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In other words, a family that "Fords" together, "Escapes" together!
Borrowing money at rates like 2.3% enables you to pay off the vehicle over say 60 months using more and more less valuable dollars - cheaper dollars. The Fed is just printing more and more dollars which devalues the dollars we have. This will continue for many many years at the rate the Fed is printing.
That is why I take out 60 month loans for between 15,000 and 18,000 dollars. The rate I am paying I believe is 2.9% or close to that. And when inflation hits us, you will eventually see rates sky-rocket. My guess is 1-2 years from now. Inflation has already driven food and gasoline prices higher.
Smart move you made - just enjoy the vehicle!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
After dragging that couch all the way across the country, and it didn't fit, what happened to it?
I have this thought running around in my head of one of those Allstate Mayhem commercials with the couch riding around on the top of the Fusion for part of a trip.
Here's a link to an Escape just like my wife's new one except no full leather seats
It's hard to make money at a bank.
In the market, there's more risk.
I've had to resort to taking out a 5 year CD for my kid's 4th year of college.
Although the rate was low, 2.3 or 2.5%, it was worth it because even that low rate and with the early withdrawl penalty, I would be ahead of a 2 year CD after just over 1 year.
I also can write off the penalty amount which ups the yield a bit.
When it comes to my wife buying a car, I try to find her what she wants(she's pretty firm there), then match what she wants to pay for how long she wants to pay with how much we need to put down to get there.
I negotiate and figure out where the down payment is coming from.
Funny thing is, I never thought she appreciated my part, but after we had taken our first shot a 2013 Escape which she ended up buying the other day, she said 'You did a great job buying my Escape (the 09). You could tell they hated handing the keys to me'. It made my day!
If I could make it there and back on a full tank I'd consider going out to lunch and dinner there. I doubt that just one meal would be worth the trip. :shades:
My apology for not wishing you a happy Thanksgiving. Hope it was as good as the one we have coming up here in the US.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The new Escape is pretty nice. From what i was reading they are totally redesigned and Ford did a really good job designing the new model.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The main drawback about eating in Iceland is that food is extremely expensive - you may not have to leave a tip, but the food will actually end up costing way more.
Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes, that is very nice of you. We will be in Florida when it is your Thanksgiving, but that is the day we have to come back (got a good price on air fare, but had to return on Nov 22 to do it).
It was a great Thanksgiving Day, we had about 80% of the immediate family here for dinner.
.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Due to her schedule so has to wait until Thursday evening to pick it up. :sick:
1) I will never lose my allegiances to the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, Pitt Panthers, and Ohio State Buckeyes. I've been away from Philly for 10 years and my allegiance has not faded even living in the heart of Steel City.
2) This particular sofa could not come apart - we tried. It was one piece. We had had it for 5 years, and while we loved it as it was a gift from my parents, the movers took it to the local Goodwill and donated it. I was at work (4th day of work) and could not come home to deal with it, unfortunately. I take some solace in knowing that the Couch will hopefully go to a good home with a family who will use it. There was just nothing to do about it since we leased the apartment sight unseen (always a gamble).
We ended up getting an inexpensive Sofa at Ikea that will last us until we buy a home and then buy our more "forever" furniture.
3) Explorer - NOW I understand the driving in this city. They do all of those things. All. Of. Them.
:shades:
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Then I’ll do as a typical car buyer does it. I’m going to focus on the end of the deal I like and ignore the half I don’t. Most car buyers only focus on the price of the car they got at the negotiating table only to get overly snookered in the back room. To avoid that, I’m going to do this restaurant thing in reverse. :confuse:
FWIW, I can tell you a tale about Iceland concerning their segregation laws back in the early 60’s that would have you shaking your head. I was in the Navy at the time and I saw it firsthand because it affected a fellow crew member during a flight when we had to make an unscheduled landing in Keflavik during the Cuban crisis, unbelievable.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I think that you have something there. For years now the world has been on a health food kick, along with the medical community. Don't eat this; don't eat that. I grew up on fried foods---fatback, chops, chicken, etc. My family seasoned their vegetables with pork, used lard for their biscuits, made fried cornbread, etc. i ate tons of sweets---cakes, pies, puddings, REAL ice cream churned with butter and sugar, and drank tons of Southern "sweet tea". After all of these years, I'm still kicking. Though I don't eat that way nearly as much as I used to, I have to wonder if it really makes that much of a difference. What's an extra year in a nursing home? Not much in my opinion.
As for using those coffee cans for grease, we all know why you collect them. That's where all of that money goes that you have buried out in the fields.
Richard
I'm just a bit east of you, in Issaquah.
The other issue is that we have better medical diagnosing. Back when people lived to be 60 it was just accepted they died - it happened. Today, they know what's killing us and try to tell us to avoid it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Huh.
My wife is currently working on her Masters (in Education) and has been looking on-line at some of the job opportunities that await her when she graduates in May 2014.
Specifically, she is looking for a early childhood education teaching position at a community college.
Plus, she is done with the Colorado winters so is also looking at someplace warmer.
A quick search has turned up two jobs - one in Pasadena, TX (near Houston) and another in Florence, SC.
The only exposure she's had to humidity was a week we spent in NC attending a conference .. and our visit was in April or May, not the height of summer.
I don't think she fully realizes what she's getting into by looking into TX or the Southeast.
Those computers do not reset by themselves - it has to be done by BMW. They will do it when you take it in after 6000 more miles. Had the same thing with my '08 535i.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
That brings back memories from when we lived in SC. At the time, I drank the Southern brew for “sweet iced tea” and enjoyed it because that is how my Grandmother made it and how she taught my Mother to make it. I just didn’t know how to drink it any other way. I don’t drink it so sweet anymore. Mrs. j on the other hand thought my families iced tea was too sweet and didn’t like the Southern sweet ice tea either. As you know when you order iced tea in the South, it is served sweetened. As opposed to here in the North where it is served unsweetened and you add your own sugar.
The first time Mrs. jmonroe ordered iced tea when we lived in SC it was served the Southern way but she wasn’t expecting it that way. OK, she now knew she had to order her ice tea unsweetened but it was almost always severed the traditional Southern way anyhow. I remember one time she said to a waitress a couple of times, “I want my iced tea unsweetened”. She said it a couple times before the waitress left the table to place our order because she had found that she had to say it emphatically a couple of times and even then she only had a 50/50 chance of getting it served correctly. Well, she did that to the wrong waitress this time. This waitress said as politely as she could, “mam, I heard you the first time. I’m not deaf and I know how you Yankees like your iced tea”. In thinking back on this, I think the waitress had to bite her tongue so she didn’t say, “well bless your heart”.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
My wife often ordered a bowl of soup at a particular good chain restaurant (not fast food) here in Ohio. Her pet peeve was getting the bowl picked by the waitress from the serving tray by the index finger and thumb--with the thumb on the inside of the bowl. So my wife asked for it to be on a plate, i.e., a plate under the bowl. Earlier many of the stores did serve it that way, but I suppose a manager with an MBA decided they could save on their revolving stock of plates as well as the dishwashing by skipping the plate.
The soup came out on a plate, literally, with no bowl. The waitress had spooned the liquid onto the large flat plate and served it. My wife's eyes bulged, I almost had to hold my stomach laughing as I realized what had been misunderstood. The waitress had taken her literally rather than understanding what she wanted.
It never hurts to make clear what we the customers want. :sick:
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Since you are asking about a removal tool for your oil filter I take it that you are going to do this oil change yourself. I don’t know what a BMW removal tool is but on my ’09 Genny on the end of the oil filter cartridge housing there is a hex formed nut that fits a 27 mm socket. The first time I did the oil change on that car I saw this and went to the auto parts to get the socket. It could have been taken off with a large crescent wrench but I wanted to get the socket anyway.
The first oil change on that car was done at the dealers oil/lube center and the guy used a large universal pliers’ jaw filter removal tool that gouged the very heavy plastic cartridge housing because this clown chose not to go get the proper tool. Even a crescent wrench would have been more appropriate that what he used. There was no real harm done to the housing (just a few deep scratches) but it griped me just the same when I saw it the first time I got under the car to do the oil change. I also noticed when I did the job there was an 8 mm allen hex that should have been removed to drain the cartridge housing before removing it to lessen the mess from pulling off the housing when it has a lot of oil in it because it does not drain when the crankcase plug is removed. This was also not done by the expert oil changer.
As for resetting the computer, ‘roadburner’ can tell you the specifics for your car but some are reset by following a sequence of a few on/off turns of the ignition switch. You owner’s manual might even have this info.
Good luck.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The heat and humidity here in the southeastern U.S. is no different than Chicago or New York during the summer - but summer in those cities runs from mid-June to mid-September with a week here and there of relief from a cool front. Our summers run from mid-May to mid-November with no relief. That's the major difference - the length of time one must live with heat and humidity. But, our winters and springs are delightful.
From November through December our temps are in the mid to upper 70's by day and 60's at night. The same is true for March and April. January and February are cool with temps in the low to mid 70's by day and 60's at night. From mid December to mid March, we can have 20-30 days with daytime temps in the 50's and 60's and nights in the 40's and 50's.
Of all the places I've lived (Ft Lauderdale, New York City, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Los Angeles, Palm Desert and San Diego), San Diego was by far the best for year-round climate.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
These are a throwback to the 50's when all cars had them. They were always a filthy PITA to change! V-8 Chevys used cartridge filters until the late 60's and we hated them! They made nice conversion kits that allowed us to convert them to a regular spin on filter.
We would do this whenever possible and simply throw the old canisters away.
So, now they are back? WHY??
He asked her if she knew her thumb was in his soup...and she said yes, she knew...her thumb was sore and the warm soup made it feel better.
He was irate, and after a few choice words, told her to stick her thumb you know where. She calmly said, I do when I don't have any soup to put it in.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
How much of a tip did you leave her?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Another pet peeve is when you pay $3 or $4 for bottled water and they put ice cubes in a glass, open the bottle of water, and mix your bottled water with ice cubes made from tap water.
This is even more upsetting in countries where it isn't a good idea to drink their water.
If I wanted ice cubes in my water I would have just asked for tap water....morons!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Are you sure you want to do an oil change on your own. Personally, and I realize I am in the minority here, I would let the car go to 16K miles and get your free one. But, if you are going to do it early, then why not pay and have the dealer do it so it will be done correctly and you don't void your warranty, like someone around here accidently did?
I don't think you save a lot doing it yourself, and you have to get rid of it. Also, I believe, first oil changes can be a lot more challenging.
It's up to you, but BMW will probably do a few diagnostic tests, and they will probably wash your car inside and out if they do it, and that is worth something too.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Good grief - leasing the BMW and rushing the oil changes! Hmmm! The only rational comeback on that would be that he is considering purchasing the car at lease end - right?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I saw the current Escape a few years in Europe, where it's called the Kuga, and I really liked it.
And happy (belated) Thanksgiving to our Canadian readers.
I would bet the cartridge style filters are back because they produce less waste than a spin on metal filter. You know they have to keep the EPA happy.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
There was a time when cars and SUV's were distinctive unto themselves. But designs and shapes are converging like they did on the 50's and '60's. Remember when the Cadillac resembled the Buick and Oldsmobile? When the Chrysler resembled the Dodge and Plymouth and DeSoto? But the resemblance stayed in the manufacturers' lineup of cars. Nowadays, that resemblance crosses over between and among manufacturers.
IMHO, I believe it has more to do with drag coefficients and optimum seating comfort and cargo space. The same is true with the technology offered such as NAV, audio systems, Bluetooth communications and streaming, lane guidance and Blindspot monitors, etc.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
PARIS -- Daimler and Renault-Nissan will jointly develop a turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engine and will share transmission technology as the two companies expand their collaboration.
Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche confirmed the new projects today at a news conference during the Paris auto show press days. Ghosn said the joint effort has expanded since its inception in July 2010 to become a broad "strategic collaboration."
The companies own small equity stakes in each other, but both Zetsche and Ghosn said they have no interest in a merger.
The direct-injection turbocharged engine will feature state-of-the-art technology in a compact package, aiming at tougher fuel economy and emissions targets in the European Union and United States.
The companies expect to jointly manufacture the engines. They will debut in Daimler and Renault-Nissan vehicles in 2016.
"These new components demonstrate how broadly and rapidly our collaboration is proliferating -- while all the time remaining rooted in specific projects that give tangible benefits to our customers," Ghosn said in a statement. "The relationship is expanding organically and logically."
In the transmission project Daimler granted Nissan a license to manufacture automatic transmissions using Daimler technology for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles starting in 2016. Nissan subsidiary Jatco is planning to manufacture the licensed gearboxes in Mexico. The new transmission will feature "start and stop" and "park and shift by wire" technologies.
**************************************************************
Mercedes currently uses the start and stop technology on their CLS550.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I disagree about the old cars. When I was a kid, I could stand on a corner and call out the year and make of everything that rolled by.
Cars changed from year to year but not anymore they all look like bars of soap.
How much of a tip did you leave her?
Needless to say, when she said that Mrs. jmonroe was not all that pleased and I remember her saying, “what was that all about”.
As it turned out she was very pleasant after that and had a good sense of humor and the service was very good. Not like some who only smile when they drop off the check. Because of her good service she got the 20% that I usually leave but I didn’t think the service was going to be worth a hoot the way it started off. I’d have to say that was the biggest surprise I’ve ever had at a restaurant.
Maybe I’m just a soft touch for those smiling Southern Belles.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
At one time I used to think like ‘tjc’ that it’s an environmental thing. After giving it more thought, at least with the cartridge filters that I’ve replaced, they are much larger although they don’t have the metal can so there could be a little savings to the environment there. So, I’m now leaning, without any proof of this, that they provide better filtering because of their increased size and maybe that’s because of the 7500 miles and up recommended oil changes we are seeing lately.
Like I said that is only a guess on my part so your reasons are probably just as valid.
They were always a filthy PITA to change!
I agree but my Genny has a drain for the cartridge housing but you have to use it to prevent the mess you mention. That’s why I use it. I’m sure other manufactures do this too but that’s another guess on my part.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Driver - probably could take it to an indie mechanic for what it'll cost me. 7 quarts of Mobil 1 0w - 40 @ $8.99 each + a pan that holds the used oil for recycling. $75.
I've got a 17 mm socket & a torque wrench. I've just got to pick up a Mann oil filter.
Jmonroe - thanks for the tip. I'll keep it in mind.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
*nyccarguy, the dealer acts as the agent if you want to buy a car coming off lease from BMW FS. Negotiations have to take place with the lessor to arrive at a "buy" price. Chances are, you will not be able to buy the car for "thousands" less than the residual.
When we sold a leased vehicle to a customer at the end of a lease, the lessor (usually the financial arm of the manufacturer or a bank) determines the value which is usually the residual. The offer is made at lease end to the lessee by letter about 30 days prior to the end of the lease. Lessors are very reluctant to negotiate that price, but if the do, it is usually not by "thousands". The value of used cars has been rising steadily over the past 5 years, so that inflated residual may not be so inflated by the time the lease terminates.
The price can be negotiated "a little", but rarely by thousands. At lease end, find out the true wholesale value of your car and if Manheim averages less, that's the offer you make to them. They will consider the cost of transporting the car back to a wholesaler as well as what the car will bring at auction.
Good luck!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
No problem. I think it is $120 at BMW dealer, but I am sure a good indie can handle an oil change. 7X$9=$63, why even mess with doing it yourself to save $12. At least if something goes wrong you will have someone you can sue.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In my experience the dealer isn't too interested in getting involved in reducing the price on a buy back. The company holding the lease doesn't want to negotiate at that point.
What I will say is prices tend to double every 10 years, maybe longer with this recession going on. But, even then, new car prices will probably rise at least 10% in 3 years, and used car prices the same, so that buy out price may seem pretty good at that point. You will have a car you know and love for about half price.
The downside is, who knows how reliable all the electronics are these days, and how easy are they to fix?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But, the places that need purified ice the most, are populated by those who can afford it least. My friend countered that the same was said about bottled water. He may be right.
I passed on investing (quite hesitantly).
They had a list of prices, including an oil change for around $80. Now, I don't think that price included all the checks the service dept usually does. Who knows if they wash the car for you.
But, that might be something to check into. I quit changing my own oil a while ago...particularly when I started driving Japanese and German iron. Last oil change I did personally was for a Cadillac (which actually belonged to my late Mother). It didn't help keeping that car on the road. It was a terrible lemon.
I didn't know any leasing companies would do this and they shouldn't!
The person leasing the car was well aware of the residual when they signed up for the lease. They agreed to those terms!
Setting residual is a tough thing to do. Set it too high and the lease numbers won't be attractive. If the number is set too low (as many car manufactures have foolishly doe to spur sales) and they can get burned big time when the cars bring thousands of dollars less at auction at lease end.
Still, they would be smarter to lose some money then to cave in and make the residual negotiable. They HAVE to have a firm stance.
On the flip side, they can't say to the lessor..." Well, your car is worth a lot more than the residual was figured at so if you want to buy it out, it'll be 2000.00 more now".
Cars that have strong resale values like Hondas are always the smartest cars to lease. Leasing cars with lousy resale values makes no sense at all.
I am unaware, like you, of any leasing arms of manufacturers who negotiate with lessees for the purchase of a car coming off lease other than offering the vehicle at residual value. I have heard, however, of some manufacturer's leasing arms charging fees above and beyond the residual, but those fees are part of the lease agreements.
I have heard of some banks who lease vehicles to take a few hundred dollars off the residual equal to transportation costs for getting the vehicle to the wholesaler, but never more than a few hundred.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I'm going to go about my research. I'll most likely focus on cars with a price cap of $30K. Focus SE 5 Door, Mazda 3i skyactive, Fit Sport, Accord Sport, Camry SE, maybe even a Wrangler Unlimited (althought I can't justify 2 cars that average mpg in the high teens with gas prices so high).
I'll see what my main man qbrozen says the 2011 328xis are crossing the auction block at. If it is significantly less than the stated residual of $26,406, then I'll make an offer at any one of a number of dealers in my area to see if they just want to push paper work and sell the car to me "as is" for a mini deal so they can punch a unit sold for the month.
I saw that mailer too about the BMW service not costing as much as you think. It only applies to E46 3 series BMWs.
When we turned in my wife's 2007 X3 in July 2010 (granted, different used car market), the residual was somewhere around $26K and they offered to sell me the car for $22,000 (not certified). Actually it was $21,500 because I had left a $500 security deposit. They wanted $3K to certify the X3 and with taxes it brought the cost back uop to almost the original residual.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD