The car had 9 miles on it when I left the dealer. I did some "city driving" from the dealer to my parents house for dinner & to finish up some work with Dad, then it was off to my house. I reset the trip odometer & trip computer. I drove 45.6 miles and averaged 40.5 mpg.
40 mpg? Pretty impressive - it'll be interesting to see how any of these we start seeing on the road. I suspect the availability of awd with the diesel should help sales. Hope they start offering the diesel on the GT model.
Thanks for the review - I've had minimal seat time in the F30, but as you said, it does seem to make for a nicer commuter car in some ways than the E90.
You sure seem to be having a lot of nagging issues with yours - I suppose you'll be okay returning it at the end of the lease, huh?
The only nagging issue has been that pesky trunk latch. The more I think about it, maybe the key was in my pocket & the windows rolled themselves down because the button got pushed. The Xenon lights did take a few trips to get right, but now they are perfect. But yes, I'll be OK with it going back at the end of September. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one though;). I love the way the E90 drives!
The car I should have taken was the X3 with the 6cyl turbo!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Is the car one of those where you can roll the windows down with your remote to cool it off on a hot day? If so, you might have accidentally hit that button. So it might not be the car's fault. I see you have thought of this possibility.
So what's the verdict? How much damage dd they estimate for? Were there any supplemental damages? Did they use VW parts to fix the car or kick off parts?
I know you will, but make sure you go over the car with a fine toothed comb & make sure you are completely, 100% satisfied with the work. Look for over spray, perfectly aligned panel gaps, make sure the paint is properly matched and doesn't look like an orange peel.
I know you were a little banged up too. How are you feeling?
And the question on everyone's CCBA mind? Will you be keeping it or dumping it for a new car that hasn't had $X thousand dollars in body work performed?
Initial estimate was in the $15,000 range. Only $3k or so from being totaled. I'm sure there will be a supplement, not sure on the amount until I pick it up. The body shop is the only VW certified repair facility in the area and they used new parts.
I've been going to physical therapy for about a month and seem to have improved but still have some upper back pain. It's probably too soon to tell if I have any permanent injury.
I'm undecided on keeping the car. Not sure what I would replace it with, but after the way my back feels after the impact, and knowing the laws of physics are what they are, something larger and much heavier sounds appealing. As does a lease.
It probably should. For the most part, its reliable, but there is one major weak point: the AWD, specifically, the rear output shaft. The collar can leak, resulting in a pricey fix or horrible failure if left alone. So I would get it checked out first. I still love that car, though, and always have my eye out for one. A blast to drive and super comfy. Love the adjustable suspension.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
@corvette said:
I'm undecided on keeping the car. Not sure what I would replace it with, but after the way my back feels after the impact, and knowing the laws of physics are what they are, something larger and much heavier sounds appealing. As does a lease.
I was so sorry to hear about your injuries. Car crashes are tough on the human body because of momentum and the laws of inertia. It's the "jerk" that causes the injuries not to mention your body slamming into something hard like a steering wheel or a dashboard.
I still have shoulder problems from being hit from behind by a guy doing 80 mph on I-75 while I was stopped for an accident in the center lane. They had to airlift me to Broward General and then an ambulance to Holy Cross. I was in the hospital for 4 weeks. The guy had minimum liability insurance (10,000-20,000), so all I got from him was $10,000 - luckily I had uninsured/underinsured driver insurance - my own insurance company ended up paying me $75,000 - certainly not enough to cover the long term effects of the accident.
@abacomike said:
The guy had minimum liability insurance (10,000-20,000), so all I got from him was $10,000
The insurance someone chooses to carry doesn't limit their liability. Did the guy have a job? Anything of value to take? I hope your insurance company went after him for the other $65000 or so.
@imidazol97 said:
The insurance someone chooses to carry doesn't limit their liability. Did the guy have a job? Anything of value to take? I hope your insurance company went after him for the other $65000 or so.
Unfortunately, the guy who hit me was unemployed and his car was a Toyota Corolla. He broke both his ankles in the crash and one of his arms.
As for his liability, I saw an attorney about this. After 2 weeks, the attorney called me to tell me I wasn't worth taking the case because the guy's assets were non-existent and here in Florida, you cannot take a person's home as part of a liability case. As for the insurance company, they too investigated the guy and found the same thing - no assets to put a lien on. Even his Corolla was financed up to its gills.
