Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50 · December 2014

abacomike said:
In this morning's newspaper, I found 20 pages of advertisements for new cars. It brings back memories of when I was in the car business.

The next 2 weeks are the busiest times of the year for new car dealerships. Sales managers will bend over backwards to sell a car during these last days of the year. The days between Christmas and New Years Eve are truly in favor of the car buyer. This is especially true for the largest dealers in the area. When I worked for Lexus and Infinity, the dealerships were, and still are, the highest volume dealerships in the U.S. For those brands. We would literally "give cars away" those last 7 days of the year in order to maintain our highest volume dealership in the U.S. title/ honor.

If a car cost me $51,000 and a customer offered me $2000 under invoice, the dealer principal authorized me to take the deal if the buyer was ready to walk. If anyone is in the market for a new car, now is the time to shop and make the deal of the year.

But that's on in-stock units right? Not on an ordered unit that might not show up for weeks.

Just noticed Ford is giving $500 off on Mustangs bought from dealer inventory by 1/6/15.

That's a start.

abacomike · December 2014

@oldfarmer50‌ said:

"But that's on in-stock units right? Not on an ordered unit that might not show up for weeks."

Yes - on in stock units. If there is a car at the port or in transit, I would extend pricing to those as well so long as they are delivered by the end of the day on December 31st.

stickguy · December 2014

My Hyundai came from a "family" dealer in PA. They actually have a number of brands and a few locations. But, family owned, and they all went out of their way to mention it a lot! Can't complain at all about the service or friendliness.

But, I have also dealt with the local automall (Penske owned), and other than a huge complex (complete with their own test track), I was never less than impressed by the salespeople, service, treatment by managers, etc.

around here, not many old school local dealers. Even the private owner ones are big operation.

abacomike · December 2014

@stickguy‌

The family owned dealerships are large corporate conglomerates in today's automobile franchises in larger cities. The small mom and pop dealerships seem to sustain themselves in small rural communities.

Down here in Southeast Florida, AutoNation owns and operates 40+ dealerships and Berkshire Hathaway just bought up a bunch of dealerships. There are a few family owned Cadillac, Buick, Acura, Nissan and Toyota dealerships, but they are few and far between.

The larger family owned dealerships include Rick Case, Holman and Zinn and are quite lucrative.

In the next 5-10 years, Berkshire Hathaway, Penske, Long, and AutoNation, to name a few, will grow even larger and influential with the major manufacturers.

verdugo · December 2014

driver100 said:

Hi driver, long time no talk. I'm actually out of town, so it might get tricky. But like you said, nothing to lose. I'll give him a call between Christmas and New Year's eve.

Yeh....you've been away for a very long time. Wondered where you were. Welcome back!

I've been lurking. I was so behind on posts that there was no point in replying. For the moment I'm caught up, so here I am once again.

stickguy · December 2014

this is the place I bought from. Yes, family owned but basically a little conglomerate.

http://www.tobesure.com/Dealership/Company_Info.cfm

driver100 · December 2014

And here is my dealership:

Cars in front are sitting in water. I guess if you buy one of those you may get rusty wheels.
The dealership is owned by an owner...not a conglomerate. I haven't heard of anyone in Canada having more than one MB dealership.

abacomike · December 2014

stickguy said:

this is the place I bought from. Yes, family owned but basically a little conglomerate. http://www.tobesure.com/Dealership/Company_Info.cfm

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I lived in the Poconos for a little over a year. I lived on the outskirts of Hazelton, just south of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. All coal regions. Very close knit communities made up of families who have lived in the region for generations.

jayrider · December 2014

abacomike said:

stickguy said:

this is the place I bought from. Yes, family owned but basically a little conglomerate.

http://www.tobesure.com/Dealership/Company_Info.cfm

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I lived in the Poconos for a little over a year. I lived on the outskirts of Hazelton, just south of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. All coal regions. Very close knit communities made up of families who have lived in the region for generations.

My college room mate lives in Frackville. Had a nice dental practice before he retired.

ab348 · December 2014

driver100 said:

Cars in front are sitting in water. I guess if you buy one of those you may get rusty wheels.

Do they drain it in winter?

I bought my Cadillac and my previous Buick from these guys, a family-owned chain:

http://www.oregans.com/about-us/

That page hasn't yet been updated to include the VW franchise they just purchased.

stickguy · December 2014

a lot like my local BMW place. Picture does not really do justice to the scale. The glass piece is actually a long ramp that wraps 1/2 around, with cars parked all along it. Looks cool at night all lit up.

abacomike · December 2014

stickguy said:

a lot like my local BMW place. Picture does not really do justice to the scale. The glass piece is actually a long ramp that wraps 1/2 around, with cars parked all along it. Looks cool at night all lit up.

When I see dealerships like this BMW palace or the Mercedes Palace near Toronto where driver bought his E400, an alarm goes off in my wallet warning me that if I buy a car in a palace like these, I'm one of those idiots paying for the glass and marble.

The Mercedes dealerships I have visited down here are less ornate and more functional. The place I buy my cars from is nicely kept, functional and very accommodating. It's made up of two large buildings - the showroom and service intake wing and the large service facility in the back of the property that can service 40 cars at a time. In the middle of the property are the new cars parked by model. It takes up about 10 acres. In the rear of the showroom facility, there is an express service facility that handles tire and wheel installation and oil changes.

All the AutoNation Mercedes Dealerships down here (6) look similar.

Mr_Shiftright · December 2014

I wonder if in 2000 years archaeologists will think these buildings were temples of worship? Well, they are in a way I guess. I certainly drop in now and then on Sundays

stickguy · December 2014

that BMW place is a smaller chain (I think they are not part of a big one yet). Has another place on same lot for Caddy, also huge.

The Penske complex building are all much smaller and less fancy. Works just fine for me.

driver100 · December 2014

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

Cars in front are sitting in water. I guess if you buy one of those you may get rusty wheels.
Do they drain it in winter?

I haven't seen it in the winter, but I doubt it. It's probably heated.....or they put some anti-freeze in the water.

driver100 · December 2014

stickguy said:
a lot like my local BMW place. Picture does not really do justice to the scale. The glass piece is actually a long ramp that wraps 1/2 around, with cars parked all along it. Looks cool at night all lit up.

Beautiful building. Do they have free coffee and donuts?

driver100 · December 2014

abacomike said:

stickguy said:

a lot like my local BMW place. Picture does not really do justice to the scale. The glass piece is actually a long ramp that wraps 1/2 around, with cars parked all along it. Looks cool at night all lit up.

When I see dealerships like this BMW palace or the Mercedes Palace near Toronto where driver bought his E400, an alarm goes off in my wallet warning me that if I buy a car in a palace like these, I'm one of those idiots paying for the glass and marble.

That is a problem. I read 3 reviews....that's all I could find, for my fancy MB dealer's palace, and the 3 reviews weren't good. They were for used cars and the customers thought they were overcharged to help pay for the big palace. I think that could be true. I don't think it should be a problem if I just get warranty work done there. The reviews were about a year old so it is possible the dealer has changed it's tactics.

When I went into this dealership I was leery, I thought I would be overcharged for the fancy palace....but the pricing seemed pretty fair to me, with no hassle. I will be careful though if I ever need service that I have to pay for.

abacomike · December 2014

@driver100‌

You paid for the maintenance plan, but if the wipers, disc pads, etc., goes, you have to pay for the wear and tear items.

I would go to your dealer for everything, but price him first against another Mercedes dealership to make sure you aren't paying for a new wing to the palace.

stickguy · December 2014

well, I only went looking there a few times. I never really looked to hard at the service department, but I'm sure they have something nice. The Caddy waiting area was well done.

Not sure how much more it really cost to build. Really just a big box with some glitzy features. What amazes me is how many cars they have. it is just rows and rows and rows.

jayrider · December 2014

stickguy said:
well, I only went looking there a few times. I never really looked to hard at the service department, but I'm sure they have something nice. The Caddy waiting area was well done.

Not sure how much more it really cost to build. Really just a big box with some glitzy features. What amazes me is how many cars they have. it is just rows and rows and rows.

Bottom line is those fancy digs mean more sales. They know what they are doing to sway most buyers and every nut and bolt in the showroom is geared to influence the lizard brain response portion of our nervous system. These guys are good so shop online and do whatever you can to keep your emotions in check. Talking from experience, easier said than done.

abacomike · December 2014

My twin brother and I inherited the gene that limits our ability to say no to a new car from our Dad. Dad used to buy a new car every 12-18 months - usually a Cadillac or an Olds 98. So I guess we thought it was a normal activity to change cars quite often.

driver100 · December 2014

abacomike said:
@driver100‌

You paid for the maintenance plan, but if the wipers, disc pads, etc., goes, you have to pay for the wear and tear items.

I would go to your dealer for everything, but price him first against another Mercedes dealership to make sure you aren't paying for a new wing to the palace.

Whenever I went to the BMW dealer for my "free" maintenance they always tried to sell me wiper blades, air filters, anything to make extra $$$$s off of me. I usually said thanks, I'll bring it in first chance, but never did. I hate having to play those games, but, you don't want to tell them off and aggravate them....I prefer to stay in their good books in case I need a favor one day.....like the Audi dealer trying to help me out a bit with the clutch.

driver100 · December 2014

abacomike said:
My twin brother and I inherited the gene that limits our ability to say no to a new car from our Dad. Dad used to buy a new car every 12-18 months - usually a Cadillac or an Olds 98. So I guess we thought it was a normal activity to change cars quite often.

Funny how that gets inherited. My SIL, the one who doesn't like to pay people and won't spend a penny if he doesn't have to, keeps his cars until they won't go any more. His sons Volvo is the one with 250k miles on it and has been repaired twice in 2 years...$4k transmission, $2k new motor.

His wifes car, my old X3, which is 11 years old keeps needing repairs. When we were there two days ago they said they only had one working key. It would cost $300 to get a new one that works. And then they look at me as if it is my fault for selling them a lemon.....they think an 11 year old car will last forever.

That habit of keeping cars forever is from his father......never sell a car if you can keep the one you have.

roadburner · December 2014

driver100 said:

abacomike said:
@driver100‌

You paid for the maintenance plan, but if the wipers, disc pads, etc., goes, you have to pay for the wear and tear items.

I would go to your dealer for everything, but price him first against another Mercedes dealership to make sure you aren't paying for a new wing to the palace.
Whenever I went to the BMW dealer for my "free" maintenance they always tried to sell me wiper blades, air filters, anything to make extra $$$$s off of me. I usually said thanks, I'll bring it in first chance, but never did. I hate having to play those games, but, you don't want to tell them off and aggravate them....I prefer to stay in their good books in case I need a favor one day.....like the Audi dealer trying to help me out a bit with the clutch.

My BMW is the exact opposite, they do everything possible to minimize our maintenance costs. For example, when the E90 was still covered by the free maintenance plan my advisor would ask me-with a wink-"Your wipers are streaking, right?" and then write on the SO "Customer states wipers blades are streaking- replace under free maintenance plan."

graphicguy · December 2014

My BMW dealer always treated me well, too. My current Caddy dealer has gone above and beyond. While not as accomodating with freebies, the wife's Honda dealer has been good, too. My Acura dealer gave good service, just no over the top service like BMW or Caddy.

I'll ask my sister about her Benz experience so far.

Audi? Well, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" comes to mind.

houdini1 · December 2014

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:
@driver100‌

You paid for the maintenance plan, but if the wipers, disc pads, etc., goes, you have to pay for the wear and tear items.

I would go to your dealer for everything, but price him first against another Mercedes dealership to make sure you aren't paying for a new wing to the palace.
Whenever I went to the BMW dealer for my "free" maintenance they always tried to sell me wiper blades, air filters, anything to make extra $$$$s off of me. I usually said thanks, I'll bring it in first chance, but never did. I hate having to play those games, but, you don't want to tell them off and aggravate them....I prefer to stay in their good books in case I need a favor one day.....like the Audi dealer trying to help me out a bit with the clutch.

My BMW is the exact opposite, they do everything possible to minimize our maintenance costs. For example, when the E90 was still covered by the free maintenance plan my advisor would ask me-with a wink-"Your wipers are streaking, right?" and then write on the SO "Customer states wipers blades are streaking- replace under free maintenance plan."

RB, thanks for mentioning "The Brass Verdict" recently. Reminded me that I hadn't read any Michael Connelly books lately. I just finished it and loved it. Good read.

venture · December 2014

driver100 said:

abacomike said:
My twin brother and I inherited the gene that limits our ability to say no to a new car from our Dad. Dad used to buy a new car every 12-18 months - usually a Cadillac or an Olds 98. So I guess we thought it was a normal activity to change cars quite often.
Funny how that gets inherited. My SIL, the one who doesn't like to pay people and won't spend a penny if he doesn't have to, keeps his cars until they won't go any more. His sons Volvo is the one with 250k miles on it and has been repaired twice in 2 years...$4k transmission, $2k new motor.

His wifes car, my old X3, which is 11 years old keeps needing repairs. When we were there two days ago they said they only had one working key. It would cost $300 to get a new one that works. And then they look at me as if it is my fault for selling them a lemon.....they think an 11 year old car will last forever.

That habit of keeping cars forever is from his father......never sell a car if you can keep the one you have.

My wife is a little like your son-in-law. I asked her twice if she was ready to trade her Forester for a new one. Both times she said, "This one is still working".

