Oh lord, another kool-aid drinking true believer. May I suggest you come over to the "Are Autos a Major Cause of Global Warming?" board where we can give your wayward ways a good discussing.
One word of warning though, we already have one true believer who has to buy us all steak dinners for being wrong. Bring your wallet.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I hope they don't lose their jobs. My daugher in law called us this morning to tell us not to buy toys for the grandkids. Too expensive and they really don't need anymore toys. A nice sweater or a pair of shoes would be fine. I did buy my grandson a Transformer Bumble Bee collector's edition two weeks ago so that will hold him thru xmas. That car tooks us close to an hour to transform it from a robot into a Chevy Camaro. Talks, sings songs, flashes the taillights and headlights and it's just plain hoots to play with. Weighs more than a ball and chain though. I know how you feel about getting the GM. It's a buyer's market right now and I've been pricing several cars. The Ford Fusion seems to be an excellent deal and from the reports and reviews it's been getting it's a heck of a car. I know Joel22 sure seems to think so. I've also priced out a Hundai Sonota which also seems to be a good car albeit an import but these two come out price wise like a Toyota Corolla. The Malibu looks nice too but not as nice money wise as the Ford. I'll just wait and see and hopefully my hooptie will last me a few more years.
" My brother-in-law made $250,000 a year flying to Europe twice a week. His retirement is 80% of that---$200,000. Still, Delta survived. "
And we are complaining about the Detroit autoworkers?
Have you flown Delta lately? I avoid them like the bubonic plague. Their service is horrible, the ticketing and gate personnel are very rude, and the flight stewerdasses not very pretty. (I don't think that's a requirement) but still. They should smile once in a while. To stay on topic, they do get big employee discounts to buy domestic cars from what I here.
I read the same article. It was in the science fiction section of the paper.
Hey rogey, why do you think it was in the sci-fi section of the paper? I think it is very realistic. It is the best look at the future of the North American car companies I have read....and wonder if to some degree they want this to happen. The can reorganize, downsize, actually make a profit, enjoy their profit from overseas operations. It is really the best hope they have. GM and Ford can get rid of the union, get rid of their dealers, get rid of their money losers, make Caddies and Chevs, import some smaller cars and actually make a profit so the President can make $40 million instead of a measly $21 million!
Sears and Walmart. Hmmmm. Which one do I take the car to for service? Sears is the store I hate and will never buy anything there again if I can avoid it. Same for its KMart owner.
Walmart guy tried to tell me my serpentine belt was set to blow at any minute. I've been watching it for 100,000 miles and been putting off changing it myself because it requires removing a stud and spacer to get it out of the engine bracket. It'll probably be on the car when it goes to the junkyard at 250,000 miles (currently 160,000). Walmart was only asked to change the battery since theirs had weakened but still started the car but just wasn't right in sound turning the starter after 7 years (warrantied for 108 months). Absolutely no complaint about the battery, but the wrench guy just about got my full blast. Luckily I'd just taken my blood pressure medicine. He was trying to turn an additional fee but there was nothing terminal about the belt. It's a good GM Delco quality belt.
Thank you and thank you - it was all I could do to hold back on that post - however given what this forum has been through I did not say a word.
Keep rockin the house!
oh and too keep on topic - amazing what is being offered on the sales floor while the car is being serviced - I almost wish I needed a new car right now!
First of all, I walked into a Wal Mart once, turned around and walked back out. It looked like a low class K-Mart.
And I don't like the way they do business.
Still, I don't understand your post!
If your original serpentine belt has 160,000 miles on it, it probably is way overdue to be changed. Do you want to change it on your terms or simply wait until it lets go at the worst possible time?
You've been "watching it"?. These don't give warning. They get old and brittle and let go without warning. Maybe on a cold winter's day with your wife driving at the worst possible time!
I agree, a lot of the chains are good at suggesting unnecessary repairs but in this case he tried to point out a neglected service item to you.
I don't understand your reaction to this at all. This is like driving with bald tires because they still hold air!
It has 100,000 miles. I changed the first one way early because I was going on a trip. Dumb on my part.
The belt is still rubbery, flexible, and the ridges have small separations in them which is normal.
Part of my reaction is that the mechanic was trying to scare me with loud, forceful vocal techniques. I think he saw someone older and saw a $100 labor charge along with a belt sale.
Guy at work bout a 2005 Ford 500 and paid $8000 Cdn or about $6800 U.S. (55,000 miles) Car is from a very reputable used car dealer...the largest in Canada (Haldiman Motors). They do offer a complete one year warranty for $600, 2 years $1000. He bought the car 4 weeks ago, it was supposed to be ready in about 10 days - they go over it thoroughly before letting him take it. They found an electronic gadget that makes the instruments work was not working (they said the part is made in Mexico and there was a bad bunch made that don't work after going over bumpy roads - which raises a few other questions about Ford, but that's another topic) and they would order and install the new part, about a $1000 job. It has been over 2 weeks now and Ford can't supply the part (another topic about Fords?????) but the dealer says they will try to get it from the maker of the part. 4 weeks has gone by. If you don't want the car after a month they will exchange it. This fellow is wondering if he should take another car instead. Thoughts :confuse:
Or Jay Leno had a great idea.......give the $25 billion to us taxpayers so we can go and buy a new Corvette to keep these companies going
I think that is what we should do with the entire $700 billion. Imagine if every TAX PAYING NON WELFARE DRAWING AMERICAN got a piece of the pie. Talk about a jump start to the economy.
I'll (try) keep this brief. Regarding Delta, not bragging, but complaining.
Up until about a year ago, I was one of Delta's "elite" flyers..... flew 100,000 miles/year....million miler...blah, blah, blah. I didn't ask for, but did receive some "perks". "Crown Room membership" for nothing. Upgraded to 1st class whenever it was available, boarded before anyone else, etc.
Then, they started raising prices (sometimes 2X, even 3X) above what I used to pay flying out of No. KY. Started flying out of different airports, on different airlines, for much better prices. Have received at least 4-5 letters from Delta asking me "why". Was even invited to a customer "round table" meeting at their HQ in Atlanta. I attended (as I was in the area for business, anyway). To a person (there was about 50 of us in attendance), we all said pricing was our biggest issue. They didn't want to focus on that. They wanted to know what they could do to get us "frequent flyers" back, but pricing was off the table.
Moral of the story is, if you don't want to be price competitive, you don't get my business. Bet I haven't flown 1 measly mile on Delta in a year.
While I'm still off topic, it amazes me how we think that we're so omnipotent that we can stop global warming (which I agree is real). Global warming has been going on and accelerating since the end of the first ice age. Best remedy? If your kids are thinking of living in a coastal region, they might want to think if moving inland a little further.
The belt is still rubbery, flexible, and the ridges have small separations in them which is normal.
When I get my oil changed at the dealership, or the local Jiffy Boob, the serpentine belt is almost always mentioned as needing to be replaced... sometimes within 9 months of a new one having been put in. :confuse:
Amazing! They always mention the small cracks in the ribs of the belt, to someone who didn't know any better they would appear to need replacing.
I had the belt replaced at Goodyear about a year ago ( was severely cracked and dry rotted) with a lifetime warranted belt... that'll show'em. :P
Are you serious!!!???? I thought about it that way at first but didn't think it could be possible. That's what a subcompact usually sells for. Looks like the little lady may get her a new car after all! Thanks for the information.
Several times a week I make a 250 mile round trip down I-90 through the Mohawk valley in upstate NY. Running parallel to the highway is the main rail line from the east coast to the mid-west. As such I have frequently seen long trains composed of car carriers bringing hundreds of vehicles from (I assume) Detroit to the east coast dealers.
During the past few weeks I have seen several of these mile long trains sitting idle off on sidings with no engines attached. At first I thought that they were waiting to pick up other cargo or what-not but when a week later they hadn't moved I knew the truth. There were no cars being shipped.
Today I made the trip and saw TWO of these trains sitting idle. I suppose if I had traveled farther I would have seen even more.
This does not bode well for the car industry. I wish I had some money, I'd love to buy a new F-150. How about all you other people? I know you're all rich, buy something!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'd take another car. $1000.00 on top of the price he already paid? I've never heard of a gizmo/gadget that makes instruments work and it doesn't work. You talking about the instrument panel or what? Sounds fishy to me. Why would they take ten days to get the truck ready for sale/delivery? Something's not right here driver.
If it is the same there as it is here then you have to go to the Auto Show, sign up for the rebate and they will either give you a certificate or email it to you.
"When I get my oil changed at the dealership, or the local Jiffy Boob, the serpentine belt is almost always mentioned as needing to be replaced... sometimes within 9 months of a new one having been put in.
Amazing! They always mention the small cracks in the ribs of the belt, to someone who didn't know any better they would appear to need replacing. "
I know exactly what you mean. Took my '00 Trooper into Firestone a couple of months ago. Time for rotation and balance of the tires I bought there last year. They came out with the recommendation of changing the serpentine belt. Plus I think they recommended injector cleaning or something like that I was not interested in. Looked at the printout a little later...what do they quote for a serpentine belt? $140+.... WTF, I did it maybe 2 years ago and paid maybe $30 for a decent belt. I just looked at Advance and they show a Gatorback belt for $30.99, list of about $78 so that is a big discount. Napaonline has them for $26 & $36 with both showing a MSDS from Gates Rubber. Hey...I might have to order the GatorBack if shipping is reasonable.
Even though it might take me 10 minutes to locate my 1/2" breaker and whatever size socket it takes to hold the tension off the belt, plus another 2 minutes to sketch the route of the belt, 5 minutes max to change the belt and another 5 to crank up and make sure it stays on, then a couple of minutes to wash my hands...I'm still less that 30 minutes. Experienced belt changer should be able to do this one in about 5 minutes total including pulling the part out of inventory. Maybe 7 minutes if he has to remove some little bracket of something and put it back on to get the old belt off and new one one. Wow.
This is an amazing video of the most state of the art Ford plant and it is extremely efficient. Major suppliers are in the same building and note it is clean enough to eat off the floors. If you watch to the end...only 3 minutes long and fascinating...it says Ford would love to have this plant in Detroit, but the UAW won't allow it.
I'd take another car. $1000.00 on top of the price he already paid? I've never heard of a gizmo/gadget that makes instruments work and it doesn't work.
Thanks for geetting back Roge. He doesn't have to pay an extra $1000, the dealer will cover that before he drives it away. It is some kind of computer module that makes the odometer, speedometer work. It would be illegal to drive without it. It will cost the dealer $1000 bucks to buy the part and install it. A 2005 Ford 500 should be a fairly good car. My concern is if a dealer can't get the part, and Ford doesn't stock them, what if something else goes? And, I have never heard of a Honda or Toyota or actually any car needing a major computer part after 55,000 miles.
IMHO I think he should cancel it and get an Impala, it's more mainstream and it will be easier to get parts (if the General is around), but even if not, there will be after parts makers too...probably Chinese parts but..........
There are "gravy" jobs the chains love to sell and belts can be one of those items.
They are not, however a five minute job. Some can be time consuming.
My only point was not all upselling is bad. If there is something wrong with my car, I want ot be told about it. Any belt with 100,000 miles on it is near the end of it's life.
But then , others will just push things and maybe get by and maybe get stranded.
I've been watching it for 100,000 miles and been putting off changing it myself because it requires removing a stud and spacer to get it out of the engine bracket.
It's a good GM Delco quality belt.
It sounds like you’re talking about the motor mount on a GM 3800 engine. My 95’ Bonneville beast required removing the pin from the passenger side motor mount and lifting the engine to replace the serpentine belt. I usually do this stuff myself but my experience with after market belts, hoses and batteries (even with the big brand name guys) is that they are not as good as the OEM units. So, I called the dealer for his belt price (which of course was higher than the local auto parts. I think the auto parts wanted $30 for their best Gates belt). I then decided it was worth the extra $50 for the labor. I had the belt replaced in 2002 for $95 plus tax. IIRC the car had a little over 50K at the time.
I agree with ‘isell’ (did I really just say that) but I’d rather change items like this sooner than later. Sometimes it‘s cold out there. I also pour oil through my cars engines. I guess you can say I’m ‘chicken’ when it comes to taking a chance on engine replacement.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I'm still trying to figure out what Outback and Sizzlers serve.
I don't know anything about Sizzler but the Outback has a very good Prime Rib. That's been my experience with them and I've probably been to at least a dozen different ones in 5 states.
It sounds like your island ain't so good.
Sorry hosts, there was no way I could relate this to car talk, other than I've always driven to one. :shades:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Anybody selling anything? Haven't seen any of greenpea's posts. Or boomcheck, or madmanmoo, or some of the other sales guys. I hope everything is ok for them. This are tough times but the strong survive.
Yeh, where is everyone? My Salesman Misled Me is stalled for 2 weeks now! Not to many sales stories right now I guess. I hope things change soon. I feel bad for you sales guys, I have been through recessions before and it isn't fun...and this is worse than I have ever experienced.
Since things seem a bit slow, just an observation.
I'm addicted to the TV show "24". Don't know what that says about me, because those who aren't familiar with it, it involves politics, subversion, treason, torture....'ya know, run of the mill life.
Anyway, Sunday it had this season's 2 hour premiere. It was shot in Africa. If Land Rover can't sell a few vehicles just based on this show, they're really in trouble. They had an older one traipsing all over the back, bush country, apparently with ease.
Speaking of product placement, they couldn't make it more obvious that the cell phones they were using are from Sprint.
Wow! That Ford plant in Brazil is fantastic. I have seen hospitals that weren't that clean. How do those employees keep their white shirts so clean? The various assembly lines are so efficient. Did you notice the GM body that was lowered onto the chassis? I want a GM built at that plant. I bet the car would be near flawless. If we could only get rid of UAW, just think what that plant could mean in this country. Thanks for sharing that link. I encourage every one to watch it.
We are selling four or five a day, just nothing out of the ordinary to share.
Did have a kid Saturday clear the show room by puking all over the place. The SM was shooing them the numbers and asked what they thought and the 5 or 6 year threw up all over the desk and floor. Dad said, well I guess that answers that question and away they went.
Glad you liked it Richard. Notice too the workers are young and enthusiastic and highly trainable. I liked the ships come right up to the door to take the cars away too! I think the Big 3 would have a fair chance if they could implement this amazing technology...if the UAW wants to keep the car companies in prehistoric times then they get what is coming to them.
That surprises me...usually the parents walk away and leave it up to the store or dealership etc. Maybe it's a technique they have for getting a lower price. Kid barfs, management wants to get rid of customer as soon as possible....gives extra low price to get the family out real fast. Better than the Jipster method.
Comments
That is excellent and as you say keeps the money out of the hands of the auto makers.
Or Jay Leno had a great idea.......give the $25 billion to us taxpayers so we can go and buy a new Corvette to keep these companies going.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Oh lord, another kool-aid drinking true believer. May I suggest you come over to the "Are Autos a Major Cause of Global Warming?" board where we can give your wayward ways a good discussing.
One word of warning though, we already have one true believer who has to buy us all steak dinners for being wrong. Bring your wallet.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I second that. I could go for a new Corvette!
I know how you feel about getting the GM. It's a buyer's market right now and I've been pricing several cars. The Ford Fusion seems to be an excellent deal and from the reports and reviews it's been getting it's a heck of a car. I know Joel22 sure seems to think so. I've also priced out a Hundai Sonota which also seems to be a good car albeit an import but these two come out price wise like a Toyota Corolla. The Malibu looks nice too but not as nice money wise as the Ford. I'll just wait and see and hopefully my hooptie will last me a few more years.
And we are complaining about the Detroit autoworkers?
Have you flown Delta lately? I avoid them like the bubonic plague. Their service is horrible, the ticketing and gate personnel are very rude, and the flight stewerdasses not very pretty. (I don't think that's a requirement) but still. They should smile once in a while. To stay on topic, they do get big employee discounts to buy domestic cars from what I here.
It's on this Canadian website:
link title
Hey rogey, why do you think it was in the sci-fi section of the paper? I think it is very realistic. It is the best look at the future of the North American car companies I have read....and wonder if to some degree they want this to happen. The can reorganize, downsize, actually make a profit, enjoy their profit from overseas operations. It is really the best hope they have. GM and Ford can get rid of the union, get rid of their dealers, get rid of their money losers, make Caddies and Chevs, import some smaller cars and actually make a profit so the President can make $40 million instead of a measly $21 million!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sears and Walmart. Hmmmm. Which one do I take the car to for service? Sears is the store I hate and will never buy anything there again if I can avoid it. Same for its KMart owner.
Walmart guy tried to tell me my serpentine belt was set to blow at any minute. I've been watching it for 100,000 miles and been putting off changing it myself because it requires removing a stud and spacer to get it out of the engine bracket. It'll probably be on the car when it goes to the junkyard at 250,000 miles (currently 160,000). Walmart was only asked to change the battery since theirs had weakened but still started the car but just wasn't right in sound turning the starter after 7 years (warrantied for 108 months). Absolutely no complaint about the battery, but the wrench guy just about got my full blast. Luckily I'd just taken my blood pressure medicine. He was trying to turn an additional fee but there was nothing terminal about the belt. It's a good GM Delco quality belt.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Glad I'm not alone in that. Delta is the only airline I will not fly, at any price, even if the flight was FREE. May they end up liquidating.
Does bison count as steak? I'm still trying to figure out what Outback and Sizzlers serve.
Thank you and thank you - it was all I could do to hold back on that post - however given what this forum has been through I did not say a word.
Keep rockin the house!
oh and too keep on topic - amazing what is being offered on the sales floor while the car is being serviced - I almost wish I needed a new car right now!
The last horse across the finish line at that days races.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Family Plan $18738.77
Rebate $2000
FMCC FIN $500
Auto Show $395
Net price before taxes $15843.77
And I don't like the way they do business.
Still, I don't understand your post!
If your original serpentine belt has 160,000 miles on it, it probably is way overdue to be changed. Do you want to change it on your terms or simply wait until it lets go at the worst possible time?
You've been "watching it"?. These don't give warning. They get old and brittle and let go without warning. Maybe on a cold winter's day with your wife driving at the worst possible time!
I agree, a lot of the chains are good at suggesting unnecessary repairs but in this case he tried to point out a neglected service item to you.
I don't understand your reaction to this at all. This is like driving with bald tires because they still hold air!
It has 100,000 miles. I changed the first one way early because I was going on a trip. Dumb on my part.
The belt is still rubbery, flexible, and the ridges have small separations in them which is normal.
Part of my reaction is that the mechanic was trying to scare me with loud, forceful vocal techniques. I think he saw someone older and saw a $100 labor charge along with a belt sale.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Car is from a very reputable used car dealer...the largest in Canada (Haldiman Motors).
They do offer a complete one year warranty for $600, 2 years $1000.
He bought the car 4 weeks ago, it was supposed to be ready in about 10 days - they go over it thoroughly before letting him take it.
They found an electronic gadget that makes the instruments work was not working (they said the part is made in Mexico and there was a bad bunch made that don't work after going over bumpy roads - which raises a few other questions about Ford, but that's another topic) and they would order and install the new part, about a $1000 job.
It has been over 2 weeks now and Ford can't supply the part (another topic about Fords?????) but the dealer says they will try to get it from the maker of the part.
4 weeks has gone by. If you don't want the car after a month they will exchange it. This fellow is wondering if he should take another car instead. Thoughts :confuse:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think that is what we should do with the entire $700 billion. Imagine if every TAX PAYING NON WELFARE DRAWING AMERICAN got a piece of the pie. Talk about a jump start to the economy.
Still, 100,000 miles is pushing it and you really can't tell by just looking at it.
It shouldn't be 100.00 labor. It's probably a half hour job at best.
If it were my car, I wouldn't push my luck. I hate getting stranded.
Richard
Richard
Up until about a year ago, I was one of Delta's "elite" flyers..... flew 100,000 miles/year....million miler...blah, blah, blah. I didn't ask for, but did receive some "perks". "Crown Room membership" for nothing. Upgraded to 1st class whenever it was available, boarded before anyone else, etc.
Then, they started raising prices (sometimes 2X, even 3X) above what I used to pay flying out of No. KY. Started flying out of different airports, on different airlines, for much better prices. Have received at least 4-5 letters from Delta asking me "why". Was even invited to a customer "round table" meeting at their HQ in Atlanta. I attended (as I was in the area for business, anyway). To a person (there was about 50 of us in attendance), we all said pricing was our biggest issue. They didn't want to focus on that. They wanted to know what they could do to get us "frequent flyers" back, but pricing was off the table.
Moral of the story is, if you don't want to be price competitive, you don't get my business. Bet I haven't flown 1 measly mile on Delta in a year.
While I'm still off topic, it amazes me how we think that we're so omnipotent that we can stop global warming (which I agree is real). Global warming has been going on and accelerating since the end of the first ice age. Best remedy? If your kids are thinking of living in a coastal region, they might want to think if moving inland a little further.
When I get my oil changed at the dealership, or the local Jiffy Boob, the serpentine belt is almost always mentioned as needing to be replaced... sometimes within 9 months of a new one having been put in. :confuse:
Amazing! They always mention the small cracks in the ribs of the belt, to someone who didn't know any better they would appear to need replacing.
I had the belt replaced at Goodyear about a year ago ( was severely cracked and dry rotted) with a lifetime warranted belt... that'll show'em. :P
During the past few weeks I have seen several of these mile long trains sitting idle off on sidings with no engines attached. At first I thought that they were waiting to pick up other cargo or what-not but when a week later they hadn't moved I knew the truth. There were no cars being shipped.
Today I made the trip and saw TWO of these trains sitting idle. I suppose if I had traveled farther I would have seen even more.
This does not bode well for the car industry. I wish I had some money, I'd love to buy a new F-150. How about all you other people? I know you're all rich, buy something!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Amazing! They always mention the small cracks in the ribs of the belt, to someone who didn't know any better they would appear to need replacing. "
I know exactly what you mean. Took my '00 Trooper into Firestone a couple of months ago. Time for rotation and balance of the tires I bought there last year. They came out with the recommendation of changing the serpentine belt. Plus I think they recommended injector cleaning or something like that I was not interested in. Looked at the printout a little later...what do they quote for a serpentine belt? $140+.... WTF, I did it maybe 2 years ago and paid maybe $30 for a decent belt. I just looked at Advance and they show a Gatorback belt for $30.99, list of about $78 so that is a big discount. Napaonline has them for $26 & $36 with both showing a MSDS from Gates Rubber. Hey...I might have to order the GatorBack if shipping is reasonable.
Even though it might take me 10 minutes to locate my 1/2" breaker and whatever size socket it takes to hold the tension off the belt, plus another 2 minutes to sketch the route of the belt, 5 minutes max to change the belt and another 5 to crank up and make sure it stays on, then a couple of minutes to wash my hands...I'm still less that 30 minutes. Experienced belt changer should be able to do this one in about 5 minutes total including pulling the part out of inventory. Maybe 7 minutes if he has to remove some little bracket of something and put it back on to get the old belt off and new one one. Wow.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Camacari Brazil
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks for geetting back Roge. He doesn't have to pay an extra $1000, the dealer will cover that before he drives it away. It is some kind of computer module that makes the odometer, speedometer work. It would be illegal to drive without it. It will cost the dealer $1000 bucks to buy the part and install it.
A 2005 Ford 500 should be a fairly good car. My concern is if a dealer can't get the part, and Ford doesn't stock them, what if something else goes? And, I have never heard of a Honda or Toyota or actually any car needing a major computer part after 55,000 miles.
IMHO I think he should cancel it and get an Impala, it's more mainstream and it will be easier to get parts (if the General is around), but even if not, there will be after parts makers too...probably Chinese parts but..........
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
They are not, however a five minute job. Some can be time consuming.
My only point was not all upselling is bad. If there is something wrong with my car, I want ot be told about it. Any belt with 100,000 miles on it is near the end of it's life.
But then , others will just push things and maybe get by and maybe get stranded.
It's a good GM Delco quality belt.
It sounds like you’re talking about the motor mount on a GM 3800 engine. My 95’ Bonneville beast required removing the pin from the passenger side motor mount and lifting the engine to replace the serpentine belt. I usually do this stuff myself but my experience with after market belts, hoses and batteries (even with the big brand name guys) is that they are not as good as the OEM units. So, I called the dealer for his belt price (which of course was higher than the local auto parts. I think the auto parts wanted $30 for their best Gates belt). I then decided it was worth the extra $50 for the labor. I had the belt replaced in 2002 for $95 plus tax. IIRC the car had a little over 50K at the time.
I agree with ‘isell’ (did I really just say that) but I’d rather change items like this sooner than later. Sometimes it‘s cold out there. I also pour oil through my cars engines. I guess you can say I’m ‘chicken’ when it comes to taking a chance on engine replacement.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I don't know anything about Sizzler but the Outback has a very good Prime Rib. That's been my experience with them and I've probably been to at least a dozen different ones in 5 states.
It sounds like your island ain't so good.
Sorry hosts, there was no way I could relate this to car talk, other than I've always driven to one. :shades:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Would someone look at this link....it is amazing?
Ford plant Brazil
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm addicted to the TV show "24". Don't know what that says about me, because those who aren't familiar with it, it involves politics, subversion, treason, torture....'ya know, run of the mill life.
Anyway, Sunday it had this season's 2 hour premiere. It was shot in Africa. If Land Rover can't sell a few vehicles just based on this show, they're really in trouble. They had an older one traipsing all over the back, bush country, apparently with ease.
Speaking of product placement, they couldn't make it more obvious that the cell phones they were using are from Sprint.
Well, it's just you and me GG.
My question is, do they have Sprint in Africa?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
Did have a kid Saturday clear the show room by puking all over the place. The SM was shooing them the numbers and asked what they thought and the 5 or 6 year threw up all over the desk and floor. Dad said, well I guess that answers that question and away they went.
Thanks for sharing an actual sales story. Who got to clean it up? Bet the father didn't offer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Glad you liked it Richard. Notice too the workers are young and enthusiastic and highly trainable. I liked the ships come right up to the door to take the cars away too! I think the Big 3 would have a fair chance if they could implement this amazing technology...if the UAW wants to keep the car companies in prehistoric times then they get what is coming to them.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That surprises me...usually the parents walk away and leave it up to the store or dealership etc.
Maybe it's a technique they have for getting a lower price. Kid barfs, management wants to get rid of customer as soon as possible....gives extra low price to get the family out real fast. Better than the Jipster method.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250