If he had a leased vehicle, he would have had to carry $100,000 liability, which is required by most insurance companies. Here in Florida, more than 35% of people who drive cars do not have insurance - car to take a guess as to why?
@iluvmysephia1 said:
oldfarmer, what kind of Mitsubishi did you buy in January?
I was referring to my Eclipse that I bought in January 2008. Only time I ever drove heated seats and I liked them. Just not enough to buy $3000 of other options I didn't want.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Immigration status, general overall low incomes?
From what I have seen of the local driving talent, FL is definitely a place where you want uninsured motorist coverage.
@abacomike said:
So, if a driver operates two vehicles - the Corolla and the CLS550 - would there be a difference in the severity and amount/degree of onjuries if the cars were driven identically under the same circumstances and conditions and an accident occurs? No, because the chances of avoiding an accident are better in the Mercedes due to advanced technologies.
Wouldn't you agree?
No, not entirely. And, the reason I don't agree is because, again, it is driver behavior that determines risk. Yes, these nanny techs can mask some of the deficiencies a driver brings to the situation, but a poor driver (that includes inattention) is high risk no matter what vehicle he drives.
And... I say this because it is the real kicker... no driver can operate more than one vehicle at once! Why should someone be required to pay 40-50 dollars a month for each of two, or three, or more, vehicles a month when only one can be driven at a time? Surely, there is no increased risk of liability when such is the case. Why should a driver need to pay for added liability when renting a car even though he continues to pay liability for his own vehicle, which clearly he is not driving?
When building rates, considerations such as driver demographics are far more significant than anything vehicle-specific for liability. Even when a "high risk" vehicle, such as a sport sedan or hatchback, is taken into consideration, it is the driver demographics that really punch the ticket. Put a car on liability only, and safety discounts (such as ABS, if they still even do that one) are a pittance compared to discounts for those features when carrying full coverage.
For the most part, insurance companies are milking drivers by making it inconvenient to not carry insurance on their full fleet (regardless of use) outside of the range when they might actually use it. When it comes to convenience, most of us will opt for the more expensive (if more convenient) option.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
@fintail said:
Immigration status, general overall low incomes?
From what I have seen of the local driving talent, FL is definitely a place where you want uninsured motorist coverage.
Insurance down here on the southeast coast of Florida costs more than 90% of the other cities and towns in our country. We have "no fault" which requires every insured to carry an additional $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Because of the fraud down here with that particular coverage, insurance companies charge between $190-$290 every six months for that fraud. They need to drop NO FAULT which would save hundreds of dollars in useless expenses for insurance. Another biggie is the number of uninsured and underinsured motorists here. You have to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage because there are so many people who just can't afford insurance down here or just don't have insurance. You are supposed to show your paid policy before getting a license, but they pay for the policy, then cancel it immediately after they either register their car or get their driver's license.
And then there is the undocumented aliens that live down here. There are untold numbers of them.
I pay $755 every 6 months for insurance, and I only carry 100/300/100 for liability and property damage. I used to carry 250/500/100, but it was so expensive, I had to drop it.
My twin brother lives just south of Jacksonville and just north of St.Augustine, drives a CL 550 and pays 1/2 of what I pay for a car twice as costly as mine. Go Figure!!!!
That reminds me, when a friend of mine lived in Atlanta, insurance for his Accord was double what I paid on my E55, although my car was worth more than twice as much. I suppose it is expected in areas with fraud and maybe some socio-economic issues which lead to uninsured drivers.
I have full coverage on my E, I don't know the limits, costs about 100/month.
and here in Florida, you cannot take a person's home as part of a liability case
I recall now. You are right. That's why so many criminals of the white color variety here in Ohio bought large estates in Florida to sink their worth into so that that part couldn't be taken away in an upcoming court case. I recall the guy running a large group of Savings and Loans here did that. Later I recall getting phone calls for him because we had similar phone numbers. When it was over, he still had a "horse farm" in the country here in Ohio.
In NY And NJ Car ins. is threw the roof. Then on top of paying high fee's you have these scammers trying to get over. America is a great place for scam artists and folks wanting to live off our dime..
If you get caught driving without insurance you need to go to jail and pay a heavy fine to get out..... plain and simply.. Lets stop all this bs............... illegal aliens need to be deported. Liberalism is a wonderful thing in this country. lets keep voting these idiots in office.
I'm sure the older members know exactly what i'm talking about.
@xwesx said:
And... I say this because it is the real kicker… no driver can operate more than one vehicle at once!
Sounds like a myth for Mythbusters to test. They've done a lot of full sized remote controlled cars, but the person operating the remote is generally a passenger in the chase vehicle.
@suydam - I think that's what happened. I must have left the key in my pocket and somehow pressed the unlock button long enough to ope all 4 windows. They are still working on my trunk latch. I get 1 more day of diesel:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Ouch! I really hope you get better soon and make a full recovery. So at what percentage do they decide to fix the car or total it? $15K is a lot of damage.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Ouch! I really hope you get better soon and make a full recovery. So at what percentage do they decide to fix the car or total it? $15K is a lot of damage.
Thanks! I think it's 75% of retail book value. Mine isn't the base model, so it takes a higher damage figure to get to the 75%, compared to a base model.
I got an umbrella policy through my home owners insurance that covers me up to one million dollars. It is pretty inexpensive and works for all kinds of liability issues short of criminal acts. You could check with your company to see if it's something you are interested in or need.>
@corvette said:
Thanks! I think it's 75% of retail book value. Mine isn't the base model, so it takes a higher damage figure to get to the 75%, compared to a base model.
Hope you feel better soon.
As far as totalling your car, it amazes me how much it costs just for minor fender benders.
I was referring to my Eclipse that I bought in January 2008. Only time I ever drove heated seats and I liked them. Just not enough to buy $3000 of other options I didn't want.
oldfarmer - do you still have the Eclipse and what do you think of it now? Our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is at 117,049 miles and still running like a champ. Although I love ta pick up new rigs every 3-7 years I can't justify it financially so I'm not seriously looking for another new rig right now.
Long ago, in a galaxy far away, my first new car ever was a Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo. My folks had Diamantes and Galants. All nice, reliable and, in the case of my Mirage Turbo, fun! I came close to buying a Starion, but didn't pull the trigger.
'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...)
@isellhondas said:
Our umbrella policy premium has doubled in the past three years and we've had no claims at all for anything.
I shop my car and home owners ins every 2-3 years, or every time there's a premium increase, whichever comes first. Seems as if insurance companies aren't really focused on customer retention, as I normally change companies when I shop insurance.
Comparison between a Chrysler and a BMW? Could happen. A while back one of those mags did a face-off between a Mustang GT and M3. While the car testers said the BMW was more "refined" the M3 only beat the Mustang by .1 of a second on the track. The $20,000 price difference was a lot to pay for refinement.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@graphicguy...Seems as if insurance companies aren't really focused on customer retention
I agree 100% with that statement. I was with a company for 2 years (2011-2013) and my insurance on my car went up $812 (12 month policy) in two years - and I had no tickets , no accidents, no claims. You would think they would want to keep someone like me.
I then contacted 8 insurers and saved $245 every 6 months, with better coverage. I am sure they will raise my premium after 6 months like all of them do. Why do that when you have a client who has not made a claim on insurance in over 13 years. Just can't figure that out!
@abacomike said:
I am sure they will raise my premium after 6 months like all of them do.
I was warned about that when I decided to take out a second policy with a different company in order to save close to 50% off the quoted price (by my original vendor) for my Fiesta. I expected an increase after the six months, but haven't seen it yet after 18 months. In fact, the price has dropped a fraction of a percent at each renewal thus far. I'm still paying just shy of $100 a month for it, but that's a far cry better than the $185/mo the other company quoted me (and I've had that policy since 1997 with no claims).
They're usually pretty competitive when I add a new vehicle, but not this time. Not even close. Had the going quote been near theirs, I would not have purchased the car. There's no way I would pay over $2,000 a year to insure a car with a price tag of $16K!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Swope VW called me to tell me the car had been to the service department to have the airbag computer coded and was ready for me to pick up. I went to pick up the GLI this afternoon. It looked mostly good, but there was an under hood label which was peeling off, the interior door panel on the driver's door didn't fit correctly, and there was orange peel and some debris in the paint on the driver's door.
Oh, and get this. Remember the snafu where a scratch appeared on the lower part of the driver's door when I picked it up from the 10,000 mile service, and I had to hound them and send a nasty letter in order to get it repaired? There was a 1" scratch in exactly the same location on the new and freshly painted door skin… I blame the service department, and can only assume that they have some piece of equipment which is easy to hit with the door on my car. I wonder whether I can look forward to another scratch at my next regular service?
That being said, the body shop staff have treated me very well. They have agreed to pay for my rental vehicle until my GLI is fixed properly, and the manager emphasized repeatedly that their work has a lifetime warranty, and that if I noticed any other problems after I got the car back, they would take care of it.
I feel for you corvette - with as much damage as your GLI sustained, there will likely be many return trips to the body shop to get things right. A good body shop seems to be a tough thing to find. At least they seem to be treating you right from a service standpoint.
Best of luck - with the car and, more importantly, your own recovery.
@graphicguy said:
I shop my car and home owners ins every 2-3 years, or every time there's a premium increase,
whichever comes first. Seems as if insurance companies aren't really focused on customer retention, as I normally change companies when I shop insurance.
Well, be careful. I know State Farm can't drop me if I suddenly get several tickets or have several claims. I know some of these "cheaper" companies will drop you like a bad habit at any sign of trouble. I've heard that if they have a CO at the end of their name they will do this in a heartbeat. loyalty at least with State Farm is important to them.
Craig...I'm with State Farm now. I didn't believe it when they ended up being the least expensive when I went insurance shopping a couple of years ago. But, they were.
I stick with the main companies. I've been with Nationwide, Century 21, Progressive, and probably a couple I'm forgetting.
I haven't had a ticket in over a decade. I had my previous Acura TL that was involved in a total, but that wasn't my fault and wasn't charged to me. That was about 3-4 years ago.
So, I'm probbably a low risk. But, for reasons unknown, they don't do anything to retain me as a customer. Matter of fact, I'd say they chase me away.
Maybe they want the people with tickets, DUIs, etc that they can charge much higher premiums.
@rayainsw said:
The GTI is at the dealer, for some warrantee work.
My courtesy loaner is a nearly new 2014 VW new beetle convertible – with just over 3,000 miles.
Given that this was designed with an entirely different set of priorities, but based on the same platform, I find some of the differences interesting.
The top of the windshield and the side windows are very low. Overhead traffic lights require that I lean forward to look up and see the green.
The visibility straight to the rear and to the rear sides stinks.
[ I hate hate hate not having the extra daylight of a glass sun \ moonroof. ]
The motor and transmission [ I5, A6 ] are much like the jetta I rented for 4 days last Spring.
The OEM nav system is not as good as my Garmin.
I do not find the seats nearly as comfortable as the cloth ones in my GTI.
The steering wheel rim, covered in smooth leather, is quite noticeably less thick than the GTI’s – and not as comfortable for me to grip.
The ride is similar to the GTIs, though the steering is lighter and lacks feel.
Ray
Ready for the GTI to return . . .
Ray, I rented a "new" VW Beetle while working in Alberta a couple of months ago. I agree with everything you say. Can't compare it to a GTI as I haven't driven one of those since the '80s.
The I5 seemed quite coarse in that car. Surprisingly a little sloppy handling, too.
@breld said:
With all the recent talk of the ZHP 3's, this one just popped up down in Florida.
I know that dealership (Lexus of Pembroke Pines) - that's where I bought my 2013 GS350. The dealership is located in the far southwestern suburbs of Broward County. The dealership is owned by the Zinn family (Craig Zinn is the CEO). They are a fairly reputable dealership and quite large in southeastern Florida. They own 2 Lexus dealerships, an Acura dealership, Jaguar, Infiniti, Subaru and several others.
Great news...start at Hertz tomorrow at Sunny Isles or basically North Miami Beach. Our office is on A1A and will be working 3 days/week...not sure of days/hours but will learn more tomorrow. An very thrilled and now I can keep my job in West Palm Beach as well. Will be driving a bit more but that's life...a shame that now I don't have my economical Civic anymore but loving the Tuscon. It's all that I want and could've asked for and as much as I thought I wanted a Tiguan, after driving one again a few weeks ago, like the power of my 2.4 four banger so much better and if I hadn't bought the Hyundai, I would've gotten the Mitsubishi Outlander SE with the Rockford Fosgate audio system. All works out though. Am getting a few additions to the vehicle soon like better speakers, adding a red pinstripe to the black one and getting those door protectors that go the length of the doors that are color keyed...I need more protection from hitting the other vehicle in the garage. The speakers are going to be costly so waiting on that till I put some more coinage away.
Been a great week and love my current gig and am thrilled about Hertz!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Comments
40 mpg? Pretty impressive - it'll be interesting to see how any of these we start seeing on the road. I suspect the availability of awd with the diesel should help sales. Hope they start offering the diesel on the GT model.
Thanks for the review - I've had minimal seat time in the F30, but as you said, it does seem to make for a nicer commuter car in some ways than the E90.
You sure seem to be having a lot of nagging issues with yours - I suppose you'll be okay returning it at the end of the lease, huh?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Now, why wouldn't you have hopped in that 428i?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
@breld
The only nagging issue has been that pesky trunk latch. The more I think about it, maybe the key was in my pocket & the windows rolled themselves down because the button got pushed. The Xenon lights did take a few trips to get right, but now they are perfect. But yes, I'll be OK with it going back at the end of September. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one though;). I love the way the E90 drives!
The car I should have taken was the X3 with the 6cyl turbo!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
oldfarmer, what kind of Mitsubishi did you buy in January?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Is the car one of those where you can roll the windows down with your remote to cool it off on a hot day? If so, you might have accidentally hit that button. So it might not be the car's fault. I see you have thought of this possibility.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
The on-line ‘Configurators’ – Build & Price - for the 200S and the M235i both were released yesterday.
The 200S MSRP as I would likely order one: $33,475
[ V6, AWD, Nav & Sound Grp 1, Comfort Grp & Pano Sunroof ]
The M235i: $47,425
[ Metallic Blue, Cold Pkg & Premium ]
Hmmmmmmm . . .
Initial estimate was in the $15,000 range. Only $3k or so from being totaled. I'm sure there will be a supplement, not sure on the amount until I pick it up. The body shop is the only VW certified repair facility in the area and they used new parts.
I've been going to physical therapy for about a month and seem to have improved but still have some upper back pain. It's probably too soon to tell if I have any permanent injury.
I'm undecided on keeping the car. Not sure what I would replace it with, but after the way my back feels after the impact, and knowing the laws of physics are what they are, something larger and much heavier sounds appealing. As does a lease.
'seem to have improved but still have some upper back pain.' - Corvette
I am really sorry that you have physical injury.
The car 'injury' is trauma enough.
Hope you do improve - to 100% - quickly!
It probably should. For the most part, its reliable, but there is one major weak point: the AWD, specifically, the rear output shaft. The collar can leak, resulting in a pricey fix or horrible failure if left alone. So I would get it checked out first. I still love that car, though, and always have my eye out for one. A blast to drive and super comfy. Love the adjustable suspension.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I was so sorry to hear about your injuries. Car crashes are tough on the human body because of momentum and the laws of inertia. It's the "jerk" that causes the injuries not to mention your body slamming into something hard like a steering wheel or a dashboard.
I still have shoulder problems from being hit from behind by a guy doing 80 mph on I-75 while I was stopped for an accident in the center lane. They had to airlift me to Broward General and then an ambulance to Holy Cross. I was in the hospital for 4 weeks. The guy had minimum liability insurance (10,000-20,000), so all I got from him was $10,000 - luckily I had uninsured/underinsured driver insurance - my own insurance company ended up paying me $75,000 - certainly not enough to cover the long term effects of the accident.
I hope you heal well, quickly and completely.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
For the S60 there is always the cheap option. Remove the rear prop draft and make it FWD. Hey torque steer can be entertaining.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The insurance someone chooses to carry doesn't limit their liability. Did the guy have a job? Anything of value to take? I hope your insurance company went after him for the other $65000 or so.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You'll be anxiously awaiting the Car & Driver comparison test between the 200S and M235i.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
'Car & Driver comparison test between the 200S and M235i.
' - breld
LOL - at a $14K diff. in MSRP, I doubt C+D will conduct such a test.
Though I will - and likely add a Golf R & an Audi S3....
Unfortunately, the guy who hit me was unemployed and his car was a Toyota Corolla. He broke both his ankles in the crash and one of his arms.
As for his liability, I saw an attorney about this. After 2 weeks, the attorney called me to tell me I wasn't worth taking the case because the guy's assets were non-existent and here in Florida, you cannot take a person's home as part of a liability case. As for the insurance company, they too investigated the guy and found the same thing - no assets to put a lien on. Even his Corolla was financed up to its gills.
If he had a leased vehicle, he would have had to carry $100,000 liability, which is required by most insurance companies. Here in Florida, more than 35% of people who drive cars do not have insurance - car to take a guess as to why?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I was referring to my Eclipse that I bought in January 2008. Only time I ever drove heated seats and I liked them. Just not enough to buy $3000 of other options I didn't want.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Immigration status, general overall low incomes?
From what I have seen of the local driving talent, FL is definitely a place where you want uninsured motorist coverage.
No, not entirely. And, the reason I don't agree is because, again, it is driver behavior that determines risk. Yes, these nanny techs can mask some of the deficiencies a driver brings to the situation, but a poor driver (that includes inattention) is high risk no matter what vehicle he drives.
And... I say this because it is the real kicker... no driver can operate more than one vehicle at once! Why should someone be required to pay 40-50 dollars a month for each of two, or three, or more, vehicles a month when only one can be driven at a time? Surely, there is no increased risk of liability when such is the case. Why should a driver need to pay for added liability when renting a car even though he continues to pay liability for his own vehicle, which clearly he is not driving?
When building rates, considerations such as driver demographics are far more significant than anything vehicle-specific for liability. Even when a "high risk" vehicle, such as a sport sedan or hatchback, is taken into consideration, it is the driver demographics that really punch the ticket. Put a car on liability only, and safety discounts (such as ABS, if they still even do that one) are a pittance compared to discounts for those features when carrying full coverage.
For the most part, insurance companies are milking drivers by making it inconvenient to not carry insurance on their full fleet (regardless of use) outside of the range when they might actually use it. When it comes to convenience, most of us will opt for the more expensive (if more convenient) option.
Insurance down here on the southeast coast of Florida costs more than 90% of the other cities and towns in our country. We have "no fault" which requires every insured to carry an additional $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Because of the fraud down here with that particular coverage, insurance companies charge between $190-$290 every six months for that fraud. They need to drop NO FAULT which would save hundreds of dollars in useless expenses for insurance. Another biggie is the number of uninsured and underinsured motorists here. You have to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage because there are so many people who just can't afford insurance down here or just don't have insurance. You are supposed to show your paid policy before getting a license, but they pay for the policy, then cancel it immediately after they either register their car or get their driver's license.
And then there is the undocumented aliens that live down here. There are untold numbers of them.
I pay $755 every 6 months for insurance, and I only carry 100/300/100 for liability and property damage. I used to carry 250/500/100, but it was so expensive, I had to drop it.
My twin brother lives just south of Jacksonville and just north of St.Augustine, drives a CL 550 and pays 1/2 of what I pay for a car twice as costly as mine. Go Figure!!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
That reminds me, when a friend of mine lived in Atlanta, insurance for his Accord was double what I paid on my E55, although my car was worth more than twice as much. I suppose it is expected in areas with fraud and maybe some socio-economic issues which lead to uninsured drivers.
I have full coverage on my E, I don't know the limits, costs about 100/month.
and here in Florida, you cannot take a person's home as part of a liability case
I recall now. You are right. That's why so many criminals of the white color variety here in Ohio bought large estates in Florida to sink their worth into so that that part couldn't be taken away in an upcoming court case. I recall the guy running a large group of Savings and Loans here did that. Later I recall getting phone calls for him because we had similar phone numbers. When it was over, he still had a "horse farm" in the country here in Ohio.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Wow! I pay the same on my Fiesta, also full coverage. That's my laugh for the day!
Car INS,
In NY And NJ Car ins. is threw the roof. Then on top of paying high fee's you have these scammers trying to get over. America is a great place for scam artists and folks wanting to live off our dime..
If you get caught driving without insurance you need to go to jail and pay a heavy fine to get out..... plain and simply.. Lets stop all this bs............... illegal aliens need to be deported. Liberalism is a wonderful thing in this country. lets keep voting these idiots in office.
I'm sure the older members know exactly what i'm talking about.
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
Sounds like a myth for Mythbusters to test.
They've done a lot of full sized remote controlled cars, but the person operating the remote is generally a passenger in the chase vehicle.
@suydam - I think that's what happened. I must have left the key in my pocket and somehow pressed the unlock button long enough to ope all 4 windows. They are still working on my trunk latch. I get 1 more day of diesel:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
@corvette
Ouch! I really hope you get better soon and make a full recovery. So at what percentage do they decide to fix the car or total it? $15K is a lot of damage.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Thanks! I think it's 75% of retail book value. Mine isn't the base model, so it takes a higher damage figure to get to the 75%, compared to a base model.
I got an umbrella policy through my home owners insurance that covers me up to one million dollars. It is pretty inexpensive and works for all kinds of liability issues short of criminal acts. You could check with your company to see if it's something you are interested in or need.>
You know something, that's a great idea - I think my condo policy comes up for renewal in March - I'll check into that.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
the umbrella policy though only covers you if you get sued and lose a judgement for more than that.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Hope you feel better soon.
As far as totalling your car, it amazes me how much it costs just for minor fender benders.
Our umbrella policy premium has doubled in the past three years and we've had no claims at all for anything.
I was referring to my Eclipse that I bought in January 2008. Only time I ever drove heated seats and I liked them. Just not enough to buy $3000 of other options I didn't want.
oldfarmer - do you still have the Eclipse and what do you think of it now? Our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is at 117,049 miles and still running like a champ. Although I love ta pick up new rigs every 3-7 years I can't justify it financially so I'm not seriously looking for another new rig right now.
How's yer Mitsu treating you?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Long ago, in a galaxy far away, my first new car ever was a Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo. My folks had Diamantes and Galants. All nice, reliable and, in the case of my Mirage Turbo, fun! I came close to buying a Starion, but didn't pull the trigger.
'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...)
Mitsubishi builds good cars but their dealer network is so weak I'm surprised they continue to stay in the U.S. They never seemed to ever thrive.
I shop my car and home owners ins every 2-3 years, or every time there's a premium increase, whichever comes first. Seems as if insurance companies aren't really focused on customer retention, as I normally change companies when I shop insurance.
Comparison between a Chrysler and a BMW? Could happen. A while back one of those mags did a face-off between a Mustang GT and M3. While the car testers said the BMW was more "refined" the M3 only beat the Mustang by .1 of a second on the track. The $20,000 price difference was a lot to pay for refinement.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I don't pay much more than that for my entire fleet of 4 cars/van with 500/500 liability and comp/collision on 2 of them.
Guess clean living pays off.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I agree 100% with that statement. I was with a company for 2 years (2011-2013) and my insurance on my car went up $812 (12 month policy) in two years - and I had no tickets , no accidents, no claims. You would think they would want to keep someone like me.
I then contacted 8 insurers and saved $245 every 6 months, with better coverage. I am sure they will raise my premium after 6 months like all of them do. Why do that when you have a client who has not made a claim on insurance in over 13 years. Just can't figure that out!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I was warned about that when I decided to take out a second policy with a different company in order to save close to 50% off the quoted price (by my original vendor) for my Fiesta. I expected an increase after the six months, but haven't seen it yet after 18 months. In fact, the price has dropped a fraction of a percent at each renewal thus far. I'm still paying just shy of $100 a month for it, but that's a far cry better than the $185/mo the other company quoted me (and I've had that policy since 1997 with no claims).
They're usually pretty competitive when I add a new vehicle, but not this time. Not even close. Had the going quote been near theirs, I would not have purchased the car. There's no way I would pay over $2,000 a year to insure a car with a price tag of $16K!
Swope VW called me to tell me the car had been to the service department to have the airbag computer coded and was ready for me to pick up. I went to pick up the GLI this afternoon. It looked mostly good, but there was an under hood label which was peeling off, the interior door panel on the driver's door didn't fit correctly, and there was orange peel and some debris in the paint on the driver's door.
Oh, and get this. Remember the snafu where a scratch appeared on the lower part of the driver's door when I picked it up from the 10,000 mile service, and I had to hound them and send a nasty letter in order to get it repaired? There was a 1" scratch in exactly the same location on the new and freshly painted door skin… I blame the service department, and can only assume that they have some piece of equipment which is easy to hit with the door on my car. I wonder whether I can look forward to another scratch at my next regular service?
That being said, the body shop staff have treated me very well. They have agreed to pay for my rental vehicle until my GLI is fixed properly, and the manager emphasized repeatedly that their work has a lifetime warranty, and that if I noticed any other problems after I got the car back, they would take care of it.
I feel for you corvette - with as much damage as your GLI sustained, there will likely be many return trips to the body shop to get things right. A good body shop seems to be a tough thing to find. At least they seem to be treating you right from a service standpoint.
Best of luck - with the car and, more importantly, your own recovery.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
whichever comes first. Seems as if insurance companies aren't really focused on customer retention, as I normally change companies when I shop insurance.
Well, be careful. I know State Farm can't drop me if I suddenly get several tickets or have several claims. I know some of these "cheaper" companies will drop you like a bad habit at any sign of trouble. I've heard that if they have a CO at the end of their name they will do this in a heartbeat. loyalty at least with State Farm is important to them.
The GTI is at the dealer, for some warrantee work.
My courtesy loaner is a nearly new 2014 VW new beetle convertible – with just over 3,000 miles.
Given that this was designed with an entirely different set of priorities, but based on the same platform, I find some of the differences interesting.
The top of the windshield and the side windows are very low. Overhead traffic lights require that I lean forward to look up and see the green.
The visibility straight to the rear and to the rear sides stinks.
[ I hate hate hate not having the extra daylight of a glass sun \ moonroof. ]
The motor and transmission [ I5, A6 ] are much like the jetta I rented for 4 days last Spring.
The OEM nav system is not as good as my Garmin.
I do not find the seats nearly as comfortable as the cloth ones in my GTI.
The steering wheel rim, covered in smooth leather, is quite noticeably less thick than the GTI’s – and not as comfortable for me to grip.
The ride is similar to the GTIs, though the steering is lighter and lacks feel.
Ready for the GTI to return . . .
Craig...I'm with State Farm now. I didn't believe it when they ended up being the least expensive when I went insurance shopping a couple of years ago. But, they were.
I stick with the main companies. I've been with Nationwide, Century 21, Progressive, and probably a couple I'm forgetting.
I haven't had a ticket in over a decade. I had my previous Acura TL that was involved in a total, but that wasn't my fault and wasn't charged to me. That was about 3-4 years ago.
So, I'm probbably a low risk. But, for reasons unknown, they don't do anything to retain me as a customer. Matter of fact, I'd say they chase me away.
Maybe they want the people with tickets, DUIs, etc that they can charge much higher premiums.
Ray, I rented a "new" VW Beetle while working in Alberta a couple of months ago. I agree with everything you say. Can't compare it to a GTI as I haven't driven one of those since the '80s.
The I5 seemed quite coarse in that car. Surprisingly a little sloppy handling, too.
With all the recent talk of the ZHP 3's, this one just popped up down in Florida.
http://www.subaruofpembrokepines.com/used/BMW/2004-BMW-330i-82a9d9cc0a0a00640db096148dd403da.htm
Clean carfax, 70k miles is certainly not bad. $11.9k? If everything were to check out, seems like a pretty good deal.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I know that dealership (Lexus of Pembroke Pines) - that's where I bought my 2013 GS350. The dealership is located in the far southwestern suburbs of Broward County. The dealership is owned by the Zinn family (Craig Zinn is the CEO). They are a fairly reputable dealership and quite large in southeastern Florida. They own 2 Lexus dealerships, an Acura dealership, Jaguar, Infiniti, Subaru and several others.
They usually stand behind everything they sell.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Great news...start at Hertz tomorrow at Sunny Isles or basically North Miami Beach. Our office is on A1A and will be working 3 days/week...not sure of days/hours but will learn more tomorrow. An very thrilled and now I can keep my job in West Palm Beach as well. Will be driving a bit more but that's life...a shame that now I don't have my economical Civic anymore but loving the Tuscon. It's all that I want and could've asked for and as much as I thought I wanted a Tiguan, after driving one again a few weeks ago, like the power of my 2.4 four banger so much better and if I hadn't bought the Hyundai, I would've gotten the Mitsubishi Outlander SE with the Rockford Fosgate audio system. All works out though. Am getting a few additions to the vehicle soon like better speakers, adding a red pinstripe to the black one and getting those door protectors that go the length of the doors that are color keyed...I need more protection from hitting the other vehicle in the garage. The speakers are going to be costly so waiting on that till I put some more coinage away.
Been a great week and love my current gig and am thrilled about Hertz!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Congrats Sandman!