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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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"@Abacomike, I'm sure this will blow over, both with your favored dealer and with your son"
Nope - my son refuses to accept any responsibility for this predicament. I even sent him a copy of the email I received from corporate, but he blames everyone else but himself.
He still thinks I should have helped his neighbor get the same car for the same price.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. What can I say. I must have brought him up stupid or something.
This is not going to blow over easily, explorer - not by a longshot!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Cincinnati Auto Show this weekend. I don't know if they'll have the upcoming Acura TLX or the BMW M235i. But, those are the only two cars I really want to see.
If anything exciting is there (it's puny compared to Detroit, NYC or Chicago's show), I'll report back.
I also save because if I really need a really good coffee while on the way home I don't have to stop at a coffee place....$1.50+tax, now I can go home and make an equally good coffee for 48 cents!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I just got a notice from J.D. Powers asking me to do a survey for the 535. I haven't looked at the survey yet, but, if it isn't too difficult (time consuming), I'll give it a try. There is a chance to win $10000.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
stick, something you and I have in common - I too don't like the taste of coffee. In any form. Just too bitter for me.
We do have a Keurig at home, and the wife has found that the Starbucks blonde blend is just right for her. We do also have some "fancy" K-cups as well if anyone wants a treat. In addition, we have black tea and hot chocolate K-cups that I'll use from time to time.
Nice to be able to brew exactly what you want, one cup at a time. No waste that way.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Some people who don't drink coffee like to drink Coke to get their caffeine fix. I remember a sales rep who didn't drink coffee, but she always had a case of Coke in the car and she was a chain Coke drinker.
I am surprised so many people here don't drink coffee. In Canada coffee is way more popular, probably because of the cooler climate. Coffee is a very social drink, I could probably get through life without coffee and it wouldn't affect me that much....but it is nice to drink coffee in the morning and discuss the day with Mrs Driver, and then go for a coffee after tennis with the guys. It is a great drink because it makes you feel partly full, and only has a few calories if you just add milk...black is no calories. A coffee break is like a mini-reward, get a break from work or life. How do you justify a coffee break if you don't drink coffee....that's like cheating.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My wife claims it was my fault that she now has to have coffee in the morning because I drank it when we married. I informed her that she used to drink Diet Coke on the way the work everyday and that Diet Coke was just a different caffeine delivery method. Her reply that that the coffee is worse for here as she only likes it with that sugary french vanilla cream.
In the interest of full disclosure, my mother was born in Brazil and emigrated to the US with my Portugal born Dad just before I was born. I've been drinking coffee since I was about 5 years old. In reality it was more laite con cafe or milk with coffee. What I have learned in the past few years is that my Dad makes much better coffee than my mother. In fact, we keep my Mom away from the coffee maker as she makes horrible coffee.
I have a plain old percolator and like the results just fine. We get something like Gevalia and sometimes grind the bean ourselves. Better than a drip maker and, well, Keurigs do nothing for me. To each his own.
Actually I'll drink maybe a cup an a half of coffee in the morning and then tea a couple of times later in the day.
Don't expect the TLX concept. Philly did not even rate that. There was a 2 series out on the floor but I did not pay much attention to it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Keurig's not right for you...you would be wasting a 48 cent K Cup for 1/2 a cup of coffee!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You can make adjustments ya know. There is no law against doing that, at least not here in the US there isn’t as far as I know. Not sure about Canadian laws for following coffee package brewing directions, though.
I used to be a Dunkin Donut coffee guy but for the last year or two I don’t think their coffee is as good as it used to be. No matter if I get it already ground or if I buy the beans, it isn’t as good anymore, at least not to me and I’ve played with the strength too. So I gave up on Dunkin Donut coffee. Then again, maybe my taste for coffee has changed. I now buy the Starbucks Breakfast Blend or something like that but I don’t make it as strong as the package says. After some experimenting, I’ve pretty much settled in on about 2/3 to 3/4 of what the package says.
