I guess that I'm a real cheap car owner. I just drop by my dealer's shop once a month and have my tires checked.
Makola: Love the yellow stripe. It adds a fashionable and needed touch to a great vehicle. Congratulations.
Gogiboy: I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems resulting from the accident. Not being able to get a definitive answer to the problem can be very frustrating. Also, living with pain on a daily basis is no easy task, and one that many people do not understand until they encounter it. Hope you get better soon.
Mike: Hope you're doing some better today.
Fezo: It's nice to hear good things about you being out and about.
She made a wise decision to continue forward after completing the Bachelors. If both of you can endure it, it would be great if she could keep going toward the PhD in adult learning. There is a demand for that particular area now that industry people have had to retool to make a living. Come to North Carolina and enjoy our four pleasant seasons.
"My wife says she misses having 300 hp, but I don't miss it. The Audi is more fun to drive. The fact is, she isn't a slow driver, but she really doesn't need those 80 extra horses for the driving she does."
Everything is relative and based on perspective. To me 220 hp sounds like a ton and is so much more than anything I have had in years. 300 is simply beyond my wildest expectations.
On a good day I probably generate 1/10 hp going downhill. Actually, most bicycling performance is measured in wattage per kg (or lb) of rider weight so even 5 or 10 hp seems impressive to me, but obviously much more than that is required to haul around thousands of pounds of sheet metal, rubber, etc, not to mention the contents.
"Damn, do you guys in Canada really have to pay for air?"
I don't know, it seems like somebody is paying for something on both sides of the border. My uncle (who just passed away) and my brother both married Canadian women and for some reason every time any of them or the rest of us cross back and forth from Detroit to Ontario and vice versa we get hit with a charge so we must be paying for the air on the other side of the border, right?
Can't see where either government is getting rich off the exchange, but I could be wrong.
Is this like Storage Wars or do they really sell off cars for back rent? Seems that if these cars were anything but junk the storage place would open up a car lot and sell them off as usual. The only thing I can figure is that these cars have no clear title so putting them on the road would be impossible.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Smart. So many times I see some idiot speeding by and most of the time he is waiting at the next light anyway. Going 85 wouldn't get you there that much sooner, certainly not enough to make it worth the risk....of getting a ticket or into an accident.
It's impossible to drive at the limit on any highway today, you would be a menace and cause more accidents then you prevent.
I drive the PA Turnpike everyday for about 40 miles round trip. I could be a real cheapo and take another route like some people that work where I do and not pay the toll but it is such an easy drive plus it is much easier on the car too by not having all the stop and go that the other route would entail. So, I don’t plan on changing that. Anyway, the speed limit on the pike is 65 MPH and I rarely do anything less than a couple of ticks over 70. I set the cruise to that and when I want to pass I usually don’t go over 80 and that’s what I try to hold myself to. The troopers will give you around 10 over the limit but not much more and they’ve told me that.
Now, having said that, just yesterday morning I was a little earlier than usual when I got to this one hill that usually has its share of trucks on it. This hill is a little more than a mile long and is as straight as an arrow. Very rare for the PA pike but it is a new stretch finished 2 years ago and it’s 3 lanes not 2. When I came around a slight bend at the bottom of the hill I could see clear to the top of it and there was only one car on this entire stretch and it was near the top of the hill. OK, now I can clean out the exhaust system. :shades: I know this stretch very well and because of that I know there are absolutely NO hiding spots for troopers. I didn’t floor it but I did step on it and in no time, up this hill from 70 MPH, I found myself doing a little over 105 and I wasn’t anywhere near the top of the hill. OK, that was enough cleaning for me. If I had more daring there is no telling what I could have topped the hill at.
Like I’ve said before, most of the time the Genny’s horses are just roaming around under the hood. Pretty much going in circles for all I know, so I barely know they are there. But when I throw some hay at them they seem to line up straight and go right to where I’m pointing and it doesn’t take them long to get there either.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t make a habit of doing this but now that the exhaust system is clean both myself and the Genny feel better.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
It's too bad that at least one of them couldn't have been a domestic.
Well, don't forget, the Passat is made in Chatanooga....hmmmm, that's where I got my ticket (I forgot about that). These days, that should count as a domestic.
I like a lot of American cars. The problem is my wife won't drive with me if I own an American car. Though born and raised in Canada she spent some time living in England and likes European styling and ambience. She liked sitting in the Honda Accord, but she would feel better driving a European influenced Passat. So, anything is possible, but the odds are small of me actually buying an American car. I think I would have bought a Fusion for our Florida car.
Thanks for the good wishes, that's 3 cars in one calendar year, so I might be not have another sales story for awhile. Then again, I think my friend with the new maserati will be getting antsy soon.
Dang you young wiper snappers and your hot rodding! :mad:
I usually do the exact speed limit because in my business a speeding ticket can cost you your job but on a particular entrance ramp I have been known to get....umm.....frisky. :shades:
What I really want to know is if mako1a has had the new ride over 100 yet.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
She made a wise decision to continue forward after completing the Bachelors. If both of you can endure it, it would be great if she could keep going toward the PhD in adult learning. There is a demand for that particular area now that industry people have had to retool to make a living. Come to North Carolina and enjoy our four pleasant seasons.
Thanks, Richard. Ironically, a brochure came in the mail last week from an institution offering Doctorate level degrees in Education.
Told my wife I wouldn't mind calling her "Doctor" - she wasn't nearly as amused. Let's get her through the Masters program first, then we'll see.
As for moving to NC, I wouldn't say that we've crossed it off our list of places to live.
Mike, are you sure you weren't doing 75 KPH? What's 75 kph?
Let me see if I can get this right. A km is .6 of a mile. So, if you see a sign that says 100 kph (which you will see as soon as you cross the border in Niagara Falls) it means you can go 60 mph.
75 kph would be 7X6 = 42 mph and the 5 adds another 3 = 45 mph.
Many Americans were getting tickets for going 100 mph when they saw the 100 kph signs, but now they have better signs to explain it.
I guess with a digital speedometer I could easily have converted my speedo. I really think that is another reason i got my ticket, you know what it is like constantly converting miles into kms. When I was in Tennessee, and the limit is 70 mph, I calculate that 60 mph is 100 kph, so 70 must be about 115, but it is hard to do all that when you are just trying to get around a dangerous truck.
*driver, I do know the difference between kph and mph. I was just trying to be a little facetious with explorer when he asked me if I might have been doing 75 kph rather than 75 mph.
Remember? My post dealt with speed limits and the fact that you take your life in your hands if you drive the speed limit because everyone else is doing 10-15 mph (not kph) over the limit.
Explorer was just joking - or are you pulling my leg too?
You're buying so many new cars that I can't keep up with you.
You noticed that too?
It looks like he's making good on his pledge not to leave much, if anything, to the kids and grandkids. And I doubt that 'fez' or 'farmer' will fair any better.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Prob. being sold off under a mechanic lien because of unpaid repairs, towing/storage charges etc. Not sure how the title deal works in Fla. when u buy or try and register.
Explorer was just joking - or are you pulling my leg too?
Half and half. It sounded like you knew about kms., but, I thought not too many people in the U.S.of A know how they work, so I just added some background, in case someone else wondered what was going on.
towing/storage charges etc. Not sure how the title deal works in Fla. when u buy or try and register.
That's probably all cleared with the garage or whoever wants their money. Actually, that looked like a nice little business model.
The garage doesn't get paid for repairs they have done. All they want is the money they are out. Some clever guy comes along, says he will sell the car and give the garage the money owing, and of course make a commission himself.
The problem is, the cars are at the low end of the food chain, that Taurus (with alloy wheels - probably a getaway car) has a hood that won't even close. The cars are probably sold "as is".
Unfortunately, someone who can least afford to buy a car like that would probably be their target customer.
It looks like he's making good on his pledge not to leave much, if anything, to the kids and grandkids
You have a very good memory too! I said that a long time ago, my wife and I are going to spend every last penny, that should be dime since they are getting rid of pennies, so there is nothing left over. I didn't realize some people keep notes on these things.
If I go first my has promised me she won't give her new boyfriend my BMW....you probably remembered that too :P
I didn't realize some people keep notes on these things.
If I go first my has promised me she won't give her new boyfriend my BMW....you probably remembered that too
No note taking by me and, yes, I remember that bit about your 5er too. You don’t think I was hired back as a consultant at my old place of employment just because I was another pretty face, do ya?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I know many of my loyal readers have been on the edge of their seat. I did post some details (and a picture) on the CCB thread.
but, to recap, in our last episode, dear wife (DW) was not forthcoming with a final decision. But, in honor of JMonroe, she had reservations about the LT reliability of a Hyundai (not helping matters is she rode in her friend's ~200 Elantra GT and it was ratty, with some pieces falling off.) So, I sat her down, and gave her the 2 options, and said decide. She finally admitted that he just wanted the Acura, because that is what she really wanted. Even though it was a little less practical (not quite as roomy, not as good MPG, and not as cheap).
But, this was about getting her her dream car after a long time piloting a barge (er, minivan).
once we had the car settled on, we decided to go ahead with AWD, because what the heck, might as well! That, and the supply of FWD was very low, and the killer deals I had on the table were on AWD units.
so, we finally had the mission defined: Get DW an RDX AWD, in graphite lustre with parchment interior (dark gray over tan).
of course, that did not exist at either local dealer I would have normally dealt with (the one I wanted to buy at had a red that DW could not warm up to, even after it puppy dogged us home Wednesday night). That trick did work, since it put a guilt trip into my wife thinking that it would look "bad" if we bought elsewhere, not that she takes it in for service or anything!
And for Isell, yes color is important. And while the RDX is very nice, the color selections offered by Acura on it stink. The Hyundai (loser in the race) had 3 that we would have taken.
so, I had my mission. Find a graphite lustre RDX and get this over with!
anyway, I had already used the internet to get baselines, with the out of normal offer (on the low side) out of a central jersey deal (Morris county, about 90 miles from here but easy to get to). But, they seemed to be too good at cheap selling, so they only had 1 left (black over black, never happening). In my area, all the dealers where pretty close to each other, and about $700-$1000 above the cheap place. But, they did seem to be anxious to rack up as many sales as possible in August. Problem is, even though I freely admit to being a cheap B, I was not coercing DW into a color she did not want to get a deal.
so I figured, if I will go that far, look a little further out. From reading, it seems like N. Jersey prices overall were better. so I check the next deal over (in Ramsey). Turns out they were hoarding all the RDXs, and had 3 in our color! So I put in an Eprice request Thursday night.
end up trading an email, then talking to sales guy Friday morning. He offers up a strong deal (and lower doc fee to boot). run it past wife, and we start thinking about running up (2 hours of so) Saturday morning. Then he calls me back, to say they just had a sales meeting, and need 4 more to meet a quota, so if I can take it that day (Friday), he would knock another $300, putting him below the cheap dealer offer that started this far away looking!
so after pinning DW down for an actual decision, I told him to go for it, and set up an appointment.
You don’t think I was hired back as a consultant at my old place of employment just because I was another pretty face
No, I figured it was because you are either an extraordinary worker, or because you had some kind of blackmail thing going on the boss.
Seriously, I think it is a real compliment these days to be asked to come back to work once you retire. These days they just want you out the door, and they like to get rid of people before they retire so they get out of paying pension benefits. I have a friend in that situation now....they try to gather evidence for dismissal when workers are in retirement range.
and need 4 more to meet a quota, so if I can take it that day (Friday), he would knock another $300,
You're doing great stick...handling this whole thing like a pro.
btw, that color choice sounds really nice, hope you get it.
I think you made the right move getting the car you really want, that way, you won't get disatisfied and wish you had got the Acura. Also, if you keep this one for 14 years you won't have to hear for the next 14 years, "I told you, we should have got the Acura". :sick:
My luck, of course, was that when I got the number and decided to move, I had just dropped the van off for new brakes. And that took 2 hours longer (done by 1:30 became pick it up at 3:30). So no time to get the oil change done too.
so, by the time I scramble around and get the van back (wanted to take that for possible trade in), DW sneaking out of work early, etc. we don't hit the road until about 4:20. On the Friday of labor Day weekend. To hit the highways in NJ. This, not a good plan.
we finally make it there at about 6:45 (for out 6:00ish appointment). Key mistake though, we did not stop to eat first. But, we were expected, and given to a salesguy (helping ours) to start the process. paperwork goes smoothly (before we arrived, I had nothing but a price, and they only knew my name). the usual, how much down, blah blah blah, sign some stuff, appraise the trade. Pretty efficient, and no negotiations since the price was already set. We are bee bopping right along. Got the trade offer quickly (offered 10K, what I expected, so passed on it).
I actually would have taken less to trade, just to not have to drive both cars back (DW was not looking forward to that drive that late) but they were still a couple grand lite. And remember, I am cheap.
so, all it settled. The deal paperwork done. Nothing to do but finish prepping the car (IMO, that should have been done earlier, but to be fair, they had no idea if I was really showing up, since I had not even left a deposit), and getting through the finance office.
well, that all ended up taking 2 hours. they were down to 1 finance manager, and the place was a zoo. they must have sold a ton of cars yesterday, because people were stacked up like planes coming into Newark waiting to get in to sign. And the prep guys had a backlog. So finally get through finance (no surprises or hard sell, just the usual sheet of mop, glow and warranty stuff that I declined). Then another 30 minutes or so waiting for the car to arrive out front from the prep department (though i did not mind waiting, because not only did they wash it, they clay barred it and waxed it too!)
got the quick walk around (it was getting real late, and I was starving, and I already had to tell my daughter I wasn't making it home in time to pick her up from an event she was at, and to find a ride). Salesguy set up my fob to the memory settings, and synced DW's iphone, and showed us how the bluetooth worked. then, we were off. After much debate, I drove the RDX home, and DW took the van (she was worried about not knowing where anything was and trying to figure it out in the dark). Plus rt 17/GSP/NJT are not fun roads these days, so best to stick with the familiar!
this car has a ton of features. It is going to take a while, and some serious manual reading, to figure it out. Not like Mike's lexus, but light years beyond the Odyssey!
wrapping this up finally! Other than taking longer waiting, a very nice experience. Good people, straight deal, no BS. And I expected it to be slow, since it was the last day of the month, and I was there for the deal, so others were too. But man, that Acura dealer was moving metal.
now my next to-do is detail up the van, get the oil changed (so the little wrench icon will go off, why couldn't that have waited a week to go on?), and get this thing listed so i can get the money for the DP back into the bank. And get back to 3 cars.
the deal? I know some people are only still reading (if they are!) for the $.
MSRP is $36,615. Invoice was ~ 34,600 I think. I paid $33,500, with no extras added (pinstripes, locks, etc.) I don't know where the money to sell below invoice that far came from, but that is there problem. And this is the new model, 2013. They offered 10K for the odyssey, exactly what I expected. I plan to list it for $13,995 and shoot for 13K, and hopefully get at least 12.5. It is a 2005, 1 owner, dealer serviced EX-L with only 74K on the clock, so should not be a tough sell.
Anyway, if there was money left on the table for this deal, I couldn't find it. And it was worth the whirlwind trip yesterday to get exactly what DW wanted. Now she just wants to go drive her new car!
And Driver, yes, I knew that I could have pushed her into the Hyundai, and at some point, I would have heard about not having the Acura. And to be fair, it is a fantastic car I think, and the drivetrain is sweet. And she is happy.
even gets good MPG. the readout started at about 12mpg when we left the dealer (all that idling, only had 9 miles on it). when I got off the turnpike 100 miles later, it was sitting at an even 28.
so I think I can live with a little less practicality once or twice a year! I just don't look forward to a car payment every month again. And it could be a while before I free up any more cash to get a car for me (once daughter starts driving). But that is the price of living la vida loca.
Stick...major congrats. Good deal. I like those RDXs. I had one as a loaner once. But itwas the turbo 4 cyl. Your 6 cyl will be even better. Nice ride.
Just as well. That one has no place for the engine....
Must be September. Time to line up a car for stick....
I have one of those crazy manuals for my Solara. I don't know half what it can do. There's another manual nearly as big that is just the navigation unit.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Congrats, Stick! Sounds like you got a great deal. If there is anything I've learned from you married folks, it is definitely "happy wife, happy life."
I may have some news to share with the group in the very near future. Indirectly car related.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Congratulations, sounds like you learned a thing or two around here after all. He flinched and you were on your way anyhow but he didn’t know it so he sweetened the deal even more. Good job.
Anyway, if there was money left on the table for this deal, I couldn't find it. And it was worth the whirlwind trip yesterday to get exactly what DW wanted.
There is always money left on the table and I’ve mentioned before about what Son #1 said when I got the Genny when I bumped the guy up $600 for the Sonata that was traded. The guy said, “will $600 do the deal”? When I said yes, he quickly agreed (no counter offer) and got up to go get the papers. I said something to both Mrs. j and Son #1 like, “I guess I left some money on the table, huh”? He said, “yeah, but it couldn’t have been much”. That surely applies to the deal you got so I doubt you’re going to lose any sleep over a lunch or two.
Welcome to the world of people going a few miles away to get everything you want; right down to the color that ‘isell’ always flipped out about. A front end investment in time and a long term investment in saving of some bucks is well worth it to me. Tell us what Mrs. stick thought about doing that. I know Mrs. j thought I was kidding when I went 120 miles to Ohio to get the Genny but knew it was a real possibility of it happening again when I couldn’t find the Subie around the Burgh decked out exactly the way she I wanted it.
Congrats again. That clay treatment is another plus.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
thanks everyone. I think we are going to enjoy it. Was on-line shopping some accessories today. One drawback to buying far away, there was no way I was going to leave with a we-owe to come back to have anything put on! The salesguy that wrote everything up mentioned we could just take a loaner car and come back when things were on, but I don't imagine he knew we were 2 hours away.
and Driver, yes, we finally ate about 10:00 after we left. There was a Wendy's down the road. Not healthy, or satisfying, but it was food (and a big diet coke to keep the caffeine flowing)
ate about 10:00 after we left. There was a Wendy's down the road.
I know the feeling. When we bought the A4 we left the house at 10 to look at bmws. Left there at 2:30. Got to the Audi place at 3:30. I did eat a crappy Dad's cookie they have in the Audi showroom. We tested cars, consumated the deal, and wrote up the paperwork....when we left it was 5:30 and we were starving. I think that works in the dealer's favor....by then you are ready just to sign so you can get out and find something to eat.
"Told my wife I wouldn't mind calling her "Doctor" - she wasn't nearly as amused. Let's get her through the Masters program first, then we'll see."
In academic circles there is tremendous touchiness about the value and status of the Ph.D--so much so in fact that the Ph.D's have disdain for the Ed.Ds and all the "D"s consider themselves superior to those of us with MFAs (creative writing, theater, art, etc) despite the fact that Ph.D's are not available in our areas and our master programs are deemed to be terminal by governing bodies. It's an (unwritten) rule that no one with an MFA has can (or ever has) risen above department head at my university; not that upper administration holds much allure for me or many others.
Richard never mentioned how his return to the warm embrace of mother academia has gone, or perhaps he hasn't begun yet.
"If I go first my has promised me she won't give her new boyfriend my BMW....you probably remembered that too"
But will she let him drive the Audi and if so will he find it wanting in power with only 220 HP?
Or will she sell the BMW and Audi to finance something that screams I'm available and fun like a Ferrari or Porsche? Will her personalized plates have to say Mrs. Driver?
Good story, good price, no surprises. What's not to like? Best of all your wife didn't settle and you have marital harmony, which in itself is easily worth the several thousand bucks you didn't end up spending since you got such a good deal new and will recoup a few more thou selling your used vehicle yourself.
The stars aligned for you my friend. Do you think it was because of the blue moon? Next blue moon isn't scheduled to happen until sometime in 2015, maybe by then you'll be ready for your car.
Nice job, "stick", read all your posts. Also sounds like a good deal - but as I always say, "...so long as you are happy, that is all that really matters!"
"...I doubt that fez or farmer will fair any better..."
I'd have to push my beloved van into the bushes to fit any more cars in my driveway. Besides, now that I know driver100 doesn't change his oil very often, I couldn't be sure he he wasn't unloading some hulk on me. :lemon:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yeah, but for a $432 price, a lot can be forgiven.
I have no illusions as to the quality of those cars, I mean who would abandon a really good car over $400. I was more curious as to how someone would title a car that had been abandoned for whatever reason. It must be possible because the police have auctions of seized and impounded vehicles all the time. There must be a legal process that allows a new owner to get a title.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
you reminded me about one of the things that amuses me. There are frequent ads down here for a loan joint called "cashpoint". There whole business seems to be storefront loans against your free and clear car title.
I just figured that most people who have free and clear titles would not be taking out one of these loanshark loans using that as collateral! and vice versa
Comments
Makola: Love the yellow stripe. It adds a fashionable and needed touch to a great vehicle. Congratulations.
Gogiboy: I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems resulting from the accident. Not being able to get a definitive answer to the problem can be very frustrating. Also, living with pain on a daily basis is no easy task, and one that many people do not understand until they encounter it. Hope you get better soon.
Mike: Hope you're doing some better today.
Fezo: It's nice to hear good things about you being out and about.
Richard
Richard
more to come on a pending real story. For a car, and everything.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
A friend of mine, who is Jewish, asked me a while back if I knew why Jews had big noses. I laughed and said no. He replied, " Because air is free " !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Everything is relative and based on perspective. To me 220 hp sounds like a ton and is so much more than anything I have had in years. 300 is simply beyond my wildest expectations.
On a good day I probably generate 1/10 hp going downhill. Actually, most bicycling performance is measured in wattage per kg (or lb) of rider weight so even 5 or 10 hp seems impressive to me, but obviously much more than that is required to haul around thousands of pounds of sheet metal, rubber, etc, not to mention the contents.
Gogiboy
I don't know, it seems like somebody is paying for something on both sides of the border. My uncle (who just passed away) and my brother both married Canadian women and for some reason every time any of them or the rest of us cross back and forth from Detroit to Ontario and vice versa we get hit with a charge so we must be paying for the air on the other side of the border, right?
Can't see where either government is getting rich off the exchange, but I could be wrong.
Gogiboy
What a trouble maker. :P
As long as I'm posting does anyone know what the deal is with this kind of car lot?
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/ctd/3215206105.html
Is this like Storage Wars or do they really sell off cars for back rent? Seems that if these cars were anything but junk the storage place would open up a car lot and sell them off as usual. The only thing I can figure is that these cars have no clear title so putting them on the road would be impossible.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thanks for the explanation....it is beginning to make sense.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Smart. So many times I see some idiot speeding by and most of the time he is waiting at the next light anyway. Going 85 wouldn't get you there that much sooner, certainly not enough to make it worth the risk....of getting a ticket or into an accident.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I drive the PA Turnpike everyday for about 40 miles round trip. I could be a real cheapo and take another route like some people that work where I do and not pay the toll but it is such an easy drive plus it is much easier on the car too by not having all the stop and go that the other route would entail. So, I don’t plan on changing that. Anyway, the speed limit on the pike is 65 MPH and I rarely do anything less than a couple of ticks over 70. I set the cruise to that and when I want to pass I usually don’t go over 80 and that’s what I try to hold myself to. The troopers will give you around 10 over the limit but not much more and they’ve told me that.
Now, having said that, just yesterday morning I was a little earlier than usual when I got to this one hill that usually has its share of trucks on it. This hill is a little more than a mile long and is as straight as an arrow. Very rare for the PA pike but it is a new stretch finished 2 years ago and it’s 3 lanes not 2. When I came around a slight bend at the bottom of the hill I could see clear to the top of it and there was only one car on this entire stretch and it was near the top of the hill. OK, now I can clean out the exhaust system. :shades: I know this stretch very well and because of that I know there are absolutely NO hiding spots for troopers. I didn’t floor it but I did step on it and in no time, up this hill from 70 MPH, I found myself doing a little over 105 and I wasn’t anywhere near the top of the hill. OK, that was enough cleaning for me. If I had more daring there is no telling what I could have topped the hill at.
Like I’ve said before, most of the time the Genny’s horses are just roaming around under the hood. Pretty much going in circles for all I know, so I barely know they are there. But when I throw some hay at them they seem to line up straight and go right to where I’m pointing and it doesn’t take them long to get there either.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t make a habit of doing this but now that the exhaust system is clean both myself and the Genny feel better.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Well, don't forget, the Passat is made in Chatanooga....hmmmm, that's where I got my ticket (I forgot about that). These days, that should count as a domestic.
I like a lot of American cars. The problem is my wife won't drive with me if I own an American car. Though born and raised in Canada she spent some time living in England and likes European styling and ambience. She liked sitting in the Honda Accord, but she would feel better driving a European influenced Passat. So, anything is possible, but the odds are small of me actually buying an American car. I think I would have bought a Fusion for our Florida car.
Thanks for the good wishes, that's 3 cars in one calendar year, so I might be not have another sales story for awhile. Then again, I think my friend with the new maserati will be getting antsy soon.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There is a charge, about $3 for crossing the border, but I am sure that is to cover the costs....customs people, and the costs of making a bridge etc.
They simplifies it so you only pay going one way...that speeds things up.
We are applying for Nexxus cards. Customs does a background check on you and then you can get through faster at airports and by car.
How come your family members are stealing our women?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Dang you young wiper snappers and your hot rodding! :mad:
I usually do the exact speed limit because in my business a speeding ticket can cost you your job but on a particular entrance ramp I have been known to get....umm.....frisky. :shades:
What I really want to know is if mako1a has had the new ride over 100 yet.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thanks, Richard. Ironically, a brochure came in the mail last week from an institution offering Doctorate level degrees in Education.
Told my wife I wouldn't mind calling her "Doctor" - she wasn't nearly as amused. Let's get her through the Masters program first, then we'll see.
As for moving to NC, I wouldn't say that we've crossed it off our list of places to live.
You sure you weren't doing 75 KPH?
The Red Mustang hit 100 after 2 months and a fine day for speeding.
The new White one has not gone over 80, but then again it has only
182 miles on the odometer. The sound it makes keeps tempting me.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
What's 75 kph? Knobs Per House? Kids Per Hamper? Kites Per Home? Knocks Per Horse?
Maybe I was doing 75 IPF's? (inches per feet)
Remember explorer, Florida has lots of Canadian snowbirds but we haven't adopted their metric system - at least not yet!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
What's 75 kph?
Let me see if I can get this right. A km is .6 of a mile. So, if you see a sign that says 100 kph (which you will see as soon as you cross the border in Niagara Falls) it means you can go 60 mph.
75 kph would be 7X6 = 42 mph and the 5 adds another 3 = 45 mph.
Many Americans were getting tickets for going 100 mph when they saw the 100 kph signs, but now they have better signs to explain it.
I guess with a digital speedometer I could easily have converted my speedo. I really think that is another reason i got my ticket, you know what it is like constantly converting miles into kms. When I was in Tennessee, and the limit is 70 mph, I calculate that 60 mph is 100 kph, so 70 must be about 115, but it is hard to do all that when you are just trying to get around a dangerous truck.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
*driver, I do know the difference between kph and mph. I was just trying to be a little facetious with explorer when he asked me if I might have been doing 75 kph rather than 75 mph.
Remember? My post dealt with speed limits and the fact that you take your life in your hands if you drive the speed limit because everyone else is doing 10-15 mph (not kph) over the limit.
Explorer was just joking - or are you pulling my leg too?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
You noticed that too?
It looks like he's making good on his pledge not to leave much, if anything, to the kids and grandkids.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
towing/storage charges etc.
Not sure how the title deal works in Fla. when u buy or try and register.
Half and half. It sounded like you knew about kms., but, I thought not too many people in the U.S.of A know how they work, so I just added some background, in case someone else wondered what was going on.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Not sure how the title deal works in Fla. when u buy or try and register.
That's probably all cleared with the garage or whoever wants their money. Actually, that looked like a nice little business model.
The garage doesn't get paid for repairs they have done. All they want is the money they are out. Some clever guy comes along, says he will sell the car and give the garage the money owing, and of course make a commission himself.
The problem is, the cars are at the low end of the food chain, that Taurus (with alloy wheels - probably a getaway car) has a hood that won't even close. The cars are probably sold "as is".
Unfortunately, someone who can least afford to buy a car like that would probably be their target customer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You have a very good memory too! I said that a long time ago, my wife and I are going to spend every last
penny, that should be dime since they are getting rid of pennies, so there is nothing left over. I didn't realize some people keep notes on these things.If I go first my has promised me she won't give her new boyfriend my BMW....you probably remembered that too :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If I go first my has promised me she won't give her new boyfriend my BMW....you probably remembered that too
No note taking by me and, yes, I remember that bit about your 5er too. You don’t think I was hired back as a consultant at my old place of employment just because I was another pretty face, do ya?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
but, to recap, in our last episode, dear wife (DW) was not forthcoming with a final decision. But, in honor of JMonroe, she had reservations about the LT reliability of a Hyundai (not helping matters is she rode in her friend's ~200 Elantra GT and it was ratty, with some pieces falling off.) So, I sat her down, and gave her the 2 options, and said decide. She finally admitted that he just wanted the Acura, because that is what she really wanted. Even though it was a little less practical (not quite as roomy, not as good MPG, and not as cheap).
But, this was about getting her her dream car after a long time piloting a barge (er, minivan).
once we had the car settled on, we decided to go ahead with AWD, because what the heck, might as well! That, and the supply of FWD was very low, and the killer deals I had on the table were on AWD units.
so, we finally had the mission defined: Get DW an RDX AWD, in graphite lustre with parchment interior (dark gray over tan).
of course, that did not exist at either local dealer I would have normally dealt with (the one I wanted to buy at had a red that DW could not warm up to, even after it puppy dogged us home Wednesday night). That trick did work, since it put a guilt trip into my wife thinking that it would look "bad" if we bought elsewhere, not that she takes it in for service or anything!
And for Isell, yes color is important. And while the RDX is very nice, the color selections offered by Acura on it stink. The Hyundai (loser in the race) had 3 that we would have taken.
so, I had my mission. Find a graphite lustre RDX and get this over with!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
anyway, I had already used the internet to get baselines, with the out of normal offer (on the low side) out of a central jersey deal (Morris county, about 90 miles from here but easy to get to). But, they seemed to be too good at cheap selling, so they only had 1 left (black over black, never happening). In my area, all the dealers where pretty close to each other, and about $700-$1000 above the cheap place. But, they did seem to be anxious to rack up as many sales as possible in August. Problem is, even though I freely admit to being a cheap B, I was not coercing DW into a color she did not want to get a deal.
so I figured, if I will go that far, look a little further out. From reading, it seems like N. Jersey prices overall were better. so I check the next deal over (in Ramsey). Turns out they were hoarding all the RDXs, and had 3 in our color! So I put in an Eprice request Thursday night.
end up trading an email, then talking to sales guy Friday morning. He offers up a strong deal (and lower doc fee to boot). run it past wife, and we start thinking about running up (2 hours of so) Saturday morning. Then he calls me back, to say they just had a sales meeting, and need 4 more to meet a quota, so if I can take it that day (Friday), he would knock another $300, putting him below the cheap dealer offer that started this far away looking!
so after pinning DW down for an actual decision, I told him to go for it, and set up an appointment.
more to come...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
No, I figured it was because you are either an extraordinary worker, or because you had some kind of blackmail thing going on the boss.
Seriously, I think it is a real compliment these days to be asked to come back to work once you retire. These days they just want you out the door, and they like to get rid of people before they retire so they get out of paying pension benefits. I have a friend in that situation now....they try to gather evidence for dismissal when workers are in retirement range.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You're doing great stick...handling this whole thing like a pro.
btw, that color choice sounds really nice, hope you get it.
I think you made the right move getting the car you really want, that way, you won't get disatisfied and wish you had got the Acura. Also, if you keep this one for 14 years you won't have to hear for the next 14 years, "I told you, we should have got the Acura". :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My luck, of course, was that when I got the number and decided to move, I had just dropped the van off for new brakes. And that took 2 hours longer (done by 1:30 became pick it up at 3:30). So no time to get the oil change done too.
so, by the time I scramble around and get the van back (wanted to take that for possible trade in), DW sneaking out of work early, etc. we don't hit the road until about 4:20. On the Friday of labor Day weekend. To hit the highways in NJ. This, not a good plan.
we finally make it there at about 6:45 (for out 6:00ish appointment). Key mistake though, we did not stop to eat first. But, we were expected, and given to a salesguy (helping ours) to start the process. paperwork goes smoothly (before we arrived, I had nothing but a price, and they only knew my name). the usual, how much down, blah blah blah, sign some stuff, appraise the trade. Pretty efficient, and no negotiations since the price was already set. We are bee bopping right along. Got the trade offer quickly (offered 10K, what I expected, so passed on it).
I actually would have taken less to trade, just to not have to drive both cars back (DW was not looking forward to that drive that late) but they were still a couple grand lite. And remember, I am cheap.
so, all it settled. The deal paperwork done. Nothing to do but finish prepping the car (IMO, that should have been done earlier, but to be fair, they had no idea if I was really showing up, since I had not even left a deposit), and getting through the finance office.
well, that all ended up taking 2 hours. they were down to 1 finance manager, and the place was a zoo. they must have sold a ton of cars yesterday, because people were stacked up like planes coming into Newark waiting to get in to sign. And the prep guys had a backlog. So finally get through finance (no surprises or hard sell, just the usual sheet of mop, glow and warranty stuff that I declined). Then another 30 minutes or so waiting for the car to arrive out front from the prep department (though i did not mind waiting, because not only did they wash it, they clay barred it and waxed it too!)
got the quick walk around (it was getting real late, and I was starving, and I already had to tell my daughter I wasn't making it home in time to pick her up from an event she was at, and to find a ride). Salesguy set up my fob to the memory settings, and synced DW's iphone, and showed us how the bluetooth worked. then, we were off. After much debate, I drove the RDX home, and DW took the van (she was worried about not knowing where anything was and trying to figure it out in the dark). Plus rt 17/GSP/NJT are not fun roads these days, so best to stick with the familiar!
this car has a ton of features. It is going to take a while, and some serious manual reading, to figure it out. Not like Mike's lexus, but light years beyond the Odyssey!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
now my next to-do is detail up the van, get the oil changed (so the little wrench icon will go off, why couldn't that have waited a week to go on?), and get this thing listed so i can get the money for the DP back into the bank. And get back to 3 cars.
the deal? I know some people are only still reading (if they are!) for the $.
MSRP is $36,615. Invoice was ~ 34,600 I think. I paid $33,500, with no extras added (pinstripes, locks, etc.) I don't know where the money to sell below invoice that far came from, but that is there problem. And this is the new model, 2013. They offered 10K for the odyssey, exactly what I expected. I plan to list it for $13,995 and shoot for 13K, and hopefully get at least 12.5. It is a 2005, 1 owner, dealer serviced EX-L with only 74K on the clock, so should not be a tough sell.
Anyway, if there was money left on the table for this deal, I couldn't find it. And it was worth the whirlwind trip yesterday to get exactly what DW wanted. Now she just wants to go drive her new car!
And Driver, yes, I knew that I could have pushed her into the Hyundai, and at some point, I would have heard about not having the Acura. And to be fair, it is a fantastic car I think, and the drivetrain is sweet. And she is happy.
even gets good MPG. the readout started at about 12mpg when we left the dealer (all that idling, only had 9 miles on it). when I got off the turnpike 100 miles later, it was sitting at an even 28.
so I think I can live with a little less practicality once or twice a year! I just don't look forward to a car payment every month again. And it could be a while before I free up any more cash to get a car for me (once daughter starts driving). But that is the price of living la vida loca.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Must be September. Time to line up a car for stick....
I have one of those crazy manuals for my Solara. I don't know half what it can do. There's another manual nearly as big that is just the navigation unit.
Great story, and no, you didn't lose me...I read every word in all 26 posts!
You told the story well and you got a great deal on a car you both will enjoy.
My only question is....did you ever get to eat?
Congratulations, well done.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I may have some news to share with the group in the very near future. Indirectly car related.
Stick, I'm glad you kept pleasing wifey at the top of the list.
Congrats on a very nice car in a great color for her.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Anyway, if there was money left on the table for this deal, I couldn't find it. And it was worth the whirlwind trip yesterday to get exactly what DW wanted.
There is always money left on the table and I’ve mentioned before about what Son #1 said when I got the Genny when I bumped the guy up $600 for the Sonata that was traded. The guy said, “will $600 do the deal”? When I said yes, he quickly agreed (no counter offer) and got up to go get the papers. I said something to both Mrs. j and Son #1 like, “I guess I left some money on the table, huh”? He said, “yeah, but it couldn’t have been much”. That surely applies to the deal you got so I doubt you’re going to lose any sleep over a lunch or two.
Welcome to the world of people going a few miles away to get everything you want; right down to the color that ‘isell’ always flipped out about. A front end investment in time and a long term investment in saving of some bucks is well worth it to me. Tell us what Mrs. stick thought about doing that. I know Mrs. j thought I was kidding when I went 120 miles to Ohio to get the Genny but knew it was a real possibility of it happening again when I couldn’t find the Subie around the Burgh decked out exactly the way
sheI wanted it.Congrats again. That clay treatment is another plus.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
and Driver, yes, we finally ate about 10:00 after we left. There was a Wendy's down the road. Not healthy, or satisfying, but it was food (and a big diet coke to keep the caffeine flowing)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I know the feeling. When we bought the A4 we left the house at 10 to look at bmws. Left there at 2:30. Got to the Audi place at 3:30. I did eat a crappy Dad's cookie they have in the Audi showroom. We tested cars, consumated the deal, and wrote up the paperwork....when we left it was 5:30 and we were starving. I think that works in the dealer's favor....by then you are ready just to sign so you can get out and find something to eat.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In academic circles there is tremendous touchiness about the value and status of the Ph.D--so much so in fact that the Ph.D's have disdain for the Ed.Ds and all the "D"s consider themselves superior to those of us with MFAs (creative writing, theater, art, etc) despite the fact that Ph.D's are not available in our areas and our master programs are deemed to be terminal by governing bodies. It's an (unwritten) rule that no one with an MFA has can (or ever has) risen above department head at my university; not that upper administration holds much allure for me or many others.
Richard never mentioned how his return to the warm embrace of mother academia has gone, or perhaps he hasn't begun yet.
Gogiboy
But will she let him drive the Audi and if so will he find it wanting in power with only 220 HP?
Or will she sell the BMW and Audi to finance something that screams I'm available and fun like a Ferrari or Porsche? Will her personalized plates have to say M
rs. Driver?Gogiboy
Good story, good price, no surprises. What's not to like? Best of all your wife didn't settle and you have marital harmony, which in itself is easily worth the several thousand bucks you didn't end up spending since you got such a good deal new and will recoup a few more thou selling your used vehicle yourself.
The stars aligned for you my friend. Do you think it was because of the blue moon? Next blue moon isn't scheduled to happen until sometime in 2015, maybe by then you'll be ready for your car.
Gogiboy
Nice job, "stick", read all your posts. Also sounds like a good deal - but as I always say, "...so long as you are happy, that is all that really matters!"
Enjoy!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I think they feel I fit the former but just in case they’re afraid of the latter, they called me.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I'd have to push my beloved van into the bushes to fit any more cars in my driveway. Besides, now that I know driver100 doesn't change his oil very often, I couldn't be sure he he wasn't unloading some hulk on me. :lemon:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yeah, but for a $432 price, a lot can be forgiven.
I have no illusions as to the quality of those cars, I mean who would abandon a really good car over $400. I was more curious as to how someone would title a car that had been abandoned for whatever reason. It must be possible because the police have auctions of seized and impounded vehicles all the time. There must be a legal process that allows a new owner to get a title.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Nah, just cheapness. You don't have to pay benefits to a consultant and you don't have to train a new worker. Win- win for the employer.
They love when our bus drivers retire so they can get experienced substitute drivers with no training, no health insurance and $5/hr. cheaper.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I just figured that most people who have free and clear titles would not be taking out one of these loanshark loans using that as collateral! and vice versa
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You are indeed living large my friend. Good job and now your wife is free to ride around with all your Edmunds pals to help us shop too.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible