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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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"The most recent being the Solara that I liked a lot then traded for an Avalon then the acceleration problem on the news and wifey wouldn't ride in it...poof gone. Loss of a great car that is no longer made."
I agree, Mako. The Solara was a very popular car and well built - which is why it did quite well down here in FL with the retired folks who wanted something a little sporty but dependable.
I've never owned a Toyota (5 Lexus's though) and I never could bring myself to buy one. My Dad owned a Cressida which was a great luxury car they made in the 70's. My Mom had a 4 door Tercel. That Tercel was a cheaply made and designed car but it was indestructible. I drove that car to Key West and back from Miami Beach, and it drove in a straight line and got great gas mileage.
Dad sold that car with 30,000 miles on it 4 years later for $300 more than he paid for it.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Driver, not sure how big you actually need, but what about the new C class Benz? I know they upsized it in the redesign, but not sure if it is quite as big as the 5 series you have now, but probably not all that far off.
if nothing else, it is probably a real good idea of what to expect out of the upcoming E class. Just imagine a couple more gadgets, and a little bit bigger back seat!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
some good stuff on their GG. I have bought a few (actually, thinking back, just 1, my Integra) off of CL, but sold at least 3. overall no problems once I got people to show up!
I am big on the "vibe" from the seller. some cars I looked into I ended up passing on because I did not get the idea that I ever wanted to meet them. The Integra hit the right buttons. 1 owner (math professor at a local college), and all the maintenance records from new. That is the kind that I jump all over. Basically, I want to buy from me!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
We have all probably had cars we wish we had kept. Our first Mercedes was the 1999, MB came out with a cheap model, $34K. 4 banger with a Kompressor. Traded it in on a 2003 MB wagon, practical but gutless 6 cyl and not fun to drive.
I understand practical, I lived 90% of my life that way. Now, I don't care.....within limits of course. We are helping an old friend who is 88, housebound, never had air conditioning in his house, keeps his 86 Chev wagon, has an old spin Hitachi apartment size washer-spin dryer that broke down, house is falling apart...but he has $2 million in the bank and a house worth almost $1 million...only because of the property. His main car is a 2008 Uplander which he hasn't driven for a year. His neice and nephew that he doesn't really like will inherit the money when he goes....what's the point in trying to save by keeping old cars? It depends on where you are in life and your circumstances. Nothing wrong with saving on cars if you can use the money elsewhere.
That is my favorite size of car. My neighbor got a C-Class in white, with the black roof...looks great. I also like the A4, or really an S4 if you could get tires that would be good in snow.
They have a black and silver interior that I really like.
I didn't like the comparable 335 as much as the Audi and Merc. My problem would be if we go out with other people they will never get in or out of the backseat. I need the larger car, though I prefer driving a smaller C Class or A4 size car. Handling is sportier and it manouevres better.
My wife will want the larger car because of the extra safety a larger car offers. BUt she doesn't like driving large cars either...but she is ok for smaller trips driving her A4.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Who said buying a new car involves jumping a lot of hoops has not purchased a new phone lately. Well, I finally bit the bullet and bought the Samsung Galaxy S5. What should otherwise be a simple process turned out to be a long drawn out adventure.
I wrestled with the decision as to whether I should upgrade from my clam shell to a smart phone, but I could not justify the cost. Then my son-in-law suggested I could switch to his business plan with unlimited text and voice and 20 GB of shared data.
Fair enough I thought, so oft we went to BestBuy. Unfortunately BestBuy does not handle business accounts so here we go again but this time to an AT&T store. We waited and waited...and waited, and finally it was our turn. The associate said, "no problem I can handle this."
He gathered the information from my son-in-law but suddenly he could not complete the transaction. In walks the store manager who said they needed explicit authorization from my wife to transfer the account to my son-in-law's account. Fair enough, except that my wife had to call customer service (in Podunk?) Done!
The next step was to buy the phone, but AT&T would not give me a discount, instead they sent us to BestBuy to get the phone. Remember, BestBuy does not handle business accounts so I had to buy the phone at a discount (yes) but I had to sign up for a personal account with a 3-GD data plan that I do not need. After about an hour or so at BestBuy we had to return to the AT&T to make the conversion. Guess what, the store cannot handle the transaction and we had to call customer service again.
To make a long story short, customer service said because it was a holiday we had to call tomorrow to complete the transaction. Bummer!
Don't know how other carriers compare to AT&T but buying a cell phone should not be that complicated. Oh, and by the way, the Galaxy S-5 is a beautiful machine. And really Smart. It will take me a while to become proficient with it but my granddaughter has given me a good head start.
stickguy....I've never used Craig's list. But, I see many people here peruse their listings, so I thought the article might be interesting.
I agree that the "vibe" of the seller should tell you a lot about what the car is and how the transaction will go.
I recall when I sold my late Mother's car a little while ago, I could tell an awful lot by the folks who came by to see the car. We weren't asking an exorbitant amount for the car, nor were we going to sell it at a clearance price. It was a very nice older Merc GM that had super low miles and needed absolutely nothing.
One couple in particular stands out. They were probably in their early 60s. They came by, driving an older, in the early stages of rusty, Cadillac. The wife (GF?) smelled of way over applied and nasty smelling perfume. They did a very exhaustive inspection pointing out every little nit (which there weren't many given the car was literally driven by a little old lady to go to the grocery store and to church, and had always been garaged). Mostly I stayed quiet and didn't respond to the criticisms. Finally, I said....."this might not be the car for you; maybe look at new cars if you want something that has no flaws?".
They lowballed me an offer. I told them my Mother wasn't in any hurry to sell it and that we'd like to see the other offers that came in. They bumped up their offer a little, but I insisted on waiting for more offers.
They came back not once, but twice. Both times, they upped their offer an insignificant amount and told me to call them by the end of the week if I "really" wanted to sell it.
In the interim, a nice couple from down where kyfdx lives drove about an hour to look at the car. Bought it on the spot, with cash.
The original couple called me the next day wondering if I was ready to make a deal. I told them the car was sold. They were almost incredulous. They asked how much I sold it for. I told them (offer was within $50 of our asking price, and several hundred more than the original couple offered). They said I should have let them know....that they would have matched that offer.
I had to chuckle, as I put the price in the ad. That was the price. They ignored it, obviously.
I believe that you can get an S4 with all-season tires (Conti Extreme Contact DWS?) as a no-cost option...
And, since shopping is half (or more!) the fun, how about checking out, in the E, 5, A6 class, the Jag XF? It ain't the newest of designs, but it is unique, arguabaly the best looking of the bunch. After 4500 miles, I've had (as expected...or hoped...
) no issues. Big trunk (and, in my case, fold down rear seats/ski bag), AWD option, fuel economy has been improving (maybe summer blend gas but 20+mpg per tank. High 20s on the highway, maybe 30 if I could keep it below 70. Which, I can't), good ride/handling/nvh combo as well as power whenever/wherever needed. Nice interior, the aluminum strip across the dash lightens the charcoal interior and the classic wood of a Jag is there. And, yes, the rising tranny selector is still rising as are the trick dashboard vents still turning their tricks... 
. Easy highway cruiser. And, Edmunds gives it a "B" with the nuke powered version getting an "A." Edmunds did a long termer, RWD, including a road trip to Alaska and back. No issues, other than poor headlights, which I agreed with, but had the dealer aim to the top of the legal limit, has improved nicely with no complaints from oncoming traffic. Meridian sound rocks and rolls. And, buying New Year's Eve, I got a ridonkulous deal!
Cons? Visibility (thank you sleek styling and large pillars. But, backup camera included and blind spot warning in the mirrors), headroom in rear seats (not a problem unless you are over 6'). Infotainment system isn't as sophisticated as the Germans, but it is fairly simple and works for me. And, it's not my XK...Ok, still not over it...