I did find one today that I think she will be interested in. It's just getting her to ride along so I can show it to her. What seems like fun to us seems to be drudgery to her.

abacomike · December 2014

venture said:

My twin brother and I inherited the gene that limits our ability to say no to a new car from our Dad. Dad used to buy a new car every 12-18 months - usually a Cadillac or an Olds 98. So I guess we thought it was a normal activity to change cars quite often.
Funny how that gets inherited. My SIL, the one who doesn't like to pay people and won't spend a penny if he doesn't have to, keeps his cars until they won't go any more. His sons Volvo is the one with 250k miles on it and has been repaired twice in 2 years...$4k transmission, $2k new motor. His wifes car, my old X3, which is 11 years old keeps needing repairs. When we were there two days ago they said they only had one working key. It would cost $300 to get a new one that works. And then they look at me as if it is my fault for selling them a lemon.....they think an 11 year old car will last forever. That habit of keeping cars forever is from his father......never sell a car if you can keep the one you have.
My wife is a little like your son-in-law. I asked her twice if she was ready to trade her Forester for a new one. Both times she said, "This one is still working". I did find one today that I think she will be interested in. It's just getting her to ride along so I can show it to her. What seems like fun to us seems to be drudgery to her.

The female of our species is unemotional when it comes to buying a new car. They are logical-sequential about new car shopping.

As an example, "...the car stops, starts, turns and goes forward and backward - who needs a new car?" Another take on the seemingly contractary comment on unemotionality is, "...when it stops working right and the mechanic can't fix it, maybe we should buy something used that works?"

These are the inner thoughts of a rational and sane human being!

Then there is the emotional male of our species when it comes to new car buying. "...but the neighbors next door just bought a Corvette - why shouldn't I buy a Porsche?" Then the comment, "...but a new car has the extended warranty and 65 mor horsepower!" What about, "..,but they have a $3600 conquest incentive on the BMW 5 Series!" But then there is the retort, "...and on top of all the other reasons to buy a new car, they just came out with a twin turbo at 500 hp!"

Yes, the female is cerebral when it comes to buying a new car while the male thinks with his twin spheres below his navel!

stever · December 2014

I think the percentage of motorheads who actually buy on HP or exhaust note is relatively small. They may post or and squeal away from the stop sign more but most people just want to get from point A to point B without much drama.

Look at BMW; it's no longer a "driver's car" but the biggest selling luxury car in the US. At least until the final numbers come in. (4wheelsnews.com).

And the new crop of drivers (the ones that finally get around to getting a license in the first place) is way more concerned about Bluetooth and their USB ports than the number of cylinders.

dino001 · December 2014

driver100 said:
Whenever I went to the BMW dealer for my "free" maintenance they always tried to sell me wiper blades, air filters, anything to make extra $$$$s off of me.

Are Canadian free mainenace rules different than US? Wiper blades, air filter are all in the program in the US. If your dealer tried to double dip, that is a reason to report it.

My dealer tried to upsell me on alignment, differ fluid and injector cleaning once, at 15k, which is simply ridiculous. I blasted them for it in the survey (which was not posted, unlike all other positive ones, of course), no such attempts since. I didn't think they read it, but they aparently did. I think they might have stopped sending me surveys altogether.

driver100 · December 2014

venture said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:
My twin brother and I inherited the gene that limits our ability to say no to a new car from our Dad. Dad used to buy a new car every 12-18 months - usually a Cadillac or an Olds 98. So I guess we thought it was a normal activity to change cars quite often.
Funny how that gets inherited. My SIL, the one who doesn't like to pay people and won't spend a penny if he doesn't have to, keeps his cars until they won't go any more. His sons Volvo is the one with 250k miles on it and has been repaired twice in 2 years...$4k transmission, $2k new motor.

His wifes car, my old X3, which is 11 years old keeps needing repairs. When we were there two days ago they said they only had one working key. It would cost $300 to get a new one that works. And then they look at me as if it is my fault for selling them a lemon.....they think an 11 year old car will last forever.

That habit of keeping cars forever is from his father......never sell a car if you can keep the one you have.

My wife is a little like your son-in-law. I asked her twice if she was ready to trade her Forester for a new one. Both times she said, "This one is still working".

I did find one today that I think she will be interested in. It's just getting her to ride along so I can show it to her. What seems like fun to us seems to be drudgery to her.

I think you have to use logic, or at least razzle dazzle her with the numbers. I think, you won't pay much more to trade in a 4 or 5 year old car for a new one if you work out payments per year, cost of repairs, value of a one year newer trade - in.

That one article I read said realistically, cars lose 15% of their value the first year, and 10% after that. I think the best is to either trade every 4 to 6 years or keep the car until it does fall apart. But, remember, if it falls apart you have to go out and pay the full price for a new car. Buying regularly is like a forced savings plan, with insurance - no big problems while under warranty, unless you are driving an Audi.

driver100 · December 2014

dino001 said:

driver100 said:
Whenever I went to the BMW dealer for my "free" maintenance they always tried to sell me wiper blades, air filters, anything to make extra $$$$s off of me.
Are Canadian free mainenace rules different than US? Wiper blades, air filter are all in the program in the US. If your dealer tried to double dip, that is a reason to report it.

You are very observant dino. Blades and filters are covered in the US, but, not in Canada. The other big difference in the USA is if you want to go to the factory in Germany to see your car being made, they will reduce the price of the car by 7%, which will cover your airfare. In Canada there is no reduction for that. I considered doing it with the last bmw, but, since they wouldn't give a discount I discarded the idea.

The other thing is, when you are finished using the car in Europe, they will ship it to North America, but, you will lose a few weeks of use and warranty time.

venture · December 2014

driver100 said:

venture said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:
My twin brother and I inherited the gene that limits our ability to say no to a new car from our Dad. Dad used to buy a new car every 12-18 months - usually a Cadillac or an Olds 98. So I guess we thought it was a normal activity to change cars quite often.
Funny how that gets inherited. My SIL, the one who doesn't like to pay people and won't spend a penny if he doesn't have to, keeps his cars until they won't go any more. His sons Volvo is the one with 250k miles on it and has been repaired twice in 2 years...$4k transmission, $2k new motor.

His wifes car, my old X3, which is 11 years old keeps needing repairs. When we were there two days ago they said they only had one working key. It would cost $300 to get a new one that works. And then they look at me as if it is my fault for selling them a lemon.....they think an 11 year old car will last forever.

That habit of keeping cars forever is from his father......never sell a car if you can keep the one you have.

My wife is a little like your son-in-law. I asked her twice if she was ready to trade her Forester for a new one. Both times she said, "This one is still working".

I did find one today that I think she will be interested in. It's just getting her to ride along so I can show it to her. What seems like fun to us seems to be drudgery to her.
I think you have to use logic, or at least razzle dazzle her with the numbers. I think, you won't pay much more to trade in a 4 or 5 year old car for a new one if you work out payments per year, cost of repairs, value of a one year newer trade - in.

That one article I read said realistically, cars lose 15% of their value the first year, and 10% after that. I think the best is to either trade every 4 to 6 years or keep the car until it does fall apart. But, remember, if it falls apart you have to go out and pay the full price for a new car. Buying regularly is like a forced savings plan, with insurance - no big problems while under warranty, unless you are driving an Audi.

I think you and Mike are right about the logic thing. I asked her again a few minutes ago if she wanted to go have a look at the one I found. She mentioned that we didn't have enough time right now since we are getting ready to go to a Christmas party.

That's a giant step forward!

I explained about the end of year quotas, the fact that her car is worth more right now as a trade, Subaru is offering 0% financing, and that the payment will actually be lower (even though she doesn't make the payment) since she is so...ahh...frugal. I also said I was only asking her one more time. Sort of calling her bluff.

driver100 · December 2014

venture said:

driver100 said:

venture said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:
My twin brother and I inherited the gene that limits our ability to say no to a new car from our Dad. Dad used to buy a new car every 12-18 months - usually a Cadillac or an Olds 98. So I guess we thought it was a normal activity to change cars quite often.
Funny how that gets inherited. My SIL, the one who doesn't like to pay people and won't spend a penny if he doesn't have to, keeps his cars until they won't go any more. His sons Volvo is the one with 250k miles on it and has been repaired twice in 2 years...$4k transmission, $2k new motor.

His wifes car, my old X3, which is 11 years old keeps needing repairs. When we were there two days ago they said they only had one working key. It would cost $300 to get a new one that works. And then they look at me as if it is my fault for selling them a lemon.....they think an 11 year old car will last forever.

That habit of keeping cars forever is from his father......never sell a car if you can keep the one you have.

My wife is a little like your son-in-law. I asked her twice if she was ready to trade her Forester for a new one. Both times she said, "This one is still working".

I did find one today that I think she will be interested in. It's just getting her to ride along so I can show it to her. What seems like fun to us seems to be drudgery to her.
I think you have to use logic, or at least razzle dazzle her with the numbers. I think, you won't pay much more to trade in a 4 or 5 year old car for a new one if you work out payments per year, cost of repairs, value of a one year newer trade - in.

That one article I read said realistically, cars lose 15% of their value the first year, and 10% after that. I think the best is to either trade every 4 to 6 years or keep the car until it does fall apart. But, remember, if it falls apart you have to go out and pay the full price for a new car. Buying regularly is like a forced savings plan, with insurance - no big problems while under warranty, unless you are driving an Audi.

I think you and Mike are right about the logic thing. I asked her again a few minutes ago if she wanted to go have a look at the one I found. She mentioned that we didn't have enough time right now since we are getting ready to go to a Christmas party.

That's a giant step forward!

I explained about the end of year quotas, the fact that her car is worth more right now as a trade, Subaru is offering 0% financing, and that the payment will actually be lower (even though she doesn't make the payment) since she is so...ahh...frugal. I also said I was only asking her one more time. Sort of calling her bluff.

Unfortunately, you have to use "men's tactics" to try to win this one. It's like Mars fighting Venus.

abacomike · December 2014

@venture‌

One of the many, many things I learned about my wonderful wife (may she rest in peace) is to never use the phrase, "...this is the last time I will bring this up..." or to call her bluff. First of all, she never bluffed and secondly, she would respond to my "last time" comment by stating, "...is that a promise or a threat?" I always lost those arguments.

I just went ahead and "did it anyway!" She would always ask me why I asked her permission to buy her a car and would buy it even if she said no. I would respond that I always wanted to keep her in the loop!

stickguy · December 2014

My wife splits the difference. She is on the "the car we have is fine" bandwagon. Up to a point. And that point is if it has a problem and strands her, or she no longer trusts it. Then, it is 1 strike and you are out, and time for a new car. This of course is for "her" car (which tends to also be the main family/travel mobile). If I want to drive around in an old one, she does not care all that much, as long as it doesn't inconvenience her.

Venture, if her Sube is a 2011, why the big rush to get a replacement? Sounds like it is barely broken in! I tend to be "frugal" too, and no way if the car is fine I will force her to go out and spend money. Unless I don't like it, in which case, I will.

one condition for getting the RDX for her was she had to keep it at least 10 years. Was doing fine until she saw all the goodies my Sonata has that she now wants. I think in 3 years, there is a good chance she gets a new car, and I inherit a 5 YO RDX!

roadburner · December 2014

I might have said this before, but my lovely bride knew and accepted my car/bike obsession long before we got married- she even found my first BMW for me. Right now she is cool with the current cars I'm considering- even encouraging me to order an M235i. But I'll probably wind up in an overpowered lump of Detroit iron...

sterlingdog · December 2014

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE! I couldn't allow the season to go by without telling all of you how I've missed you and how often I have thought about you. We were doing a few last minute Christmas cards and it suddenly dawned on me that I had to post greetings to you or it just wouldn't be like Christmas to me. I hope that all of you have been well and that your automobiles have been running in good shape. I know that some of you have purchased new vehicles and I congratulate you on your purchases. My truck is doing great and just passed the 3K mark yesterday. It has been in four Christmas parades and everyone loved the ruby red for Christmas. It donned a big red bow and a pair of antlers as it hauled 8 people in the truck bed and 6 in the cab. It went to the mountains once and the beach twice. I love it beyond words. It's different from any vehicles that I have ever owned. I can't really compare it to a car except for the comfort within the cab---just as comfortable as the wife's Caddy, even better I think. It promised 21 mpg hwy but I'm only getting 17.1 mpg now. They said that after 3k miles, it would begin to improve. We'll see. If it doesn't, I don't care; I still love it. Though a really tight squeeze, I have become accustomed to getting it in and out of the garage. Not a problem with the mirrors folded. That may seem like a nuisance each day, but when I consider the enjoyment I get, I really don't mind getting out to fold in the mirrors once a day.

It's been a really hectic fall. Running the county museum is a much bigger job than I ever envisioned---exhibits to display, programs to conduct, club speaking engagements, etc. In addition, my wife and I were in charge of the Christmas Home Tour this year---seven older homes decorated and publicized. It was a lot of work but we sold over 500 tickets and had over 200 walk-ins. The money is going toward putting a new roof on the museum this year. I'm also serving on a couple of other boards so I nearly feel as if I have gone back to work. It's all rewarding work and, at my age, I'm so grateful that I have the energy to contribute.

Still, I have missed all of you very much. I always enjoyed the great conversations, the many things that I learned here, and most of all the friendships that we formed. I hope to be here more in 2015. Regardless of your faith or beliefs, I do want to wish all of you the very best during this special time of year. I hope that 2015 brings you only the best in health and happiness. Take really good care of yourselves.

Warmest regards,
Richard

abacomike · December 2014

sterlingdog said:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE! I couldn't allow the season to go by without telling all of you how I've missed you and how often I have thought about you. We were doing a few last minute Christmas cards and it suddenly dawned on me that I had to post greetings to you or it just wouldn't be like Christmas to me. I hope that all of you have been well and that your automobiles have been running in good shape. I know that some of you have purchased new vehicles and I congratulate you on your purchases. My truck is doing great and just passed the 3K mark yesterday. It has been in four Christmas parades and everyone loved the ruby red for Christmas. It donned a big red bow and a pair of antlers as it hauled 8 people in the truck bed and 6 in the cab. It went to the mountains once and the beach twice. I love it beyond words. It's different from any vehicles that I have ever owned. I can't really compare it to a car except for the comfort within the cab---just as comfortable as the wife's Caddy, even better I think. It promised 21 mpg hwy but I'm only getting 17.1 mpg now. They said that after 3k miles, it would begin to improve. We'll see. If it doesn't, I don't care; I still love it. Though a really tight squeeze, I have become accustomed to getting it in and out of the garage. Not a problem with the mirrors folded. That may seem like a nuisance each day, but when I consider the enjoyment I get, I really don't mind getting out to fold in the mirrors once a day. It's been a really hectic fall. Running the county museum is a much bigger job than I ever envisioned---exhibits to display, programs to conduct, club speaking engagements, etc. In addition, my wife and I were in charge of the Christmas Home Tour this year---seven older homes decorated and publicized. It was a lot of work but we sold over 500 tickets and had over 200 walk-ins. The money is going toward putting a new roof on the museum this year. I'm also serving on a couple of other boards so I nearly feel as if I have gone back to work. It's all rewarding work and, at my age, I'm so grateful that I have the energy to contribute. Still, I have missed all of you very much. I always enjoyed the great conversations, the many things that I learned here, and most of all the friendships that we formed. I hope to be here more in 2015. Regardless of your faith or beliefs, I do want to wish all of you the very best during this special time of year. I hope that 2015 brings you only the best in health and happiness. Take really good care of yourselves. Warmest regards, Richard

From my family to yours, we wish you Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year. Stay in touch, Richard - I sure miss your posts.

driver100 · December 2014

sterlingdog said:
Regardless of your faith or beliefs, I do want to wish all of you the very best during this special time of year. I hope that 2015 brings you only the best in health and happiness. Take really good care of yourselves.

Warmest regards,
Richard

Nicxe of you to check in with the boyzzzzzz (like Benzzzz - that's an inside joke btw).

Great to hear from you and glad that someone is benefitting from your experience and knowledge.

All the best for the Holidays and for the New Year!

Driver

driver100 · December 2014

abacomike said:
@venture‌

One of the many, many things I learned about my wonderful wife (may she rest in peace) is to never use the phrase, "...this is the last time I will bring this up..." or to call her bluff. First of all, she never bluffed and secondly, she would respond to my "last time" comment by stating, "...is that a promise or a threat?" I always lost those arguments.

I just went ahead and "did it anyway!" She would always ask me why I asked her permission to buy her a car and would buy it even if she said no. I would respond that I always wanted to keep her in the loop!

It's like when you hear, "Well, what do you think" it is just best to say the same as you dear. There's no way to win that one.

I still say spell out the advantages of a new car and hope she thinks it's her idea to get a new one. Another thing is to say her car was found to be unsafe.....that helps.

I have been driving the A4 a lot since we only have the one car up here. It is such a pleasant car to drive, I find it way more fun than any car I have driven. Something about that size of car, and the manual helps make it go nice too.

But, our trust is kind of gone. Now any little odd thing makes me think it is going to break down. I wore new shoes and I wasn't shifting as smooth as usual...and it makes us nervous. My wife mentioned maybe we should just check out a C Class. I don't know, I guess our daughter can use it while we are gone and we'll look at MBs when we get back...I was thinking maybe a 2015 when the 16s come out since she only goes about 5k miles a year.

venture · December 2014

Driver - You may be right.

Mike - I have been down this road before. Every time I wanted to get her something newer, it was met with resistance. I don't know why other than she hates to waste anything. Not a bad thing, but taking it to extremes is.

Stick - I like her to have something new every few years. She teaches and must be on the road every day. In the winter, especially, I don't want to risk her getting stranded. I know it's only a little over 3 years old and only has 28,000 miles, but it's just time. The one I'm looking at also has a few options that her present one doesn't have that she should have (even though she doesn't know it).

RB - She doesn't say anything about me switching cars; just when I want to get her something else. Hard to figure out.

abacomike · December 2014

venture said:

Driver - You may be right. Mike - I have been down this road before. Every time I wanted to get her something newer, it was met with resistance. I don't know why other than she hates to waste anything. Not a bad thing, but taking it to extremes is. Stick - I like her to have something new every few years. She teaches and must be on the road every day. In the winter, especially, I don't want to risk her getting stranded. I know it's only a little over 3 years old and only has 28,000 miles, but it's just time. The one I'm looking at also has a few options that her present one doesn't have that she should have (even though she doesn't know it). RB - She doesn't say anything about me switching cars; just when I want to get her something else. Hard to figure out.

Do what I used to do - have the dealer deliver the new car to the driveway with a red ribbon on the hood on Christmas Eve. When I was in the car business, lots of cars were delivered to spouses and significant others by my salesmen - all with red ribbons on them. I used to get a large supply of those ribbons every November for the holidays.

My wife used to be very surprised (did it once or twice so as not to make it a frequent Christmas gift) and she always forgave me for not consulting her before the purchase.

Try it - I think you will be surprised at how much that means to her.

cdnpinhead · December 2014

sterlingdog said:
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE! Richard

Hey! Welcome back. I haven't even read your post yet, since I'm about to leave for supper, but was about to write a post wondering where you've been.

driver100 · December 2014

abacomike said:

venture said:

Driver - You may be right.

Mike - I have been down this road before. Every time I wanted to get her something newer, it was met with resistance. I don't know why other than she hates to waste anything. Not a bad thing, but taking it to extremes is.

Stick - I like her to have something new every few years. She teaches and must be on the road every day. In the winter, especially, I don't want to risk her getting stranded. I know it's only a little over 3 years old and only has 28,000 miles, but it's just time. The one I'm looking at also has a few options that her present one doesn't have that she should have (even though she doesn't know it).

RB - She doesn't say anything about me switching cars; just when I want to get her something else. Hard to figure out.

y wife used to be very surprised (did it once or twice so as not to make it a frequent Christmas gift) and she always forgave me for not consulting her before the purchase.

Try it - I think you will be surprised at how much that means to her.

Mike, I think you have to be careful about that one...in some cases. I know people put bows on cars and surprise loved ones and it makes a great gift. I know, my wife has to choose her own car. She is looking for all the things I would look at before buying, and if she is going to be driving it she wants to decide what she wants, what size engine and what colors.

There's other things to consider too. Some couples want to make major decisions together. I wouldn't buy a car my wife doesn't find pleasant for her, and I would never take the chance of buying her a car she hasn't actually driven. For some people the price of a new car may not be a major financial decision, but, for some people they have to figure out their priorities and really decide where their money should go.

To Venture, your wife sounds like the kind of person who has to approve of a major purchase like a car, and there sure isn't anything wrong with that.....great that she is so responsible.

abacomike · December 2014

@driver100‌

Driver, I do not recommend that anyone surprise their wife or SO with a car or SUV that she has not driven and liked. That would be grounds for a divorce or close to it. The cars I surprised my wife with were cars she had driven and liked, but did not want to trade her old one in on.

My wife's tastes in cars was very different than mine. She liked smaller cars like the X body cars from GM. She loved her Honda Prelude and I would never take that away from her. But she was not in love with the cars before the Prelude. But the red Prelude was her best friend.

driver100 · December 2014

abacomike said:
@driver100‌

Driver, I do not recommend that anyone surprise their wife or SO with a car or SUV that she has not driven and liked. That would be grounds for a divorce or close to it. The cars I surprised my wife with were cars she had driven and liked, but did not want to trade her old one in on.

My wife's tastes in cars was very different than mine. She liked smaller cars like the X body cars from GM. She loved her Honda Prelude and I would never take that away from her. But she was not in love with the cars before the Prelude. But the red Prelude was her best friend.

OK...I understand now! I have heard of people surprising a wife or kids with a new car, and I am sure it makes some people very happy. Old Farmer would probably love to wake up on Christmas Day and find a new Mustang in his driveway, but, probably not best in every case.
I have received sweaters that are itchy, slippers that were weird, shirts that go with nothing I have. I wouldn't to see a new gift wrapped Smart Car in my driveway.

stickguy · December 2014

I learned not to pick out something for my wife. The hard way. Better to let her pick out what she wants and signs off on it.

Now, if that has happened, and she is all geared up for it, then surprising her with it is just fine.

abacomike · December 2014

stickguy said:

I learned not to pick out something for my wife. The hard way. Better to let her pick out what she wants and signs off on it. Now, if that has happened, and she is all geared up for it, then surprising her with it is just fine.

EXACTLY!!!

graphicguy · December 2014

Richard...great to hear from you. Best to you and yours. Stick around.

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