Future Tourists, if you have any further questions as to where to spend your vacation at Disney or Universal Studios Orlando, email "*driver" in Toronto, Canada!!!
When it comes to amusement parks I am the wrong one to ask...although we did walk around Navy Pier in Chicago (I hope i got the name right).
Thank you for the breakdown. I have taken children to Disneyland and Disneyworld, but, I truly hope, I will never have to go back there again.
Actually it was fun at the time, but, you know, once is enough. I'd rather go see the Manatees or a natural park...and those are pretty nice in Florida too.
I recommended CF to many people and now I will have to warn them not to go.
Driver, is that Cheese Cake Factory? I have dined at one twice in the last couple of weeks and I have nothing but praise for the atmosphere, service and food. The Jamaican spicy shrimp dish with plantains, rice and black beans is my favorite.
Mike, I feel your pain. On busy Saturday nights service can be a bit sloppy at most restaurants. Do what my wife often does--she writes to the manager and demand an apology. She always gets the apology accompanied by a voucher or coupon for a free dinner. It works every time.
I not only gave my opinion on Facebook at their site (I haven't used Facebook in years, but had to let my ire out), but I also sent the corporate headquarters an email detailing the horrible experience.
I forgot to mention that they did not charge me for my Dad's dinner or drink ($12.99) nor the Bloomin' Onions. But to be quite frank with all of you guys, I would have rather paid full price and enjoyed a Saturday Evening with my grandson and Dad. The entire evening was a fiasco, to be blunt!
I do not want a coupon for a free dinner - I'd never use it because I refuse to set foot in one of those Steak Houses again. They are moderately priced - however way over-priced considering our experience.
I am truly sorry if I have offended anyone, including Mike and Mickey
*driver, no need for an apology to me - it's the State of Florida that needs an apology - just pulling your leg, *driver!
As for your comments about no repeat trips to Disney or Universal or whatever, I second the motion! I'm much too advanced in years to handle that stuff again. It's the standing and waiting to get on rides, even with express passes, and the walking - I haven't walked that much or stood in one place that long in years.
No bwia, it was a local independent place, I just didn't want to use their name. We have eaten at the Cheese Cake Factory and we had always had good experiences. The one in the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower but everyone still calls it Sears Tower) in Chicago was not up to par. If you check the reviews on tripadvisor.com you will see many people complain about the poor service and uncaring attitude about the food. Some chains vary alot based on location.
I highly recommend checking restaurants on tripadvisor - also good for hotels, attractions, places to go and see. It is also nice to recommend places or blow off steam if you weren't satisfied.
I often write to the manager as you suggested and I sent a copy of my review to the chef. I think it can be a learning experience for the restaurant. Once we did get a free meal from complaining. Once we got $5 off for our next meal but that does them more good than me...they at least get me back for another crumby meal.
I have seen several (new Beetles), and believe it or not, they were all being driven by men.
I hope they don't have those flowers on the instrument panel any more.
Here are some comments;
Rainer Michel, Volkswagen of America's vice president of product marketing and strategy, says a "more masculine" appearance, including a higher beltline, and 20 more horsepower for the Beetle's base model should do the trick.
For the outgoing New Beetle, more than 65 percent of U.S. buyers were women. But for the new version, that percentage will be closer to 50, Michel says. He predicts that the average age of Beetle buyers will fall from 58 to 36.
Michel also expects the styling to give the Beetle more appeal outside the United States. The previous generation, introduced in 1998, relied on the United States for 72 percent of sales. That should drop to 50 percent for the new version, he says.
All that Vw is missing is its eyelashes. With the twinklie LED necklace around the headlight, it's just slightly better than the earlier half circle beetle. I'd rather be pushing a Ford than riding in a Beetle.
Blooming Onion gave it away. Starts with an "O" right?
We have one very close to us and it is totally inconsistent.
We leave saying we will NEVER return then three years later we go back and have a good experience only to come back six months later and it's horrible.
We WANT to like the place but at this point I think we have given them their final chance.
He predicts that the average age of Beetle buyers will fall from 58 to 36.
Is it me or it seems that every auto manufacturer is trying real hard to lower the age demographics for their products. What's with that obsession anyway? Older drivers have the money and can afford to buy any entry luxury or upscale vehicle they wish yet auto makers are running away from them like the plague. What gives?
I can understand lowering the age demographic on cars like the Corolla, Sentra and Civic but for larger cars where the real money is, it makes no sense. There are approximately 77 million baby boomers out there with enormous buying power and lavish spending habits--selling to them should be seen as an opportunity rather than a decision that is lamentable.
Turning 60 may be good business for the funeral home industry but apparently not for the car biz. Go figure.
I wish Mike had had my wife dining with them. I have seen her get a number of meals "comped" and at a New Year's Eve get-together she got $100 knocked off a bill as the already drunk patrons at the table next to us were so loud and obnoxious that we couldn't even hear one another--and this was at 6 pm, not 10 or 11. We have not gone back. She's always very low-key, but determined and I have yet to see her requests ignored.
I'm actually planning to leave a bad review (which I never do) for a restaurant we "tried" to eat at in the Traverse City area (MI). The owner/manager was totally rude. This was a place we had dined the previous two years and enjoyed the food. Clearly, they were overbooked, refused and to accept a reservation, which was fine. However, the way she spoke to us--and another group was totally out of line. Needless to say we won't be going there again.
>However, the way she spoke to us--and another group was totally out of line.
I always hate when I have to help a business do their training. That attitude should have been handled in advance by the training from the manager. I always say the attitude shown to customers is a direct reflection on the manager/owner and the training they give.
My wife, a retire elementary teacher who listened to people who couldn't spell skool correctly tell her how things should be done in education lets them have it politely when possible for egregious misdeeds--and lies. Nothing works better than a server who forgot the salad for wife's dinner just say, "I forgot it. I'm sorry."
I recall standing in the empty line for the hostess at a chain restaurant for several minutes while various folks scooted around ignoring us rather than seating us or saying there were no tables open.
Left and used GPS to get phone number for store and called for the manager. Told him what had happened and suggested he had a personnel problem. I told him I wanted him to know in a timely fashion so he could fix it before he heard about it from my complain to the corporate office, located here in Ohio (Columbus). Since it had occurred 10 minutes earlier, he could ask the various 7-8 people in the lobby area and they should be able to remember why they didn't put customer first.
Is it me or it seems that every auto manufacturer is trying real hard to lower the age demographics for their products.
It seems some manufacturers are making cars for older drivers. For one thing, some cars are higher, like the Corolla and the Focus. But, as we discussed a little while ago, young people just aren't into cars as much as we were at a younger age. I guess they keep trying to attract them...The Fit, The Juke, Civic, Soul, RAV4 etc. And here is a statistic; “People aged 16 to 34 racked up 23 percent less mileage in 2009 than in 2001,”
I see a lot of ads for Buick, Cruise, new Lincoln, Cadillac, Jeep, Fusion, Suburu, BMW, Trucks, Jaguar all mostly for older drivers.
Young people don't have jobs, are more conscious about the environment, like public transportation or cars pools - use the car for an hour etc. But, older drivers probably aren't influenced by ads too much......will an ad for a car really make you change your mind? I think it does sometimes, and it may make you consider something else, but would you really buy a Lincoln if you always buy a Buick?
Left and used GPS to get phone number for store and called for the manager. Told him what had happened and suggested he had a personnel problem.
Hmmmm, I like that idea. Next time I have a bad experience in a restaurant I am going to phone and ask the manager to come out and speak to me.
If we push this too far it will be like charging extra for a certain color of car. If you want your meal prepared properly there will be an extra 10% service charge (since the restaurant doesn't normally do this), if you want good service we add on an extra 10% for that. We enjoy your business and want to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. If you don't like the surcharges just order from the regular menu and you will continue to receive our usual crappy service with attitude.
We have one very close to us and it is totally inconsistent.
Isell, I guess I inadvertently gave away the restaurant we ate at. There is no doubt that I will remember my experience there for enough years that I will remember not to go there again. They certainly do not deserve a second chance, that's for sure.
When I go to a restaurant that charges an average of $16.00 for a main entrée and even more if you order an appetizer and a dessert, I expect more than what I get at McDonalds or Burger King or even Applebees. The steak my Dad got was so tough I could have resoled my shoes with 1/4 inch slices of the steak.
My grandson had the barbequed ribs, full slab, with fries and he said it was very good. My Teriyaki Filet Steak on a skewer was fair - filets are not supposed to be chewy, and the steak was definitely chewy.
We buy Filet Mignon on sale for about $7.99 a pound and it is far better than what I got. That is why my Dad and I eat out only for lunches at Chick-Fil-A once a week. We used to go out more often, but the quality of service and the quality of food just isn't what it used to be.
No, I certainly will never go back to that "O" steak house again, that's for sure.
The sad part is the fact this "O" restaurant is so close to us and they CAN serve a decent meal. On one of our "good" visits the Prime Rib I had was outstanding and the salad that came with it was excellent too.
I know...never say never but at this point we have given them so many second chances that it is doubtful they will see us return.
I did give them a lousy review on Yelp. Maybe someone one will read it and do something but I doubt it.
Funny...they are always busy with waiting lines. Maybe that's why they simply don't care.
I am sure the food and service varies by location with "O", but our experience is very similar to yours. Two or three good meals in a row and then a disaster. I do have to say that most of the managers have tried to make us happy when the food or service falters.
As far as consistently good food and service, our local Red Lobster is hard to beat. Your results may vary depending on location.
Really scared? Then take a magnetic bulk eraser (used for erasing floppy disks and VCR tapes) and zap the DL.