I don't have any reliability stats, but I believe after the initial year or two of the new model, it has been fine.
Whaddya think, it's free to shop!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
"Who said buying a new car involves jumping a lot of hoops has not purchased a new phone lately."
I just went through changing my mobile phone provider a few months ago. It was not a fun experience - far from it!
I was lucky that T-Mobile was able to use my iPhone 4S once it was unblocked. Thus, I did not have to buy a new phone when I changed companies.
I found that Verizon and ATT were the most expensive. T-Mobile is fine down here in Southeast Florida - great reception and no dropped calls. But I don't travel out of the area that much any more. I know they are limited in their coverage areas, but it doesn't affect me.
I went from $94.00 a month to $62.00 a month (including taxes and fees). I also get more services:
unlimited minutes vs. 450 from ATT
unlimited texting
1 GB 4G data vs. 300 MB from ATT
and after 1 GB 4G is used up, it reverts to unlimited 3G data.
So this meets my needs much better at over $30.00 savings. Verizon was the same price as ATT.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
You make some good points LD and I think the XF is definitely worth considering. I like the fact that it is not as common as the others, but it seems to have the same good attributes, styling, fit and finish, good handling, comfortable etc.
I am definitely going to put it on my list. I consider an XF when I see one....but, then when it is time to think about buying it gets forgotten. I will keep it in mind. I think Jaguar was at the top of the list for for reliability a few years ago...have to double check that and I would really want a bumper to bumper warranty too. I would really prefer the GPS be built in rather than stick up though that wouldn't be a deal killer.
Thanks for the idea!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What do you think of the new 2015 Genesis?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The GPS is integrated into the dash, not a "tacked on" look a la BMW and MB. 4 year, 50k warranty and the first scheduled service is free (12 months or 16k miles). And, no runflat tires! Or dipstick...
Add some variety to the shopping experience!
I'm not sure when the XF will be refreshed, '16 or '17 I think.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
"It costs him $7000 a year..."
Hmmmm, let's see, the last THREE used vehicles I bought cost a total of about $4200. Two of them have never broken down, the third broke down twice during it's shake down phase but has been fine for over three years now. Over a four year period that's a savings of $23k.
Tell me any of you guys wouldn't climb over a fence or two to save that kind of money.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It went through my mind....quickly. One friend bought a Maserati, but got a Fiat 500 as a winter car. His wife saw it got poor ratings in the crash test so he got a new Genesis. He likes it, but, I think he will get tired of it. I looked it over and it is ok, but, not too exciting. Nothing I can really get overly excited about. I have a theory, probably wrong, but Europeans put passion into what they do. You won't find many bad restaurants in most European countries, people wouldn't tolerate it. Same with cars, the public demands cars, food, art work, design to be to a certain standard. With cars you have to add passion, a flair for interior design, right ergonomics, acars must have certain handling characteristics, and on and on. I get the impression, Asian cars are well made, well designed, nicely copied, but, they lack the same passion for excellence.
I'd rather spend $60K and get something I know will be made right, then spend $40K, and get an imitation that isn't quite the same.
And, even if it was as good, it might not be. There is a reason the Genesis people copied BMW, and are trying to make a cheaper imitation...do I want to be the one to see if they succeeded?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I saw one today and it looked pretty nice. I like the idea of no runflats and no dipstick. I would prefer a 4 or 5 year bumper to bumper but I could settle for one year...I think I would have to do that with an Audi.
Here's a question for you. Did you compare the XF to a 535, A6 or E-Class or Genesis? It is on my list, just wondering why they don't sell in similar numbers. As I analyze it, I have to wonder about that...though it helps make it unique, it also begs the question why do so many people choose MB or BMW and increasingly Audi?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"It costs him $7000 a year..."
Tell me any of you guys wouldn't climb over a fence or two to save that kind of money.
Sure, I don't know why anyone wouldn't jump over a fence to save that kind of money.
It may have to do with the fact that he came from Hungary over 50 years ago, became a doctor, works hard, is almost retired, and wants to enjoy a new Mercedes every 5 years...completely care-free warrantied driving. And, I think he is getting too old to hop fences.
Or, maybe he is like me, selfish, and would rather buy what he wants....instead of leaving it to children to blow on useless stuff.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Tell me any of you guys wouldn't climb over a fence or two to save that kind of money.
What I can tell you is that there are those on the board who take pride in spending money by the boatload on cars, far beyond what would be necessary to obtain the same car differently -- saving or efficiency is beyond irrelevant. Different strokes, and all that.
I keep my cars a long time and buy them new, but certainly respect your approach.
I think your method is probably the most practical. You are pretty well assured of getting a good car (not much chance of a lemon or a flood car etc), and you will be able to provide proper care so it will last a long time.....and you benefit because you know what you got and can maintain it.
2nd most practical, is to buy a 2 or 3 year old used car and drive it as long as possible.
Not too practical is to buy a new car every 3 or 4 years.....why......well, because you can and because not having to worry about repairs is important to you.
Least practical, buying any car you can't afford and then wanting a newer one when you are behind on payments on your current car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Oh I would love to buy new and have on several occasions but I love a bargain. Probably has a lot to do with being dirt poor most of my life.
In fact, I've become rather schizophrenic in my car buying. I save for a long time to buy my perfect dream car new and amuse myself hunting for low milage bargain used cars 10 or more years old in the meantime.
Just put one of my best bargain cars back on the road for my son today. A little rough around the edges 1993 Deville. Even though it's starting to show it's age it runs great and even the AC works which is unusual for an old GM car. Still has less than 90k miles. Paid $1200 for it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
farmer, what color is that Deville? I forgot that my FIL had one (somewhere around that vintage, though maybe a bit newer) when he died, and my BIL kept it for a bit. Nice shape overall when they had it, and I know it was pretty low miles. Some sort of champagne/beige color. pretty sure of the FWD but still real bit variety.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
ebay.com/itm/Cadillac-Fleetwood-Brougham-Sedan-1990-Fleetwood-Brougham-73-000-ORIGINAL-MILES-Garage-Kept-One-Of-A-/171338113589?forcerrptr=true&hash=item27e48c2235&item=171338113589&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
This is a long shot, but I'm seriously thinking about this one. 90Brougham. I'd have to add a large enclosed extension to the front of my garage, but I really like those Broughams.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
After driving heaps in my early driving years, and being stranded more times than I remember by them, sometimes in areas where I literally feared for my life, I swore when I got my head above water, new cars were the only way to go.
But, that swung into buying cars that I probably didn't give much thought to. I mentioned previously that I had a Renault Fuego. That was a disaster. Not a new car, but one in great shape when I bought it, an MGB GT. Even the ones in great shape were more than problematic. At least I looked good driving it, and admittedly, it was fun to drive (when it ran).
All that being said, the very worst car I ever owned was a new one.....an early '90s Ford Tempo. For the time, it was really loaded up (A/C, power windows and door locks, cassette player, automatic, etc). It made more noise than power. And, the main reason I bought it, gas mileage, it didn't even come close to meeting the EPA numbers....not even remotely....and it was a 4 cyl.
The most problematic issue I had with it, though....it would quite...while driving it, for no apparent reason. Not good when you're on the interstate. Scary indeed. Flooring it and waiting, maybe I'd see 65MPH, but that was with the A/C off. And the ruckus it made was terrible. The stereo couldn't go loud enough to overcome the din coming from under the hood.
TO top it off, my Ford dealer kept telling me it was the cheap gas I was buying (Shell.....premium, no less). During those times, the new car warranty was 12 mos. Ford out waited me and did some cursory fixes like adding injector cleaner. Finally, after the warranty period and nothing they tried worked, they just said "adios" to me.
I was very young then and accepted that type of treatment. That changed pretty quickly in hte years to come, however.
Mako, That Caddie is a beauty....it would be the perfect Florida car. Drive that one down there and they would think you were a native.
The car is $8K, the extension for your garage will probably cost $12K!
btw...we are flying to Florida for one week beginning tomorrow. Return tickets for two plus a full size rental car (this should be fun seeing what they give me, supposed to be Impala) for a week....$580! (Niagara Falls NY to St Petes)I can't go away for a weekend around here for that amount.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Driver....good deal for flight and car rental for that price....especially for a week.
Fiance and I are spending two nights in NYC before heading to Bermuda....I'm in for $1,500 before opening my wallet ($900 flight for two + two night stay in NYC).
I did compare the XF to the "usual suspects." But, remember, I was coming from an '09 Jaguar XK, a car I just was completely enamored with. So, the XF had a bit of an advantage there. And, the price. While the XF actually listed for $5k more than the wife's 535xi, I got it for $3k less than the Bimmer. Part of that was $5k trunk money from Jag, the rest buying on New Year's Eve a '13 model. I don't believe I could have gotten an A6, 535xi or E 4matic as loaded for as (relatively) short money.
All three competitors are fine cars. Already a 535 in the family (and you certainly know the car), but I don't find it an inspiring drive. Handsome, powerful, nice interior (besides the beer keg shifter and door lock button hidden in plain sight in the middle of the dash! ANd, not sure I"m a fan of the runflats, already had to replace one. But, we have the tire/wheel insurance), but feels quite large and heavy to me. The E, more of a luxury lean, I wanted a bit more sport. And, not an overly handsome exterior. The A6, now that is a nice piece of work. Probably the best all around car of the four. But, while handsome exterior, not really an eye-catcher. And I don't think I could have gotten a similar deal as I did on the XK. Also, I've mentioned the ubiquity of the "big three." There is value, to me, in uniqueness.
Had I decided the XF wasn't for me, and I could spend a few more $, I'd probably have gone A6 (or A5, actually. That was really the other contender for me. But, I just found the A5 to be a bit "sterile." Not a bad thing, but the XF just had more overall personality for me).
The A, 5 and E sell well because they are fine cars. And, for many shoppers, I'll postulate (not true with the folks here), they are buying the badge. They don't have to think that hard about it (funny story, my dentist bought an E without even test driving it. He hates it, it sat in his garage for a year. He finally gave it to his daughter and bought a CTS. Nice to know I helped pay for those cars...) It will impress the neighbors. Not sure that is as true for the Jag.
BTW, I reset one of the trip computers at 2000 miles (figured it was broken in at that point), according to the OBC, I'm averaging 23.3 mpg over the last ~2500 miles.
Have fun test driving and be sure to post your thoughts on each!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Bermuda is lovely. Stayed at the Southhampton Princess (Fairmont). Private beach (adjacent to Horseshoe Beach), got upgraded to a fabulous suite. Free water shuttle to Hamilton (Fairmont) 3x/day. Can walk to the lighthouse and adjacent restaurant as well as shuttles to beach and Waterlot Inn restaurant. And, of course, expensive. But, a surpirse birthday presnet for wife/family. Unfortunately, it didn't help...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Oldfarmer, new or used, doesn't matter. You have a cool collection!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Yup, it's all about your situation. I used to buy either new or very slightly used vehicles, because I drove a ton, through some sketchy areas, and also drove hundreds of miles on various trips and such. I couldn't stand the thought of being stranded in a bad place or where I didn't know anyone, so taking a risk on a "cheap" car was out of my comfort zone.
Now, I live in a town where I've got parents, two adult kids, a bro-in-law, and some other folks I know. I also only drive within town, never more than 20 miles away. If something happens, I've got options, so while I prefer to drive a reliable vehicle, it's not the same as having a constant threat of getting stranded alone somewhere.
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
Great comments and I agree with your thoughts about the cars mentioned - and I agree about the run flats, prefer not to have them. A big factor is I need the room in the rear seat for passengers. I seem to be the youngest, the most willing to drive, or our friends have little 2 door cars if we go somewhere together.
I do appreciate your thinking process LD because your thinking is very similar. I am getting used to the 535, and I am not sure if you have an M package...that transforms the barge into a more sporty car. But, my wife's A4 is a lot more fun to drive.
I will let you know if I do go for a test drive. It won't be until at least July sometime, at least I can do some preliminary work testing an XF and A6, or an E, as those cars will be different from what I have. The "E" does concern me for the reasons you gave. I once tod the story of our neighbor who was 76 years old and he had a girlfriend who was about 35. He was so proud of his new Mercedes, and the girlfriend kept telling him, It's an old man's car, you should have got a BMW.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It's two tone grey with a black vinyl roof. Red leather interior. Last year before the dreaded Northstar 4.6L gasket blower cars. GM must gave designed my car's 4.9L for snowbirds like driver100 who store their cars for long periods. After sitting for about 18 months it started right up.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
90Brougham. I'd have to add a large enclosed extension to the front of my garage, but I really like those Broughams.
Here's a similar one to give you an idea of what to offer. What a great week end cruiser for not a lot of money. People will fight to get a ride in the back seat.
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/cto/4416017179.html
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thank you. By cool I assume you mean crazy. I buy what tickles me and the public be damned.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yes, in every way. You buy the cars we couldn't afford/weren't practical back when they were new. And, you buy in bulk! Enjoy.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Thanks, oldfarmer but my limit on CL is about $100. There is a reason people use CL rather than Ebay for cars and I believe that reason is to hide info. No VIN, no accident report and just a lack of Ebay required info turn me off. If I wanted to rid myself of a flood car, CL would be the place.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I can see why you like these beauties. Maybe it is better to look up these great cars, and just imagine you own them.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I wonder what the actual statistics are on that. Certainly an older car would have more required repairs but how many of them would actually strand you?
My hooptie van broke down twice. Once it stalled while driving because the previous owner had installed the coil wire incorrectly the second time due to a failed fuel pump which was clogged by rust from a rotten fuel tank. Since then I replaced a few other things, none of which would have stranded me.
I can understand not wanting to be far from home in a vehicle with a dash full of lights blinking.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Or just being able to get to work on time....... or to make it to an important meeting...... or a dentist appointment....... or getting kids to school...... or getting your groceries home before they thaw......or getting to your wedding on time...........or meeting a friend on time.........
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Kirstie....this was awhile ago when I was dating my former spouse. She lived in Chicago, me in Cincinnati, Before we were married, and even before we were engaged, we were serious enough that we would alternate traveling to her place, or my place, for weekend trips to see each other. At the time, I had a Chevy Celebrity. It wasn't old (~5-6 years old) and not high mileage. Not necessarily the pinnacle of GM engineering and build quality, though.
In addition to things like the door rests hanging off the inside of the door because the platic clips and screws holding them on were weak, in addition to the shocks leaking like a dutch dike, the transmission would sporadically decide not to shift up, or down (Automatic) seemingly at the most inopportune time. That left me with either an engine staying constantly at the top of its rev range (not a pretty sound with the Iron Duke 4 banger), or slugging and stalling out because it wouldn't shift down to 1st, or even 2nd or 3rd, when it stopped. I didn't have the money for what was needed...a new trans. So, I put up with it, because it didn't happen all the time (unusual for transmissions... they either work, or they don't).
Until, I was on my way to see the girl I lusted.....er loved. Trans started doing bad things.....on the SOUTH SIDE of Chicago....not a pretty site.
Long and short of it, fortunately I broke down in front of a Baptist Church, whose members "shooed" away some who were gathering around me, wishing me harm.....
Didn't have money to tow it, or fix it. GF picked me up. I left the car there. Never heard about it again, never even attempted to go back to get it.
That's when I decided only new cars for me.
This is why I enjoy your car travails so much, oldfarmer.....:)
Future Cars! 2015 And Beyond
Just received this newsletter from Motor Trend touting 2015 and concept cars of the future. These models caught my eye and maybe yours too:
2015 Honda Hr V -- very attractive SUV
2015 Ashton Martin V8 Vantage Gt Coupe--true automotive nirvana
2015 Acura Tlx V6 -- impressive interior but staid exterior styling
2015 Ford Focus Sedan -- looks upscale
Here is the link to the complete list. Enjoy!
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1405_future_cars_2015_and_beyond/?eml=831323&sp_rid=4297980
LD....thanks for the head's up on Bermuda. I think we'll like it. I've heard it's expensive (avg home price is $800K-$1M?).
Business colleague said his parents have a time share there. Beautiful island, clean, calm, but there are no "bargains" there, on anything....food, clothing, real estate, jewelry....NOTHING. But, he said it's a little SLICE OF HEAVEN!
The fiance is finishing school this week. She says she needs to "tan" this weekend for the wedding next weekend. So, the countdown clock has begun........
Well, I am still in cell phone purgatory. My account is yet to be converted to my son-in-law's. The promised savings is enormous from $90 to $30 but I am still waiting.
The AT&T rep says they no longer subsidize phone equipment prices so your choices are to buy the phone outright for $750, financed over 18 or 24 months, or $199 down with a two-year contract. He said, it does not really matter how you bundle the purchase since at the end the total cost is the same.
As to getting a good deal elsewhere, he said AT&T is well aware of the pricing structure of its competitors and the prices are the same for the major competitors. What makes some plans appear to look cheaper, is all in the marketing. And I have to agree.
If not too late, you should also consider St. Lucia, the honeymoon capital of the America's. I own a property there, built with all American materials, fixtures and furniture. By the way, the airport in St. Lucia was built by the US during WWII as a strategic location to effectively engage the Germans but they never saw any real action.
"What makes some plans appear to look cheaper, is all in the marketing. And I have to agree."
When I was with ATT this past December, I paid $92.00 a month for 450 anytime minutes, 300 Meg's of data, and unlimited texting.
With T-Mobile, I pay $62.00 a month for unlimited calling, unlimited data and unlimited texting.
I don't understand how the ATT guy can say all the mobile carriers are about the same price.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
AT&T rep is a little confused. Of course they still subsidize phones - the $199 with a two year contract is the subsidized price on the iPhone 5s.
Not really, over the two-year contract period you are paying the same. It's just that the pain is spread over 2 years rather than a one time payment upfront.
With T-Mobile, I pay $62.00 a month for unlimited calling, unlimited data and unlimited texting.
I keep hearing that some providers advertise the "unlimited data" but in reality there is a limit on the data at 4G and after consuming that fast internet data limit, you are getting unlimited data but at 3G.
I avoid the lies, lies, and more lies from the cell phone companies by using Net10 and TracFone for all my needs. It's worse than car buying.
My son has a Net10 phone that uses Sprint for unlimited. His connection data is unlimited but it's all at 3G. He's never complained yet. He did mention an Apple I Phone for a weak moment in the past. But he soon got over having an I phone when the potential of Lasik eye correction came into focus. He just had Lasik a couple weeks back and is glasses free. It even comes with a warranty (just like my Malibu) from the OSU Ophthalmology group which did Lasik.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Perhaps I should clarify that a bit. For a new customer, the price is about the same from all major carriers. I guess in the cell phone business, and many other such businesses, they usually do not have an incentive to discount the price of the services to existing customers.
Why? For obvious reasons. Once the extended discount period expires the customer switches to another carrier, so why give them a free ride?
My understanding is that they throttle as well on their unlimited plans.
Virgin Mobile, no contract. $35/month. 300 voice minutes, unlimited text, 2.5gb/month data at 4G then throttled to 3g. I've not used close to 2.5gb yet. Sprint network, better 4g and LTE coverage lately. Not the latest phones, but more than what I need, I"m thinking of upgrading to a Galaxy SIII...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)