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Re: quoting - I'll mention the inconsistent/unpredictable behavior at my next opportunity. I think if someone comes in here and tries to replicate the problem, they'll be able to. Probably better than me trying to list ALL of the possible outcomes of hitting "quote"!
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Yeh, and ask them why my quotes don't show up...maybe I forgot to pay my yearly dues.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I heard a lawyer on the radio talking about GM firing 15 employees over the recalls. The lawyer thinks it is impossible for a higher up not to have known what was going on, so firing the employees is just a symbolic jsture.
The announcer said he would never buy a GM car again. The last one he bought was a Hummer and he said it was in the garage most of the time being fixed. He thinks it got it's name because you ad to hum while waiting for a tow truck.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am back home now. The rental Hyundai Elantra went back to the rental depot at the airport. I won't miss it. It is kind of crude....has all the basic things to get you from A to B, but not fun or enjoyable. It is noisy with buzz noise from the tires, steering is wishy washy, seats aren't comfortable, you feel like you are peering out of a bathtub when driving it. Not sure how much more the Passat would be, but, well worth the extra dollars.....and when we landed it was so nice to get into the 535 again....
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am not a big fan of shaving with cold water either, but some people recommend it. Here are two reasons why it could be better;
Cold water gives a better shave. The argument here is that a soft beard is hard to shave, while a stiff beard is easier to cut. Hot water makes your beard soft; cold water keeps the whiskers stiff. Thus, cold water renders a better shave.
Cold water leaves the skin looking healthier. Read about the James Bond Shower at ArtOfManliness. Hot water tends to dry out skin. If you want a nice looking mug, use cold
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
When Quoting into the post box from a post with a blue quote followed by two separated plain text paragraphs, there is a high probability of getting the last of the two plain text paragraphs copied into the quote box. It's not 100% of the time, but it's a high probability.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I can't believe it. When I hit quote, your post appeared. The Edmunds gods must have heard us talking. As for shaving with cold water, those who prefer that measure must be lumber jacks living in the Yukon. They are better men that I. I'll stick with the hot water thank you.
Richard
And on yours I got nuthin, no quote...maybe you didn't pay dues too!
One more thing the lawyer said about GM was the payouts probably won't be huge. If people are killed the payouts tend to be smaller...if there are serious ongoing injuries payouts could be larger as there is more pain and suffering and possible care.
The lawyer said even a husband who dies won't get large payouts because his wife will be expected to go to work or is expected to hook up with a new husband eventually.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Now I've heard the opposite. Warm water opens the pores of the skin, relaxes the facial muscles and softens the whiskers which makes them easier to cut. When barbers do straight razor shaves, they use hot towels to get the same effect.
Was this a lawyer speaking for GM? Or was it a pay-per-word guest on one of the interview shows on the various networks?
As I see it GM has been much more forthcoming than toyota/lexus or Audi were. GM has said they will seek to make payments and have an expert working on it now.
I did see a guest being interviewed today on one of the talk shows and she was hoping to build a case that her brother's accident was because of the ignition switch. I don't believe her. She was reluctant to admit that her brother's case was not one that GM had included. I suspect the hard evidence isn't there since it was 3 am and the car veered left of center. That's not caused by a switch turning to ACC. I believe he was driving a friend's car home from the bachelor party. But the guest was giving it all she could to try to get incorporated into the group of accidents caused by the ignition.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
"I suspect the hard evidence isn't there since it was 3 am and the car veered left of center. That's not caused by a switch turning to ACC."
When an ignition switch goes from "on" to "acc", the engine stops along with everything else powered by the engine which includes POWER STEERING! When a car loses its power steering, it becomes almost impossible to accurately steer a car at low speeds and at higher speeds, trying to correct for over/under steer is almost as difficult. I know because I crashed my car into a street light post 12 years ago when the belt for power steering in my car snapped. I was not able to quickly enough avoid hitting a curb which then caused the car to hit a pole.
I don't know what happened in all these cases of the loss of power steering, but I can tell you it is a very dangerous situation to be in.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Who knew?
I don't think anyone has the exact answer. Some people believe cold water makes the beard stand up more and then you slice the hair off easier. There are theories that go both ways.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The lawyer was a class action lawyer, just giving opinions, not associated with GM.
GM handled the situation the new modern way of facing these problems. Admit you messed up and will do better in the future. Nothing special going on here, the PR people know that is the only way to get through these situations. If you don't admit culpability you will be criticized and ridiculed.
Same with paying for injuries. If GM didn't pay out compensation no one would ever buy a GM car. I still think used GM cars are going to be a hardsell. Oldfarmer, maybe you can pick up some 2006 Cobalts real cheap.
Some automotive people think there could be as many as 500 deaths from faulty ignition switches.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And it also turns off the power to deploy the airbags which leads to more deaths Many automotive people don't know how 15 people could work in isolation and not be directed to do something about faulty switches being ignored for over 10 years.
If a family member was killed in a GM car I would be looking for answers too. I would assume they were to blame until they can prove otherwise. They would treat me the same way, they wouldn't have admitted to be at fault unless I could have proved they were.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Typical Hyundai in my experience. Cannot understand their popularity.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
lots of features for the money. and cheap.
which is what many buyers want, and they don't care much about dynamics.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
"It is noisy with buzz noise from the tires, steering is wishy washy, seats aren't comfortable, you feel like you are peering out of a bathtub when driving it."
One thing we all need to realize is that many people buy cars for the purpose of basic transportation - for food shopping, going to the movies, picking up kids at school, going to McDonalds for lunch, etc. Most of us here think of our cars as an extension of ourselves and a kind of home away from home.
Huyandai has made huge inroads into the "basic transportation" market. Where I live, Huyandai has taken the place of Toyota in the elderly marketplace - retired folks who could care less about looks and gadgets and care more about the initial purchase price or lease price as well as the cost of ownership such as insurance and fuel costs.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
You think GM cars will be a hard sell, yet they have one of best sales growth in the industry, several months after the scandal surfaced.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
First, this was especially for oldfarmer. Did you see that semi fly by a stopped schoolbus with lights flashing....on the right side while a girl was about to get on? You guys should be getting $80K a year...
-semi-involved-in-school-bus-incident
Driver later turned himself in.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That is definitely true. Our nice neighbours in Florida bought a Sonata a few years ago. Ever since then her very best friend wouldn't talk to her...because the very best friend's husband worked at GM all his life.
Finally, after several years they seemed to have made up.
The Elantra has full digital graphics...speedo, fuel guage. Pretty good a/c, radio, power windows....it really comes complete. It is just so barely minimal...there is no enjoyment factor. I would think, although I haven't driven a VW for a number of years, that at least you would get some enjoyment from a Jetta vs Elantra. But, as you guys say, probably 80% of the population don't care about these things.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"That is definitely true. Our nice neighbours in Florida bought a Sonata a few years ago. Ever since then her very best friend wouldn't talk to her...because the very best friend's husband worked at GM all his life."
Hyundai has come a long way in the past 5 years - as has Kia. I have not driven the new 2015 Genesis, but from what I have read it has been improved significantly over the 2014. They increased the wheel base, sound system, navigation system, safety features and the interior has been upgraded.
Kia's new luxury vehicle K900 is not as attractive looking as the Genesis. They have one on white on display at the shopping mall. It is more sporty inside and out as opposed to Genesis which is more of a luxury vehicle.
I would never buy one of those cars because of the poor resale values inherent with Korean cars. However, leasing is the preferred way to get into a Kia or a Hyundai.
Kia's Optima has been selling extremely well. For the money, it's a great car - I see them much more frequently on the road and is a realistic competitor for the Camry. In 5 years or less, I would not be surprised to see the Korean manufacturers outselling several other leading brands.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
They layer a thick coating of icing on a stale, cheap cake. Fools a lot of Walmart shoppers I guess.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
" I would think, although I haven't driven a VW for a number of years, that at least you would get some enjoyment from a Jetta vs Elantra. "
Driver - you mean to tell us that even though you own a VW Passat, you haven't driven it yet? Your comment is somewhat ludicrous (that you haven't driven a VW in several years)! Tell your wife that she either lets you drive the Passat or you will trade it in for another Audi!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Driver - you mean to tell is that even though you own a VW Passat, you haven't driven it yet?
>
I was wondering the same thing, but hadn't posted yet.
... or you will trade it in for another Audi!!!
But Audi is VW.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I would have thought the same about poor resale value but I remember reading this in a Genesis ad, " Hyundai Genesis Wins 2013 Canadian Black Book Best Retained Value Award" and I see they won in 2014 as well. I am not sure if this is just a Canadian thing. I looked up sales in USA and Hyundai is now #2 for medium range cars. I think this poor resale value thing was true, but it is now a myth.
/hyundai-is-ranked-2-in-resale-residual-values-among-mainstream-brands/
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What you said is true...my mistake. What I was trying to say was the Passat is a far superior car to the Elantra - more comfortable, better seats, more room, nicer ride, more tasteful interior with top quality materials, much nicer ride and steering. However, it is in another class compared to the Elantra, guessing it would cost 25 to 30% more. So, I would have to judge the Elantra against a Jetta, and I haven't been in a Jetta for a long time.
Looking back, it does sound crazy to have said I don't drive a VW...I drove it 2 days ago!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That's about the same as saying a Cadillac is a Malibu if you think about it.
There is no real comparison, as good as the Passat is, the Audi is much better in most departments, except interior space.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"Looking back, it does sound crazy to have said I don't drive a VW...I drove it 2 days ago!"
I never said you were crazy, driver, but this is one of those instances where "age" is beginning to show - along with the rest of us here.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Cadillac is GM. Malibu is GM.
Audi A4, for example, has been on the Volkswagen Group B Platform
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_A4
A6? Volkswagen Group C5 platform.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_A6
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Hmm. My wife loves her current-gen Elantra. Her's is the Limited with tech package so it has all the goodies they offer. Heated front & rear seats, navi, sunroof, and a decent sound system are just a few things. It has analog gauges & a DIC. What I like is that, for us, the seats are not fatiguing at all. Did a trip from Chicagoland to Pigeon Forge with no back or leg problems at all (and she has sciatica).
To me, the handling is typical small-car - competent but unexciting. The ride is pretty firm; on the edge of harsh given how roads seem to be so poorly maintained nowadays. The engine is buzzy while accelerating like most small 4-bangers but is quiet when cruising and doesn't bother her at all. The tires could do better in snow conditions. The trunk is a good size but the opening and shape are not ideal.
It's a great car for her. Less so for me but then I don't know that any other compacts would sway her. She dislikes Toyotas and doesn't like the digital speedo in the Civic not to mention the IP layout. Most other brands have other disadvantages, be they cost, safety, economy, comfort & style, or something else.
"To me, the handling is typical small-car - competent but unexciting."
Don't forget - "competent" is really all most people need in describing their cars. Competent is a descriptor of a car that is cheap to own/lease and cheap to maintain. The more a car is enjoyable, or exciting, or prestigious, or fun, or great looking, the more it probably costs (not always , but usually).
Can you imagine a Rolls Royce or Bentley owner describing his car as competent? Or the owner of a new Stingray or Porsche or Ferrari describing his car as competent? So my hypothesis is simple:
The more positive a descriptor is in assessing an owner's car, the more the car probably costs to lease/buy and maintain, "....most of the time, but not always!"
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Was that a one-day drive? Had to be 9 hours? From Dayton area it's 6.5 hours IIRC, which probably includes a 30-minute stop at Bob Evans Lexington which is half way. That's pretty good comfort for the seating. We're taking the Malibu for our first longer drive of 3.5 hours for a wedding in MI. Hope seats are as good as they feel after 3 hours.
When I drove an Elantra I found the same firmness. Friends had bought a Forte Coup and it was brutal. I was coming from a leSabre which had Seville level seats and a ride that's pleasant but controlled. The salesman started pushing me toward the Cadenza because they had several base models in stock--the higher equipped models are the interesting ones price-wise and content-wise.
Odd that was the claim against GM's small 4-cylinders for so many years by the detractors--that the engines make noise.
I'm dreading picking replacment tires for the Goodyear Eagles on my Malibu. 235x55x18.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Well, I did a little research. I think that we would be hard pressed to find many men who shave with cold water. The following recommend hot (warm0 water for shaving: Man's Life Today, New York Shaving Company, Ask Men, Brotherhood: The Art of Shaving, Hobsondell.com, and Weekend Today: The Latest Trends in Shaving. All agreed that the hot water softens the beard by as much as one third, opens the pores, relaxes the hair and facial muscles, and releases the dirt and grime. They do recommend that you splash with cold water after shaving in order to close the pores. Always pat your face dry, never rub it. You should always shave in the shower or right after the shower, not before. All agreed that , regardless of your choice of razors, you should always use a badger brush to work the shaving cream into the skin. They say that it does a much better job than using your fingers. The brush penetrates and relaxes the hair much better. Never purchase a boar's brush---too harsh on the skin. Always purchase the badger brush.
I then researched the badger brushes. We're not talking cheap here. A badger brush begins at about $55 and goes up to $550. The English makes are the best, though Italy has some fine brushes. It's nice to have a soap cup for your brush. The English soaps in lavender or violet scents are the most relaxing, though you can get other scents. These soaps run from about $25 to over $100. Since you only need a little soap on your brush, they do last for a long time. In order for your badger brush to last a life time, you should store it with the brush standing up and the base sitting down. Also, shake the brush after each use. Don't twist it or pull on it, just shake it well. Some brushes come with a hanging holder for your brush. They work the best.
For a razor, all are good with the exception of the disposable kind. They provide the least comfort and don't give the closest shave. The 3,4,5 blade razors are good in any make, but the old fashioned twin blade safety razor is highly recommended. That's what many of us used as young men and what our fathers and grandfathers used. The safety razor, along with a badger brush, gives the best shave and makes you feel so much better. One thing to remember with the safety razor: Do NOT press on it while shaving. We have adapted so much to these new razors that we tend to press down for a close shave. The safety razor will do it with NO pressure, so be careful. Once you become accustomed to the safety razor again, you will no longer have those red places on your neck, chin or face. They will actually disappear after your first safety razor shave.
Now for the best of all shaves in the entire world: Go to an experienced barber who uses the straight razor, the badger brush, the warm shaving cream, the hot towels, and the soothing shaving balm. The delightful experience is worth every penny.
Happy shavings,
Richard
I don't know, Driver. You talk about 15 people working in isolation and never being directed to fix the problem. In a way, I can see how this could happen. Ray Giorgio, Chief Engineer, ran his department at GM pretty much in isolation. Many departments in various businesses do that. I was thinking about my own department in human resources. I could go weeks and never see my assistant superintendent or superintendent. They put me in charge of a department. If nothing appeared to be going wrong, why would I see them? They only came around if there was suddenly a complaint, a lawsuit, a death, etc. Perhaps GM operated under that same premise. You put who you think is competent in charge of a situation. You leave it up to that person(s) to run the show.
Naturally, Giorgio is the first to get fired. He was in charge and didn't handle the job correctly, though he himself kept using the term "the part from hell". He claims that the part was an "inconvenience" but never considered to be a "safety" issue. He tries to back this up by stating that he purchased a Cobalt for his son and that he would never have allowed his son to drive an unsafe vehicle. Don't get me wrong. I'm not taking up for Giorgio or any of the others. I'm just saying that I can see a situation like this developing over a period of time. There definitely should have been more oversight, more quality control measures, and more accountability.
I have to agree with Barra at this point. I don't believe that there was actually a cover up. Like her, I believe that there was a great deal of incompetence, gross errors in judgment, and an indifference to the issues of quality and safety. Heads are rolling and efforts are being made to correct the situation. As a strong CEO, that is about all that she can do at this point. At least she is giving the impression that she is visible and forthcoming with what she knows. As for compensation to families and victims, the lawyers and the courts will handle that part. At least GM is offering such a package. In the Georgia case that was settled earlier, the father now says that it wasn't enough money and that the family wants more. That has to be the most difficult part---what a human life is worth in dollars. I don't believe that anyone can accurately answer that question.
Richard
"Go to an experienced barber who uses the straight razor, the badger brush, the warm shaving cream, the hot towels, and the soothing shaving balm. The delightful experience is worth every penny."
After reading your report about that "manly word - SHAVING," and your detailed procedures and equipment, I became "aroused" at the thought of shaving tomorrow morning! I can't tell you (I can tell you) how much I enjoyed your post.
Thanks, Richard, for getting me excited all over again about shaving - sort of like my first real shave after finding three whiskers on my chin on my 12th birthday.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
For a razor, all are good with the exception of the disposable kind. They provide the least comfort and don't give the closest shave. The 3,4,5 blade razors are good in any make, but the old fashioned twin blade safety razor is highly recommended. That's what many of us used as young men and what our fathers and grandfathers used.
Great information. My barber tells me they are not allowed to do straight razor shaves because of the state law--probably the EPA :grin. I recall the old days where men would stop at the barber shop regularly, some daily, for a straight razor shave. When the barber in those days would brush up the hot lather and spread it on the area below my hairline to do a straight razor trim up as a part of the haircut, I really enjoyed that.
Now the barbers here don't even do the occasional razor trim. HIV is the probably my barber explained. He's in his late 70s or early 80s. Practices with his twin brother in a small town shop.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Perhaps, but they are replaced with streams of red blood from nicks and cuts. I used those when I first started shaving and for a few years after and my face was always nicked. Remember the little squares of toilet paper you used to stick on your face after shaving, and styptic pencils to stop the bleeding? No thanks.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Why don't you give it a try and report back? I have never seen a barber put a ice pack on someone to shave them. Hot towels please !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Dang, using my electric really is a whole lot easier and more convenient
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
When I worked at Hyundai, I noticed too that a lot of customers were middle aged to elderly. They probably appreciated the value for the money. Funny enough Hyundai outsells Honda during some months in Canada, other months is trailing close behind in sales.
Kia actually outsold Mazda last month and they're both running neck and neck in year to date sales.
See the pdf sales chart I attached for last month. Interesting stuff.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
My understanding is that straight razors should be sterilized between uses to kill any blood borne pathogens - just like the dentist does with instruments. It's time consuming and the sterilizer is expensive. There are straight razors that use disposable blades - if a barber were so inclined to offer shaves, he could use those. One last thing - only barbers can be licensed to do shaves. Most hair cutters today are licensed as cosmetologists - they aren't allowed to do shaves.
Two days; the first evening to Indy where we stayed with friends overnight then on to PF the next day. But we did the return trip in one day.
Some of the old time fancy hotels in the big cities had barber shops right inside the hotel that would do shaves. I know I saw one in downtown San Francisco once but it's probably gone now.
Oh, and I use a Braun Series 7 electric razor. http://www.braun.com/us/male-grooming/series-shavers/series-7.html.
Audi A4, for example, has been on the Volkswagen Group B Platform
Many very different cars use the same platforms. GMs Alpha platform made its debut with the 2013 Cadillac ATS sedan, followed by the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan. The sixth-generation 2015 Chevrolet Camaro (perhaps for 2016) is expected to be the next vehicle to utilize the architecture next
The Ford D3 platform is used on these cars, some not even Fords.
Ford Five Hundred
Ford Freestyle
Ford Taurus X
Ford Taurus
Ford Police Interceptor (2012-on)
Lincoln
Lincoln MKS
Mercury
Mercury Montego
Mercury Sable
Volvo
Volvo S80
Volvo S60
Volvo V70
Volvo XC70
Volvo XC90
The platform has little to do with what the car actually ends up as.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Why would Giorgio try to save money all on his own? He would have got a directive from somebody over him that said we have to save money. Also, on the report that was shown on TV, 60 Minutes I believe, they said no one guy can order a new part in isolation. And no "one guy" can change a design for a product, and no "one guy" can can put a changed part on a vehicle.
I believe the report may be true, but, they can't uncover the real story...it is too much to accept that one guy can go around changing parts in a company the size of GM.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think shaving with warm water is preferable too, and more people would agree. But, here is the case for cold water;
But what if you don’t have time to let the water get warm? Shave cold. It actually has some very good benefits, such as less irritation, pores staying closed, whiskers being stiff. From a young age, let’s say puberty, our father’s typically teach us to use hot water whilst shaving. The reasons for this is that the hot water makes your beard soft, allowing it to be cut. I was taught this method as well.
The reason I switched to cold water was because of the extreme skin irritation I would have after a hot water shave
Personally, I am not narsistic enough to care about badger brushes or special oils or lathering up or taking my life in my hands with a safety razor, and getting hot towels ready.
I let the water run until it is warm, use some gel (Edge because I am loyal to good suppliers and human beings), and shave in about 2 minutes using a Mach 3 though twin blades are fine too. I have a Fusion but resent playing Gilettes game of getting you to spend more by buying 5 blades which probably do no better than 2 or 3. Besides it's too wide, by the time I do the area over my mouth I come down on my lips!
Real men don't need badger brushes, lotions, hot towels, special scents, jazz playing in the background, there are too many other things you can be doing in your life to do all that stuff.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
See above Mr Houdini. No ice packs, no hot towels, just get the job done and do something worthwhile for the day. Too many other things to do, play tennis, read my newspapers, read my book, watch tennis (French Open on these days), get groceries, take dog for walk, watch a movie, do exercise, listen to radio, write sales frontlines, check emails, check stockmarket, meet friend for walk or coffee, wash car, clean or wash car, fix something in house.........
If someone spends that much time shaving, they need to find more things to do................
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250