it could leave you stranded...say hotel bills, or missing an important appointment. Then, you may have to trade it in earlier to get another used car so you pay taxes on the car again. Also, for me it's a little bit of a gamble, most used cars if you buy carefully can be quite good, but every once in awhile a real lemon comes up!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I haven't been up on the forum for a while due to problems I have had with my iphone browser, called "SAFARI". After working with Apple Care on the phone for a few days, they had me download "CHROME" to use as a browser for edmunds.com/forums only. The browser works on all other sites (safari), but for some reason, when I try to reply to an email from the this forum, I get all kinds of error messages. It started happening last week.
So, whenever I get an email that a new post is up on this forum, I have to go in manually and use Chrome instead of Safari.
I wonder if Edmunds is aware of the problem with Safari. I sent them three emails, but they have not responded to any of my inquiries.
Does anyone else use Safari for this forum site, like on their IPAD or Iphone?
Wonder if anyone else is having the same problem.
Good to be back.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Sounds like Apple is behind having the correct technology in place on this one again. I recall the flaws in my Apple Macintoshes and software.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Are we really worth that much effort? :confuse:
I wonder if Edmunds is aware of the problem with Safari. I sent them three emails, but they have not responded to any of my inquiries.
That’s an easy one to answer. Are you current with your dues? :surprise:
Wonder if anyone else is having the same problem.
See above.
I was wondering where you were. I’m glad it wasn’t because of a setback with your pneumonia.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Mrs. j would have never thought of doing something like that for me. Even if I asked she would have said, “this car (my almost brand spanking new ’66 Bonneville) is pretty nice, you don’t need another car”.
When I think what kind of sordid life I would have lead without her I shudder.
I was’t as bad as you in my younger days. I was a very responsible guy, really. As much as I complain about Mrs. j she is alright. Mostly because she writes the checks to pay our bills. Hell, if she didn’t do that I’d be in prison waiting to hear when my parole hearing was due.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Just tell me where to send the check!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
For 9 months, I never had a problem accessing the full Edmunds site on my IPhone 3GS and now my 4S. Then, without warning, I could not get signed in to the forums. I had no difficulty on my PC, just the iPhone. I post 95% of my posts using my iPhone.
The guy at Apple Care thought the issue was with the site itself - but I said it could be the browser. So, we downloaded Chrome on my PC to my iPhone by "syncing" the phone to the iTunes software. Then, I manually accessed the edmunds forums and it worked great! But I can't replace Safari with Chrome as the main or dominant browser. So I have to manually access forums using Chrome by opening the Chrome App.
Confusing, but at least it works!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Yes, I was just about to ask where you were...nice to have you back.
I was also wondering about Richard, but he has a new house to look after.
Then I was wondering about boomcheck, said he would stick around this time but I have heard that one before.
Anyone else missing in action?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Are we really worth that much effort?
lol.......I was wondering that too, but didn't want to ask :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Definitely worth all that extra effort!
I assume your trip to Victoria was successful - seeing the family, relaxing, etc.!
No one will tell me where to send my dues check - I know I am in "ARREARS"!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
This website has more problems than any other I visit. If not for its content and company, I would have been out long, long time ago.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Just send the check to fezo. He's collecting dues this month.
Definitely agree with you dino! Lots of problems with this site, but most off them are on my iPhone, and rarely, but still a pain, on my PC.
I just don't run the PC in the evenings. From what I've been told, it's the browser, and how the site reacts to those browsers.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
We left Philadelphia & drove to Leesburg, VA. Had a fantastic time visiting family.
Wednesday AM we loaded the Pilot back up & drove from Leesburg, VA to Charlotte, NC. VA is a massive state. Took 4 hours of my 6 hour drive. The Pilot has proved to be a comfortable road trip companion. Plenty of room for my family (me, wife, & 3 kids under 6) and our stuff. Most went in the cargo area & some in a Thule Roof Bag. I've kept the speed at a modest 70 - 75 mph (even when the speeds are 70).
GG - glad you got your Audi issues resolved. Best of luck to you & Mazel-Tov on your new A6.
Welcome back boom!
I even got a few sales & "non" sales stories to tell probably when I get back.
Mike - I pretty much post exclusively from my iPhone 4 using safari. Rarely do I encounter a problem.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Update#1: The three roofs are completed---30 year architectural for $8,200.
Update #2: Plumbing line from house to street completed---$2,000
The anxiety is gone, plus $10,200. :sick: Still, it is a good feeling and we can now concentrate on the Japanese garden and other decorating projects.
Richard
I don't know where you live, but where we live it would be rare indeed if any workman came on the same day that I called him. In fact, we would be lucky if he came the second day. Also, appointments for us mean nothing and promises are meaningless. Many of them lie like dogs and don't ever apologize when they show up a week later. In some cases, you are at their mercy. My plumber did pretty well, but the roofer that I wanted took forever to arrive---and he knew that we had leaks. We waited for a week, and it rained every afternoon! Thank goodness for trash cans and plenty of towels. People kept saying that he would do a good job if you could just get him to come. At least it is behind us now.
Richard
This experience has showed us one thing. On a dark street corner late at night, you would be open to discounts and negotiations. :P
Richard
Richard
It was really nice to see the family, but they do live in a remote area, we have to travel on a gravel-washboard logging road for 2 hours to get there. If a looging truck is approaching you have to pullway over to the side of the road. There are workers in pick up trucks speeding along and best to let them go by too. Once you pull over you have to let the dust settle or you can't see. In some places there is no barrier, and the drop is about 30 stories.
We got off the plane and went to Hertz to rent a car. He asked where we were going and I said the name of the town. He said, I don't want to give you a car to go there, that's not a public road. I said we have done it several times and I would be careful. He said there would be a charge of $150 to clean the car when we returned.
I went slow to avoid stone chips etc. On the way I was wondering if my insurance would cover me. There is a sign at the beginning that says Private Road...I guess the logging company owns it. If I went over the cliff or was hit by a loggingtruck we may not be covered.
So, now we have decided next time we will meet them in town and stay at a lodge.
Living in a remote area is a whole different lifestyle, it isn't for me. They have a restaurant there that is open Thurs, Fri and Sat, if the owners feel like it. And when they are open they treat you like you are a nuisance being there. I am trying to figure out, who prefers to live in the middle of nowhere. I need a real bed, a TV and radio nearby, restaurants, stores, other people around even if i don't actually talk to them.
But, yes, overall, a really smooth trip.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A friend told me these tradesmaen work on the panic principle. If you are having a problem, roof, electical, electronic, plumbing, furnace, air conditioner, these guys know you are in panic mode....you just want the thing fixed so you can get on with your life.
They take full advantage of the fact...they arrive late, they say they will do the work right away but they don't. It is hard to trust them at all. Ask your friends if they have had a good experience with a trades person and then write the name down in your address book. If disaster strikes it will be too late to find a good one.
However, if you don't, check out companies on the internet before you call. I google "reviews for Acme Plumbing beantown OH" or whatever. My guy had 1 and a half stars out of 5, with lots of similar complaints about overcharging.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It showed me that if I owed you $100, and we were walking down a dark street, and a robber all of a sudden showed up and pointed a gun at us and said, "OK guys, give me all your money", then the first thing I would do is say, "Richard, here's the $100 I owe you". :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
As everyone knows, I usually do my own work so I was oblivious to the problems people had with getting someone to do something for them. When we moved to SC we heard it was worse than it was in other places people had lived in, especially from those that lived in the Burgh. They would tell Mrs. j you better hope jmonroe can continue doing things because when the day comes that you need someone down here, lookout.
As I said before I don’t like landscaping work and the time came that we needed some Pine Straw. I talked to a few neighbors about who they used and I was given several names. I was given the same name by a couple of neighbors and it was funny because they all said the guy is good but you never know when he’ll show up. So keep that in mind. I figured I’m not doing business with that guy so I called another guy on the list. He said he’d be out the next day, no problem. Four days later he’s still not there. I called the next name on the list and surprisingly he showed up the next day but hours later.
Mrs. j kept walking around saying, “I can’t believe this place, I just can’t believe this place”. :sick: I told her, “this is what you get when you have to rely on someone to do things for you. Get used to it. I just spoiled you all these years”. Three days after the guy came and laid down the Pine Straw the first guy I called knocked on the door. Mrs. j said, “I guess you can see that we had that done days ago.” She said the guy had this look of disbelief on his face and as he walked away he said, “lady, you could have at least called and let me know”. :surprise: Really, why would I call someone who I thought had died.
Eventually some of my neighbors stopped using that guy too but not right away. Some people have more patience than others.
Welcome back.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
We have a second home in the Caribbean and although the location is beautiful (overlooking the Caribbean Sea) getting there is an adventure. As often happens with greedy developers they make promises that they cannot keep leaving homeowners in a lurch.
In this case the developer ran out of money before completing the roads. A gravel base was laid but was never finished with asphalt or concrete. Meanwhile, the rains have degraded the road so severely that traversing it requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle. It is less than a half-mile long but since it is up a fairly steep hill it requires total concentration especially when you have a nagging spouse.
But once up there it is the closest thing to Nirvana. It is peaceful, lush and green with constant trade winds making AC unnecessary. At nights we have to cover with a light blanket. Unfortunately, we spend only three weeks a year there as my job does not allow much free time.
That sounds like a nice spot to go to for a short period of time...like a few months, just to get away from your usual routine for a change.
The people in this remote area of Vancouver Island live there all year round! To get groceries they can email the grocery store, the groceries are put on a ship, and they are delivered 3 times a week. To go to a dentist or doctor appointment or to get your license renewed you have to travel 2 hours each way on a logging road to get to town. If your car needs repairs just hope it doesn't break down on the logging road. The kids get picked up to go to school in a School Boat. You have to be a DIYer because there aren't too many tradesman you can call.
It's too bad the builder in your case went under and the roads weren't completed. That kind of thing happens too often. I know about buyer beware and laissez faire, but personally, I would like to see more safeguards or laws made to protect consumers. In this case, in my case with the plumber, in GGs case, and Monroes case, it would be nice to have an independent panel to help consumers....consumers have little recourse in so many situations, sometimes through no fault of their own.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You guys post too much. I was away for work for 2 weeks back in April and I've been behind ever since. I finally gave in and skipped the last 600 messages.