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@graphicguy
I know you haven't had luck dealing with your local Infiniti dealers in the past, but you might want to take a Q50S AWD for a spin. It's a beautiful car!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@abacomike
Will do!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
That's why whenever you read or hear about someone talking about the "collapse of the economy" you have to ask them---do you go out much?
I was a sales manager at an Infiniti dealership and am very familiar with the build quality of those cars. I've driven the RWD version - and even though it is about the same size as the G37, the similarity ends there. It is a totally new car inside and out. It handles beautifully and the car is very torquey.
Quality through and through, as has always the case. The AWD S version, nicely equipped, it is just about the same price as a Mercedes E350. For $53,000 - $55,000, there are many cars out there that compete. But the Q50 is definitely a must see/must drive vehicle before getting into a BMW or Mercedes or even a Jaguar.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I have never thought of Infiniti/Nissan as having particularly good quality. That is in part due to the chintzy interior quality of past Altimas I have experienced, but also the experience of my niece and her husband. They had a G35 that required an engine replacement under warranty, and the same car required all 4 doors to be replaced (!), also under warranty, due to rust perforation. They also had a Nissan SUV that had a bad transmission, and most recently, a new Altima that also required a transmission replacement under warranty at just over 1 year of ownership. It still is not right.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I have never thought of Infiniti/Nissan as having particularly good quality...
I have never heard of that before - I guess there are always a few cars that experience poorer quality or a bad engine.
Rust perforation in all 4 doors is a rare phenomenon as is a total engine replacement. I am sure there are Mercedes Benz and BMW cars that experience rare but aggravating defects or failures - that's why they are warranted.
But to say that Infiniti or Nissan cars are of poor quality based on a few experiences is over-generalizing, IMHO.
I do not have to defend Nissan or Infiniti, any more than I have to defend any manufacturer - but to base a harsh criticism of a car brand based upon several experiences others have had is a bit presumptuous IMHO.
You are certainly entitled to your own opinion, however.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Just got back from the Pinstripe Bowl. When we bought tickets, we were worried about the weather, but it was just over 50 degrees and sunny, although a bit breezy. Nice weather for watching football.
I think I work about a 15 minute walk from where your friend bought his Raptor. I'm going to guess Interstate Ford.
That personal experience is a pretty strong indicator, more than someone on a message board saying they are good. I honestly don't know why he keeps buying them. His friend is a sales manager at the local Nissan store and he gets him good deals, but frankly I would not touch one after their experiences.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Weren't you always a big fan of the TL? When I drove the ILS I wasn't that impressed.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
We've still never been there yet and I just saw the sign after taking the garbage out. It really is so close we do need to go. Others have told me how great the food is there also. But with life being so busy, we just never get there! As it is, my wife got back from Tampa yesterday and stopped by the house for a couple of hours tonight and won't be back till Tuesday night. So like I said, our lives are so busy busy busy lately!
But again, no work today but understand as the tourists are here now and all vehicles have been rented. Next week will see business picking up as everyone goes back home for the start of school and the end of vacation. All I know is I just want to work already and make some cold hard cash...I need a nice paycheck as the last few months have been a bit lean to say the least!
_The Sandman
_
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)
I'll have to ask. You couldn't have paid for better weather. Hope you enjoyed the game. I'm actually going to check out some local hockey tomorrow afternoon with the boys. As Ranger fans we are supposed to support the Hartford Wolf Pack, but Webster Bank Arena (Bridgeport) is 25 minutes from my house, so we root for the Sound Tigers (I know, they are the affiliate of the Islanders).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@abacomike - I just spent wasted some time on the Infiniti Website. A loaded to the gills Q50S AWD stickers for $54,155. I'm sure Infiniti wants these things out on the street and are looking to move metal.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
If you are going to a Sound Tigers game, keep your eye on Anders Lee. Lots of talent and potential.
I see it this way. 10% or even 20% of the people may be unemployed, but 80 or 90% are still working......and many of those have "affluenza", and they just can't change their spending habits.
Also, I noticed in Florida the restaurants are pretty busy in season. I think it is because there are lots of retired people who still have an income.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We just tried DelFrisco's in Philly for the first time Friday night for my wife's birthday. Wow, decadent food to say the least. I love the upscale steakhouses. We do an all out dinner at one two or three times a year. IMO Keen's in NYC is still the two best meals I've ever had in my life.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
tic graduated from Temple in 68 ----- Still have a taste for
real philly cheese steaks --- where is your favorite shop ? The problem with all the wannabe steaks now is that none of them quite get the roll right.
tjc....how did you get the line across the bottom of your post;
"1999 Chevy S10 / 2004 Merc Grand Marquis / 2012 Buick LaCrosse"
I checked the profile and couldn't find a way to do it. I have mastered bookmarks and images, now I need a new challenge. THX
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I had a G35 that I beat the tar out of, driving-wise. Had it til it was over 100k miles, and didn't put a dime into it for repairs. Just regular maintenance. So there's the other side.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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I wonder how it would be possible for lots of retired people to "not" still have an income!
Just a play on words, driver. Just kidding.
Unfortunately, the weather down here has been cloudy for the better part of the past week with showers and thunderstorms about 50 miles west and closing in quickly. I don't envy the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people who came down here for the 2 week Christmas Break and experienced clouds most of the time after spending all that money on rental cars, airfare and hotels. At least it's been warm, in the 80's during the day and 70's at night.
I read in the local newspaper that the hotels along the coasts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are at 98% capacity - and Palm Beach County is at 95%. According to the article, these last three weeks have been the most busy in the Tri-County Area since 2007 and, in some areas, they broke records.
I just hope the weather gets better by Tuesday so the vacationers can have one more day of sunshine and warmth before going back to the deep freeze.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@explorerx4 - puck drops at 3:00 pm. I'll keep an eye out for Lee
@tjc78 - my parents saw "Janis Joplin" (broadway show) last night & ate at DelFrisco's afterwards. They said the play rocked & their steak was delicious.
@driver100 - go into your profile and "add a signature." You can put your cars their as many of us have
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
See a bunch of Infinit's down south here, but we have the largest Infiniti dealer right over by the casino Mike seems to frequent...they sell a mess load of vehicles. Never found one that I could want to own and from what I hear, they are a bit thirsty. But they are beautiful machines though. My neighbor has a mid century G37 coupe and it's still going strong even though it could use a good detail.
The Sandman
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)
Yes, sandman, I agree - Infiniti's do not have the mpg ratings they should have considering their competition. That has always been the case, as far back as I can remember. So your comment about being a bit "thirsty" is most appropriate.
Yes, the dealership you are talking about sells more Infiniti's than any other dealership in the country. Coconut Creek has several dealerships that are the best selling dealerships in the country for their brand -
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The measure of the overall economy for some is as long as the high-priced businesses are doing business, the economy must be doing fine. But in reality the lower income working folks aren't doing well because the middle class jobs are going, going, gone. The low income workers aren't dining at $100 a plate restaurants. Then there are the dependent folks living on food stamps and other subsidies along with techniques for making unreported income on the side; these folks are doing better than workers on the low end at less than 30 hours per week and no benefits from their part time jobs. The economy is not high end steakhouse in many parts of the country.
I understand what you mean. There are folks with low retirement incomes because they believed that SS should be a full retirement plan and they are having trouble getting by, and there are those with SS + other retirement incomes who are living great, primarily on other people's money.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
We have bought 2 vehicles now from Coconut Creek Hyundai and have a feeling that we're going to be getting the 3rd vehicle from them and that'll likely be either the Accent or Elantra either in 2014 or 2015. Hyundai makes a fine product and the distance for servicing to my house is just so close it's a real blessing. Did look at the Jetta and Tiguan over at Gunther and liked the vehicles and the way they drove just not sold on VW reliability to take a chance quite yet...maybe if I ever purchase another vehicle I might go the VW route. I have driven a few at work and liked them except the dash layouts which tend to be dark and all business like...to stark for me.
The Sandman
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)
@abacomike - I don't doubt your knowledge that Coconut Creek Infiniti is the largest volume Infiniti dealership in the country, but there is a dealer near me (Pepe Infiniti of White Plains) that advertises that very same claim. My best friend who has purchased a few cars there as well as sent quite a few referrals deals with the general manager of the dealership (the GM was a salesman when he leased his cars) and told him that they in fact are the largest volume dealership in the USA.
I wonder if these 2 dealers compete for the #1 spot year after year.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Funny how down here in the Pompano Beach/Ft. Lauderdale area we have a ton of dealers but when I lived in Westchester County New York, Briarcliff Manor, there were hardly that many places to purchase. Ossining had a couple as did White Plains and Peekskill, where we owned the local Dodge dealer in the late 50's to early 60's. Guess things have changed over the years. Down here, we can buy 7 days a week but not sure how things work up north now.
The Sandman
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)
> Pepe Infiniti....
NYC, trust me - Coconut Creek has held the #1 spot since 2005 for Infiniti Sales. I should know - I was a sales manager there and I know the owner of the dealership!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Can't go wrong with Pat's, Geno's, Jim's or Tony Luke's. All are excellent and represent Philly's signature dish. IMO the cheesesteak is over rated... Next time you are in Philly (or Jersey right over the bridge) get a DiNic's roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. You will forget all about the cheesesteak. You are also correct, the bread is a huge part of the sandwich.
@driver, like NYC said the "signature " setting is what you are looking for.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
The folks that can afford $100 a plate weren't affected by the economy. It's the folks who used to pay for that meal over 2 credit card payments that were.
In my industry (luxury products) the slowdown was at the lower end - aspirational buyers who were tapping a line of credit to redo a bathroom or kitchen.
Thanks NYC and TJC......I think I did it....we'll see if it shows up here.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But in reality the lower income working folks aren't doing well because the middle class jobs are going, going, gone.
I agree and it is a big concern...I have children and grandchildren and I think it is a changing world.....a very difficult world for working people. I am glad I am out of it - I was doing it in the good old days when there were middle management and sales jobs. I wouldn't want to be competing for a job in this market.
On a slightly related topic, we went to see American Hustle yesterday and we really enjoyed it. Talk about scam artists and about how some people make a buck. The movie had great character development and was very clever and entertaining......very loosely based on the ABSCAM scandal of the late 70s. .
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
>The low income workers aren't dining at $100 a plate restaurants.
No question about it! If I did not have my meals "comped" by the casino, Dad and I would not be eating out at $100 a plate for steak or anything else.
Both of us are on fixed incomes and spend about $100 per week on food for the two of us. My pension is in the process of being reduced and social security went up $19 a month for me. My IRA's are earning .7% a year and my savings accounts about the same.
I'm not claiming poverty by a long shot and we live quite well, but we certainly are not gaining in wealth. And the way I buy cars doesn't help much. But if I had known how bad things were going to get, I would still be working. Right now, my primary responsibility is taking care of my Dad!
But, without the comps at the casino, we would rarely have dinner out and have lunch out once a week.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Let me be clear that I wasn't indicting anyone on the forum about being among those who don't feel the loss in the economy the last 5 years and who gleefully continue to spend extravagantly while claiming the economy has fully recovered.
I long for the days of 3-5% in savings and more in CD's. I think so many older folks with savings don't realize how they're being taken by the concept of low interest rates for these past 5 years--it's reducing their income from cash equivalent investments. All the while the TV folks brag up about how great it is because home mortgages are 3%. Once in a while I have nightmares about having to pay income tax on the money markets at 13-15% again like in the 1970's.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
>
Let me be clear that I wasn't indicting anyone on the forum about being among those who don't feel the loss in the economy the last 5 years and who gleefully continue to spend extravagantly while claiming the economy has fully recovered.
I didn't think you were indicting anyone.
Your comments are most appropriate and I agree with you! The average retired person in the USA is falling farther and farther behind because the cost of living is going up at 3 or 4 times the rate you get on IRA's or CD's.
My Dad used to earn 5-6% on his CD's which was enough to live nicely. Now, his wealth is diminishing by 5-6% per year for the exact opposite reason.
I would probably save more and spend less on cars if I could get a good return from IRA or CD investments, but at .5% to .7% per year, you lose thousands of dollars because food prices have been rising rapidly. Beef prices just hit an all time high and dairy products are rising in price as well.
Something has to give! My health insurance benefits were cut $1500 per year for prescriptions and I've been on the donut hole for 4 months - paying almost full price for my Rx's. Advantage programs end this year so my medical costs will go up almost $8000 per year if you count the cost of a supplemental policy and my deductibles.
I am not the only one suffering - over 1 million retirees in Florida are facing the same problems.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Not sure what's going on with my pension yet but will find out this week when I see what the deposit is. I do know my health insurance premium went up about $25 so if my pension goes up by the same amount, it'll be a wash. So very grateful for my pension and could live on it if we had to but we both decided that we need to work and get out of the house. I always said that I wanted a part time got working 4 to 5 days/week and it's working out that way with my average of 4 days/week. I am pleased with that since there are some home projects I want to have done...master bath and kitchen come to mind along with painting the interior of the joint. This will take time and $ to do but we will get there eventually. Thinking of doing the painting first and then the kitchen...but we will see once we get the prices for each project.
The Sandman
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)
When we went down to St. Pete's several years ago for Christmas it was record cold with temps in the 40s at night. Fouled up the water activities but not much else. Can't ever remember a visit ruined by rain.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
To people who complain when it gets into the 60s, 50s or even 40s in Florida, I say, well, it is probably a lot better than it is back home right now. Before we left the temperature was mostly 75 to 82 every day......and then the weather people start talking about the big cold front moving in (usually from Canada, when it really starts in the Artic), and the temperature will only reach 71 for the next 2 days..oh boo hoo, who cares, I'll gladly take 71 when it is going to be aboutg 15F up here in Canada tomorrow! Can't wait until we return to Tampa on Friday.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Speaking of Steak Sandwiches...I was in Connecticut many years back. Maybe Groton or Mystic (I forget), went to DeAngelos, ate a foot long and got a 6 inch to go since it was a long flying day and I was hungry. I stopped at a light on the way to the hotel, the aroma got to me. I pulled off the road, opened the 6 inch, ate it in the rental car, then went back and got another foot long for later.
Another place was Teddys Steakhouse in NJ somewhere between NJTP Exit 3 and Glendora on the Black Horse Pike. I should have bought the entire place I ate there so much.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Mako1a, after 2 feet of sandwiches did you need a seatbelt extension on the plane ?
@Mako, exit 3 is my backyard. I've never heard of Teddy's, how long ago we talking?
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Well, so far, this winter has been super warm with temps in the 80's on a daily basis. We could use some cooler temps right about now!!!
The Sandman
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)
1971-73. Last time I was there was 10 years ago and I didn't see it. Must be gone now.
jayrider, I was 6'-0" and 178 lbs back then. I didn't gain much weight until I hit 58 yrs old.
Now I could stand to lose about 40 pounds. (says my doctor).
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
@tjc78 Where exactly is denics? I love roast pork sandwiches, so would like to try it out.
I do like tony lukes. Need to stop at the new one in Maple Shade at some point. Much easier than going to south Philly.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There is a stand at a converted railroad station in Phila. that has the roast pork/broccoli rab sandwiches. See it on the Food Channel from time to time.
Jump on 295, get off at Black horse pike and head north. A little past the Walmart and Acme it's a little tiny building on the left. If you get to the entrance to the Walt Whitman you passed it. I think the closest street is Nicholson road.
There is also a Tony Luke's right off AC expressway on Cross Keys road.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
thanks. I don't go down to that area on the BHP very often, but coincidentally that is right about where the guy that bought my Integra last summer lived.
though one problem with not having a car is that it is really hard to go out at lunch!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
@sandman_6472 - there are plenty of dealers in northern as well as southern Westchester. Take Acura for instance: there's Acura of Bedford Hills, Curry Acura (insert inappropriate language here) in Scarsdale, & Acura of Westchester in Larchmont. The county has enough people & a diverse enough population to handle the business. There's also Greenwich Acura right over the border here in CT (they were the workd's largest NSX dealer for many years). I actually bought mine on Long Island as they were the only cash 4 clunkers Acura dealer that had a TSX w/ tech pkg & a black interior.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@ abacomike - I never doubted you for a sec & that's the reason why. I remember you said you worked for Infiniti, but wasn't sure which dealer.
Right at the top of Pepe infiniti's website they claim to be the "#1 Volume Infiniti Retailer in the World" based on sales 3/2012 - 4/2013.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Ahhh, now I know what's going on here. Pepe probably sold more cars than Infiniti of Coconut Creek for that specific period of time - but in total sales, year after year since 2005, Coconut Creek has been the world's highest volume dealership for Infiniti vehicle sales.
Every so often, a dealer will outsell the high volume dealer by a few cars for one or two or even 5 months. As you can see by their ad, they had to show the specific dates involved. That's poor advertising and very deceptive. They are not the highest volume dealership for 2012 or 2013 - but for March thru April of a mid year volume, they did. But they award highest volume dealer based on January thru December of any given year. Pepe is merely taking advantage is a weird sales tally, that's all.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Responding to everyone's posts about the economy. I agree that the rich are getting richer while the poor seem to be getting every benefit imaginable & everyone in the middle class seems to just keep getting squeezed.
Like everyone notes about the "talking heads" saying how well the economy is doing because of the record high of the Dow Jones and the NASDAQ hitting 5000 for the 1st time since "the tech bubble." It seems to be a false indicator.
I work in a terrible neighborhood. I see every day how people take advantage of a completely broken system. Take Housing Projects for instance. When my Dad was growing up (he's 67), he said "the projects" were nice and you used them as a stepping stone to get started, save up, & move out. Now there are families who have 3 & sometimes 4 generations of people who haven't grown up watching their Moms & Dads go to work every day. It is more lucrative for them to "collect" then to go out & get a minimum wage job. Then there are those that say minimum wage should b raised (& that it is kept low to subsidize the huge fast food industry) because there are working people who can't afford to live in certain places.
I see people selling their government issued Viagra & Cialis pills on the street, women walking up the street with $1000 strollers, & even women prostituting themselves (not in the stereotypical standing on the street) to have their cable bills, cell phones, & clothing paid for. I could go on, but its late and I have to be at work by 7:15 tomorrow AM.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD