Since I don't get oil every 3000 miles like some people I only buy the best...so I can actually go 15000 miles before an oil change.
You turned that around didn’t you? You’re almost a master at that.
You didn’t make it to 15000 miles you only got to 12150 before your car told you that oil was needed. I’ve never had to add a full quart of oil to any car I’ve owned, ever. If you had a dip stick you would have been able to see when the gradual oil consumption started. Now go turn that one around.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
She just did not like how big it felt on the inside for a car of its size. A weird complaint, to me.
The Crohn's disease is a pain in the butt, no pun intended. I watch what I eat and have to watch my stress levels - one foul step and I'm out of commission for a day or so. But, I know what my limits are so I don't ever really run afoul of it. Speaking of stress though, I suppose now is as good a time as ever to share my latest life development.
After sitting for the bar exam, I was scheduled to start my full-time job in Pittsburgh. Three days before I was supposed to start, I was informed that my company experienced a significant downturn in business while I was out studying for the bar exam, and my position had been eliminated. For the last 4 weeks I have been searching for a new job. I received 4 different offers, none however, in Pittsburgh. The jobs were scattered across Washington DC, Chicago, and Seattle. This week I accepted an offer for a legal consultant position based in Seattle and will be relocating there with my fiancee at the end of this month from Pittsburgh.
This has been an absolute whirlwind month and I would never have imagined a month ago that in another 3 weeks, I'd be relocating across the country. Just in case that wasn't enough, we get married in mid-October in Ohio. Life truly is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
To keep this car related - my sister (who totaled her S40) will be taking my C30, and we'll be shipping my fiancee's Mazda3 to Seattle about a week ahead of our departure.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I've never owned one but have several friends that swear by them. I get the highest cold cranking amps battery that is a available at the local auto parts and so far I've been satisfied.
Someday I'll probably get an Interstate and then I'll know first hand why people rave about them.
Get the alternator checked just to be sure. A couple years ago when Mrs. j's XG350's battery was 5 years old and started to act up in August, I took that as a welcome warning because winter was on it's way.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Actually I did leave out a few of the details. I spotted the car and researched it on the internet, etc. A local, one owner at the Lexus dealership where I have bought a few cars over the years.
The Edmunds' appraisal tool said the 2010, equipped the way it was, and certified, was worth about $58,000. Through more research, I knew to expect about $20,000. for my trade. The dealer had the car advertised at $54,990.
I was not desperate to buy the car, though if I could get it at a fair price I was interested. I figured about $32,000. with my trade. I really liked the only 13,000 miles, which was verified by the carfax to my satisfaction. But first I had to feel it, touch it, and drive it. We went on the typical 15 minute test drive and the darn thing was absolutely gorgeous and in pristine condition.
The salesman then told me to take the car, drive it by myself, take my time and come back after lunch in a couple of hours. During that time they would appraise my car. I took the car home, took my wife out to lunch, drove around for an hour or so, took her back home and then went back to the dealership.
My salesman came out with an impressive print out and showed me where their best offer would have to be my car plus $35,500. I pointed out some obvious errors in their calculations and sent him back to the SM. Even though there was a $1500. error in the original print out, when he came back, all that they had done was fix the error and then added in some items that they said they had accidentally left off...the price had only dropped to $35,000.
I said that would not get the deal done. I told him the number would have to be $31,000. or I was out the door, no hard feelings. I meant it and he knew I meant it. Back to the SM and 5 minutes later we had a deal. I compromised on the $199. ad fee. I took a pass on all the mop and glow items. Very happy with the deal and happy with the car. Now, back to Mizzou and Georgia.
My wife says "where did he come from?". Then adds...you're
lucky you were doing the speed limit. I answered uh huh.
You hear it too? Mrs. j says I drive too fast. Too fast for her is going 5 MPH over the limit. Another one of her dislikes of my driving is that she thinks I tailgate. Believe me I don’t. I’m far from a tailgater. So much so that people are always jumping into the space I leave.
Years a go I got back at her for that. I asked her to pull her legs back and she did. I said, “no, pull them way back”. She said the back of her legs were already touching the seat, what more did I want? I leaned over and looked at the foot well and said, “the way you were mashing the carpet I thought there was a brake pedal over there that wasn’t working”. :sick: That almost ended that hysteria but not quite; every so often I hear it again.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
LOL, I have gotten so used to my wife talking non stop while in the car, and telling me every move to make, that when I am by myself, I have no idea what to do, so I just drive around aimlessly until I somehow find my way home.
Dealer prices are interesting. Before we moved from Pinehurst and returned home, the bill for the SRX oil change was $105. When the Cadillac dealer did it here last week, the bill was $70. I suppose that these service prices are decided at the local level.
You old, sly dog. You didn't even tell us that you were on the hunt. Congratulations! Sounds like a good deal to me. How does Mrs. Houdini like it? Did she have any input? Post pictures.
What is so interesting about these cars is that they are used as Taxi cabs which means they are taking a beating in the hot tropical sun. I read somewhere that there over 60 thousands of those relics on the road.
Politics aside, I believe a good business opportunity exist for supplying the Cubans with parts for these cars. Cuba has relaxed its policies and now owners can sell theirs cars to non-family members. If the US would allow it that would great publicity for US auto makers who are continually derided for manufacturing inferior cars.
I’ve never had to add a full quart of oil to any car I’ve owned, ever. If you had a dip stick you would have been able to see when the gradual oil consumption started. Now go turn that one around.
Let me try to turn that one around. btw, I come from a family who questions everything and tries to come up with as many explanations as possible, so my environment and genes made me this way...so don't blame me.
I can push a view buttons on the dash and I can see a graph that shows the oil level. You can open the hood and check the dipstick to see your oil level, but, you have to drive the car and then let it sit. I can press the buttons when the car is stationary or when driving and I can see a graph. There isn't too much advantage in adding oil before it gets to the minimum, though it is probably a smart thing to do. What I did like ........and here I go turning something around again.........was that since the graph showed the oil level was on minimum, the car took one full bottle (litre) of oil. If I added before it reached minimum, I could overfill it. According to what I was told, overfilling is almost as bad as underfilling. So, if I am on the minimum line there is no guess work, just add a full container of oil and it is right on the maximum line.
She just did not like how big it felt on the inside for a car of its size. A weird complaint, to me.
I am not sure what that means, but women are generally shorter, so sometimes get a different perspective when they are driving. If the windshield is far away, if the instrument panel is higher....whatever, they get a different view than we do. And, her car being smaller may have made your car seem more spacious......who really knows?
I am glad you have the Chrohns covered, I have known people who have it and I know they really have to pay attention to what they do.
Your other news must be very stressful, and of course is happening at the worst possible times. Life is a series of stressful situations and when the stress stops life stops. I have learned that set backs can turn into positives and i have had a lot of those fortunately. Others know my story, but I was downsized 3 times in a row through no fault of my own, so at 46 yrs old I started my own company...no one would hire me. The company did well, I made much more than I would have working for someone, and have had a lot more fun doing things my way.
The challenge now is to make the move, and make it into a positive experience. It could be the best thing that could have happened.
The cyclists here will appreciate this story. Last night I crashed on my road bike at 18 mph in a corner. Bike is damaged, but not as bad as me. Major contusions on my right arm and left leg. Missing skin on my arm. Helmet and sunglasses are toast, which saved my head aside from a minor bump and headache. Hole in my gloves, which saved my hand. Clipless shoe is worn through, which saved my foot. Riding jersey now has holes and my shoulder is missing skin. Hip is missing skin and swollen. Lacerations on the legs. My body feels like it's on fire with all the abrasions.
My bike just slipped out from under me in the corner at speed, front wheel first, and the next thing I knew I was trying to keep my head rolled over on the helmet so my face stayed off the asphalt while I slid along for what seemed like forever. Those sunglasses and helmet really saved me. I wound up coming to a stop in the middle of the road, and first thing I did was drag myself and the bike to the sidewalk so I wouldn't be run over. Caring motorists saw the whole thing and kept checking on me.
The bike was still rideable after a couple of adjustments but it's going to need work. Adrenalin got me home. Motorists thought I wouldn't walk and called 911, but I was close to home and it was downhill, so I coasted the last couple of miles to my house.
The story can't old a candle to the trials Mike and Fezo are experiencing (hang in there guys), but it was enough to change my plans for the evening. I was in the middle of polishing and sealing the van when I took a break for the ride, so now maybe my wife will learn how to apply Zaino Z2
I'm sorry to hear that your position has been cut, but happy to hear that you landed someting new. Life is very strange at times and can take us in a totally different direction. Hopefully, this new job and new location will be exactly what you want and like. With the move and your wedding just a month away, this is a very busy time for you. We'll be thinking about you and wishing you the very best. Do try to keep us abreast of how things are going. I'm very proud of your positive attitude and constant progress in life.
You had a narrow escape. Do get yourself checked out to be sure that all body parts are in good working order. This may be a good time for you to evaluate ownership of the bike. I know that you love it, but this could be a sign that it's time to give it up and pursue another interest. I know that you're still young, but we want you to stay that way. Keep us posted on your injuries and what you decide to do with the bike. What does your wife think about all of this?
You can open the hood and check the dipstick to see your oil level, but, you have to drive the car and then let it sit.
You can check it on Saturday morning like I do or the first thing any morning. Lets say when you check it the level is right where it should be. It’s been years since I’ve done this but then I’d then drive the car, then when I stopped I would check the dipstick again and I’d note the level. While it was a little further down (had to squint a good bit to see it) I now knew how to account for what was still up in the engine after driving it and had not had a chance to drain back into the pan. What I found is that there isn’t as much up there as we have been led to believe, at least not on the old GM V8’s that I had. I like to keep the oil level right at the full line. Just a bad habit I acquired over the years.
If I added before it reached minimum, I could overfill it. According to what I was told, overfilling is almost as bad as underfilling.
You put more trust in that sensor than I would feel comfortable doing, especially when the car gets older. I know you don’t keep your cars that long but the next guy that buys it might like a dipstick as a backup if the light came on. Then he could keep it right on the full mark. That bit about overfilling is true but do you know why?
How is that for twisting it around?
I’m a little disappointed because I’ve seen you do better. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
>If I added before it reached minimum, I could overfill it. According to what I was told, overfilling is almost as bad as underfilling. So, if I am on the minimum line there is no guess work, just add a full container of oil and it is right on the maximum line.
With that twisted explanation I kept waiting for you to beg us to give you four more years! :shades:
Adding a partial quart of oil puts in new oil fresh with a full load of additives. That raises the level of additives in the oil in the sump. Waiting until the oil has gone 5000 miles and is down a full quart means the oil in the sump has lost even more of its additive brew and is weaker at doing the things that additives take care of or prevent.
"...for US auto makers who are continually derided for manufacturing inferior cars."
You make an excellent point. I grow weary at times of how the domestics take such a beating from the press and others. If the American public really felt that domestics were that inferior, they either would not buy them or they would demand a better product. I'm sure that there are models that aren't as good as others, but the same can probably be said of foreign makes as well. No car is perfect; that's why they all strive for improvements. With the exception of an MGB, a Miata, and a Honda, I have always driven domestics. They have served me well in terms of performance and comfort. I would guess that there are more domestics on the road today than there are foreign makes. If so, that fact would certainly continue to speak well of American car makers. If not, then we need to find out why. American talent and ingenuity can certainly produce an automobile that is as good as a European model. I sometimes wonder if it is just a matter of the beauty being in the eyes of the beholder.
Dear Hosts, One of our original poster friends, Isellhondas, wishes to return for a visit. He can't find this particular thread to log on to us. Could you please send him an email with a link to this site? I can understand his frustration in attempting to find us. I used to have the same experience all of the time. I finally solved the problem by keeping a current Edmunds notification in my inbox at all times. If I didn't, I would have the same problem as Isell. I have emailed him one of my Edmunds notifications in hopes that he can use that link to get here. Please help if you can.
. I told him the number would have to be $31,000. or I was out the door, no hard feelings.
Good story houdini and you did everything perfectly. Did your $31K number include tax, license, fees etc. You knew those would be extra right, or did you calculate that in too.
I like the polite, "No hard feelings part". I wonder if I had said that to the bmw dealer when we were $1500 apart he would have tried to get the deal done. I am happy he didn't though...it was the case of a negative experience becoming a positive one.....when we test drove the Audi.
Great story and you got a great car at an excellent price.
I noticed that you own one of them and I own one. I suppose that I need to think about a trade here.
Yeh, I noticed that too. They weren't kind about the Sebring...I thought you have been away so much and the chances of you actually looking those articles up weren't likely. But, you were probably the only one who checked it out.
I thought it wouldn't upset you too much since our car was on the list too. I liked those lists, especially the 10 cars you wouldn't want to be seen in. It kind of confirmed my feelings about those Lincolns. And the 10 cars that are the least fun to drive gave top spot to the Camry for the very reasons people stated here....boring and lack of communication between the road and driver.
Hi Richard. Have Craig go to the main Edmunds site, click Forums, and then scroll down the page. Under the header Smart Shopper he'll find a link to the forum.
I believe a good business opportunity exist for supplying the Cubans with parts for these cars.
Thanks for posting again...it is amazing how they keep those cars that we don't want, going. I have a feeling they do whatever they can to keep them going, and i doubt if they are very safe....things like brakes and steering are probably barely working.
You might be able to ship parts from Canada....we don't have any trade restrictions with Cuba. I have heard some Americans come to Canada to get on a flight to Cuba. It's a big vacation destination for Canadians in the winter, one of the cheaper places to go. It's a little rough though, not the best food and sometimes no hot water.
Great cars though, looked like a cruise night up here.
"...I bring the rpm's over 4000 at least once a week..."
If that's what it takes, my engine must be really clean.
Seriously, how do you maintain 4000-4500 rpm for 30 seconds without gaining too much speed? You must put it in a lower gear. If I held 4500 rpm in my Eclipse or Corvette for 30 seconds without downshifting I'd have red lights flashing behind me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'll email him, but I'm having a hard time understanding the difficulty in finding this discussion:
Search works... type in "sales" or "frontlines" into the keywords box on the right.
Browse by board drop-down - Smart Shopper - and this discussion right near the top of the page
Of course adding it to "my watched items" works best.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
That bit about overfilling is true but do you know why?
No, I don't know why but I am curious to know. My father was very good mechanically and he would say overfilling is worse than being under.
I agree, it is better to keep the oil level from getting too low. It is made to be ok if the gauge (graph or dipstick) is between min and max. But, why chance it.
My situation was a surprise. I was spoiled because my last car didn't need oil added between changes. This one showed 10% left about 2 weeks ago, and I thought I would be going for an oil change in 3K miles, so they would do it then. I guess that 10% went quickly. No, I'll be checking more frequently in the future, and try not to let it get below half way.
The ironic part is I just came out of biking retirement on an orthopedic surgeon's orders. I've been a recreational runner, but at 38 years old and coming out of my fourth knee surgery this March, he was quite firm it was time to return to biking, which is a sport I actively pusued through college and then just sporadically since.
My wife was focused on helping me clean and dress the raw spots. I'm guessing today is when we'll have the "big talk." :surprise: Fortunately she bikes casually, so there's some understanding of the situation, and Fort Collins is very friendly to cyclists.
Waiting until the oil has gone 5000 miles and is down a full quart means the oil in the sump has lost even more of its additive brew and is weaker at doing the things that additives take care of or prevent.
I didn't think about that at all, and it sounds logical and an excellent point. Like I said, 2 weeks ago the graph showed I had 10% left. I virtually have forgot about adding oil because my last car never needed oil added. I think the last 10% went quickly, probably for the reasons you gave, not as much additives left and it needed a boost.
You and Monroe have convinced me to keep the oil topped up as much as possible.....I don't want to become obsessive compulsive about this, but I will check the oil once a month and add if it is down 25 -30%
Good point and nicely explained.
I couldn't find a way to twist myself out of that one.
The ironic part is I just came out of biking retirement on an orthopedic surgeon's orders
I had an accident about 25 years ago on my bike, and I haven't gone biking much since. I was with a friend and we were going pretty fast in an area we didn't know too well. I came to railway tracks and tried to turn to go perpendicular but my front wheel caught in the track, and turned sharp left. I went over the handle bars....fortunately it was a cool day and I was wearing a leather jacket.
I was really stiff for 2 weeks. I think I still have some limited movement and a sore hand that won't close completely. I have gone on slow casual rides on a bike but I won't go fast again. It is just too easy to do serious damage if you are going too fast to get control. Also, as we get older it is more difficult to heal.
Good luck, it will take awhile but it sounds like you will be ok again, especially with loving care.
Thanks Driver. Sorry to hear about your accident. Train tracks and skinny wheels just don't get along. Very little force is needed to fold a road rim, so I'm very slow going across tracks, but there will always be risks when biking unknown areas, as well as unexpected road conditions along known routes. Road debris, new potholes, spilled oil, tree branches, puddles, etc...
A strange event happened to a mountain biker here recently. He managed to be bit by a rattle snake while peddling. That's one quick snake. Fortunately the guy had a riding buddy who flagged down help and got him to the hospital for treatment. I've never heard of that happening before.
Exactly, oldfarmer. I use my paddle shifters and maintain 3rd gear when I enter the Turnpike. I maintain that for 20-25 seconds once a week. Sometimes, I can actually feel a change in the way the car performs after high RPM holds. Remember, I'm doing a lot of short hauls in the car during the week - shopping for food at least twice a week and short hops to Walgreens, Walmart, the barber, etc. I was just told by my service technician to try to get some high RPM's at least once or twice a week because of the type of driving I do.
The paddle shifters enable me to accomplish this when entering interstates and the Turnpike. The technician said that it helps to burn off some of the carbon build up. He said it would not hurt the engine so long as I do not maintain higher than 4000-4500 RPM's.
My significant other and I are actually very excited about this and if there is a time in our life to do it, this is it. We have nothing holding us to Pittsburgh (schools, mortgage etc).
I'll keep you all posted. We are getting moving quotes now which I'm finding is an entirely different racket. I'm just finishing up with the wedding planning racket!
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
He probably admired that 5.0 doing what it was made to do. Lucky for you, don't they hammer speeders pretty hard in VA? Something like thousands of dollars in fines or a bullet to the leg, whichever they think will hurt more? :sick:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
When I was in my twenties, I got an urge to get a bike. So I went into a Honda dealer and got sold on a "1000 Custom" which was a fairly big bike with an overdrive kicker which, if properly used, gave me 10 speeds (5 with OD and 5 without OD). It was a touring bike and I decked it out with a nice faring.
I remember that one evening, I took it out WIYH a friend of mine who had in Interstate Goldwing. We were driving down a country road in a farming area. He was in front of me and slightly to my right. His bike hit a tree branch (he was obviously not paying attention to the road in front of him) and his bike jeered left and I rammed right into him. I was going about 45 mph. I obviously lost control and both me and the bike skidded about 200 feet. The bike and I were on my left side as the skid started and I ended up in one of the drainage ditches along the roadside.
I don't remember much after that but I do remember waking up in the recovery room at our local hospital after the had pinned my left leg back together. My left shoulder was dislocated and I was scraped up pretty bad.
The doctor said that if I wasn't wearing a helmet, they probably wouldn't have needed to repair my leg or my shoulder because I would have been killed. The bike had been taken to the Honda dealer and when they called me to find out how I was doing, they told me the bike wasn't worth fixing. I never rode a bike again!
Apart from the stress of having to find a job, it sounds like this is a fantastic opportunity. Later in life, you tend to lose the freedom to just drop everything and move somewhere new - kids in school, seniority at current job, you own your home and you'd have to sell it, etc. Enjoy the adventure!
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I'm actually looking for a chance to move out of NJ. But as noted, having a house to sell complicates things. But not as much as 1 more kid in HW (a Junior this year, so not much longer!).
once she is out, I feel liberated to pick up and wander elsewhere. She however thinks we need to stay put, with the big house (and bigger taxes) so that when she comes home there should be friends around. She might be losing that battle.
"The Crohn's disease is a pain in the butt, no pun intended. I watch what I eat and have to watch my stress levels - one foul step and I'm out of commission for a day or so."
Firefighter--
I'm sorry to hear about your medical travails. My wife's cousin died from Crohn's so I know that it's no walk in the park. Interestingly, I have a student in one of my classes (for the second class) who is roughly the same age as you and she has Crohn's disease as well. Although I try not to be too judgmental, but she really doesn't seem to take very good care of herself: smokes, drinks--like a lot of college students-- eats what she pleases and, as you might expect, misses more class that is appropriate because of the disease. She seems smart enough in some ways, but has made some poor decisions and is a single mother with a six year old developmentally challenged son. Best I can tell there is limited family support as well. I'm hoping for a positive outcome, but see plenty of storm clouds looming.
Tax and licenses not included. In Kansas we pay those directly to the DMV when we register the car. On a trade in we only have to pay on the difference, so that helps. Probably be close to $2,800. before I'm done.
Comments
You turned that around didn’t you? You’re almost a master at that.
You didn’t make it to 15000 miles you only got to 12150 before your car told you that oil was needed. I’ve never had to add a full quart of oil to any car I’ve owned, ever. If you had a dip stick you would have been able to see when the gradual oil consumption started. Now go turn that one around.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I came up the ramp with two other cars, sized them up real quick and decided to be in the lead.
Touched the gas, looked down to see 82 MPH and turned on the right signal to move over.
Looked in the mirror just as I was getting over. VSP fully marked car Blue over Gray. He nods as
he goes by my now 70 MPH in the right lane. Not sure if he liked the triple blink signals or if he
was saying "this one's on me". My wife says "where did he come from?". Then adds...you're
lucky you were doing the speed limit. I answered uh huh.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
The Crohn's disease is a pain in the butt, no pun intended. I watch what I eat and have to watch my stress levels - one foul step and I'm out of commission for a day or so. But, I know what my limits are so I don't ever really run afoul of it. Speaking of stress though, I suppose now is as good a time as ever to share my latest life development.
After sitting for the bar exam, I was scheduled to start my full-time job in Pittsburgh. Three days before I was supposed to start, I was informed that my company experienced a significant downturn in business while I was out studying for the bar exam, and my position had been eliminated. For the last 4 weeks I have been searching for a new job. I received 4 different offers, none however, in Pittsburgh. The jobs were scattered across Washington DC, Chicago, and Seattle. This week I accepted an offer for a legal consultant position based in Seattle and will be relocating there with my fiancee at the end of this month from Pittsburgh.
This has been an absolute whirlwind month and I would never have imagined a month ago that in another 3 weeks, I'd be relocating across the country. Just in case that wasn't enough, we get married in mid-October in Ohio. Life truly is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
To keep this car related - my sister (who totaled her S40) will be taking my C30, and we'll be shipping my fiancee's Mazda3 to Seattle about a week ahead of our departure.
I've never owned one but have several friends that swear by them. I get the highest cold cranking amps battery that is a available at the local auto parts and so far I've been satisfied.
Someday I'll probably get an Interstate and then I'll know first hand why people rave about them.
Get the alternator checked just to be sure. A couple years ago when Mrs. j's XG350's battery was 5 years old and started to act up in August, I took that as a welcome warning because winter was on it's way.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The Edmunds' appraisal tool said the 2010, equipped the way it was, and certified, was worth about $58,000. Through more research, I knew to expect about $20,000. for my trade. The dealer had the car advertised at $54,990.
I was not desperate to buy the car, though if I could get it at a fair price I was interested. I figured about $32,000. with my trade. I really liked the only 13,000 miles, which was verified by the carfax to my satisfaction. But first I had to feel it, touch it, and drive it. We went on the typical 15 minute test drive and the darn thing was absolutely gorgeous and in pristine condition.
The salesman then told me to take the car, drive it by myself, take my time and come back after lunch in a couple of hours. During that time they would appraise my car. I took the car home, took my wife out to lunch, drove around for an hour or so, took her back home and then went back to the dealership.
My salesman came out with an impressive print out and showed me where their best offer would have to be my car plus $35,500. I pointed out some obvious errors in their calculations and sent him back to the SM. Even though there was a $1500. error in the original print out, when he came back, all that they had done was fix the error and then added in some items that they said they had accidentally left off...the price had only dropped to $35,000.
I said that would not get the deal done. I told him the number would have to be $31,000. or I was out the door, no hard feelings. I meant it and he knew I meant it. Back to the SM and 5 minutes later we had a deal. I compromised on the $199. ad fee. I took a pass on all the mop and glow items. Very happy with the deal and happy with the car. Now, back to Mizzou and Georgia.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
lucky you were doing the speed limit. I answered uh huh.
You hear it too? Mrs. j says I drive too fast. Too fast for her is going 5 MPH over the limit. Another one of her dislikes of my driving is that she thinks I tailgate. Believe me I don’t. I’m far from a tailgater. So much so that people are always jumping into the space I leave.
Years a go I got back at her for that. I asked her to pull her legs back and she did. I said, “no, pull them way back”. She said the back of her legs were already touching the seat, what more did I want? I leaned over and looked at the foot well and said, “the way you were mashing the carpet I thought there was a brake pedal over there that wasn’t working”. :sick: That almost ended that hysteria but not quite; every so often I hear it again.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Finally, after all of these years, we now know what's wrong with you. :P Seriously, glad it all worked out---pun intended.
Your disclaimer was an absolute hoot! This crowd "well endowed and virile"? LMAO!!! Let's see---last time virile was 1976?
Richard
I showed it to my wife who almost went to tears laughing.
Congrats on the new Lexus. Sounds like a good one.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Dealer prices are interesting. Before we moved from Pinehurst and returned home, the bill for the SRX oil change was $105. When the Cadillac dealer did it here last week, the bill was $70. I suppose that these service prices are decided at the local level.
Richard
I noticed that you own one of them and I own one. I suppose that I need to think about a trade here.
Richard
Richard
Richard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDhiL4tjJaA
What is so interesting about these cars is that they are used as Taxi cabs which means they are taking a beating in the hot tropical sun. I read somewhere that there over 60 thousands of those relics on the road.
Politics aside, I believe a good business opportunity exist for supplying the Cubans with parts for these cars. Cuba has relaxed its policies and now owners can sell theirs cars to non-family members. If the US would allow it that would great publicity for US auto makers who are continually derided for manufacturing inferior cars.
Let me try to turn that one around. btw, I come from a family who questions everything and tries to come up with as many explanations as possible, so my environment and genes made me this way...so don't blame me.
I can push a view buttons on the dash and I can see a graph that shows the oil level. You can open the hood and check the dipstick to see your oil level, but, you have to drive the car and then let it sit. I can press the buttons when the car is stationary or when driving and I can see a graph. There isn't too much advantage in adding oil before it gets to the minimum, though it is probably a smart thing to do. What I did like ........and here I go turning something around again.........was that since the graph showed the oil level was on minimum, the car took one full bottle (litre) of oil. If I added before it reached minimum, I could overfill it. According to what I was told, overfilling is almost as bad as underfilling. So, if I am on the minimum line there is no guess work, just add a full container of oil and it is right on the maximum line.
How is that for twisting it around? :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am not sure what that means, but women are generally shorter, so sometimes get a different perspective when they are driving. If the windshield is far away, if the instrument panel is higher....whatever, they get a different view than we do. And, her car being smaller may have made your car seem more spacious......who really knows?
I am glad you have the Chrohns covered, I have known people who have it and I know they really have to pay attention to what they do.
Your other news must be very stressful, and of course is happening at the worst possible times. Life is a series of stressful situations and when the stress stops life stops. I have learned that set backs can turn into positives and i have had a lot of those fortunately. Others know my story, but I was downsized 3 times in a row through no fault of my own, so at 46 yrs old I started my own company...no one would hire me. The company did well, I made much more than I would have working for someone, and have had a lot more fun doing things my way.
The challenge now is to make the move, and make it into a positive experience. It could be the best thing that could have happened.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My bike just slipped out from under me in the corner at speed, front wheel first, and the next thing I knew I was trying to keep my head rolled over on the helmet so my face stayed off the asphalt while I slid along for what seemed like forever. Those sunglasses and helmet really saved me. I wound up coming to a stop in the middle of the road, and first thing I did was drag myself and the bike to the sidewalk so I wouldn't be run over. Caring motorists saw the whole thing and kept checking on me.
The bike was still rideable after a couple of adjustments but it's going to need work. Adrenalin got me home. Motorists thought I wouldn't walk and called 911, but I was close to home and it was downhill, so I coasted the last couple of miles to my house.
The story can't old a candle to the trials Mike and Fezo are experiencing (hang in there guys), but it was enough to change my plans for the evening. I was in the middle of polishing and sealing the van when I took a break for the ride, so now maybe my wife will learn how to apply Zaino Z2
Richard
Richard
You can check it on Saturday morning like I do or the first thing any morning. Lets say when you check it the level is right where it should be. It’s been years since I’ve done this but then I’d then drive the car, then when I stopped I would check the dipstick again and I’d note the level. While it was a little further down (had to squint a good bit to see it) I now knew how to account for what was still up in the engine after driving it and had not had a chance to drain back into the pan. What I found is that there isn’t as much up there as we have been led to believe, at least not on the old GM V8’s that I had. I like to keep the oil level right at the full line. Just a bad habit I acquired over the years.
If I added before it reached minimum, I could overfill it. According to what I was told, overfilling is almost as bad as underfilling.
You put more trust in that sensor than I would feel comfortable doing, especially when the car gets older. I know you don’t keep your cars that long but the next guy that buys it might like a dipstick as a backup if the light came on. Then he could keep it right on the full mark. That bit about overfilling is true but do you know why?
How is that for twisting it around?
I’m a little disappointed because I’ve seen you do better. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
With that twisted explanation I kept waiting for you to beg us to give you four more years!
Adding a partial quart of oil puts in new oil fresh with a full load of additives. That raises the level of additives in the oil in the sump. Waiting until the oil has gone 5000 miles and is down a full quart means the oil in the sump has lost even more of its additive brew and is weaker at doing the things that additives take care of or prevent.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You make an excellent point. I grow weary at times of how the domestics take such a beating from the press and others. If the American public really felt that domestics were that inferior, they either would not buy them or they would demand a better product. I'm sure that there are models that aren't as good as others, but the same can probably be said of foreign makes as well. No car is perfect; that's why they all strive for improvements. With the exception of an MGB, a Miata, and a Honda, I have always driven domestics. They have served me well in terms of performance and comfort. I would guess that there are more domestics on the road today than there are foreign makes. If so, that fact would certainly continue to speak well of American car makers. If not, then we need to find out why. American talent and ingenuity can certainly produce an automobile that is as good as a European model. I sometimes wonder if it is just a matter of the beauty being in the eyes of the beholder.
Richard
One of our original poster friends, Isellhondas, wishes to return for a visit. He can't find this particular thread to log on to us. Could you please send him an email with a link to this site? I can understand his frustration in attempting to find us. I used to have the same experience all of the time. I finally solved the problem by keeping a current Edmunds notification in my inbox at all times. If I didn't, I would have the same problem as Isell. I have emailed him one of my Edmunds notifications in hopes that he can use that link to get here. Please help if you can.
Thanks,
Richard
Good story houdini and you did everything perfectly. Did your $31K number include tax, license, fees etc. You knew those would be extra right, or did you calculate that in too.
I like the polite, "No hard feelings part". I wonder if I had said that to the bmw dealer when we were $1500 apart he would have tried to get the deal done. I am happy he didn't though...it was the case of a negative experience becoming a positive one.....when we test drove the Audi.
Great story and you got a great car at an excellent price.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am not going to twist that one around!!!!!!!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It's called, charging what the traffic can bear (or is that bare?).
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yeh, I noticed that too. They weren't kind about the Sebring...I thought you have been away so much and the chances of you actually looking those articles up weren't likely. But, you were probably the only one who checked it out.
I thought it wouldn't upset you too much since our car was on the list too. I liked those lists, especially the 10 cars you wouldn't want to be seen in. It kind of confirmed my feelings about those Lincolns. And the 10 cars that are the least fun to drive gave top spot to the Camry for the very reasons people stated here....boring and lack of communication between the road and driver.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
No, she just pointed out where to drive to get there.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks for posting again...it is amazing how they keep those cars that we don't want, going. I have a feeling they do whatever they can to keep them going, and i doubt if they are very safe....things like brakes and steering are probably barely working.
You might be able to ship parts from Canada....we don't have any trade restrictions with Cuba. I have heard some Americans come to Canada to get on a flight to Cuba. It's a big vacation destination for Canadians in the winter, one of the cheaper places to go. It's a little rough though, not the best food and sometimes no hot water.
Great cars though, looked like a cruise night up here.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If that's what it takes, my engine must be really clean.
Seriously, how do you maintain 4000-4500 rpm for 30 seconds without gaining too much speed? You must put it in a lower gear. If I held 4500 rpm in my Eclipse or Corvette for 30 seconds without downshifting I'd have red lights flashing behind me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Search works... type in "sales" or "frontlines" into the keywords box on the right.
Browse by board drop-down - Smart Shopper - and this discussion right near the top of the page
Of course adding it to "my watched items" works best.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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No, I don't know why but I am curious to know. My father was very good mechanically and he would say overfilling is worse than being under.
I agree, it is better to keep the oil level from getting too low. It is made to be ok if the gauge (graph or dipstick) is between min and max. But, why chance it.
My situation was a surprise. I was spoiled because my last car didn't need oil added between changes. This one showed 10% left about 2 weeks ago, and I thought I would be going for an oil change in 3K miles, so they would do it then. I guess that 10% went quickly. No, I'll be checking more frequently in the future, and try not to let it get below half way.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My wife was focused on helping me clean and dress the raw spots. I'm guessing today is when we'll have the "big talk." :surprise: Fortunately she bikes casually, so there's some understanding of the situation, and Fort Collins is very friendly to cyclists.
I didn't think about that at all, and it sounds logical and an excellent point. Like I said, 2 weeks ago the graph showed I had 10% left. I virtually have forgot about adding oil because my last car never needed oil added. I think the last 10% went quickly, probably for the reasons you gave, not as much additives left and it needed a boost.
You and Monroe have convinced me to keep the oil topped up as much as possible.....I don't want to become obsessive compulsive about this, but I will check the oil once a month and add if it is down 25 -30%
Good point and nicely explained.
I couldn't find a way to twist myself out of that one.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
How about my 1993 DeVille--3510 pounds. Why can't they make cars today as light as back in the early 90s?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I had an accident about 25 years ago on my bike, and I haven't gone biking much since. I was with a friend and we were going pretty fast in an area we didn't know too well. I came to railway tracks and tried to turn to go perpendicular but my front wheel caught in the track, and turned sharp left. I went over the handle bars....fortunately it was a cool day and I was wearing a leather jacket.
I was really stiff for 2 weeks. I think I still have some limited movement and a sore hand that won't close completely. I have gone on slow casual rides on a bike but I won't go fast again. It is just too easy to do serious damage if you are going too fast to get control. Also, as we get older it is more difficult to heal.
Good luck, it will take awhile but it sounds like you will be ok again, especially with loving care.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Knocking them down $4k was pretty good. Who did all the lying, cheating and threatening, you or the dealer? :P
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
A strange event happened to a mountain biker here recently. He managed to be bit by a rattle snake while peddling. That's one quick snake. Fortunately the guy had a riding buddy who flagged down help and got him to the hospital for treatment. I've never heard of that happening before.
Exactly, oldfarmer. I use my paddle shifters and maintain 3rd gear when I enter the Turnpike. I maintain that for 20-25 seconds once a week. Sometimes, I can actually feel a change in the way the car performs after high RPM holds. Remember, I'm doing a lot of short hauls in the car during the week - shopping for food at least twice a week and short hops to Walgreens, Walmart, the barber, etc. I was just told by my service technician to try to get some high RPM's at least once or twice a week because of the type of driving I do.
The paddle shifters enable me to accomplish this when entering interstates and the Turnpike. The technician said that it helps to burn off some of the carbon build up. He said it would not hurt the engine so long as I do not maintain higher than 4000-4500 RPM's.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My significant other and I are actually very excited about this and if there is a time in our life to do it, this is it. We have nothing holding us to Pittsburgh (schools, mortgage etc).
I'll keep you all posted. We are getting moving quotes now which I'm finding is an entirely different racket. I'm just finishing up with the wedding planning racket!
He probably admired that 5.0 doing what it was made to do. Lucky for you, don't they hammer speeders pretty hard in VA? Something like thousands of dollars in fines or a bullet to the leg, whichever they think will hurt more? :sick:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
When I was in my twenties, I got an urge to get a bike. So I went into a Honda dealer and got sold on a "1000 Custom" which was a fairly big bike with an overdrive kicker which, if properly used, gave me 10 speeds (5 with OD and 5 without OD). It was a touring bike and I decked it out with a nice faring.
I remember that one evening, I took it out WIYH a friend of mine who had in Interstate Goldwing. We were driving down a country road in a farming area. He was in front of me and slightly to my right. His bike hit a tree branch (he was obviously not paying attention to the road in front of him) and his bike jeered left and I rammed right into him. I was going about 45 mph. I obviously lost control and both me and the bike skidded about 200 feet. The bike and I were on my left side as the skid started and I ended up in one of the drainage ditches along the roadside.
I don't remember much after that but I do remember waking up in the recovery room at our local hospital after the had pinned my left leg back together. My left shoulder was dislocated and I was scraped up pretty bad.
The doctor said that if I wasn't wearing a helmet, they probably wouldn't have needed to repair my leg or my shoulder because I would have been killed. The bike had been taken to the Honda dealer and when they called me to find out how I was doing, they told me the bike wasn't worth fixing. I never rode a bike again!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
As much as I like the thrill of driving, cycles always scared the heck out of me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
once she is out, I feel liberated to pick up and wander elsewhere. She however thinks we need to stay put, with the big house (and bigger taxes) so that when she comes home there should be friends around. She might be losing that battle.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Firefighter--
I'm sorry to hear about your medical travails. My wife's cousin died from Crohn's so I know that it's no walk in the park. Interestingly, I have a student in one of my classes (for the second class) who is roughly the same age as you and she has Crohn's disease as well. Although I try not to be too judgmental, but she really doesn't seem to take very good care of herself: smokes, drinks--like a lot of college students-- eats what she pleases and, as you might expect, misses more class that is appropriate because of the disease. She seems smart enough in some ways, but has made some poor decisions and is a single mother with a six year old developmentally challenged son. Best I can tell there is limited family support as well. I'm hoping for a positive outcome, but see plenty of storm clouds looming.
Gogiboy
Somebody has to pay for those roads !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460