Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

stickguy · January 2015

What happened to sandy? Dude left us hanging yesterday.

stickguy · January 2015

I agree with whoever said we should buy all the cheap foreign oil while we can. Let them run out first.

stever · January 2015

I'm thinking it's a good time to shop a Prius. I just wish the Prius V upgrade wasn't a year behind the current regular Prius remodel. Although today's recall on the V could help whack another $100 off the price.

Michaell · January 2015

stever said:
I'm thinking it's a good time to shop a Prius. I just wish the Prius V upgrade wasn't a year behind the current regular Prius remodel. Although today's recall on the V could help whack another $100 off the price.

I'm thinking the same thing. Filled my tank yesterday for only $20. Imagine how far that would go with a hybrid. Wonder if the low gas prices are depressing the value of used hybrids.

If this trend lasts until my lease is up next year, I could see getting a used Insight or Prius C on the cheap for pizza duty.

henryn · January 2015

Okay, went down and test drove a used Genesis. I went to the closest Hyundai dealership, their web page showed 6 in stock, I printed off the list, showed it to the salesman, and told him which one I wanted to drive. The only one with the V8 engine, naturally.

The salesman goes off for 10 minutes, comes back and tells me they sold that one last week, they don’t have any V8’s, would I like to test drive a V6. Okay, sure, why not, I’m already here. The car is nice, very luxurious, very quiet inside. I get the chance to mash the go pedal, and it takes off like a scalded cat. I make a comment to the salesman, “If the V6 runs this good, I don’t need the V8.” We get back to the dealership, I walk around the car, and lo and behold, there on the trunk is an emblem probably proclaiming “4.6”. I point this out to the salesman, and then have to explain to him that means it is the V8.

So I tell him to run the numbers for me. He goes off to the back room for a few minutes, and comes back with a printout showing $31,xxx for the bottom line. Which is about $4k more than I expected, so I start looking at the line items. One jumps out at me immediately, $2,474 for “Hyundai Car Care”. I ask the salesman what exactly is “Hyundai Car Care”. His answer, “Window tint, paint protection, etc.”

I shake my head, mutter something about, “I can’t believe anyone would have the nerve to ask $2,474 for mop and glo.” Then I just walk out. No “Thank you for your time”, no “good day”, just leave. The salesman never says a word. I expect he has encountered that reaction before.

js06gv · January 2015

oldfarmer50 said:

js06gv said:
I had forgotten about Bruce Williams and how much I used to enjoy his show so I googled too. Found he came back on in 2012 and left again in 2013. There are archived podcasts here. Listening to one right now. http://www.brucewilliams.com/about_bruce.html
That picture someone posted doesn't jive with the mental image I had of him. Use to listen to him on the radio during long drives on the job back in the 80s.

Say how are you liking your new Mustang? The one I drove seemed almost too quiet for a GT. I was wondering if I would have to install custom mufflers to get the proper sound.

Love love love the car. And couldn't agree more on the sound, way too quiet and "refined," which is something I wrote about when I test drove my first '15 back in Nov. I shuffled it over to my regular muffler shop by day 4 of ownership, and had the same Borla mufflers installed that I had on my '11. It was the first '15 the shop got in, and the owner said that the exhaust setup had changed from what Mustangs have had for years. I don't remember all the particulars, but I'm pretty sure he said there was an additional resonator that Ford put in there, I'm sure to achieve the quietness that guys like you and I think is TOO quiet. He told me the car would have some more rumble with the Borlas, but it would probably still be a little quieter than the '11 unless I wanted him to also remove the resonator. He suggested I drive it for awhile with just the mufflers changed out to see how I liked it, and he could always do the additional work later if I wanted it. Turns out that the balance of some more sound and highway drivability is perfect, at least to me. He was right about it being quieter than the '11 but I actually like it better and everyone who has been in the car comments about how great it sounds. The best way I can describe this Mustang compared to the previous gen is more "grown up" and my current muffler setup is consistent with that. I may also change the tips out too but haven't decided for sure.

ab348 · January 2015

henryn said:

So I tell him to run the numbers for me. He goes off to the back room for a few minutes, and comes back with a printout showing $31,xxx for the bottom line. Which is about $4k more than I expected, so I start looking at the line items. One jumps out at me immediately, $2,474 for “Hyundai Car Care”. I ask the salesman what exactly is “Hyundai Car Care”. His answer, “Window tint, paint protection, etc.”

I shake my head, mutter something about, “I can’t believe anyone would have the nerve to ask $2,474 for mop and glo.” Then I just walk out. No “Thank you for your time”, no “good day”, just leave. The salesman never says a word. I expect he has encountered that reaction before.

Sadly, that is totally consistent with my experience with the local Hyundai dealer here. Scumbags. Hyundai has a long way to go in that department I think.

explorerx4 · January 2015

@stever, My sister has a Prius V. Other than the fuel mileage, it's just like driving a 10 year old car. Some companies go for a nostalgia look, others a nostalgia driving experience. It would be like driving your old van, except it has a screen in the dash and gets twice the mileage.

stickguy · January 2015

I think it is more about the dealer, not the brand. My recent Hyundai purchase was one of the best experiences I ever had. Friendly, up front, good price. everything you would hope for.

driver100 · January 2015

stickguy said:
What happened to sandy? Dude left us hanging yesterday.

Driving around with his new wheels!

Another one who hasn't been around is Mako. Maybe he is stuck in snow!

driver100 · January 2015

Michaell said:

stever said:
I'm thinking it's a good time to shop a Prius. I just wish the Prius V upgrade wasn't a year behind the current regular Prius remodel. Although today's recall on the V could help whack another $100 off the price.
I'm thinking the same thing. Filled my tank yesterday for only $20. Imagine how far that would go with a hybrid. Wonder if the low gas prices are depressing the value of used hybrids.

If this trend lasts until my lease is up next year, I could see getting a used Insight or Prius C on the cheap for pizza duty.

I think there is less reason to buy a Prius now than ever. With gas at about $2 a gallon why go hybrid. And the real kicker is who knows how much those batteries are going to cost to repair or replace? What does $2 a gallon do to cars like the Volt?

driver100 · January 2015

henryn said:

So I tell him to run the numbers for me. He goes off to the back room for a few minutes, and comes back with a printout showing $31,xxx for the bottom line. Which is about $4k more than I expected, so I start looking at the line items. One jumps out at me immediately, $2,474 for “Hyundai Car Care”. I ask the salesman what exactly is “Hyundai Car Care”. His answer, “Window tint, paint protection, etc.”

I think that is "insulting your intelligence". I think you should have mentioned that to him.

I was looking into a car with window tint and I don't like that you can't see in. We all wave at our neighbors down here when we drive by and you can't see who is in the car if the windows are tinted. I have no desire to get tinted windows. I know it is important to full time Florida residence. Being a snowbird I wouldn't get tinted windows if it was offered free.

Btw very little light comes through the Panarama sun roof in the E400. It is like having extra light and brightness with no glaring sun. I like the sun roof and especially the black roof.

fezo · January 2015

"I think there is less reason to buy a Prius now than ever. With gas at about $2 a gallon why go hybrid. And the real kicker is who knows how much those batteries are going to cost to repair or replace? What does $2 a gallon do to cars like the Volt?"

Um, the Prius had been around a decade. They have a pretty good idea on how those batteries last - and they do last.

Why buy one at $2 gas? Never underestimate one's inner cheapskate. At one point, relatively so the hybrids won't cost much more than their ICE counterparts. Get used to them.

If I hit the lottery I'd buy a Tesla.

stever · January 2015

Sandy has posted about his new wheels over in CCBA.

stickguy · January 2015

I actually think it is a great time. prices will be even lower, and (yes, I have the inner cheapskate, outer, under, over, you name it) going. the idea of spending about $5/month on gas makes me giddy!

graphicguy · January 2015

$2.12/gal for PUG At Costco!

fezo · January 2015

$1.93 at Costco here.

My brother has a Volt. He hardly ever buys gas.

stever · January 2015

Haven't seen it with my own eyes, but it looks like regular is down to $1.56 here.

Guess Sandy got sidetracked.

Michaell · January 2015

$1.719 for RUG at the local Kroger.

mako1a · January 2015

Another one who hasn't been around is Mako. Maybe he is stuck in snow!

No snow problems here. Had an inch last week, but it was gone by 3 PM.
I did, however pay attention to the new owner of the 15 Mustang GT when he put on Borla exhaust. I've been thinking about Magnaflow and wondering where I can hear the difference as I'm pretty particular about sound. My Z28 went thru 3 entire exhaust systems from collector tube back before I got to the one I liked.

Besides that I finally changed the 4 year old battery on my Generac. Tight squeeze getting it in/out, but it's done so no worries about power outages for another 5 years. Also put a new belt tensioner, belt and A/C belt on the old truck after hearing Imid and his troubles. $350 to not have to walk in the cold is a bargain. Plus a new Interstate battery in the wife's Denali. We're good to go now.

driver100 · January 2015

stever said:
Sandy has posted about his new wheels over in CCBA.

Thanks for the link so we could hear the rest of the story. I wonder how the guy who buys the Jetta that was supposed to have 17 in wheels likes getting 16 in wheels?

driver100 · January 2015

fezo said:
"

If I hit the lottery I'd buy a Tesla.

I know people love them, but having a range of 300 miles just doesn't do it for me.

Good point about the Prius...10 years! But I read reviews on Edmunds and though many people like them many have had very expensive repairs. This one is typical...called a Fun Drive to the Poorhouse:

Great car! Runs as well today as it did 1st day I bought it! The issue is maintenance costs, which are considerable IF you don't do your own maintenance! We've had no recalls, no repair under warranty, BUT the maintenance costs to-date approach $5000! That breaks down to about ($995/mo to be exact!) $3900 more than my 12 yr old pickup that I drive everyday! Ask to see the maintenance schedule & visit the repair shop and checkout the listed maintenance schedule prices! A REAL EYE OPENER! Oh, if I only knew then what I know now! OUCH!

There are a lot more like that. Some people have no problems, others lots of costly problems.
EDMUNDS - RESEARCH OLDER MODEL PRIUS

venture · January 2015

mako1a said:
Another one who hasn't been around is Mako. Maybe he is stuck in snow!

No snow problems here. Had an inch last week, but it was gone by 3 PM.
I did, however pay attention to the new owner of the 15 Mustang GT when he put on Borla exhaust. I've been thinking about Magnaflow and wondering where I can hear the difference as I'm pretty particular about sound. My Z28 went thru 3 entire exhaust systems from collector tube back before I got to the one I liked.

Here's an installation of the Ford Racing Borla system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwwwQryCUNc

Here's the Magnaflow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGebHTZ2xzY

I assume the Ford Racing system won't affect the warranty.

imidazol97 · January 2015

js06gv said:
That picture someone posted doesn't jive with the mental image I had of him. Use to listen to him on the radio during long drives on the job back in the 80s.

Here's a picture that "sounds" like him:

Here's a contemporaneous picture of his from his facebook page:

And

ab348 · January 2015

Getting old always sucks....

jayrider · January 2015

driver100 said:

fezo said:
"

If I hit the lottery I'd buy a Tesla.
I know people love them, but having a range of 300 miles just doesn't do it for me.

Good point about the Prius...10 years! But I read reviews on Edmunds and though many people like them many have had very expensive repairs. This one is typical...called a Fun Drive to the Poorhouse:

Great car! Runs as well today as it did 1st day I bought it! The issue is maintenance costs, which are considerable IF you don't do your own maintenance! We've had no recalls, no repair under warranty, BUT the maintenance costs to-date approach $5000! That breaks down to about ($995/mo to be exact!) $3900 more than my 12 yr old pickup that I drive everyday! Ask to see the maintenance schedule & visit the repair shop and checkout the listed maintenance schedule prices! A REAL EYE OPENER! Oh, if I only knew then what I know now! OUCH!

There are a lot more like that. Some people have no problems, others lots of costly problems.
EDMUNDS - RESEARCH OLDER MODEL PRIUS

Can't imagine how he spends 5K in maintenance. $59 every 10k miles. He must tell the dealer to do everything on the menu board to get to that point.

stickguy · January 2015

Driver, if I had to guess, the VW dealer has themselves all screwed up now. But what they are going to do is take the original Sandy 17" wheels off of the TDI Golf, put the 16" ones back on that (with the now used tires) and the 17s on the Jetta. And never again agree to a wheel swap off another car.

mako1a · January 2015

Venture, thanks so much for the Borla Magnaflow comparison. What will they think of next? Muffler sound comparison without going to the street. Make mine a Magnaflow, please. Also noticed the difference between 2013 (straight axle) and 2015 (with IRS).

abacomike · January 2015

stever said:
Sandy has posted about his new wheels over in CCBA.

Yes, I read his posts about the wheels. When I posted (in response to his post about the vibration), I remember he said that the Golf Diesel and the Golf Gasoline vehicles have interchangeable wheels, which is why he had the Golf Diesel Wheels put on his car because he liked them better. My post mentioned that "...so long as the wheels from the Diesel Golf are interchangeable with the Gasoline Golf, the service department must fix the problem..."

I was surprised that the VW dealer changed the wheels "knowing full well" that they were not the right size wheel or the correct tires for Sandy's Golf. If Sandy had had an accident attributable to the wheels/tires, he could have sued his dealership for negligence.

Before my dealer put on my 19" tires and wheels, they had to ensure that they met the specifications of Mercedes for the E400 (even though they originally ordered the wrong sized tires which the mechanic alerted us to).

At least Sandy has his new car performing and handling and riding the way it's supposed to.

imidazol97 · January 2015

abacomike said:
If Sandy had had an accident attributable to the wheels/tires, he could have sued his dealership for negligence..

An elderly acquaintance has a Saturn where he had put tires on from the junkyard--wheels and tires from other Saturns when he needed new tires. Happened some were a different width. Walmart refused to do anything to his tires when he needed some work or replacement. They said the tires/wheels had to be the correct size for that vehicle.

I suppose if they did any work then they are culpable if someone tries to sue that the helped cause the accident?

fezo · January 2015

ab348 said:
Getting old always sucks....

Nah. Beats the alternative. Had surgery for a trigger thumb yesterday, Hurt like a son of a gun and was worse yesterday late but way better this morning. Heavily bandaged until Wednesday and the just a waterproof band aid over the stitches until February 4. I feel like Kilgore Trout in Breakfast of Champions - "Make me young!"

stickguy · January 2015

the Golf (tsi) comes with 15, 16 or 17" wheels, and the Tdi I think just 16 and 17 depending on the trim level. They are interchangeable in that the overall diameter translates. I can't recall any indication that they change anything suspension related. People do a plus 1 on these all the time. I think there was just something wrong with the particular wheels or tires, and not really because of the 16s (which would be standard on the Golf S model).

doesn't of course excuse the dealer service people from being oblivious, though I guess (since they do have upgrades available) they could have assumed it was intentional to be going down a size. But most likely, they weren't actually thinking about it too hard.

stickguy · January 2015

oh yeah, reminds me of why I said this. I did look at a Golf launch edition when they came out. Really cheap! But 15" steelies. If I had gotten it, first thing I was going to do was look for a take-off set of 16 or 17" VW alloys to upgrade to.

venture · January 2015

imidazol97 said:

abacomike said:
If Sandy had had an accident attributable to the wheels/tires, he could have sued his dealership for negligence..
An elderly acquaintance has a Saturn where he had put tires on from the junkyard--wheels and tires from other Saturns when he needed new tires. Happened some were a different width. Walmart refused to do anything to his tires when he needed some work or replacement. They said the tires/wheels had to be the correct size for that vehicle.

I suppose if they did any work then they are culpable if someone tries to sue that the helped cause the accident?

My daughter used to be the tire manager at WalMart. They wouldn't do anything to a car that didn't meet factory specs. It had to be the same size, same speed rating, etc. A little confining, but they were protecting themselves from idiots. Besides, I bet 95% (my opinion) of people either didn't care or didn't know.

stever · January 2015

mako1a said:
Besides that I finally changed the 4 year old battery on my Generac. Tight squeeze getting it in/out

Speaking of a tight squeeze - Wrench Stuck!

Looking at TCO for a '15 Camry vs a '15 Prius, it varies a lot by the style but the repairs and maintenance are a bit higher on the Prius. We're talking a few hundred bucks over 5 years. On the base models, depreciation is a bit less on the Prius and gas amounts to about $4,000 saved over the Camry.

graphicguy · January 2015

Did a little calculation last night with the wife. We figure we'll saive $2,000 between the two of us, just in gasoline purchases this year wehn compared to 2013 and the first 3/4 of 2014.

Now, you want a shot in the arm for the economy? There it is.

That's a substantial wallet booster.

driver100 · January 2015

stickguy said:
Driver, if I had to guess, the VW dealer has themselves all screwed up now. But what they are going to do is take the original Sandy 17" wheels off of the TDI Golf, put the 16" ones back on that (with the now used tires) and the 17s on the Jetta. And never again agree to a wheel swap off another car.

When we bought the 2012 A4 I asked if we bought an RS4 if they would put all season tires on instead of the tires that came with it. The main reason I liked the RS4 was because of the flat bottom steering wheel. It would be an expensive way to get a flat bottom steering wheel...probably $10k. They said they wouldn't do it.
I'd have to try to arrange something on my own.

They were probably smart not to get involved in that kind of thing. This has probably cost Sandies dealer all the profit they made on his car...might be a loss at this point.

They sure changed their tune once they found out their mistake....probably didn't want to defend themselves in court.

stever · January 2015

I've read a few accounts here over the years where people found some wheels they liked at a local tire shop. They made arrangements to drive straight from the dealer to the shop and swapped them out, getting a nice credit in the bargain. The shop would then put the "old" wheels on the floor and resell them.

That idea appeals to me because you don't get "stuck" with OEM tires that may not be your first choice.

driver100 · January 2015

graphicguy said:
Did a little calculation last night with the wife. We figure we'll saive $2,000 between the two of us, just in gasoline purchases this year wehn compared to 2013 and the first 3/4 of 2014.

Now, you want a shot in the arm for the economy? There it is.

That's a substantial wallet booster.

That's great. But wait until the government realizes all the tax revenue they are losing....especially sales tax at the state level. You can pay me now or you can pay me later.

verdugo · January 2015

driver100 said:

I wonder what the people who bought hybrids and electric cars are thinking. Remember all the warnings that we were using up all of our natural resources and there wouldn't be enough to last for the next few years.

We're still loving our Plug-in hybrid C-Max. The 2 year lease is up in September and I'm hoping to lease the 2nd generation Chevy Volt. If it's not out in time, I'll lease the Fusion plug in hybrid.

For us, the price of gas was never the reason to get a plug in hybrid. It was about using little (or no) gas.

roadburner · January 2015

I stopped at an out of town BMW dealer bank in the late 80s and they had a new M5 on the showroom floor fitted with new BBS wheels and the top high performance Michelin tire at that time. The added cost was $3,500. Back in parts they had the OEM wheels and tires for sale for $2,000.

On the flip side, when I got ready to ashcan the miserable TRX tires on my 535is I found a CCA member in Texas who had just bought a new E34 525i- and had also bought a new set of tires/wheels from Tire Rack that he installed as soon as he came home from the dealer. He sold me the take-off tires and wheels for stupid cheap- I think it was around $600 including shipping. I think the set had less than 25 miles on them.

oldfarmer50 · January 2015

js06gv said:

oldfarmer50 said:

js06gv said:
I had forgotten about Bruce Williams and how much I used to enjoy his show so I googled too. Found he came back on in 2012 and left again in 2013. There are archived podcasts here. Listening to one right now. http://www.brucewilliams.com/about_bruce.html
That picture someone posted doesn't jive with the mental image I had of him. Use to listen to him on the radio during long drives on the job back in the 80s.

Say how are you liking your new Mustang? The one I drove seemed almost too quiet for a GT. I was wondering if I would have to install custom mufflers to get the proper sound.
Love love love the car. And couldn't agree more on the sound, way too quiet and "refined," which is something I wrote about when I test drove my first '15 back in Nov. I shuffled it over to my regular muffler shop by day 4 of ownership, and had the same Borla mufflers installed that I had on my '11. It was the first '15 the shop got in, and the owner said that the exhaust setup had changed from what Mustangs have had for years. I don't remember all the particulars, but I'm pretty sure he said there was an additional resonator that Ford put in there, I'm sure to achieve the quietness that guys like you and I think is TOO quiet. He told me the car would have some more rumble with the Borlas, but it would probably still be a little quieter than the '11 unless I wanted him to also remove the resonator. He suggested I drive it for awhile with just the mufflers changed out to see how I liked it, and he could always do the additional work later if I wanted it. Turns out that the balance of some more sound and highway drivability is perfect, at least to me. He was right about it being quieter than the '11 but I actually like it better and everyone who has been in the car comments about how great it sounds. The best way I can describe this Mustang compared to the previous gen is more "grown up" and my current muffler setup is consistent with that. I may also change the tips out too but haven't decided for sure.

That sounds perfect. For me I'd like to hear a little burble of the v8 without giving up the ability to listens to the radio. That you did it by just changing out the mufflers is encouraging. Was it costly?

If Ford were smart they would offer a muffler option.

ab348 · January 2015

I just went to the VW website to look at the various wheels offered on the Golf/Jetta - there are a bunch, from 15" steelies to 16". 17" and 18" alloys. It is a confusing array as each model/trim seems to have a unique wheel. Not dissing Sandy because he likes what he likes, but I didn't see anything special about the TDI wheels compared to the 17" one that came with the SE. I actually liked the Golf 17" wheels better, personally. But to each his own, and hopefully the problem is solved.

oldfarmer50 · January 2015

venture said:

mako1a said:
Another one who hasn't been around is Mako. Maybe he is stuck in snow!

No snow problems here. Had an inch last week, but it was gone by 3 PM.
I did, however pay attention to the new owner of the 15 Mustang GT when he put on Borla exhaust. I've been thinking about Magnaflow and wondering where I can hear the difference as I'm pretty particular about sound. My Z28 went thru 3 entire exhaust systems from collector tube back before I got to the one I liked.
Here's an installation of the Ford Racing Borla system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwwwQryCUNc

Here's the Magnaflow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGebHTZ2xzY

I assume the Ford Racing system won't affect the warranty.

Thanks for that. So the Borla system is a Ford product. Any idea on cost? Installation should be pretty cheap to have done in a shop.

venture · January 2015

I'll give you the links so it doesn't scare you all at once.

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=24544

or

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=24547

or

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=24549

venture · January 2015

fezo said:

ab348 said:
Getting old always sucks....
Nah. Beats the alternative. Had surgery for a trigger thumb yesterday, Hurt like a son of a gun and was worse yesterday late but way better this morning. Heavily bandaged until Wednesday and the just a waterproof band aid over the stitches until February 4. I feel like Kilgore Trout in Breakfast of Champions - "Make me young!"

Mrs. Venture had a trigger finger fixed a few years ago. She didn't like it.

stever · January 2015

ab348 said:
I just went to the VW website ...It is a confusing array as each model/trim seems to have a unique wheel.

I did that here, and gave up after a few minutes.

qbrozen · January 2015

venture said:

Mrs. Venture had a trigger finger fixed a few years ago. She didn't like it.

All of us chronic buyers need our trigger fingers fixed. ;b

fezo · January 2015

"That's great. But wait until the government realizes all the tax revenue they are losing....especially sales tax at the state level. You can pay me now or you can pay me later."

The gas tax is a flat amount; not a percentage. The price won't decrease government revenues; it will increase them as people buy more gas.

I may pop an extra road trip in this year.

graphicguy · January 2015

fezo said:

ab348 said:
Getting old always sucks....
Nah. Beats the alternative. Had surgery for a trigger thumb yesterday, Hurt like a son of a gun and was worse yesterday late but way better this morning. Heavily bandaged until Wednesday and the just a waterproof band aid over the stitches until February 4. I feel like Kilgore Trout in Breakfast of Champions - "Make me young!"

fezo...I can honestly say that you are back to your old self....which is great to note.

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