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@abacomike
What I meant was that the $40 seems like a lot for 5 minutes, but his knowledge allowed him to do the job in 5 minutes. I think I misinterpreted your reaction. I thought that you thought that $40 was a lot of money for 5 minutes work, so I was defending the fee because it solved the problem.
You see this dilemma quite a bit in auto repair, where the experienced mechanic "beats" the flat rate by a considerable margin and still charges you the flat rate.
Some folks think this unfair but again, if it took him 20 years to learn enough to beat the flat rate, more power to him.
Of course, this presumes that he's actually doing the job he is supposed to. If he can do a 10 hour clutch job in 5, with his know-how and fancy tools, then fine. But if he fixes a leaking hydraulic line and calls it a "clutch job", that of course is dishonest.
There are thousands of variations to the story but this sums it up:
There was an engineer who had an exceptional gift for fixing all things mechanical. After serving his company loyally for over 30 years, he happily retired. Several years later his company contacted him regarding a seemingly impossible problem they were having with one of their multi-million dollar machines. They had tried everything and everyone else to get the machine fixed, but to no avail. In desperation, they called on the retired engineer who had solved so many of their problems in the past. The engineer reluctantly took the challenge. He spent a day studying the huge machine. At the end of the day he marked a small "x" in chalk on a particular component of the machine and proudly stated, "This is where your problem is." The part was replaced and the machine worked perfectly again. The company received a bill for $10,000 from the engineer for his service. They demanded an itemized accounting of his charges. The engineer responded briefly: One chalk mark......................$1 Knowing where to put it........$9,999 It was paid in full and the engineer retired in peace
" I thought that you thought that $40 was a lot of money for 5 minutes work, so I was defending the fee because it solved the problem."
Not at all. $40.00 is a very fair and reasonable price to pay for getting my repeater set up.
2021 Genesis G90
That story supposedly originated with Charles Steinmetz a genius electrical engineer and contemporary of Thomas Edison.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
She has an 811 FICO score and only $1,100 in consumer debt. One lender told her that with her impeccable credit history she would qualify for a mortgage with only 5% down. She could put more money down if she tapped into her 401(k) but is reluctant to do so at this time.
The big hang-up with financing is the percentage of owner occupied units in the condo development/s. If it is below a certain percentage lenders won't budge. In some sectors of the housing market prices have rebounded appreciably but in others where owners are upside down they simply choose to walk away thus creating a vicious circle.
Mike, based on your suggestion she will try to see if the lender will entertain the idea of a cosigner. My wife and I are both willing to cosign for her and return take her off our Will.
Give it a shot but I wouldn't expect that to work. The building doesn't meet the standards needed for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac so your co-signing won't change that. Unless of course the bank is planning to keep the loan for it's portfolio but that's rare nowadays.
"Mike, based on your suggestion she will try to see if the lender will entertain the idea of a cosigner. My wife and I are both willing to cosign for her and return take her off our Will."
After reading your post regarding her FICO score, the only thing I can surmise is that the down payment is insufficient to convince the condo board that your daughter is acceptable considering all the vacant units. Co-signing May not do the trick in this scenario. It might just be the condo association holding things up.
Let us know how things turn out. An. 800+ FICO score is not the problem here - it's the amount of the mortgage IMHO.
2021 Genesis G90
I'd throw in with the notion that the upfront money (down payment) would need to be greater when the development/developer is "questionable."
If she's planning to be there awhile and the building(s) are sound and in a good location, she can probably ride it out but needs to be prepared to put more down.
We've all seen vinyl roofs, gold trim, and other things on cars. Guess what this car is? It has an unusual hood ornament.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I like it, whatever it is. Maybe I should throw one of those on my Volvo? Give my daughter a thrill?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
@bwia, I'm guessing this is an income issue. I did a search in about the only town I am a somewhat familiar with in the DC area and there are condo's under 100k.
Perhaps not, she is pre-qualified for up to $200K. There are several dynamics at work here. One, many of these units were purchased as investment property and are not owner occupied. The second, is the condo delinquency rate. Both of these metrics do not meet underwriting guidelines.
On most Tuesdays, not all, but most, I take Dad out to dinner at NYY Steak at the casino. He usually has steak and I get the lobster tails.
After dinner, I ordered Dad his chocolate layer cake which he nibbles at and then he likes to take the rest home with him.
While he's nibbling on his dessert, the new General Manager of the restaurant stopped by our table to introduce himself. We started talking and about 3-4 minutes into our conversation, my father abruptly asked when someone was going to put his layer cake into a doggie bag so he could take it home. I told him this is not a waiter and that he is not the person to ask to put his leftover dessert into a doggie bag. Dad says, "...why shouldn't 'he work for his high salary!"
I could have died right then and there. I apologized to Noel (new manager), but he insisted on packing up the dessert and put it into a shopping bag. He handed the bag to Dad and excused himself. I let my Dad have it - like, "...where do you come off interrupting our conversation and asking the General Manager to pack up your leftover dessert?"
He responded that he didn't do or say that! Good grief! He didn't even remember what he had done. 4 minutes ago. It was so embarrassing. His dementia is getting so bad he does not remember conversations we had 20 minutes ago.
Unless you live with this day in and day out, no one would believe this is happening. Even my brother doesn't believe me. He thinks his once every two week phone call to him is an example of what he is like.
Very frustrating and now EMBARRASSING!
2021 Genesis G90
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The wheels have a 3 pointed star center cap.
Sounds like the problem is her choice of a development that has a lot of units that are not paying their condo fees. When that happens the development can't do necessary upkeep on the property, maintain the elevator or roof or any of the other expenses. The bank is rejecting the property, not the buyer.
Our little 13 unit townhome neighborhood had a budget problem when only one home was in foreclosure for over two years & no one paid the dues on it. We had to raise the dues to provide the same services.
Convertible. CLK.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Has a 811 FICO.
Is that based on a 850 or 950 range? If it's based on 850 that's really good.
I had an 804 out of 850 before I maxed out one of my credit cards because of unexpected bills. I reduced the balance to zero in a couple of months but by then my score dropped to 735.
The whole credit score thing is kind of crazy. Different companies score you differently and the score for home buying isn't the same as the score for buying a car.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"...Very frustrating and now EMBARRASSING!..."
Mike, just explain to people that your farther has dementia and that his social filters are off. People are very sympathetic when they realize behavior is the result of an illness.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Been there done that. Only good tips I can offer is a) try to control one's urge to constantly correct the affected person (it can frighten or anger them)--when dad put the frying pan in the fridge I'd just say "thanks Pop!" and b) don't think of them as the person you knew when they were 100%--think of them as someone who has is both their old selves and a new self combined, that you're going to have to get to know all over again. It's hard. It's real hard.
And yeah, give people a heads up before they have to deal with him.
Have to rant a bit; my 19 year old son-who should know better-downloaded an .exe file to my desktop which turned out to be a Trojan that also messed with some internet settings on my desktop PC. It took me nearly two hours to eradicate it. Nasty little bugger. You'd kill it and it would pop right back. Grrr....
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Wait until you go to your 50th. Even the name tags won't help because you can't see them! I was the MC at our 50th and I told all of those Depends, laxative, and Viagra jokes. How sad is that?
Richard
RB...one word....MAC!
Kirstie....your comments about the HIgh School reunion made me chuckle. I never went to mine. I was fairly popular, Prom Court, Homecoming Court, played sports, etc. I was one of the few who enjoyed High School. I just never saw the need, nor want to see the "old" school, old friends, old girlfriend(s), relive those days.
My wife, however, is into that. Funny, as pretty and desireable as she is, she felt she needed to "lose a few pounds" to fit into her wedding dress. I certainly didn't see the need, in any way shape or form. But, she had invited some of her high school and college friends to the wedding.
That was the key....looking good, not only for me, but in front of her one time piers.
Must be a female thing. I ate a Cinnebon the day before our wedding and didn't think twice about it.
Your post on checking to see if the crew cab would fit in the garage was certainly a timely one. The day that you posted was the day I found out the answer----the hard way! After looking at many trucks, I found exactly what I wanted: Ford F150 XLT 4 door with RWD in beautiful ruby red metallic with tan interior and included the luxury package with rear camera, rear sensors, powers seats, nav, etc. My salesman turned out to be a former student who insisted that I take the truck and enjoy it for a few hours. I drove it both in and out of town and did the mall parking. I then went home to try the garage---bad mistake. I managed to get it in the garage with maybe 4 or 5 inches on each side. Realizing that this wasn't going to be a good daily fit, I pulled out of the garage. As I did, I scraped the right side mirror against the brick pillar which divides the garage into two halves! I was mortified. The two streaks on the black casing didn't look too bad, but the damage had been done. I drove back to the dealership and confessed what had happened. My salesman looked a little worried but was as nice as he could be. He asked the GM to come out and take a look. Naturally, I offered to pay for the damage and I apologized profusely. The GM was extremely kind and courteous. He said for me not to worry, that they would take care of the repair. Still, I insisted that he allow me to pay for the repair. His response was to just come back and buy a vehicle when I was ready. Wasn't that nice of him? My salesman and former student walked me to my car and was also very courteous and kind. What a day that was; I was so embarrassed.
I've called a contractor that I know to see if we can modify the center brick pillar on the front of the garage. Even if it's a load bearing pillar, I wonder if it could be made more narrow to accommodate the truck. At the same time, I don't want to destroy the integrity of the house . Still, I don't know how the original house owner put those cars from the 50s and 60s in that garage. Cars back then were like gigantic boats. We'll see what happens. After what happened, we didn't bother to negotiate on the truck, though I was ready with my research and figures. They did drive my convertible but I never asked at that point for any figures. To tell you the truth, I was ready to go home and have a drink! Also, I'm sure that I don't have to relate what my wife said about the incident.
As Mack would say, this story is definitely TO BE CONTINUED.
Richard
I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with a truck. Something to check on with the truck widths is does a model have the foldable mirrors, especially ones that are remote controlled?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Mike, bless your heart. You really had a time with your computer set up. As I read your post, it brought back those nightmare memories of the times that I have screwed up my computer. I'm much smarter with computers now. If anything happens, I don't touch the computer. I just reach for the phone and call the repair guy. I'm one of those people who WILL make things worse and end up actually paying more because of my repair efforts. I wish that Imid lived next door to me. He could take care of both my computer and car needs. Glad to hear that you finally got set up.
Richard
I feel your pain. However, if your father still goes out to dinner, he is still in good shape.
So hang in there buddy and be as patient as you can be, it could be worse.
A good friend of mine, in his late 70s, has deteriorated so quickly that he has lost his equilibrium and constantly falls off his bed. As a result, he sleeps on the floor and is basically confined to a wheel chair. How sad.
So if we start seeing posts under your name trashing BMW and singing the praises of Buicks we should know it's the virus talking?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I already figured that if I did end up with a pick up of some kind it would likely live outside. Heck the RDX (and former odyssey) were so tight I have nicked mirrors a few times.
I bet that ford has power folding mirrors, if not standard than optional. Makes all the difference. Look into that. Just get it lined up, hit the button, and good to go.
If I ever build a house it will have 2 double bays with a single door for each.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That General Manager no doubt understood the situation and although you were embarrassed, Noel probably sized up what was going on.
What you are going through is very tough and your dad is lucky to have you with him.
I'm afraid we are heading in the same direction with my 85 year old MIL.
Sadly, we may be next.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@Sterlingdog
I started looking through the standard and optional features for power folding mirrors. As I read Ford's page, the XLT has as standard power folding mirrors, so they were on the truck you were driving.
An acquaintance through classic car interests just showed up with a 150 Ford pickup. Nice. Big. And it's a 2-door IIRC.
As for the garage, have you tried backing in? I find that's easier to do while watching the mirrors on my car, and then pulling out is straight forward.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
One more suggestion. I know you want an American made vehicle, but you should at least drive a 4 door Toyota Tacoma. I believe they are actually made in San Antonio, TX.
For me, they are just the right size. No garage mods needed, plus it is very comfortable, costs less, gets better gas mileage, and will hold its value like mad. If you love the Tacoma, just pay for the Ford repair to clear your conscience.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Suggestion: If you're on Windows 7 or 8, create a standard user account that doesn't have admin rights and have your son, actually have everyone, use it for day-to-day stuff. A non-admin account doesn't have the rights to install software so malware like that exe should be avoided.
Change the password on the admin account and only use it to do software installs & updates.
On the suggestion for the Tacoma -- if you're tall and / or wide, forget about the Tacoma, you won't fit (smile).
A short while back Qbrozen was trying to figure out the current rebates / incentives for a Chrysler Town and Country. As I recall, none of the online resources were clear enough / accurate enough, and he finally had to go to the dealer to get the straight scoop. I have just spent the past hour trying to figure out the current status of incentives for a Grand Caravan, to no avail.
I guess I too will have to trek to the dealer. I would really rather have that information in hand BEFORE I show up, but oh, well.
chrysler.com/en/incentives/help-me/?modelYearCode=CUC201408
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I was looking at the ford and it says power mirrors, but nothing specified about power folding.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yes, if you are 6' 8" and/or weigh 400 pounds, you might have a problem. Otherwise you are good to go.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
We're going to have to agree to disagree. I am 6'2" and weigh 300 lbs. There isn't nearly enough headroom for me, and I definitely felt cramped (side clearance).
That web page shows "up to $2,500", and if memory serves, Qbrozen wound up with $6k or $7k in incentives. So that web page is definitely not the full story.
We have had the discussion before about height and head room. I am 6-1, weigh 160 lbs.and I have at least a foot of clearance between my head and the roof....but my height is in my legs. I have long legs and a short torso. You probably have a longer torso, and at 300 pounds you probably feel side cramped in most vehicles. We disagree because we are both right. You feel cramped in a Tacoma and I don't !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
You are right.
I read that as power for folding. I assumed all mirrors are power controlled these days. BUT you are right.
I dug through more of the Ford brochure and you have to get a Lariat or FX2/FX4 model or some options higher than the XLT I was looking at to get power-FOLDING mirrors.
But looking at the specs at the end of the pdf brochure, lower line models with mirrors are 97 in and with mirrors folded are 83.5 in: a savings of 13.5 inches. BIG difference.
assets.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/assets/2014_Ford_F-150_J1/NGBS/Nameplate_SpecificationLiteDoc/Nameplate_SpecificationLiteDoc_136B520C-CF33-9B07-6944-20FA694420FA.pdf
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The Chevy Silverado had the lowest step in and drove the most car like when I crossed shop them with Ford and Dodge in 1996. I seem to have read that those characteristics still seem to be present. Once I drove the Chevy -- the decision was easy.
Imid, good catch on the folding mirrors. My bet is that particular truck did have folding mirrors. Since the damage was to one of the mirrors (like the truck, the mirrors are huge) if those things had been folded, Richard probably would not have had a problem.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Imid beat me to it. Power folding side mirrors are available on Lariat and up models.
As I posted last week, I helped my downstairs neighbor buy a new Camry for a great price. I also mentioned that a unit owner on the other side of the building (one of my Dad's old golfing buddies) asked my Dad if he could ask me to help him buy a new Sonata.
I met with him this morning and went over the model, options, etc. He decided to go with a 2015 SE and it MSRP'd at $23,315 and had an invoice of $22,231 according to Edmunds. We noticed that there is a $500 loyalty incentive on the car and an additional $500 through their own financial institution if financed through them.
We went over to the local dealer here and he did not have much inventory on the 2015's, but gave us a price of $22,500 less $500 loyalty less the financing incentive of $500 ending up with a price of $21,500 +tax/tag/fees. According to Edmunds, that was an excellent offer. The color he wanted was a light blue with gray cloth interior. The sales manager did a locate and he had one coming in from the port next week - exactly the way he wanted it.
He decided to buy the car (2.9% APR and a loan of $10,000). He said he would pay it off after 6 months with no penalties.
He signed all the paperwork, gave the salesman the VIN on his 2009 Sonata with registration (giving the 2009 to his son after he gets the new one) so he could qualify for loyalty bonus.
The reason I brought this up was because this was the first experience I had ever had where the manager gave a price on the car that was at and even a little less than we wanted to pay without negotiating. It was the easiest purchase I had ever experienced. Of course I had handed him one of my old business cards so he knew that I knew how to buy a car. Besides, this is a 2015, not a 2014.
Why can't all purchases be this easy. Hal was extremely elated that he is getting exactly what he wanted and will pick up his new car next week. Since they had a VIN number on the incoming unit and was physically at the port.
Nice experience.
2021 Genesis G90
The complaint I always hear about the tacoma is that the seats are uncomfortable. Too low, tiring on longer drives.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
@abacomike, I'm always worried until taking possession on the actual car.
"I'm always worried until taking possession on the actual car."
On the buyer's order, I had the manager sign this statement, which I have used many times to calm the anxieties of buyers:
"...upon delivery if the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, VIN #...., to the buyer on or before July 7, 2014, if the above referenced vehicle is delivered in a condition that is not satisfactory solely at the buyer's discretion, the earnest money in the amount of $2500 shall be refunded to said buyer and the above agreement shall be null and void. "
Both the manager and buyer signed it as did I as a witness.
So I think I got that covered. If for any reason, upon delivery of the car, the vehicle is unacceptable, the deal collapses, so to speak.
2021 Genesis G90