Mike congrats on the new Mercedes. I have heard of all the top-of-the-line options save one: Lane Tracking, which sounds almost like autopilot. I'm just wondering what it does?
Was corporate Lexus' handling of the tire balance issue the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back?
For some reason I thought were you leasing the Lexus, but from you post it's clear you're trading plus cash. So much wheeling and dealing on this forum I can't keep it all straight. I do know that NYC is leasing his BMW.
"And man, will I be royally P.O.'d if this someone messes us up down the line (like at renewal time or when we finally go to sell!)"
Stick--
I think the simple solution is for you to buy the second Acura RDX with the slightly different VIN. That way you can have his and hers in the driveway and since they will have been bought within days of one another it should smooth all the problems at the DMV.
Don't you deserve a new car as well? Maybe you have help the dealer with their paperwork problem for an addition $2K off the price negotiated for your wife's car--no one has to know, plus you'll have another sales story for the forum. Don't let Mike get the upper hand.
sounds like a plan. My wife thought that the easiest thing was to just go pick up the other one, and keep the papers as is. But since we only have about 300 miles on this one, and finally have most of the set up done, not really worth the trip back up to the dealer!
and yes, I deserve a nice car too. but it would have to be well more than 2K additional off to afford! more like 22K...
oh, I do seem to have a car for me anyway. No one seems interested in buying our minivan. So that may be around for a while
actually, that is coming in handy, since we are not sure if it is a good idea to drive it! my wife is also going away on business for a few days, so she will take the van and park it at a colleagues house that is driving to the airport, and the RDX can just stay in the garage.
that should guarantee someone calls and wants to see the Odyssey immediately!
Thanks for the good wishes, fezo! Yes, ever since I traded in my Mercedes, I have really been quite unhappy. The Lexus has way too much technology for me and the build quality of the Mercedes is far superior to the Lexus.
Remember, I really haven't driven the car yet. All I did was agree to the deal. I have a 10:00 AM appointment tomorrow morning. I need to check out their financing terms as well. I am looking to finance about 15K to 16K for 60 months at around 2.5%. It will probably take 3 hours to finish everything up, notify insurance company, get a refund from XM for the 11 months, etc.
I was super impressed with the Diamond White. It's a $1515.00 option - it's very much like a pearly white. I am not a lover of white cars, but this really caught my eye. And I wanted the dark saddle interior which was a $1620.00 option. It's a two-tone interior with saddle seat areas and door panel inserts and the rest is black leather and black headliner.
They have a video of my exact car on their website - mercedesbenzofdelray.com. Just select E350 sedan when you get to the site and I believe it is the second car down - $64,860 MSRP. Click on the video and they show a 30 second video of the exterior and interior.
It's actually right off of Exit 6 which is past UBS if you are going South on 95 & before it if you are going North. It's the same exit as the big, drive through Starbucks.
I knew my spelling was wrong, but I was phonetically correct!
Yes, nice place to stand and watch that clean glacial water spill down into the shallows.
Mt. Renier is a beautiful sight as well. It's another one of those dormant volcanoes, like Mt. St. Helen's "WAS"! I remember flying my Beechcraft King Air 350 from Portland to Seattle and flying over Mt. Hood and Mt. Renier. Magnificent topography over the Olympic Mts. And Cascades.
Yes, will be much happier with the Benz again! Thanks!
Couldn't resist getting back into a Mercedes. Lexus just didn't measure up in my opinion.
She loves me, she loves me not. Too bad Lexus did not measure up to your expectations. You are a man who knows what he wants and once you go MB its hard to another make. Sort of like the old saying once you black you never go back.
Nonetheless, congrats on yet another purchase and I wish you nothing but miles of bliss and undiluted driving pleasure.
Meanwhile, how does one get this USAA discount? Is it available on automobiles only or can it be applied to other products and services?
The E350 looks absolutely gorgeous. That Diamond White is a great color and it has a really nice interior. That's like the ultimate car.....I got a feeling you are going to love it.
The Lexus has way too much technology for me and the build quality of the Mercedes is far superior to the Lexus.
There is something intangible about European engineering. The Asians can try to copy, but the experience and passion that makes a European car a European car isn't there.
It's like a Seiko watch...it is dependable, has good value, looks great. But, there is still the feeling of old world craftsmanship in an Omega or a Rolex.
I was wondering if you would miss your Mercedes. I hope the deal works out, it seems you won't be out much because you are getting a car with a lot of big upgrades.
I don't see an engine in there. just a bunch of plastic.
They have made engines look really nice these days. No air filters sticking up out of nowhere. Most of that plastic doesn't get covered in black oil. Sure looks different than those old Blue Flames.
I don't normally (actually never) buy extended warranties on cars; however we did get talked into buying an extended warranty through my credit union at the time of purchase. The warranty company name is Route 66. It was 5 year/100k warranty; bumper to bumper; no deductable. My wife drives about 25k miles per year. The vehicle is a 2011 Buick Enclave that has 31k miles purchased in May 2011 and was purchased brand new.
We have never recieved any paperwork on what the warranty covers and doesn't cover (except a small brochure provided by the credit union at the time of purchase. Contains very limited info). Not even warranty cards showing the VIN# and our names.
We were promised at the time of purchase to recieve info cards and full explanation of the coverages sent to us by US mail. Never received any information. Spoke with the loan officer (1 year later) at the credit union and she said she would ask them to resend. Three months have now went by and still nothing sent to us. We speak to the loan officer again...and she calls the warranty company and we are now told that the warranty company does not mail anything out. No cards or explanation of coverage. (We were provided with our orignial loan paperwork a phone number, warranty account # and address on where to send claims to). We were told to present that in case covered repair was needed.
We have now lost confidence in the warranty company and wanted to submit a claim for a refund. The new car warranty still applies: 4 year 50k through Buick. The extended warranty in my opinion has never been in effect/never used. However when applying for a refund...we are told that 31% (based on 31k miles) of the warranty has been used and we will now recieve a refund of only $964. Original cost was $1444.
I understand a small processing fee for the refund would be in order...but to be told 31% of our warranty has been used up when the new car warranty is still in place seems unfair. The contract states that a full refund is provided if they are notified within 30 days. However I incorrectly assumed that a full refund (plus a small processing fee) would be available until the car reaches 50k miles or 4 years. The company website in their FAQ's (not in paperwork provided by the credit union) states warranty coverage starts the day the paperwork is signed. I can understand that for used cars...however my car is under the manufacturers new car warranty for first 50k miles.
What do the experts think? The good news the company has an A plus rating by the BBB.
> And man, will I be royally P.O.'d if this someone messes us up down the line (like at renewal time or when we finally go to sell!) Gonna have to scrutinize
Like you might go in for service a year from now and the TSA shows up with machine guns because you're servicing a stolen car?
> It was 5 year/100k warranty; bumper to bumper; no deductable. My wife drives about 25k miles per year. The vehicle is a 2011 Buick Enclave that has 31k miles purchased in May 2011 and was purchased brand new.
Take a look at the mileages for warranty from GM: 4 years 50K bumper to bumper? ANd then various other warranties extend further out. So you paid for 1 year of bumper-to-bumper extra time with 60 K extra miles?
The dealership should have offered you GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan) warranties? There are various ones with extended time out to 7 years (maybe more now?). They can be purchased up until the original bumper-to-bumper warranty expires by time or mileage, whichever is first. The company where I bought mine is GMPP store.
Mike, congratulations on the new MB. I have seen the Diamond White and it is absolutely beautiful. I wanted that color in our SRX, but my wife was crazy about the black. Your interior combination also sounds quite lovely. It's really nice to be back in a car that you like. May you have many happy miles in this one.
Too late. You've been fried, dyed, and tattooed. Those warranties always start the clock ticking on day of purchase. Be grateful for the prorated refund. Some companies don't even do that much. You said that you "assumed". As someone once told me, "Notice the first three letters in the word." Sorry for your trouble, but you learned a valuable lesson the hard way.
Unless you can convince upper management to give you special consideration, then I believe the contract is going to rule. If it states coverage begins the date of signature, then the partial refund they've stipulated appears accurate. It's a case of buyer beware. The lack of communication doesn't speak highly of them, but it didnt negate your coverage during that first period. I'd say get your partial refund, chalk it up to a learning experience, and don't let it spoil your car ownership.
It's a good thing for them that your wife likes her car. If the paper work was never done on your actual vehicle, then you don't technically own it. Your wife could take the car back and tell them that she changed her mind and will be purchasing another brand. Wouldn't that be a hoot?! You should do it for fun just to see the look on their faces. If some young buck didn't get fired, I bet he is wearing a new rear end.
well, sort of. Can I count a 2nd "new" RDX in the space of 11 days?
got a call from yet another sales manager this AM. Final resolution, we are getting a brand new replacement. Since they already had received the plates and registration, trying to unwind everything was going to be a nightmare.
But, the car that the plates, and all the paperwork, belongs to (the original unit we were going t get last week) is still sitting there untouched. So, all we have to do is give the one we have back (it has never been titled, just now has some miles on it) and take the other one. Won't even have to sign new paperwork, since that is all done already.
I feel this is my penance for not buying locally. for a lot of logistical reasons, I am driving back up tonight to do the swap. But, I am getting some accessories (that we were going to buy anyway) thrown in, so that will more than offset the cost of the drive (really just tolls, gas will be a wash).
But, we get a brand new car out of it! will only have about 200 less miles on it, but that still counts.
too bad will have to go through the whole syncing and setting process over again, but at least I know how it works now.
OK, I'll admit it...some of the WAY off topic conversations about things like missing dipsticks were getting to bother me and I do have to admit that after awhile I did lose interest.
But..no more...I've mellowed.
So.....Bellevue is EAST of Seattle and right next to Issaquah where we happen to live.
It's Mt. Rainier and dormant as it is, it could and probably will go off at some point. It'll make Mt. Helenes look like a firecracker in comparision!
I am aware of my buddy Fezo's ongoing medical challenges and I look forward to his (positive) updates. He HAS to be the toughest guy I've ever known.
Oh, someone asked about the BMW we bought last year. Well the local botique BMW indy shop looked it over and changed the oil and pronounced it to be in great shape. He even reset the airbag light and two months later it hasn't come back on.
BUT...it's due for new tags and a required emission test. No sweat right? Well, on my way to the emission test place, the damm Check Engine light came on!
Typical European car! God only knows what it's going to need now?
Let me put a nasty rumor to bed....I am NOT selling Kias but with great reluctance, I must admit that the Koreans have, indeed come a LONG way. I still wouldn't want one but they have survived and prospered in spite of their early junk they put out.
The fact that Fiat has crawled back into the US after selling us junk in the past is just another reminder that Americans are either forgiving people or have short memories.
I'm glad I was missed (by some) and I'll try to stick around to stir the pot.
But, we get a brand new car out of it! will only have about 200 less miles on it,
Two new cars in one year,....you've made your quota for 2012.
But, what a nightmare of paperwork and logistics. How many times does that happen? You buy a car once in 13 years and it goes all wrong, Mike buys one every 4 months and things go as smooth as silk.
well, good thing they caught this now (not quite sure how they did, but they obviously misunderstood the issue!)
otherwise, at some point it would have come to light. Most likely when they tried to register the other unit, and the DMV did not like having 2 with the same VIN running around!
I shudder to think what would have happened if we totalled it or something.
would have actually been better if they found this a few months down the line. More free driving time!
Ugh. Aging Euro cars can test your fortitude. I recently sold my Jetta Wagon, and 2 days afterwards part of the electrical system literally melted. :sick:
Technically the new owner was on the hook, but she's a single mom, like my own mom growing up, and I didn't feel right about what happened, so I covered the repairs.
>Please keep any political "garbage" out of these forums...it's really not necessary now is it!
It was only an off hand remark. I'm sure if the actual hosts of the discussion consider it to be needed, they would have taken care of the post. It's best to email the hosts if something is of concern to you.
Yes... it was a joke in good humor. No need to make mountains out of molehills. It's really not worth it.
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 think this is the actual car Mike was looking at...
Right you are, *driver, right you are. You took those pictures right off my dealer's webstie - good for you. Yes, that's the interior, those are the AMG wheels, that's the right wood steering wheel and that's the exact car I bought!
Rather than post responses to the myriad of well-wishers and "dipstick fanatics", I thought I would post a thanks to all of you.
Just got home a few minutes ago from Delray Mercedes. What a great outfit to do business with. This is my 6th E350 from them and they are as gracious and as honest as any dealer I've ever done business with.
There is definitely a huge difference in the two cars - Lexus GS vs. MB E350. Car steers better, corners better, better front and rear visibility, and I like the Blind Spot Monitor system with the Lane Tracking system better in the Mercedes.
And the Harman Karmin system in the Mercedes outsurpasses the Mark Levinson system in the Lexus big time! Crisper treble, basier base, and surround sound is far superior.
This is the very first white car I have ever owned. I was just taken aback by the cost of the Diamond White - $1700 vs. $780 for the other metallic paints. The interior is a saddle color, very rich looking with the walnut trim.
The major plus for the Lexus was that the front seats were a little wider and roomier.
The car has the "applications" option with google search engine as well as IHear Music and Pandora Music.
Also, it has a 6 disc CD player rather than a single disc in the Lexus.
Someone posted that they wanted to know more about USAA.
You need to be a member, have a navy blue ID card with membership number, etc. They issue memberships to veterans or immediate family of veterans or active service members only. My Dad was a veteran in WWII. So he bought a personal property insurance policy and got his membership that way. Once he was a member, I was able to join as his son.
My Twin Brother just bought a CS coupe using his USAA membership number - with the incentives available through Mercedes and his USAA membership, he saved over $18,000 off the MSRP of the coupe (MSRP was $131,000).
If you want more information about USAA, just call them up and they will give you all the details. You must have a policy with them in order to qualify for their car buying service.
Again, thanks all for the well wishes. And thanks *driver for posting the pictures of the actual car I bought.
Someone posted that they wanted to know more about USAA.
I was the one who asked about the big USAA discounts. I was not in the military (nor my parents) but my daughter works in administration for the navy--would that qualify?
Man, with those generous discounts even I could buy a new car every three years but it does not look likely unless I enlist at my tender age of 60. Nontheless, thanks for explaining how the program works and once again enjoy the ride.
Driver, you owe me 25 cents! Sure does have a dipstick - it even comes with oil!
Your check is in the mail.
Now I'll owe Monroe a quarter too! I am sending him a Canadian one. On second thought our dollar is worth $1.03 U.S. today, so I'll send him an American one....maybe 5 wooden nickels.
I was just taken aback by the cost of the Diamond White - $1700 vs. $780 for the other metallic paints. The interior is a saddle color, very rich looking with the walnut trim.
The differences between the Lexus and the MB are significant, and the fact you noticed them right away means they are things you are going to really appreciate.
The cost of Diamond White is steep, but it will make your car pretty unique, not too many people are going to spring for that color. Like I say, $1000 amatorized over 5 years is just $250 a year to have a car just the way you want it....of course in your case, amatorized over 4 months is 250 a month!
We could have had a similar color on the Audi but they didn't have one around, and we were starving...hadn't eaten all day, and it was 5:30 on a Saturday. We liked the color on the sample, but didn't know what it would be like in real life, so we went with white. We are boring, all 3 of our cars are white and 5 of the last 6 cars were white. I think white is a great color, it always looks new, you don't get tired of it as quickly, it doesn't show dirt, it is one of the safest colors, and if you keep the car for a long time white looks like a classic.
Your very welcome for the pictures, it was my pleasure....glad the deal went through and if I buy a MB in Miami I'll check out Del Ray, they sound like a top notch outfit....even got you the right paperwork.
Thanks, *driver, and thanks for posting those pictures of the car. I haven't figured out how to do that on my iPhone - as you know, I don't use my desktop computer very much and this iPhone is a bit tricky.
As for this one being a "keeper", it probably will be for quite a while - at least 2 years until they change the body style.
I don't know why I never bought a white car - especially down here in the Florida heat and strong sun. The car should be quite a bit cooler on the summers.
What I really like are the audible tones along with the flashing warning lights with the lane-tracking and Blind Spot Monitoring. The Lexus just flashed lights.
And the pricing was great - $57,500 was the selling price (MSRP was $64,855) + tax (6% on difference of trade value and selling price), $600 for that darn dealer fee, and $250 for tags and registration. They gave me more than book for the Lexus, which took some doing. The general sales manager made the deal work because of my loyalty to them. They even are picking up my first and second services on the car which was very nice of them.
Again, thanks *driver for the good wishes and for posting the pictures of the new car.
Comments
Was corporate Lexus' handling of the tire balance issue the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back?
For some reason I thought were you leasing the Lexus, but from you post it's clear you're trading plus cash. So much wheeling and dealing on this forum I can't keep it all straight. I do know that NYC is leasing his BMW.
Gogiboy
Congrats. You sound happier when you own a Mercedes. Now get healthier and enjoy it!
Stick--
I think the simple solution is for you to buy the second Acura RDX with the slightly different VIN. That way you can have his and hers in the driveway and since they will have been bought within days of one another it should smooth all the problems at the DMV.
Don't you deserve a new car as well? Maybe you have help the dealer with their paperwork problem for an addition $2K off the price negotiated for your wife's car--no one has to know, plus you'll have another sales story for the forum. Don't let Mike get the upper hand.
Gogiboy
and yes, I deserve a nice car too. but it would have to be well more than 2K additional off to afford! more like 22K...
oh, I do seem to have a car for me anyway. No one seems interested in buying our minivan. So that may be around for a while
actually, that is coming in handy, since we are not sure if it is a good idea to drive it! my wife is also going away on business for a few days, so she will take the van and park it at a colleagues house that is driving to the airport, and the RDX can just stay in the garage.
that should guarantee someone calls and wants to see the Odyssey immediately!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Thanks for the good wishes, fezo! Yes, ever since I traded in my Mercedes, I have really been quite unhappy. The Lexus has way too much technology for me and the build quality of the Mercedes is far superior to the Lexus.
Remember, I really haven't driven the car yet. All I did was agree to the deal. I have a 10:00 AM appointment tomorrow morning. I need to check out their financing terms as well. I am looking to finance about 15K to 16K for 60 months at around 2.5%. It will probably take 3 hours to finish everything up, notify insurance company, get a refund from XM for the 11 months, etc.
I was super impressed with the Diamond White. It's a $1515.00 option - it's very much like a pearly white. I am not a lover of white cars, but this really caught my eye. And I wanted the dark saddle interior which was a $1620.00 option. It's a two-tone interior with saddle seat areas and door panel inserts and the rest is black leather and black headliner.
They have a video of my exact car on their website - mercedesbenzofdelray.com. Just select E350 sedan when you get to the site and I believe it is the second car down - $64,860 MSRP. Click on the video and they show a 30 second video of the exterior and interior.
I'll let you know all the details tomorrow.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Oh, I was off by a couple of exits.
Make sure they post it online.
And I have to tease just a bit - hey I am a local here!
It is "Snoqualmie" Falls - and indeed they are beautiful
I knew my spelling was wrong, but I was phonetically correct!
Yes, nice place to stand and watch that clean glacial water spill down into the shallows.
Mt. Renier is a beautiful sight as well. It's another one of those dormant volcanoes, like Mt. St. Helen's "WAS"! I remember flying my Beechcraft King Air 350 from Portland to Seattle and flying over Mt. Hood and Mt. Renier.
Magnificent topography over the Olympic Mts. And Cascades.
Yes, will be much happier with the Benz again! Thanks!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
That's an interesting question. I am going to bet 25 cents that they don't, and I don't ever bet.
Come on Mike, get that car home and check it out for us.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
She loves me, she loves me not. Too bad Lexus did not measure up to your expectations. You are a man who knows what he wants and once you go MB its hard to another make. Sort of like the old saying once you black you never go back.
Nonetheless, congrats on yet another purchase and I wish you nothing but miles of bliss and undiluted driving pleasure.
Meanwhile, how does one get this USAA discount? Is it available on automobiles only or can it be applied to other products and services?
I checked it out!
The E350 looks absolutely gorgeous. That Diamond White is a great color and it has a really nice interior. That's like the ultimate car.....I got a feeling you are going to love it.
btw...I don't see a dipstick in there.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
a big reason I hardly do any DIY on my cars now.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There is something intangible about European engineering. The Asians can try to copy, but the experience and passion that makes a European car a European car isn't there.
It's like a Seiko watch...it is dependable, has good value, looks great. But, there is still the feeling of old world craftsmanship in an Omega or a Rolex.
I was wondering if you would miss your Mercedes. I hope the deal works out, it seems you won't be out much because you are getting a car with a lot of big upgrades.
That dealer has a huge inventory.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
They have made engines look really nice these days. No air filters sticking up out of nowhere. Most of that plastic doesn't get covered in black oil. Sure looks different than those old Blue Flames.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We have never recieved any paperwork on what the warranty covers and doesn't cover (except a small brochure provided by the credit union at the time of purchase. Contains very limited info). Not even warranty cards showing the VIN# and our names.
We were promised at the time of purchase to recieve info cards and full explanation of the coverages sent to us by US mail. Never received any information. Spoke with the loan officer (1 year later) at the credit union and she said she would ask them to resend. Three months have now went by and still nothing sent to us. We speak to the loan officer again...and she calls the warranty company and we are now told that the warranty company does not mail anything out. No cards or explanation of coverage. (We were provided with our orignial loan paperwork a phone number, warranty account # and address on where to send claims to). We were told to present that in case covered repair was needed.
We have now lost confidence in the warranty company and wanted to submit a claim for a refund. The new car warranty still applies: 4 year 50k through Buick. The extended warranty in my opinion has never been in effect/never used. However when applying for a refund...we are told that 31% (based on 31k miles) of the warranty has been used and we will now recieve a refund of only $964. Original cost was $1444.
I understand a small processing fee for the refund would be in order...but to be told 31% of our warranty has been used up when the new car warranty is still in place seems unfair. The contract states that a full refund is provided if they are notified within 30 days. However I incorrectly assumed that a full refund (plus a small processing fee) would be available until the car reaches 50k miles or 4 years. The company website in their FAQ's (not in paperwork provided by the credit union) states warranty coverage starts the day the paperwork is signed. I can understand that for used cars...however my car is under the manufacturers new car warranty for first 50k miles.
What do the experts think? The good news the company has an A plus rating by the BBB.
Kevin
Like you might go in for service a year from now and the TSA shows up with machine guns because you're servicing a stolen car?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Take a look at the mileages for warranty from GM: 4 years 50K bumper to bumper? ANd then various other warranties extend further out. So you paid for 1 year of bumper-to-bumper extra time with 60 K extra miles?
The dealership should have offered you GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan) warranties? There are various ones with extended time out to 7 years (maybe more now?). They can be purchased up until the original bumper-to-bumper warranty expires by time or mileage, whichever is first. The company where I bought mine is GMPP store.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Richard
Richard
Richard
Ty
Richard
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Richard
got a call from yet another sales manager this AM. Final resolution, we are getting a brand new replacement. Since they already had received the plates and registration, trying to unwind everything was going to be a nightmare.
But, the car that the plates, and all the paperwork, belongs to (the original unit we were going t get last week) is still sitting there untouched. So, all we have to do is give the one we have back (it has never been titled, just now has some miles on it) and take the other one. Won't even have to sign new paperwork, since that is all done already.
I feel this is my penance for not buying locally. for a lot of logistical reasons, I am driving back up tonight to do the swap. But, I am getting some accessories (that we were going to buy anyway) thrown in, so that will more than offset the cost of the drive (really just tolls, gas will be a wash).
But, we get a brand new car out of it! will only have about 200 less miles on it, but that still counts.
too bad will have to go through the whole syncing and setting process over again, but at least I know how it works now.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But..no more...I've mellowed.
So.....Bellevue is EAST of Seattle and right next to Issaquah where we happen to live.
It's Mt. Rainier and dormant as it is, it could and probably will go off at some point. It'll make Mt. Helenes look like a firecracker in comparision!
I am aware of my buddy Fezo's ongoing medical challenges and I look forward to his (positive) updates. He HAS to be the toughest guy I've ever known.
Oh, someone asked about the BMW we bought last year. Well the local botique BMW indy shop looked it over and changed the oil and pronounced it to be in great shape. He even reset the airbag light and two months later it hasn't come back on.
BUT...it's due for new tags and a required emission test. No sweat right? Well, on my way to
the emission test place, the damm Check Engine light came on!
Typical European car! God only knows what it's going to need now?
Let me put a nasty rumor to bed....I am NOT selling Kias but with great reluctance, I must admit
that the Koreans have, indeed come a LONG way. I still wouldn't want one but they have survived and prospered in spite of their early junk they put out.
The fact that Fiat has crawled back into the US after selling us junk in the past is just another
reminder that Americans are either forgiving people or have short memories.
I'm glad I was missed (by some) and I'll try to stick around to stir the pot.
Welcome to the new guys!
Nice! Glad to have you back.
Well, we were talking dipsticks so I did the engine. Here is the car, I'll try to find a few more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Two new cars in one year,....you've made your quota for 2012.
But, what a nightmare of paperwork and logistics. How many times does that happen? You buy a car once in 13 years and it goes all wrong, Mike buys one every 4 months and things go as smooth as silk.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Now do I get a gold star?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
otherwise, at some point it would have come to light. Most likely when they tried to register the other unit, and the DMV did not like having 2 with the same VIN running around!
I shudder to think what would have happened if we totalled it or something.
would have actually been better if they found this a few months down the line. More free driving time!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Richard, you're one of the kindest people I've met. If that's an example of a crabby day, we all have much to learn from you about patience.
How's the new house working out these days after the initial repairs? Everything okay?
Technically the new owner was on the hook, but she's a single mom, like my own mom growing up, and I didn't feel right about what happened, so I covered the repairs.
Good luck with the BMW.
It was only an off hand remark. I'm sure if the actual hosts of the discussion consider it to be needed, they would have taken care of the post. It's best to email the hosts if something is of concern to you.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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
Driver, you owe me 25 cents! Sure does have a dipstick - it even comes with oil!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Wrong wheels, *driver. It has 18" AMG's, 5 double spoke. but, otherwide, that's the car!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Right you are, *driver, right you are. You took those pictures right off my dealer's webstie - good for you. Yes, that's the interior, those are the AMG wheels, that's the right wood steering wheel and that's the exact car I bought!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Just got home a few minutes ago from Delray Mercedes. What a great outfit to do business with. This is my 6th E350 from them and they are as gracious and as honest as any dealer I've ever done business with.
There is definitely a huge difference in the two cars - Lexus GS vs. MB E350. Car steers better, corners better, better front and rear visibility, and I like the Blind Spot Monitor system with the Lane Tracking system better in the Mercedes.
And the Harman Karmin system in the Mercedes outsurpasses the Mark Levinson system in the Lexus big time! Crisper treble, basier base, and surround sound is far superior.
This is the very first white car I have ever owned. I was just taken aback by the cost of the Diamond White - $1700 vs. $780 for the other metallic paints. The interior is a saddle color, very rich looking with the walnut trim.
The major plus for the Lexus was that the front seats were a little wider and roomier.
The car has the "applications" option with google search engine as well as IHear Music and Pandora Music.
Also, it has a 6 disc CD player rather than a single disc in the Lexus.
Someone posted that they wanted to know more about USAA.
You need to be a member, have a navy blue ID card with membership number, etc. They issue memberships to veterans or immediate family of veterans or active service members only. My Dad was a veteran in WWII. So he bought a personal property insurance policy and got his membership that way. Once he was a member, I was able to join as his son.
My Twin Brother just bought a CS coupe using his USAA membership number - with the incentives available through Mercedes and his USAA membership, he saved over $18,000 off the MSRP of the coupe (MSRP was $131,000).
If you want more information about USAA, just call them up and they will give you all the details. You must have a policy with them in order to qualify for their car buying service.
Again, thanks all for the well wishes. And thanks *driver for posting the pictures of the actual car I bought.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I was the one who asked about the big USAA discounts. I was not in the military (nor my parents) but my daughter works in administration for the navy--would that qualify?
Man, with those generous discounts even I could buy a new car every three years but it does not look likely unless I enlist at my tender age of 60.
Nontheless, thanks for explaining how the program works and once again enjoy the ride.
Try again,. the link didn't work.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And you're a nice guy too (as well as Richard). I am too selfish to do something like that!
No, I would have done the same, but it is still nice to see there are nice people in the world.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Your check is in the mail.
Now I'll owe Monroe a quarter too! I am sending him a Canadian one. On second thought our dollar is worth $1.03 U.S. today, so I'll send him an American one....maybe 5 wooden nickels.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Well, as someone once said to me "If it's worth doing right it ain't worth doing at all". Those words have guided me through life.
That is one gorgeous car though.........that one has to be a keeper.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The differences between the Lexus and the MB are significant, and the fact you noticed them right away means they are things you are going to really appreciate.
The cost of Diamond White is steep, but it will make your car pretty unique, not too many people are going to spring for that color. Like I say, $1000 amatorized over 5 years is just $250 a year to have a car just the way you want it....of course in your case, amatorized over 4 months is 250 a month!
We could have had a similar color on the Audi but they didn't have one around, and we were starving...hadn't eaten all day, and it was 5:30 on a Saturday. We liked the color on the sample, but didn't know what it would be like in real life, so we went with white. We are boring, all 3 of our cars are white and 5 of the last 6 cars were white. I think white is a great color, it always looks new, you don't get tired of it as quickly, it doesn't show dirt, it is one of the safest colors, and if you keep the car for a long time white looks like a classic.
Your very welcome for the pictures, it was my pleasure....glad the deal went through and if I buy a MB in Miami I'll check out Del Ray, they sound like a top notch outfit....even got you the right paperwork.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks, *driver, and thanks for posting those pictures of the car. I haven't figured out how to do that on my iPhone - as you know, I don't use my desktop computer very much and this iPhone is a bit tricky.
As for this one being a "keeper", it probably will be for quite a while - at least 2 years until they change the body style.
I don't know why I never bought a white car - especially down here in the Florida heat and strong sun. The car should be quite a bit cooler on the summers.
What I really like are the audible tones along with the flashing warning lights with the lane-tracking and Blind Spot Monitoring. The Lexus just flashed lights.
And the pricing was great - $57,500 was the selling price (MSRP was $64,855) + tax (6% on difference of trade value and selling price), $600 for that darn dealer fee, and $250 for tags and registration. They gave me more than book for the Lexus, which took some doing. The general sales manager made the deal work because of my loyalty to them. They even are picking up my first and second services on the car which was very nice of them.
Again, thanks *driver for the good wishes and for posting the pictures of the new car.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Actual address: http://tompaxton.com/audio/the_bravest.mp3
The Bravest.