Florida has unique issues due to its location and the fact that manypeople here are A not permanent residents, or B don't bother letting the DMV know that they moved!
I had to come up with all that stuff when my wallet was stolen in 2011.
Not all metallic colors - at least not on Cadillac. The old Firemist, and newer Pearls and Chromaflair,colors, yes, but my silver, platinum & "dark Adriatic blue metallic" colors were not extra cost colors.
The extra cost colors are whoppers though, typically $1,100 or more :surprise:
@driver - the above paint types are not you average metailic colors, and they do cost more. but $1,100 more - probably not.
That said I still wanted the CTS in Thunder Grey Chromaflair.
The OP never stated that the original color was rare.
If the color the OP wasted was a factory extra cost optional color, well then that's too bad for him / her. If not, then let him / her have a try at whatever strategy they want to use.
Usually red is a less popular color unless its a real sports car. My dealer friends referred to a few particularly unappealing red as "no sale red". :P
Interesting how the dealers here would always beat me up for buying a black car. well black is the 2nd most popular car here and is # 1 in Europe, so .....
As for teal / my wife had 2 teal cars on the 90s and I had a nice "Dark Jadestone Metallic" LeSabre in the early 90s. And we likes both colors.
Sky Blue is also a nice color; actually "Arctic Blue" is the official color of my 1968 DVC.
That's a myth; here in Florida, the sun load will rapidly make even the white car an oven inside.
We have a veritable dealers lot of white and silver F-150s here in this base camp, and every one will burn your hand when you touch anything inside it.
The OP never stated that the original color was rare.
Uhh, yeah he did.
You trying to "usurp" drivers crown? :sick:
The dark red, as in my Honda Civics crimson ivory,seem to be more popular these days. Also seems that even with silver, Grey's , and dark blues... these colors look better on some models than others.
That is correct - probably a couple of feet. The idea is that you can hand it to a border agent who can scan it with a handheld device that verifies the authenticity of the license and the person. I don't have an issue with that.
Really scared? Then take a magnetic bulk eraser (used for erasing floppy disks and VCR tapes) and zap the DL.
RFID chips aren't damaged by magnets. You either have to microwave it to damage it - and melt your license in the process - or pierce the transmitter with a sharp object.
>consistently good food and service, our local Red Lobster is hard to beat
I get the impression that Red Lobster's food is portion pack. I like the taste and quality, although most of what I want is rich in fats for my diet, but I like to splurge on good taste--my wife doesn't like RL because she's very good at her diabetic diet and has trouble finding foods.
>service varies by location with "O"...
Indeed. It goes back to the manager. When they could hire only the best servers, quality was good. As the servers deteriorated because of lower pay or lower tips, the food quality went down.
When the front or kitchen manager in any restaurant makes rounds in the dining room chatting quickly with folks who are in the middle or end of their meal to ask how it was, I know it's a good place and that any problems will be fixed. Several times we've had the manager take a seat or kneel next to the table as my wife told him what the server did or how food came out that she refused. If she refuses something, she usually doesn't substitute another item. She just sits and eats a K-Bar. That vexes most servers and managers.
When my wife's done with a store, she's done with them. Serve her chicken burned on the bottom (O) or with barbecue sauce when she ordered without sauce (O), she's done.
quoting "cadillacmike", That's a myth; here in Florida, the sun load will rapidly make even the white car an oven inside.
Where I am in Texas is probably about the same as where you are in Florida, and yes, all cars sitting in the sun will get HOT. But (you knew there was a "but", right?)
And here's a quote from that article: The researchers had two cars in the sun for an hour, one black and the other silver, parked facing south, in Sacramento, California. The silver Honda Civic (shell SR 0.57) had a cabin air temperature of about 5-6°C (9-11°F) lower than an identical black car (shell SR 0.05).
Where I am in Texas is probably about the same as where you are in Florida
I am assuming you are near Dallas - if that is correct, I am about 500 miles further south than you. If you are in Houston, about 300 miles further south. The direct rays of the sun are more powerful in south Florida than any other state in the U.S. That is why we get sunburns more easily here. But because of the ocean breezes, our temps rarely get above 92, but our humidity is very high.
In any case, the article you refer to is correct. Silver/White cars "absorb" less heat from the sun than most other colors. I would think that light beige cars and tan cars are also less heat absorbent than other colors.
What amazes me is the number of black cars down here in south Florida. The most popular color is silver followed by gray followed by white, etc. And that is for the same reason as the article notes - they absorb less heat and thus remain a bit cooler. Also, that is why most cars down here are tinted. I have a very light tint, but I am only interested in filtering ultra-violet light and heat -which 3M Crystalline does well. I have the 60% light reduction and 99% ultra-violet reduction and 80% heat reduction.
Another essential down here in the April-November months is front and rear sunshades to reduce light and heat from the interior. I have both and it is much cooler than cars I have owned that did not have rear shades.
Remember black also radiates more, not just absorbs. It is fully reversible effect. In other words, when ambient temperature is below the object temperature, black will dissipate the heat (cool down) faster. You said it yourself, air does not get as hot in FL. Because of this effect, I think color is basically a wash for the interior of the car. I think it's the window area (exposure) that matters most, not the color for the interior heating up under Sun rays, especially seat and dashboard surfaces.
BTW, you may have noticed indigenous people in Arab countries (Bedouines) often wear black in the middle of the desert. Also, most hot climate native population (African, Australian, south India, Americas) have dark skin pigment. It somehow doesn't hurt them.
Here in NY when you sell your car privately you remove your plates and then turn them in to motor vehicles before you can drop your insurance. Is it similar in Florida or could a new owner drive around on the previous owner's plates and registration? Something I saw in an ad made me wonder.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Well, I'm still looking at the Abarth(I did learn that the motor is assembled at a UAW plant in Detroit, which may yet disqualify it, but I digress). Anyway, prices are all over the map, with dealers offering anywhere from 0 to $3000 off of MSRP. My dealer is offering $2475 off MSRP, but nowhere do I find any customer or dealer cash to explain the large discounts. I'm not complaining mind you, I'm just wondering what is going on- as as even $2500 off is a deep discount below invoice.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
as as even $2500 off is a deep discount below invoice
roadburner, one of the first rules you learn when you are in the car business is that there are many, many different "invoices" on cars. There is a dealer invoice, a factory invoice, and with some brands, there is also a "net dealer" invoice. The reason they are discounting $2500 is because there is probably a factory to dealer special incentive which is not publicized or even known by the outside world.
Dealers who sell lots of these cars - especially those who go over their sales targets for the month - get special incentives over and above other incentives.
Thus, a "net dealer invoice" on some cars could be as much as $2000 below factory invoice, depending upon how incentives are handled by the manufacturer.
Thus, there are many ways dealers can sell cars under invoice. Mercedes had $10,000 certificates on S550's the past several months. That's right, if you picked out a $95,000 S550 out of inventory at a dealer, you could conceivably have paid $20,000 under MSRP on that car. They may even still have some of those available. Those certificates are carefully guarded by dealers because they are usually given to their best customers.
Just thought I'd share a little info for you, roadburner.
Thank you. I can usually get a handle on a ballpark price, but these numbers have been all over the map. I appreciate your insight!
If you look on Edmunds and configure a car exactly like you want it, you will notice that the pricing for a true value deal is already a bit below invoice. That, in and of itself, tells you the cars are being sold at or below invoice. If you can get one for $2500 below invoice well loaded with the optional audio system, NAV system, special wheels and mirrors, that would be a great deal.
I would think there is quite a bit of inventory out there. I like the red with black with matching interior.
What do most of the ratings say about the car? I've heard some good and some very bad. What have you heard?
Below invoice is the new rebate. It sells cars. Trust the manufacturer to make "invoice" irrelevant. Their selling prices at or below invoice years ago may have been great deals. It's SOP now. I don't know how the sales and management staff are doing selling under invoice, but the dealership owner is making a fortune, and in America, that's all that matters.
What do most of the ratings say about the car? I've heard some good and some very bad. What have you heard?
The participants in the Abarth forums are almost universally positive, and I haven't read any bad reviews. Most complaints center on the seating position being a bit too high and the lack of a tilt/telescoping wheel. I would like to be able to take one on a 100-200 mile round trip to see how it really compares to my Mazdaspeed with respect to comfort and practicality over the kind of roads I drive in my current job, but I understand why that is not a realistic request.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
(I did learn that the motor is assembled at a UAW plant in Detroit, which may yet disqualify it, but I digress)
That may ruin it for me too, but, why did you make that comment? I'm just wondering what is going on- as as even $2500 off is a deep discount below invoice.
I'm with Mike, I like the red with black interior or visa versa. But, maybe if you get an unpopular color you can get an even larger "discount" .
My friend with the Maserati loves his Fiat. It goes anywhere, parks anywhere, and he never worries about where he parks it. Loves zipping around.
Doesn't Honda give bonuses based on sales? Maybe a tiered structure? I know that's not exactly the same thing but its similar enought to me. This means the higher volume stores can sell for less, because they get more money back after the sale.
The GM at my local Toyota dealer used to be at Honda. He made a comment about moving to Toyota because you can't make money selling Honda anymore. I didn't ask what he meant.
2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
Went with my mom to look at an XC60 yesterday. She had an 02 S60 with 135,000 miles and lots of high priced repairs ahead of it. We are costco members and here is the deal that was presented.
Sticker 45,500 - 2,500 dealer discount -1,000 volvo loyalty credti -1,000 cash to dealer incentive -750 for costco member
+ Volvo makes the first 3 payments - lease or purchase - which is another $1,200! + a $500 Costco gift card.
Dealer was low key - gave us auction figures for her car on the west coast which averaged around $1,300. They offered her $2,500, and we got them up to $3,000.
The other local volvo dealer did not mention all the discounts and would not make her a trade in offer on her current car.
Net net - we took the deal. She is happy - she likes volvo's.
Now mind you we did not talk all the emotional stuff - just their offer, our counter and done deal.
Now that said I am sure Volvo is doing more behind the scenes for the dealer, but I could care less, easy for my mom, and she got what she wanted - and I did not have to spend the next 3 weekends car shopping for her when in her heart of hearts she wanted a Volvo.... :shades:
2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
Adds up to at least $7400 in discounts not to mention lower sales tax and at least $500 more for the trade-in than it was worth....sounds like a fantastic deal, a premium car for well under $40K.
I am surprised the other dealer didn't want to even give it a try.
Congratulations! Volvos are pretty nice and they look particularly nice as a wagon.
...and she got what she wanted - and I did not have to spend the next 3 weekends car shopping for her when in her heart of hearts she wanted a Volvo.
And there you have it--a satisfied customer. My wife is a Volvo devotee as well and is smitten by Volvo's reputation for safety and handling dynamics. Congrats on the purchase of your new XC60.
There could be an intersting program called Profit on CNBC at 10 PM Eastern time tonight.
Here's the outline..... Just weeks away from being forced to close their doors for good, two brothers who buy used cars for cash, are given the chance to become a thriving national brand.
Don't be so sure yours will remain post #93000. I thought I was the first post of 2013, and bragged about it. I just went back to check and I was moved to second place. Kirstie, does time zone make a difference in post display order?
Hm... it shouldn't. Don't know what happened there. May have been a server out of sync or something. The servers are all on Pacific Time. Maybe someone else's post just hit the system before yours did. Or, perhaps they hit simultaneously and the system just has trouble figuring out which to display first.
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
Comments
When it comes to amusement parks I am the wrong one to ask...although we did walk around Navy Pier in Chicago (I hope i got the name right).
Thank you for the breakdown. I have taken children to Disneyland and Disneyworld, but, I truly hope, I will never have to go back there again.
Actually it was fun at the time, but, you know, once is enough. I'd rather go see the Manatees or a natural park...and those are pretty nice in Florida too.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Driver, is that Cheese Cake Factory? I have dined at one twice in the last couple of weeks and I have nothing but praise for the atmosphere, service and food. The Jamaican spicy shrimp dish with plantains, rice and black beans is my favorite.
Mike, I feel your pain. On busy Saturday nights service can be a bit sloppy at most restaurants. Do what my wife often does--she writes to the manager and demand an apology. She always gets the apology accompanied by a voucher or coupon for a free dinner. It works every time.
I not only gave my opinion on Facebook at their site (I haven't used Facebook in years, but had to let my ire out), but I also sent the corporate headquarters an email detailing the horrible experience.
I forgot to mention that they did not charge me for my Dad's dinner or drink ($12.99) nor the Bloomin' Onions. But to be quite frank with all of you guys, I would have rather paid full price and enjoyed a Saturday Evening with my grandson and Dad. The entire evening was a fiasco, to be blunt!
I do not want a coupon for a free dinner - I'd never use it because I refuse to set foot in one of those Steak Houses again. They are moderately priced - however way over-priced considering our experience.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
*driver, no need for an apology to me - it's the State of Florida that needs an apology - just pulling your leg, *driver!
As for your comments about no repeat trips to Disney or Universal or whatever, I second the motion! I'm much too advanced in years to handle that stuff again. It's the standing and waiting to get on rides, even with express passes, and the walking - I haven't walked that much or stood in one place that long in years.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
No bwia, it was a local independent place, I just didn't want to use their name.
We have eaten at the Cheese Cake Factory and we had always had good experiences. The one in the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower but everyone still calls it Sears Tower) in Chicago was not up to par. If you check the reviews on tripadvisor.com you will see many people complain about the poor service and uncaring attitude about the food. Some chains vary alot based on location.
I highly recommend checking restaurants on tripadvisor - also good for hotels, attractions, places to go and see. It is also nice to recommend places or blow off steam if you weren't satisfied.
I often write to the manager as you suggested and I sent a copy of my review to the chef. I think it can be a learning experience for the restaurant. Once we did get a free meal from complaining. Once we got $5 off for our next meal but that does them more good than me...they at least get me back for another crumby meal.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have seen several, and believe it or not, they were all being driven by men.
I hope they don't have those flowers on the instrument panel any more.
Here are some comments;
Rainer Michel, Volkswagen of America's vice president of product marketing and strategy, says a "more masculine" appearance, including a higher beltline, and 20 more horsepower for the Beetle's base model should do the trick.
For the outgoing New Beetle, more than 65 percent of U.S. buyers were women. But for the new version, that percentage will be closer to 50, Michel says. He predicts that the average age of Beetle buyers will fall from 58 to 36.
Michel also expects the styling to give the Beetle more appeal outside the United States. The previous generation, introduced in 1998, relied on the United States for 72 percent of sales. That should drop to 50 percent for the new version, he says.
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110718/carnews/110719899/#ixzz2aMOwf2A0
Follow us: @AutoweekUSA on Twitter | AutoweekUSA on Facebook
Frankly, it just isn't masculine enough for me.
Now that's what I call a more masculine Beetle:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
We have one very close to us and it is totally inconsistent.
We leave saying we will NEVER return then three years later we go back and
have a good experience only to come back six months later and it's horrible.
We WANT to like the place but at this point I think we have given them their final chance.
That Blooming Onion is 95% grease!
Is it me or it seems that every auto manufacturer is trying real hard to lower the age demographics for their products. What's with that obsession anyway? Older drivers have the money and can afford to buy any entry luxury or upscale vehicle they wish yet auto makers are running away from them like the plague. What gives?
I can understand lowering the age demographic on cars like the Corolla, Sentra and Civic but for larger cars where the real money is, it makes no sense. There are approximately 77 million baby boomers out there with enormous buying power and lavish spending habits--selling to them should be seen as an opportunity rather than a decision that is lamentable.
Turning 60 may be good business for the funeral home industry but apparently not for the car biz. Go figure.
I'm actually planning to leave a bad review (which I never do) for a restaurant we "tried" to eat at in the Traverse City area (MI). The owner/manager was totally rude. This was a place we had dined the previous two years and enjoyed the food. Clearly, they were overbooked, refused and to accept a reservation, which was fine. However, the way she spoke to us--and another group was totally out of line. Needless to say we won't be going there again.
Gogiboy
I always hate when I have to help a business do their training. That attitude should have been handled in advance by the training from the manager. I always say the attitude shown to customers is a direct reflection on the manager/owner and the training they give.
My wife, a retire elementary teacher who listened to people who couldn't spell skool correctly tell her how things should be done in education lets them have it politely when possible for egregious misdeeds--and lies. Nothing works better than a server who forgot the salad for wife's dinner just say, "I forgot it. I'm sorry."
I recall standing in the empty line for the hostess at a chain restaurant for several minutes while various folks scooted around ignoring us rather than seating us or saying there were no tables open.
Left and used GPS to get phone number for store and called for the manager. Told him what had happened and suggested he had a personnel problem. I told him I wanted him to know in a timely fashion so he could fix it before he heard about it from my complain to the corporate office, located here in Ohio (Columbus). Since it had occurred 10 minutes earlier, he could ask the various 7-8 people in the lobby area and they should be able to remember why they didn't put customer first.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
It seems some manufacturers are making cars for older drivers. For one thing, some cars are higher, like the Corolla and the Focus. But, as we discussed a little while ago, young people just aren't into cars as much as we were at a younger age. I guess they keep trying to attract them...The Fit, The Juke, Civic, Soul, RAV4 etc. And here is a statistic;
“People aged 16 to 34 racked up 23 percent less mileage in 2009 than in 2001,”
I see a lot of ads for Buick, Cruise, new Lincoln, Cadillac, Jeep, Fusion, Suburu, BMW, Trucks, Jaguar all mostly for older drivers.
Young people don't have jobs, are more conscious about the environment, like public transportation or cars pools - use the car for an hour etc. But, older drivers probably aren't influenced by ads too much......will an ad for a car really make you change your mind? I think it does sometimes, and it may make you consider something else, but would you really buy a Lincoln if you always buy a Buick?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hmmmm, I like that idea. Next time I have a bad experience in a restaurant I am going to phone and ask the manager to come out and speak to me.
If we push this too far it will be like charging extra for a certain color of car. If you want your meal prepared properly there will be an extra 10% service charge (since the restaurant doesn't normally do this), if you want good service we add on an extra 10% for that. We enjoy your business and want to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. If you don't like the surcharges just order from the regular menu and you will continue to receive our usual crappy service with attitude.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Isell, I guess I inadvertently gave away the restaurant we ate at. There is no doubt that I will remember my experience there for enough years that I will remember not to go there again. They certainly do not deserve a second chance, that's for sure.
When I go to a restaurant that charges an average of $16.00 for a main entrée and even more if you order an appetizer and a dessert, I expect more than what I get at McDonalds or Burger King or even Applebees. The steak my Dad got was so tough I could have resoled my shoes with 1/4 inch slices of the steak.
My grandson had the barbequed ribs, full slab, with fries and he said it was very good. My Teriyaki Filet Steak on a skewer was fair - filets are not supposed to be chewy, and the steak was definitely chewy.
We buy Filet Mignon on sale for about $7.99 a pound and it is far better than what I got. That is why my Dad and I eat out only for lunches at Chick-Fil-A once a week. We used to go out more often, but the quality of service and the quality of food just isn't what it used to be.
No, I certainly will never go back to that "O" steak house again, that's for sure.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The sad part is the fact this "O" restaurant is so close to us and they CAN serve a decent meal. On one of our "good" visits the Prime Rib I had was outstanding and the salad that came with it was excellent too.
I know...never say never but at this point we have given them so many second chances that it is doubtful they will see us return.
I did give them a lousy review on Yelp. Maybe someone one will read it and do something but I doubt it.
Funny...they are always busy with waiting lines. Maybe that's why they simply don't care.
As far as consistently good food and service, our local Red Lobster is hard to beat. Your results may vary depending on location.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
It's also a FWD - no thanks.
Really scared? Then take a magnetic bulk eraser (used for erasing floppy disks and VCR tapes) and zap the DL.
Florida has unique issues due to its location and the fact that manypeople here are A not permanent residents, or B don't bother letting the DMV know that they moved!
I had to come up with all that stuff when my wallet was stolen in 2011.
The extra cost colors are whoppers though, typically $1,100 or more :surprise:
@driver - the above paint types are not you average metailic colors, and they do cost more. but $1,100 more - probably not.
That said I still wanted the CTS in Thunder Grey Chromaflair.
If the color the OP wasted was a factory extra cost optional color, well then that's too bad for him / her. If not, then let him / her have a try at whatever strategy they want to use.
Usually red is a less popular color unless its a real sports car. My dealer friends referred to a few particularly unappealing red as "no sale red". :P
Interesting how the dealers here would always beat me up for buying a black car. well black is the 2nd most popular car here and is # 1 in Europe, so .....
As for teal / my wife had 2 teal cars on the 90s and I had a nice "Dark Jadestone Metallic" LeSabre in the early 90s. And we likes both colors.
Sky Blue is also a nice color; actually "Arctic Blue" is the official color of my 1968 DVC.
We have a veritable dealers lot of white and silver F-150s here in this base camp, and every one will burn your hand when you touch anything inside it.
Uhh, yeah he did.
You trying to "usurp" drivers crown? :sick:
The dark red, as in my Honda Civics crimson ivory,seem to be more popular these days. Also seems that even with silver, Grey's , and dark blues... these colors look better on some models than others.
That is correct - probably a couple of feet. The idea is that you can hand it to a border agent who can scan it with a handheld device that verifies the authenticity of the license and the person. I don't have an issue with that.
Really scared? Then take a magnetic bulk eraser (used for erasing floppy disks and VCR tapes) and zap the DL.
RFID chips aren't damaged by magnets. You either have to microwave it to damage it - and melt your license in the process - or pierce the transmitter with a sharp object.
I get the impression that Red Lobster's food is portion pack. I like the taste and quality, although most of what I want is rich in fats for my diet, but I like to splurge on good taste--my wife doesn't like RL because she's very good at her diabetic diet and has trouble finding foods.
>service varies by location with "O"...
Indeed. It goes back to the manager. When they could hire only the best servers, quality was good. As the servers deteriorated because of lower pay or lower tips, the food quality went down.
When the front or kitchen manager in any restaurant makes rounds in the dining room chatting quickly with folks who are in the middle or end of their meal to ask how it was, I know it's a good place and that any problems will be fixed. Several times we've had the manager take a seat or kneel next to the table as my wife told him what the server did or how food came out that she refused. If she refuses something, she usually doesn't substitute another item. She just sits and eats a K-Bar. That vexes most servers and managers.
When my wife's done with a store, she's done with them. Serve her chicken burned on the bottom (O) or with barbecue sauce when she ordered without sauce (O), she's done.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Where I am in Texas is probably about the same as where you are in Florida, and yes, all cars sitting in the sun will get HOT. But (you knew there was a "but", right?)
Check this link:
http://phys.org/news/2011-10-silver-white-cars-cooler.html
And here's a quote from that article:
The researchers had two cars in the sun for an hour, one black and the other silver, parked facing south, in Sacramento, California. The silver Honda Civic (shell SR 0.57) had a cabin air temperature of about 5-6°C (9-11°F) lower than an identical black car (shell SR 0.05).
I am assuming you are near Dallas - if that is correct, I am about 500 miles further south than you. If you are in Houston, about 300 miles further south. The direct rays of the sun are more powerful in south Florida than any other state in the U.S. That is why we get sunburns more easily here. But because of the ocean breezes, our temps rarely get above 92, but our humidity is very high.
In any case, the article you refer to is correct. Silver/White cars "absorb" less heat from the sun than most other colors. I would think that light beige cars and tan cars are also less heat absorbent than other colors.
What amazes me is the number of black cars down here in south Florida. The most popular color is silver followed by gray followed by white, etc. And that is for the same reason as the article notes - they absorb less heat and thus remain a bit cooler. Also, that is why most cars down here are tinted. I have a very light tint, but I am only interested in filtering ultra-violet light and heat -which 3M Crystalline does well. I have the 60% light reduction and 99% ultra-violet reduction and 80% heat reduction.
Another essential down here in the April-November months is front and rear sunshades to reduce light and heat from the interior. I have both and it is much cooler than cars I have owned that did not have rear shades.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
BTW, you may have noticed indigenous people in Arab countries (Bedouines) often wear black in the middle of the desert. Also, most hot climate native population (African, Australian, south India, Americas) have dark skin pigment. It somehow doesn't hurt them.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
roadburner, one of the first rules you learn when you are in the car business is that there are many, many different "invoices" on cars. There is a dealer invoice, a factory invoice, and with some brands, there is also a "net dealer" invoice. The reason they are discounting $2500 is because there is probably a factory to dealer special incentive which is not publicized or even known by the outside world.
Dealers who sell lots of these cars - especially those who go over their sales targets for the month - get special incentives over and above other incentives.
Thus, a "net dealer invoice" on some cars could be as much as $2000 below factory invoice, depending upon how incentives are handled by the manufacturer.
Thus, there are many ways dealers can sell cars under invoice. Mercedes had $10,000 certificates on S550's the past several months. That's right, if you picked out a $95,000 S550 out of inventory at a dealer, you could conceivably have paid $20,000 under MSRP on that car. They may even still have some of those available. Those certificates are carefully guarded by dealers because they are usually given to their best customers.
Just thought I'd share a little info for you, roadburner.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Thank you. I can usually get a handle on a ballpark price, but these numbers have been all over the map. I appreciate your insight!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
If you look on Edmunds and configure a car exactly like you want it, you will notice that the pricing for a true value deal is already a bit below invoice. That, in and of itself, tells you the cars are being sold at or below invoice. If you can get one for $2500 below invoice well loaded with the optional audio system, NAV system, special wheels and mirrors, that would be a great deal.
I would think there is quite a bit of inventory out there. I like the red with black with matching interior.
What do most of the ratings say about the car? I've heard some good and some very bad. What have you heard?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Every store pays the same.
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The participants in the Abarth forums are almost universally positive, and I haven't read any bad reviews. Most complaints center on the seating position being a bit too high and the lack of a tilt/telescoping wheel. I would like to be able to take one on a 100-200 mile round trip to see how it really compares to my Mazdaspeed with respect to comfort and practicality over the kind of roads I drive in my current job, but I understand why that is not a realistic request.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
That may ruin it for me too, but, why did you make that comment?
I'm just wondering what is going on- as as even $2500 off is a deep discount below invoice.
I'm with Mike, I like the red with black interior or visa versa. But, maybe if you get an unpopular color you can get an even larger "discount"
My friend with the Maserati loves his Fiat. It goes anywhere, parks anywhere, and he never worries about where he parks it. Loves zipping around.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The GM at my local Toyota dealer used to be at Honda. He made a comment about moving to Toyota because you can't make money selling Honda anymore. I didn't ask what he meant.
Let's just say that I'm no fan of the UAW and leave it at that...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Sticker 45,500
- 2,500 dealer discount
-1,000 volvo loyalty credti
-1,000 cash to dealer incentive
-750 for costco member
+ Volvo makes the first 3 payments - lease or purchase - which is another $1,200!
+ a $500 Costco gift card.
Dealer was low key - gave us auction figures for her car on the west coast which averaged around $1,300. They offered her $2,500, and we got them up to $3,000.
The other local volvo dealer did not mention all the discounts and would not make her a trade in offer on her current car.
Net net - we took the deal. She is happy - she likes volvo's.
Now mind you we did not talk all the emotional stuff - just their offer, our counter and done deal.
Now that said I am sure Volvo is doing more behind the scenes for the dealer, but I could care less, easy for my mom, and she got what she wanted - and I did not have to spend the next 3 weekends car shopping for her when in her heart of hearts she wanted a Volvo.... :shades:
Adds up to at least $7400 in discounts not to mention lower sales tax and at least $500 more for the trade-in than it was worth....sounds like a fantastic deal, a premium car for well under $40K.
I am surprised the other dealer didn't want to even give it a try.
Congratulations! Volvos are pretty nice and they look particularly nice as a wagon.
Oh yeh, what color? Did you have to pay extra
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And there you have it--a satisfied customer. My wife is a Volvo devotee as well and is smitten by Volvo's reputation for safety and handling dynamics. Congrats on the purchase of your new XC60.
Here's the outline.....
Just weeks away from being forced to close their doors for good, two brothers who buy used cars for cash, are given the chance to become a thriving national brand.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Don't be so sure yours will remain post #93000. I thought I was the first post of 2013, and bragged about it. I just went back to check and I was moved to second place. Kirstie, does time zone make a difference in post display order?
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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