Since I’m making this post from my desk and not the slammer, I'm pretty sure I haven't broken any US coffee package brewing laws.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
We have what is considered to be a "free" country too, so yes, I could mix Starbucks a little less powerful. But, I might as well buy a brand I like that's milder...like Melitta. I can't change what they give me at their shops though, and that stuff is super high octane. I found the perfect coffee for me and the Keurig....it is a medium blend and it is very smooth....Green Mountain Nantucket Blend. My wife was skeptical but she only drinks decaf and she likes Neuman's Own Special Decaf.
I like the simpleset Keurig coffee maker, add a cup of water, put in the K Cup, press the button, don't forget to put your cup in place or you'll have coffee all over the counter and the floor. No measuring, no guessing, no looking for measuring spoon, no looking for filters, no grinds to throw out. Life is good.................
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Finished my J.D. Powers survey. They said it would take about half an hour and it did. A fair bit relies on memory....I tried my best but I don't think I got it exactly right...hard to remember when service dates unless I go through receipts. I do wonder how they got my name and email address. Lots of questions were about the dealership and if I was going to be buying a new car soon and what make.
I'd consider a 2015 535 but it would have to be a little different, I don't want to buy the same car again. I will definitely consider an A6, I'll test drive it at least since I like the A4 so much. If I am still not 100% sure I'd try an E or C Class, and consider an A4. After the 535 I don't want to go back to a 328 or 335.
The survey doesn't let you go back, and there were times I would like to have written in an explanation. I'll let you know if I win the 10 Grand.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
J Monroe ------ The only reason you are not in the slammer is that the Coffee Police are planning an early morning [tomorrow] arrest at your home. That's the bad news but the good news is that you can post a comprehensive taste test review of the jailhouse special select coffee for all your friends on Edmunds. We really want to know all about the finish, aroma, flavor, and acidity that your local municipality serves the criminal element in your neck of the woods.
I don't drink the K-cup stuff too much at work and I don't even have the gizmo at home since I'm the only coffee drinker. So, I use a pretty old Braun drip maker when at home. This thing is so old that the coffee pot has the thermis bottle glass in it. If it ever breaks I don't know what the replacement will be.
On the rare occassion when I do drink a K-cup at work it is the Neuman's brand of some kind that I get from a fellow worker who says they are a lot cheaper at Sams when he buys the 80 pack. That guys gotta be rich to afford to buy a quantity like that. But it's the best of the K-cup brews I've tasted so far.
I don't drink a lot of coffee at work, 3 cups max per day and at home 2 cups. I'm glad coffee doesn't taste as good as it smells or I'd be addicted for sure.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
If you want strong coffee, try some Luzianne. It used to come with a scoop in the can which was smaller than most so you wouldn't OD. Of course that was before Red Bull was invented so I can't say as I've only had 1 RB 10 years ago.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I still have a Senseo coffee maker. You can't buy them anymore unless you scrounge around on ebay or somewhere else on the web. I had a Senseo which died so I got a Kuerig. When it died I got another Senseo. The Senseo makes much better coffee - to me anyway. I like the foam that is on top of the coffee after it brews too - frothy. When it finally gives up I will probably look around for something else that uses the soft pods. The soft pods are cheaper than the k-cups too.
I'm sort of surprised nobody has mentioned them yet. And no, before you ask, I didn't have one of the ones that exploded.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
THE ESCAPE IS GONE
I finally sat down with my sales rep and insisted we discuss what was going on. He was having a difficult time getting Ford to throw anything into the pot. As I mentioned previously, I don't blame them. They would almost be admitting there was a problem with the 1.6 liter engine. (notice the new Fusions have a 1.5 liter engine now instead of the 1.6?)
Regardless - the dealer stepped up to the plate a little and gave me more for the Escape on a trade than it was really worth. With $2,500 in rebates, and the extra dough the dealer threw in we made a deal. They might have made some money, but not much and I am rid of the Escape. Everyone seems happy.
Oh, yeah. I got a 2014 Fusion Titanium with all the goodies including AWD.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Congrats on the new Fusion. Let us know how you like it compared to the Escape.
My wife drives a 2013 Escape Ti and I have a 2013 Fusion Ti (FWD).
There is a 'Mid Size Sedan' forum, if you want to post about your Fusion.
Add me to that group that doesn't like coffee.
Now I do have an interesting coffee story from when I was in the service. We had those large industrial peculating coffee makers in the mess deck. Well one day some kid just out of boot camp decides that he was going to take the initiative and clean them out, I mean he scrubbed them clean. Well there are some people that think the sediment that coats the coffee maker adds flavor to the coffee and the Chief Petty Officers were among that group. They made that poor kid brew something like 25 or more pots of coffee in each one and dump it just to build that sediment back up.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Just be glad you didn't buy the new $130,000 version of the Porsche 911. Same problem, could catch fire.
In other news:
I'm beginning to think my 95 Lincoln is jinxed. Today I was nearly t-bone by an old lady in a Grand Marquis who cut across 4 lanes. She looked about 80 and resembled my Ukrainian wife's Babushka (grandmother). This isn't the first time I've had someone pull out in front of that car.
Why do they hate me?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Venture....congratulations for the new Fusion....that should be a really nice car, esp with AWD.
Just curious, how did you decide on the Fusion over the Escape.
I did find this in an article about the 1.6 engines (which you may have known or we already covered);
An intensive, cross-discipline engineering team at Ford worked to identify the root cause of the extreme engine overheating condition. The problem was apparently found in the computer control modules for the cooling systems of the 1.6L EcoBoost engine equipped vehicles.
To fix the condition, Ford will make software updates to the cooling system of the 1.6-liter engine available in the SE and SEL models of the 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Ford Fusion. The software updates will better manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition that could occur under unique operating conditions.
The original cooling system design was not able to address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions, which could lead to a vehicle fire while the engine was running.
examiner.com/article/ford-announces-fix-for-1-6l-ecoboost-engines-2013-escape-and-fusion
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Nobody in the area had an Escape with the 2.0 liter engine that I was interested in. In order to get something I wanted I would have had to kick in more money for things I didn't want. I just decided this morning that I might as well get the Fusion since they have AWD available in the Titanium models and everything around here is pretty much loaded up anyway. It wasn't much more money than a gussied up Escape. I was just interested in AWD to haul the kids around in the winter.
I'm not really an SUV guy.
One thing I can say - the Fusion is a really, really nice car. I couldn't say that about the Escape. The Escape was just, what I thought would be, dependable transportation.
As far as them correcting the problem with the 1.6 engine. I doubt they will ever fix it. That's why I commented previously that the new Fusions are coming in with the new 1.5 liter engine. If they were able to fix it they would still have the 1.6. Maybe it's all marketing. I don't know. I just didn't want to drive around for 3 or 4 years with something I didn't have confidence in.
Joe
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I'm glad I didn't get the Porsche. Mrs. Venture barely stood still about me trading the Escape after 7 months.
I've had cars I thought had a bulls eye on them too. I don't know what it is about some cars.
Joe
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
>
Thanks. I'll post a comparison after getting a few miles on it. So far there is no comparison.
I'll take a gander in the Mid Size Sedan forum. This thing feels huge after driving the Escape.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
"...software updates..."
Wow, I can't get my head around an engine overheating because of a computer glitch. What ever happened to checking the coolant level?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Why not? So many things on a car are controlled by computers. Cars these days have an engine coolant sensor that tells the computer the temperature of the coolant and the computer decides if coolant should be circulated and if the radiator fan should be going. And in many cases what the computer decides to do with regards to the coolant can be influenced by other things that the cars computer is sensing such as engine load, external temperatures and such.
So yes an engine these days can overheat due to a software glitch.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
snake said> he scrubbed them clean. Well there are some people that think the sediment that coats the coffee maker adds flavor to the coffee and the Chief Petty Officers were among that group.
Snake, I could go on forever about incidents in the Navy. One is the time a cook discovered about 20 10 gallon boxes of spoiled milk.
We were in Newport, RI for a big ceremony with Admirals present and some seaman deuce decides to dispose of the sour milk by dumping it in the scullery sink drain which goes where? Out to sea of course. The ceremony went on with a bay that was not blue, but white. everyone wondering where it came from.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
A year or so ago the Boston Sunday Globe published an extensive profile of the company.
Meanwhile, I've had mixed results with my Keurig. The sample k-cups were excellent but subsequent purchases from Dunkin Donuts, Walmart and Shaws Supermarket have been a mixed bag. However, I love the hot chocolate and ice tea as well as several aromatic tea flavors.
Don't know if others have mentioned it but I believe only spring or filtered water can be used in the Keurig. If not, I've been spending extra on premium water when tap water is just as good. Sort of like buying premium gas for a car designed to run on regular.
I'm not really an SUV guy.
I actually understand that venture. I had a 2004 bmw X3 SAV and I loved it. Then the 2008 bmw cabriolet and now a 4 door 535. I liked the SAV at the time, but now I prefer cars. The SAV felt more like a work vehicle...the car is more fun-like. Also, better cornering, and I like a trunk...just to hold things like washer fluid which can slosh around. I also like having a trunk in case I am carrying something like a computer with me.
I like SAVs, but I like cars more. Hope you enjoy getting back into a car again.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
As they always say, no good deed goes unpunished. Mike, the first big mistake you made was to cosign on the lease. Let's hope he is more responsible with his financial obligations by making timely monthly payments; otherwise, he may jeopardize your outstanding credit rating and that would be a disappointment to the n-th. degree.
"Mike, the first big mistake you made was to cosign on the lease."
You are 100% correct. That was my first mistake! My second mistake was to subsidize his health insurance to the tune of $213 a month - he had no health insurance and I just could not sleep nights knowing that. But that's just me.
My third mistake was to loan him $200,000 so he could buy his own business - he lost every cent and I have nothing to show for my investment.
My last mistake was to fly out there and consummate his car deal at the expense of losing my contacts for my future car buying. And then I wonder what happened to all my retirement nest eggs?
I lost $400,000+ on 2008 in the market with my 401K.
I am ready to just call it quits after this past week. I'm fed up with everything!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My dad served in the Pacific during WWII. Even after the war he always drank coffee strong and black. Seems that back then refrigeration was pretty poor on those navy ships and after a week or two there was no more cream or milk for the coffee. So black coffee was the norm. Also they would make large pots of coffee that would boil for days sometime becoming concentrated.
Over time the crew got use to drinking swill that would have been thrown overboard when in port. The unusually strong coffee came in handy though during long watches looking for suicide attacks on radar.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Mike, I'm so sorry that you have to go through all this at this time in your life. This certainly sounds like it's been a rough last few years for you.
You can't change the bad decisions your kid has made. I guess you can only take some solace that your heart was in the right place when you tried to help him.
He'll have to live with the consequences of his actions. You can take some comfort in your good intentions.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"Mike, I'm so sorry that you have to go through all this at this time in your life. This certainly sounds like it's been a rough last few years for you."
Yep, it sure has been tough, and my Dad is only getting worse and I have no one to help me. My brother has washed his hands of it regarding helping me with my Dad. Too much on my shoulders right now, and my health is deteriorating rapidly as well.
Who said the Golden Years were GOLDEN? They are a complete disaster!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@venture
Congrats and Mazel-Tov on the new Fusion. It's a great looking car, especially in Titanium guise. AWD & the Titanium has the 2.0 turbo, right? Nice ride!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Open letter to our hosts:
Could you please tell the new forum vendor about a bug that has been driving me crazy please? In the old site if there were 200 new messages when I logged in and I only got through 100, the next time I'd log in, it'd take me to the last message I read.
The new forum doesn't work that way. Same scenario as with the old site, 200 new messages, I only read 100. So there are 100 new messages left. However, when I log in the next time, it takes me to the last new message when I last logged in. In my example, it would take me to the 200th message instead of the 100th. It just caused me to miss 100 new messages!
All your help is appreciated. If I have to pay extra for a couple of months to get this fixed, I'll do it.
Try doing that trip by train
Sorry that everything got so messed up afterwards with your dealer.
My favorite drives are my Club Sport, 2002, and MS3. Next is the Wrangler; a fun change of pace that I like to take out several times per week. My son's X3 is a superior driving experience to any new BMW save the M Cars. The F30 feels like a motorized video game played with a bad force-feedback wheel/pedal set. I can't believe the difference when I have jumped in the X3 after driving an F30. I'm neutral on the wife's E90; I don't hate it, but I don't envy her having to drive it every day either.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
>
Yes. AWD and the 2.0 turbo. It also has navigation, moonroof (can't seem to buy one here without it), 19" wheels, and rear inflatable rear seat belts.
The inflatable seats belts are interesting. They say, "Available inflatable rear safety belts help distribute crash force energy across more of the torso than a traditional belt, which reduces the risk of injury while supporting the head and neck. The inflatable safety belt holds the passenger in the appropriate seating position, helping reduce risk of injury". Hopefully I never find out how they work, but maybe it would help protect the little monkeys riding in the back if anything ever happened.
Joe
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
>
That's unfortunate verdugo. You would have learned there is no difference in performance between a cheap watch and an expensive watch. You might find that bit of information of interest. (check page 4752 Jan 15 by snake)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
oldforamer....the only thing I can think of is that the geriatrics are mysteriously drawn to Grand Maquis and Lincolns as something of a magnetic force....
I think it's the same force that draws those cars to the early dinner specials at Denny's/Shoney's.
Joe...congrats on the new Fusion. I really like what Ford did with those.
Speaking of Fusions....I saw one of those "Titanium" versions at the Cincinnati Auto Show last night. Really nice looking carr...black with a chrome grill...very sharp. Well put together. Comfortable.
I know Cincinnati is not the icon of the midwest that Chicago is. But geez...the auto show here has really gone down hill. I've been to Chicago's Auto Show, and Detroit's, and LA's. The one here could fit in 1/4 the size of their shows.
Some car companies weren't even represented. Volvo....if they were there, they were so well hidden I couldn't find them. And, I was there for 2 1/2 hours. No Land Rover. No Jaguar, either.
Observations....New 2015 Mustang. I predict that Ford is going to have the same issue they had when I bought my last one in 2005. Demand will outstrip supply for at least a year. It's that nice looking. I like it so much, I might be tempted to dip back in that well, again.
GM, at least with Chevrolet, still has signs of "let's see if we can make this as cheaply as possible". By far, the Impala SS should be a hit for them. I liked it, from 5 feet away...until I sat in it and started touching the knobs, closing the doors, etc. Yes, there were soft touch materials. But, then there were areas that felt they wouldn't last until the end of ths the show....cheap knobs and door trim. Close the doors (all of them, so not just one door) and the glass frame rattled.
While the new 'vette is really a stunning looking car, I'd bet the console will break within the first year of ownership. These are Chevy's two most expensive vehicles. There are areas where it seemed they were made and engineered by Yugo.
That's the bad. The good to follow.....
Cincinnati Auto Show....
-Jeep...when did they get there act together? Saw a Wrangler, called the "Willy's" version. $26K...washable interior, cloth side curtains, I even think it had a manual trans. But, isn't that what Jeeps are supposed to be? If I were a 20-somehting that went off-roading, I'd be all over that Jeep.
When did the Grand Cherokee get so nice on the inside? It rivaled anything from the luxury manufacturer's. Of course, the one I looked at was high $40s.
-Chevy/GMC trucks....Americans can make a nice truck, and these prove it. They're all new. As flimsy as the Chevy Impala and Corvette was, the Silverado was on the other end of the robustness scale. Between those, Ford's F150 (and the new one wasn't even shown) and the Dodge RAM (as nice as the Grand Cherokee), The U.S. has soundly trounced any assault Toyota or Honda attmpted on our truck and SUV market. Game, set, match....U.S.A wins in a landslide.
-Audi...really pushing their diesel technology. Unfortunately, no one at the show cared, and their diesels were ignored. Which is probably what will happen in the marketplace, too....a little flash, little else. New A3 is nice, however. They'll do well with it.
-BMW...OK, they were back on my shopping list when I turned in the Audi. I came very close to buying an X1 35ix. What I didn't see was the 335i GT xDrive. And, the one I saw had sport seats (my biggest complaint with the X1 and the one thing that kept me from buying it). The GT is a hatch...a good looking one. It has more room than the X1 or the X3, and is nicer on the inside. Plus, the seats were as good as the ones in my TL SH AWD, which is saying quite a bit. I knew one othe sales people manning the booth. He and I talked a bit. He said the GTs weren't hot sellers and there were "deals to be had". Won't help me now. But, my decision might have been different if the GT had been available to me a few months ago.
-Cadillac....man, have they come out of the wilderness in a huge way the last few years. There's not one model they have that didn't look good. The new CTS is very, very nice. Much has been written about the ATS. I test drove one a while ago. They do handle, ride well. Plus, with the turbo 4 cyl (the one I drove), is pretty spry. Even the Caddy version of the VOLT is great looking (albeit way too expensive). Cadillac will do fine....just not with me given what they tried to do to my late Mother.
-Mazda 3....very well executed and a car I'd recommend to my son, if/when he's back in the market.
-Finally, Mercedes...hands down, the CLA is the best looking car they make...even better than the $100K S-class they had on display next to it. It's not cramped (at least not in the front seat). I'd be anxious to drive one some time. The one I saw had a big crowd around (while the rest of their offerings were looking rather forlorn). Sticker was $39K, fairly well equipped. MB will sell every one of them they can make, just on looks alone. The question I had before is still the question I have now. Will the cost of maintenance on the car be a hinderance to anyone looking to move from the CLA to something like a C or an E?
Poorly produced show, all-in-all. It gets smaller and smaller every year. Not sure why.
But, as always, I enjoyed myself.
GG, really enjoyed reading your review and I easily understand your analysis and can see why you see things the way you do - lots of insight into what manufacturers are doing. Mercedes ranked pretty high in the latest JD Powers survey, so they may have got the reliability issues under control....I'd chance it on the CLA. I agree, they took a risk with the design but they came up with something that looks really special. And, the CLA is a lot of great car for the money.
I think the shows are getting smaller for many reasons; younger people just not into cars as much, people keeping their cars longer, the economy not great for many, people can do their research on computers - then go to a dealer or buy online. The next generation just aren't into cars the same way. I got my drivers license as soon as I turned 16, now most grandchildren and relatives wait 2 or 3 years - no rush.
Once again, I really enjoyed reading your review.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I saw the list of brands participating in the Louisville Auto Show this weekend; aside from Fiat and VW, there are no Europeans marques at all. No luxury brands either- unless you count Lincoln- which is a bit of a stretch these days. The show is combined with the Carl Casper Custom Auto Show, which can be a plus or a minus, depending on your outlook. In any event, the promoter's definition of "All Manufacturers" is certainly not the same as mine...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
RB, I think there are automalls near me with a bigger selection.
Philly is a pretty big show. They usually have about 250,000 or so people attend. And everyone is there. Volvo had a large display, including some antiques they brought (a 544, 164, and 2 P1800s (one being a race car). BMW, Audi and VW also had big displays. Heck, even Mitsubishi was there, and I didn't eve realize they still sold cars in the US!
There was also a "special invitation only" section with RR, Bentley, and all the exotics.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My BMW salesperson told me several years ago that they quit attending because it was a colossal waste of time and money.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
That advertising looks like it is straight out of the 50s.
Looks like silk printing or something, haven't they heard of computer designed signs?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hi driver. I read that message. There might be no difference in performance just like in cars (both watches will tell time, both cars will get you there,) but there is a difference in longevity, materials, and looks. Just like you would never buy a KIA instead of a BMW because you don't get the feel of the road, some people would never buy a cheap watch instead of a Rolex because they wouldn't get the feel of the, err, wrist? :-)
Luckily there's a market for everything. That doesn't mean one side is wrong.