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Comments
A while back I mentioned that I got my mom a new TV for xmas.
After I hooked it up today, she decided she would just stay home today, so I guess she likes it.
My brother and his son are supposed to be over tomorrow but we are having the first few flakes of what is supposed to be anywhere from six to twenty inches of snow with 20+ mph winds. Should be fun....
For those that wish to extend condolences to his family, you may do so on his Legacy page.
http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/postregister/guestbook.aspx?n=thomas-speziale&pi- d=147179723&eid=sp_gbupdate
I am truly shocked. I will miss Tom a lot, he always had excellent insight and information and kept things moving with just the right comment.
That is a great loss for all of us,
Driver
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If it was a case of needing the car right away (such as my car getting totaled, stolen or needs to much in repairs) then I would be out with some researched numbers, numbers that I think are reasonable and close to unbeatable by another dealer. If this is the case the first dealer either meets or beats that number or didn't. Which means I would leave the dealership with the car or giving them a "thanks but no thanks". No thinking about it at that point. In that case if $28,800 is above my price point but $28,300 isn't then I would buy at the tent sale. If $28,800 is below that price point the original dealer got the sale and I would never know about the other price. If $28,300 is above my price point then neither gets the deal.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
We will keep him and his family in our prayers.
Peace be with his family in this trying time.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Here is some info about Tom (Tidester)
Thomas Speziale, 62, of Idaho Falls, passed away Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, at his home.
He was born July 2, 1948, in Dunkirk, N.Y., to Charles C. Speziale and Anita Phyllis Bennice Speziale. He grew up and attended schools in the area, graduating from Dunkirk High School. He continued his education at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he received a bachelor's degree. He then earned a master's degree from Virginia Tech and later a Ph.D. from the University of Rochester.
On July 11, 1970, he married Margaret Mary Gebs in Jamestown, New York. At EG&G and INEL, he was a science specialist and prior to that, an astronomy instructor at the University of Arizona. While living in Ann Arbor, Mich., he was a scientist of Laser Fusion at KMS Fusion. In 1970, he was among the youngest scientists to speak at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society. At the time of his death, he was teaching at Eastern Idaho Technical College.
Tom was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He enjoyed photography, astronomy, playing chess and billiards, reading, traveling, hiking and teaching. He also loved keeping up with current affairs and science news and had a very in-depth knowledge of politics, government and the U.S. Constitution. Tom always looked for the good in people.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
OK, I guess accountants are very logical people and don't allow their emotional side take over when they go to look at cars.
Now, go back and read post #63076 - My Jeep experience. I know you wouldn't lease a vehicle any way, but I had little money down, just a trade-in, needed a good solid reliable vehicle, and wasn't sure enough about my situation (whether the business would work or not)...besides at the time leasing made better sense from a tax standpoint - easier to calculate income tax.
Keep in mind, when I leased the Jeep the internet wasn't used for trading cars, so it would be pretty difficult to know what a fair price for leasing would have been. Besides, I looked at a few other similar vehicles so when I got to the Jeep I didn't really know what a fair price would be.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
He will be greatly missed.
Thank you Mako, that helps me to understand why Tom came across so well as a moderator here. What a tremendous background of knowledge, and he always shared it in a very nice and interesting way.
I got into hot water - as usual for me - over the fact that cars didn't need warm up time even in the winter. I had my facts and few accepted them, but Tom came along and explained the physics of the situation in a clear concise way that could not be disputed.
I miss him already.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am reminded of his help and understanding regarding a situation here about two years ago. A wonderful, long time poster here had been banned from our site because of an unfortunate incident. The poster was dying of cancer, and wanted to post a good-bye to all of us. Because of Tom's efforts, our dear friend was allowed to make that post. I like to think that Tom and Victor are together now, discussing all that there is to know about cars.
Karen, I appreciate your sensitivity in waiting until after Christmas to let us know. That way, the well wishes for the holiday season by our poster friends were not dampened. This is truly a sad day for us all. We're glad that you are here with us to guide us and keep us in line. This has to be a difficult time for you and the other Hosts. As you are here for us, we are also here for you. May peace and comfort come to Tom's family and close friends.
God bless,
Richard
May he rest in peace and may his family have strength at this difficult time in their lives.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
He allowed us to stray a bit knowing that just a word from him would steer us back to our normal bounds.
It's funny, who we can consider people whom we have never met to be "friends" but in my mind, Tom was, indeed a friend whom I will miss.
It's been a bad holdiday season for us. two funerals to attend in the upcoming week, one I can't attend in California tomorow. No practical way to get there with full flights and my best friend's sister in the hospital in critical condition who may not pull through.
With these things in mind, let me join Richard in thanking you for holding back the sad news until after Christmas.
God Bless,
Craig Jorgensen
I wasn't actually displaced by anything. After almost 14 years I had simply had enough. I didn't leave mad at anyione and my customers never got the best of me. I was very good at dealing with all types.
One day, I looked around and realized I could retire and I did.
I worked for a great store with great people. I don't believe the Internet has "ruined" the car business. It's helped in some ways.
On cars that are in short supply and high demand, you WILL pay more than 500.00 over invoice IF you really want one or you can settle for something else. On some cars, yoju WILL pay MSRP or maybe more. Are people who do this being cheated or ripped off in any manner? Not at all, just market forces at work as with anything else.
Guess you've never owned your own business?
Pretty hard to sell things for what you paid for them and stay in business.
Buyer pays the salesman up front and the salesman spiffs the owner.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
They also suggested a four wheel alignment and tire rotation. I took the suggestion. When I got home, I checked my records. I had a four wheel alignment and tire rotation at my last service, just 3k miles ago. In addition to that, my message center said that the air in two of the tires was low. I was not a happy camper.
I returned to the dealer to complain. Their answer to the alignment complaint: You may have hit a speed bump or something else that knocked out the alignment. Their answer to the low air pressure on my message center: The weather often causes these variations. We'll adjust your air pressure in just five minutes.
Should I be losing confidence in my trusted Chrysler dealer? He was recently bought out by a large dealer with many dealerships scattered across the state.
Your thoughts, as well as other posters?
Richard
The only time I ever really dealt with this sort of issue was our first Ody. I could pay a couple of grand ADM, pay MSRP at the local dealer and wait six months for the van or pay MSRP up by my dad and wait two months (bigger dealership). We ended up with the guy up by dad and ended up waiting muss less time than quoted.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The alignment? They could be lieing or telling the truth, my guess would be lieing since the car has only 20k miles. Unless you drive like Speed Racer, or you notice uneven wear on your tires, I would skip the alignment. I went over 100k miles in my Regal without needing an alignment... need one now though as inside of tires wearing down faster.
One of the things listed was brakes and my mechanic pretty much nailed the month when they would need to be done.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
We may add more staff in the future, but neither Tom nor Pat will be replaced.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
If you are inclined to trust that dlrship in the future (and after years of your loyalty being abused/taken for granted) I would request a refund of that particular service. Even if you did require an alignment (doubtful if you are the only driver...u would know if u hit anything...ask Mrs R) the fact remains that they were still nothing but purely negligent with the tire psi inconsistencies. = Fail. Such a simple thing to do and they failed you on it. They are now in a position to 'earn back' your trust if you ask me. Imagine how many customers are getting taken now for service like this being advised to be done every 3k miles? And many will not have been as diligent as you in following up. Personally I would opt for the refund and maybe even search out a new dealer as a back up if my next service visit was the least bit stressful. My next service in there i would be the one standing at the window watching. This very thing is why I never take my car to the shop for anything. That and other stuff like finding they didn't install my brake reservoir cap correctly so my fluid just tried to absorb the entire area's humidity level till i discovered it.
I guess I am going to (if i do) have to replace my car with one simpler, not more complicated.
Plus...it could be they saw your watch and thought, ...ayy, he can afford it.. :sick:
Some will do a spit test before putting cap back on to ensure there are no bubbles indicating a valve stem not totally seated..always make sure u have all 4 caps after any car service or even random walking up to the car. If one is not replaced, that dirt can cause a bad valve seat and u will have trouble with it until you replace the whole stem and valve. If you do spot one missing, do a ppssssttttt first to help blow dirt out before applying a ga or to add air.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
That's the key I think. New management and they have to pay off the business which they just purchased. New systems in place to rip off the customers.
When I worked for a large US company we had company cars. The company owned about 10000 vehicles, so they knew what they were doing. Once they bought the car, it could only go back to the dealer for warranty work. They knew independent garages wouldn't rip them off the way the dealerships did.
Once I was told that, unless the dealer can do at least $50 worth of work on a car, it isn't worth the car taking up room in the service bay.
I am not cynical, just a very wary customer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I only knew him as Tidester the Edmunds host but I always enjoyed his wit and his depth of knowledge on many subjects.
He'll be missed.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
same applise to the wheel alignment you probably didn't need but there is no way to prove it now.
Very high profit items for that store!
Some of used to wonder of Pat was male or female. He/she wouldn't tell us when someone asked.
I watched too many people in my life never get to say "I'm retired".
Life can be, indeed, short.
Me, too.
In fact, I'll echo Richard's post completely. It's quite surprising how well one gets to know those met only via the internet.
I was aware of Pat"s passing earlier in the year, so it's certainly been a difficult year at Edmunds. If I were better organized I could post a link to the obit, but I'm not.
In any event, I hope our departed hosts will rest in peace.
They're both missed.
Steve Woodard
Tom and Andy came to Boise back in the mid-90's and we went to lunch at a new Indian restaurant that I had been bragging about. We hit the buffet. Tom had to stop on the drive back to Idaho Falls to buy Tums. I didn't live that one down for a couple of years.
Someone mentioned his breadth of knowledge. For me that shone through especially brightly in the global warming threads. And Tom never let me get away with substituting "altitude" for "elevation" either. The other fun memory was getting book recommendations - his wife is always up on good stuff to read and is as knowledgeable about literature as Tom was with math, physics and coding (he wrote a search proggie for us hosts that lets us find discussions to recommend to lost members).
Driver, I missed the thread about warm up times - if you happen to have the link. let me know. That sounds right down Tom's alley (along with the nitrogen in the air posts).
(Here's Pat's obit for those who missed that sad news back in late Spring).
Tom's passing was a shock to everyone, and his loss has caused me personal moments of great sadness. He is truly irreplaceable, and was about the most easy-going person to co-host with that I can imagine. Plus, he made some of the math/physics stuff understandable to me, which is a great feat indeed.
While no two hosts host the same way, I can easily say that we all get along great, respect each other, and enjoy each others' company online, and when the occasion has arisen, in-person. Losing two friends & co-workers this year has been rough - may 2011 bring good fortune and health to members and hosts alike.
(as you might imagine, I'll be wrangling this group for at least the time being.)
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
I still can't believe Tom (who I always knew just as tidester) is gone. He was a jewel. There are a few hosts who really have just the right touch (not naming now for obvious reasons). He was one of them.
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
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
That was my father. He had so many plans to travel and enjoy life, but he never had the chance. When I was blessed with the opportunity to leave early I didn't think twice.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I've envied you that one from the moment you first mentioned it!
You seem to be having a rather good time of it!
I am both. What Richard ran into with his dealer is more the norm than the exception. That is why a buyer has to be wary of what is being pitched to them when they go to a dealer.
It was because of dealers that were not competent that forced me to start doing car maintenance myself; dating back to my first new car (’66 Bonneville). I bought that car clear across town and got tired of going back to have something “adjusted” so that it would work “this” time. I heard that 3 or 4 times before I gave up and decided to try it myself. The crazy part about this was that I knew how to do these things but felt they “must” know more than me because it was their business to know it. As it turned out, they either didn’t know or didn’t care. Neither of which was good for me.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I could tell that it bothered my trusted salesman. He had heard about my complaints. He walked over to my car before I left and apologized for the situation in the service department. This kind of "con" work isn't fair to the salesmen who build up customer loyalty.
Richard
My condolences to his family which includes his Edmund's family. I hosted chat rooms for MSN for many years and when one of our hosts passed away it was a very sad time.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Richard
Do what I do. I keep envelopes in the glove compartment labeled Warranty Work, Tires, Oil Changes, Parts Receipts and one other that I can’t think of right now (no I’m not going down 2 flights of steps to the garage to see what it is; I’m in my skivvies getting ready for bed).
Doing it the jmonroe way, you’ll have car stuff where it belongs, in the car and you can turn to it when something questionable pops up. It doesn’t take up much space at all. Very handy when you want it.
Yes, it is a shame that you built a relationship with the salesman but now you know how things can change.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl