Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

abacomike · May 2015

Mr_Shiftright said:
Speaking of Mercedes, my friend's brand new 2015 C Class crapped out on the freeway with 2,600 miles on it. This was just after the ambient temperature sensor and driver assist function went south the day before. The dealer's preliminary diagnosis? "We think it's electrical".

I have that Driver Assist Package which includes Active Steering (steers the car in cruise control to maintain center of lane based upon road striping) and maintains speed based upon distance of a car in front of you, etc. I have to admit that it is a package that is really unnecessary - the only reason my car has it is because that's the way Mercedes built it based on the way the dealership ordered it. The same with the Lighting Package - full LED's throughout the car, inside and outside - I don't drive enough at night to order that package again.

It's the accident prevent systems MB builds into their cars that is a great feature (brakes the car to a complete stop if you are coming upon a car or object too quickly and a collision is imminent). It's standard on all their cars, I believe. If you think about all the sensors and computers and components that are in constant operation, it is obvious that glitches and problems can arise quite often - at least that is what I think. The more sophisticated these cars become, the more chance that they will fail more frequently. I have not had any problems with my car to date with any electrical or computer issues and it's almost 6 months old.

The only problem I have had with a Mercedes Benz Vehicle is on my 2012 E350 when it was diagnosed with leaking injectors. That took almost a month to diagnose, replace the injectors, and then repair the connections the mechanic forgot to "connect". But all the other MB vehicles I have owned have been perfect in terms of operations, performance, etc. I'm sure MB will get your friend's C Class vehicle diagnosed and repaired with limited frustration to your friend.

isellhondas · May 2015

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

Mr_Shiftright said:
I don't mind struggling to get into a car---for instance, after a while I learn that if I tilt my head a bit I won't get a skull fracture every time I try to enter a BMW 3 Series. But once in the car, I need a place for my left foot when I'm not shifting, and I need my left knee to be clear of the steering wheel when I am shifting, and I don't want sport seats so tight as to instigate kidney failure or a sun roof that is rubbing even more hair off my head.

Very often as host I see comments from people who bought a new car only to discover that they can't get comfortable in it. Well, too late for them to have figured that out, unfortunately. When someone says "Can I have the seat tracks moved back 6 inches", one has to wonder what they were doing/thinking on the initial test drive.

Maybe the intoxicating aroma of that new car smell just got to them? It is alluring I must say.
My favorite example of that was the poor sod in RWTIV who was asking for a number on his wife's virtually new JK Wrangler. She didn't like it because-among other things-the convertible top was hard to put up and down, it had a rough ride, and it had no trunk space. The guy was a bit irritated when I suggested that in the future he needs to have his bride test drive the car BEFORE she buys it...
Perfect comment RB,

Actually one article said 1 in 10 people do not test drive a car before buying.

This article, which was even more informative said 1 in 6 did not test drive a new car,

The latest survey of roughly 2,000 automotive consumers(1) found that, before purchasing, 16% took no test-drive, and 33% test-drove only one car. And more than two-thirds (68%) reported that they visited only two dealerships or fewer before buying - with 40% visiting only one dealer.

The survey also measured consumer trust of dealer salespeople, and the results were sobering: only 21% claimed they perceive them as “trustworthy,” a lower trust rating than reported for lawyers, mortgage brokers and insurance salespeople.

1 in 6 Skip Test Drive

Most skip the test drive because they feel the less they have to do with the dealer the better off they will be.

How do you buy a car without trying it out? You would have to not care one bit about how the car felt to you while driving it......I don't get it!

In the case of my Club Sport, that particular version of the ti was brand new and BMW Individual was only building 400 at most- so I bought it sight unseen. However, I had driven the base 318ti and liked everything but the handling and the seats- both of which were replaced with bespoke M Technic pieces on the Club Sport. So I gambled that I'd like the car and I suppose I did- this November will mark the 20th year of ownership.

I have bought several new cars without test driving them.

I know how they are going to drive so why waste my time and the time of a salesperson?

fezo · May 2015

I just got mail from igothurt.com - an injury attorney got for business. A part of me says, hey, he's on contingency - what do I have to lose?

abacomike · May 2015

fezo said:

I just got mail from igothurt.com - an injury attorney got for business. A part of me says, hey, he's on contingency - what do I have to lose?

Careful, fezo! Get a good lawyer , not an ambulance chaser. These ambulance chasers settle and then charge you all kinds of expenses prior to their 70-30 split.

I got stung once by a crooked lawyer - don't let that happen to you!

fezo · May 2015

If I go that route I'm going through the local bar association and will check in with my brother first. He's not likely to handle it but I know he has a good friend practicing nearby here so maybe she wants it.

isellhondas · May 2015

Mike is right! I would avoid the guys that constantly adevertise on television!

If they are that good, why would they have to constantly run expensive ads?

roadburner · May 2015

A lot of the TV/Mall/ambulance chasing PI attorneys count on getting a fast settlement for anywhere from 40% to 60% of what a good attorney could get- then moving on to the next case(s). IOW, they make their money by settling a LOT of cases quickly.

suydam · May 2015

Fezo, only you know how important this is to you. To me, life is too short. It's an old Camry, they will give you some $$, and you can get another slightly newer Camry that will probably last for years. Me, I would not want a salvage car which is what you will have. You may also find that good lawyers won't take the case, so the ambulance chasers will be what you get.

driver100 · May 2015

abacomike said:

I estimate the car would MSRP for about $60,000. Invoice would be about $56,200 and with my fleet discoiunts, it would probably cost $52,000. So, for 7,000 + trade, that would be a good deal. But I am still committed to keeping this car until the very last possible moment - in other words when the warranty is up or if I decide to buy an extended warranty from MB, when the extended warranty is up.

I think I remember saying this every year - or am I wrong?

Mike, I know what I would do. I'd say I have driven a beautiful car for $3500 a year....less than it would cost to drive almost any other standard car, and for $7000 I get a new car with a 4 year/50k mile warranty. I wouldn't have to think about it for very long, and I would probably do it without going for a test drive.

I would like an escape clause though actually, only because they might make the new E more like the other new models, with narrow windows and scrunched down rooflines. I don't think Mercedes would do that to the E or S models, but you never know.

driver100 · May 2015

fezo said:
I just got mail from igothurt.com - an injury attorney got for business. A part of me says, hey, he's on contingency - what do I have to lose?

A classic case of what I call "false economizing". You could lose a lot if he doesn't know what he is doing. Not saying lawyers working on contingecy are all bad, just do some research.

My wife is executor for this couple who have about $3million in assets. They always get the cheapest and they had a cheap lawyer and a cheap accountant who isn't really an accountant - bookkeeper is closer to the truth. They tried to save a few bucks and it will cost them $1000s.

My wife has their house listed for sale. Just by accident the real estate agent noticed a pipe sticking out of the ground. It was attached to a buried oil tank. If the tank is still together it will cost about $6k to remove, if it is leaking it will cost about $15k to remove. Then there is the cheap siding on an extension of the house.....it has asbestos in it. If the house is remodelled, not a big problem, if it is to be torn down - most likely - it is a big problem, has to be covered and disposed of properly, very costly.

Don't skimp on the important things....do it right the first time.

bwia · May 2015

Mr_Shiftright said:

Speaking of Mercedes, my friend's brand new 2015 C Class crapped out on the freeway with 2,600 miles on it. This was just after the ambient temperature sensor and driver assist function went south the day before. The dealer's preliminary diagnosis? "We think it's electrical".

Just read this morning that the C-Class is one of those cars that are dumped after one year. According to the Boston Globe, after the Buick Regal, and a couple others, the C-Class is most likely to be traded in after one.

One reason is perhaps their dissapointment with the quality of interior materials compared to the price paid. Buyer's remorse or the Emperor has no clothes?

driver100 · May 2015

bwia said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Speaking of Mercedes, my friend's brand new 2015 C Class crapped out on the freeway with 2,600 miles on it. This was just after the ambient temperature sensor and driver assist function went south the day before. The dealer's preliminary diagnosis? "We think it's electrical".

Just read this morning that the C-Class is one of those cars that are dumped after one year. According to the Boston Globe, after the Buick Regal, and a couple others, the C-Class is most likely to be traded in after one.

One reason is perhaps their dissapointment with the quality of interior materials compared to the price paid. Buyer's remorse or the Emperor has no clothes?

Very interesting info bwia. I couldn't find the C Class being at the top of the list, but I did find this, and it is near the top.

The models brought back to the sales lot run the gamut, from $18,000 subcompacts to $45,000 luxury sedans. The Regal tops the list with 10.7 percent of owners exchanging their keys after a year, the Chevrolet Sonic takes second with 8.9 percent, and the BMW X1 at a close third with 7.8 percent. The Dodge Charger, Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, Chevrolet Cruze and Nissan Frontier also make the list.

It seems that the cars might be OK but people may have got tired of fooling around with the technology - trying to figure it out. The Regal was 1st on the lists I saw, and people trading after one year lost about 1/3 the value.

Maybe those would be good used cars to buy!
TOP CARS TRADED IN AFTER 1 YEAR

abacomike · May 2015

@driver100:

Read some of the comments about those cars traded in after one year. Surprised the E350 wasn't listed - I skewed that car with my yearly trades and purchases!

driver100 · May 2015

abacomike said:
@driver100:

Read some of the comments about those cars traded in after one year. Surprised the E350 wasn't listed - I skewed that car with my yearly trades and purchases!

I thought about that and what about the Lexus......that one must have set an all time record!

stever · May 2015

isellhondas said:
Mike is right! I would avoid the guys that constantly adevertise on television! If they are that good, why would they have to constantly run expensive ads?

Wait a minute - are we talking lawyers or car dealers or Geico or ?

abacomike · May 2015

stever said:

Mike is right! I would avoid the guys that constantly adevertise on television! If they are that good, why would they have to constantly run expensive ads?
Wait a minute - are we talking lawyers or car dealers or Geico or ?

Now you have me confused!

ab348 · May 2015

driver100 said:

The models brought back to the sales lot run the gamut, from $18,000 subcompacts to $45,000 luxury sedans. The Regal tops the list with 10.7 percent of owners exchanging their keys after a year, the Chevrolet Sonic takes second with 8.9 percent, and the BMW X1 at a close third with 7.8 percent. The Dodge Charger, Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, Chevrolet Cruze and Nissan Frontier also make the list.

It seems that the cars might be OK but people may have got tired of fooling around with the technology - trying to figure it out. The Regal was 1st on the lists I saw, and people trading after one year lost about 1/3 the value.

Maybe those would be good used cars to buy!
TOP CARS TRADED IN AFTER 1 YEAR

Well, it is from TTAC, so take it with several large grains of salt. They are notorious GM haters. I quite liked my Regal when I had it.

abacomike · May 2015

@ab348:

What makes you feel that TTAC is biased or prejudiced against GM? The article driver posted listed Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler-Fiat as well as the Buick. They base their results on J.D. Powers's 2014 initial quality survey. I have completed those surveys every year and it asks what car you traded for the new car and what year was it. So the article is sound since it is based on factual results.

So I would not take the results with a "large" grain of salt. Rather, I consider it just some interesting data compiled by J.D. Power.

driver100 · May 2015

abacomike said:
@ab348:

What makes you feel that TTAC is biased or prejudiced against GM? The article driver posted listed Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler-Fiat as well as the Buick. They base their results on J.D. Powers's 2014 initial quality survey. I have completed those surveys every year and it asks what car you traded for the new car and what year was it. So the article is sound since it is based on factual results.

So I would not take the results with a "large" grain of salt. Rather, I consider it just some interesting data compiled by J.D. Power.

Exactly Mike, and 2 more points. The TTAC site had a prominent Chevy ad right above the article, and I doubt if they would advertise on there if they always got bad press.

Also, I found similar information on the GM Authority site. Including other Buick models are some of the longest kept cars;

According to a new report from Forbes, Americans are holding onto their rides for nearly eight years. Buick is tied with Dodge at 113 months of ownership, but not all of those Buick buyers are keeping their cars that long.

In fact, 2.7 percent of vehicles are traded in after only one year of ownership. That’s some major post-purchase dissonance. The 2014 Buick Regal ranked highest on the iSeeCars.com list of more frequently traded in vehicles. On average, 10.4 percent of 2014 Regal owners traded their vehicle in after just one year of ownership, four times greater than the aforementioned average of 2.7 percent. Despite being a solid vehicle, the larger Buick Lacrosse and baby-brother Verano have stolen the limelight, leaving the Regal as somewhat forgotten. It would be interesting to see if Buick is retaining those customers, or if they are even staying within the GM portfolio.

GM AUTHORITY TRADING IN CAR

abacomike · May 2015

The guy who parks his car next to mine downstairs in the parking area is in the initial stages of replacing his 2008 Camry V6 Limited. He has about 85,000 miles on it and he feels his next car will be his last car. He is currently looking at the Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Buick Regal, Chrysler 200 and Chevy Impala. He asked my opinion as to which one he should seriously consider.

I suggested that he drive the Optima, Sonata, Fusion, Regal and Camry and add the Buick LaCrosse to his list. I also suggested that he consider the Taurus. I made sure he understood the importance of several options at his age including parking sensors/cameras, Blind Spot monitors and collision avoidance systems. Finally, I suggested that he test drive the cars over the next several weeks for at least one hour for each model - both city and highway driving since they use the car to go over to Naples quite frequently.

He wants to stay in the mid 20's to low 30's in price. Most of the cars he is interested in will range in the 23K to 35K range and with end of year incentives, he should be able to get any of the above cars.

I told him that when he narrows the list to three (3) models, I would go with him to get the best pricing. He knows I used to be in the business and that I research all my cars thoroughly.

He's a nice guy and is very unassuming in his personality. So I felt I would give him some pointers and pricing strategies.

bwia · May 2015

Mike--All very nice choices but I would throw in the mix an entry level SUV/CUV. I assume your friend is an older gent and getting into/out of a vehicle is an important factor. With that said I would suggest that he take a look at the Buick Encore, Honda HR-V, and the new Honda CRV. These are small CUVs that are easy to maneuver with outstanding outward visibility and built-in rearview camera. And I am sure he would be plenty impressed with the Encore's saddle leather, upscale soft-touch materials, quiet interior (Bose noise cancellation system,) outstanding fit & finish, and compliant ride & handling.

driver100 · May 2015

abacomike said:
The guy who parks his car next to mine downstairs in the parking area is in the initial stages of replacing his 2008 Camry V6 Limited. He has about 85,000 miles on it and he feels his next car will be his last car. He is currently looking at the Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Buick Regal, Chrysler 200 and Chevy Impala. He asked my opinion as to which one he should seriously consider.

I suggested that he drive the Optima, Sonata, Fusion, Regal and Camry and add the Buick LaCrosse to his list. I also suggested that he consider the Taurus. I made sure he understood the importance of several options at his age including parking sensors/cameras, Blind Spot monitors and collision avoidance systems.

The guy seems to know something about cars.......getting a V8 Camry was an astute move. That car will probably make an excellent used car for somebody....maybe fezo!

He has narrowed down his list very nicely too. I am curious as to why he would not include an Accord, since he does have Camry and Sonata on the list.

I have never taken a car out for an hour test drive. I can tell everything I need to know in 20 to 30 minutes if there is a highway and some city roads nearby. An hour might tell me more, but, it's like people, you can usually get a pretty good idea after 2 to 10 minutes.

It's nice of you to offer to help him negotiate. In those articles that said 1 in 6 people don't test drive a new car it said people just want to avoid the whole sales process. Your being there should help, and it is always good to bounce thoughts and ideas off of another person.

suydam · May 2015

Seems like a lot of cars to test. Maybe look at the ones you suggest and narrow down 3 to drive. And maybe just check out another Camry which he might be perfectly happy with. Step in height is a consideration though. Maybe try Camry and CRV to see which is easier to get in and out of. If he likes midsize, the CUVs like Encore will seem too small.

stickguy · May 2015

a lot of cars? That is nothing. Until you are in double digits, you ain't trying.

I looked at a lot with my daughter, but we did not test drive most of them. the first outing was to hit a bunch of stores, and just look at and sit in various models to see what felt good. From that, the long list got whittled down to a short list, of which we test drove the most likely candidates.

Hey, if I am spending 25K plus, and have to live with something for at least 3 years, I am not rushing the process and cutting corners!

suydam · May 2015

I figure they are all pretty good, so I tend to check out my usual 3 -- Honda, Nissan, Toyota (Subaru and Mazda only have 1 dealer here now who I don't like), maybe one other possibility. For midsize I'm not buying GM, Ford, Chrysler, or Hyundai/Kia. I always include Toyota because I think I should like them for reliability/ fuel economy etc but unfortunately I never do. Many of my friends just look at one car and unless there's a real problem that's what they buy. You go with what you know has worked in the past.

graphicguy · May 2015

People may be trading in a C Class after one year, but I don't think it's the current model. That thing has a gorgeous interior and no one can complain about fit and finish of it, either.

Took the CTS out of the garage yesterday to go to Costco. Stalled twice. There's some sort of creak eminating from the left front suspension area. Not sure what that is.

Back into the garage and wait for Cadillac to do something positive.

suydam · May 2015

What a nightmare.

carnaught · May 2015

graphicguy said:
Took the CTS out of the garage yesterday to go to Costco. Stalled twice. There's some sort of creak eminating from the left front suspension area. Not sure what that is.

Back into the garage and wait for Cadillac to do something positive.

Unacceptable, and for now, your experience has taken Cadillac off my short list for this Fall when my lease gets replaced with another lease or buy.

houdini1 · May 2015

abacomike said:
The guy who parks his car next to mine downstairs in the parking area is in the initial stages of replacing his 2008 Camry V6 Limited. He has about 85,000 miles on it and he feels his next car will be his last car. He is currently looking at the Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Buick Regal, Chrysler 200 and Chevy Impala. He asked my opinion as to which one he should seriously consider.

I suggested that he drive the Optima, Sonata, Fusion, Regal and Camry and add the Buick LaCrosse to his list. I also suggested that he consider the Taurus. I made sure he understood the importance of several options at his age including parking sensors/cameras, Blind Spot monitors and collision avoidance systems. Finally, I suggested that he test drive the cars over the next several weeks for at least one hour for each model - both city and highway driving since they use the car to go over to Naples quite frequently.

He wants to stay in the mid 20's to low 30's in price. Most of the cars he is interested in will range in the 23K to 35K range and with end of year incentives, he should be able to get any of the above cars.

I told him that when he narrows the list to three (3) models, I would go with him to get the best pricing. He knows I used to be in the business and that I research all my cars thoroughly.

He's a nice guy and is very unassuming in his personality. So I felt I would give him some pointers and pricing strategies.

Mike, like most others here I spend some time researching cars. If I was in the market right now, I would seriously look at the Kia Cadenza. It is like a more grown up Optima. Since I have never driven one, that would be the first step. On paper they look great and they seem to be priced right with some incentives, etc. You can buy the "base car", which includes leather, nav, and a ton of other nice options, for a shade over $30,000.

stickguy · May 2015

if they like the Camry, take a look at an Avalon too.

ab348 · May 2015

It's hard for a car to be repaired under warranty if it isn't at a dealer.

stickguy · May 2015

well, when that has been tried repeatedly and they seem to have washed their hands of it, not much point. Especially now that the lemon law process has begun.

abacomike · May 2015

Thanks for all your input, guys. He has eliminated SUV's and Hatchbacks. He wants a 4-door sedan. Trunk space is important to him as well.

As for test driving these vehicles, remember he is retired and about 80 years old. I suggested long demo drives because it takes older people a longer time to get comfortable and check out leg room, hip room, head room, drive and handling in different driving situations.

The he most important aspect of his final choice will be freeway driving. He agreed that blind spot monitors, parking sensors and cameras along with accident avoidance systems are a must.

He's such a nice guy I just couldn't refuse his request for assistance. Besides, I just love playing the "game", whether it's for me or someone else!!!

jayrider · May 2015

abacomike said:
Thanks for all your input, guys. He has eliminated SUV's and Hatchbacks. He wants a 4-door sedan. Trunk space is important to him as well.

As for test driving these vehicles, remember he is retired and about 80 years old. I suggested long demo drives because it takes older people a longer time to get comfortable and check out leg room, hip room, head room, drive and handling in different driving situations.

The he most important aspect of his final choice will be freeway driving. He agreed that blind spot monitors, parking sensors and cameras along with accident avoidance systems are a must.

He's such a nice guy I just couldn't refuse his request for assistance. Besides, I just love playing the "game", whether it's for me or someone else!!!

Drove my son's 5 year old Sonata [79k] and it drives great ! The Sonata rides a bit softer than the Optima -- 5 year warranty. He could do worse for the money I suppose. Nice of you to help him spend some money before his kids get it and blow it on Corvettes.

driver100 · May 2015

ab348 said:
It's hard for a car to be repaired under warranty if it isn't at a dealer.

That's a good point ab. It would seem GG would have a stronger case if he left it at the dealers. Then he could say it sat there for 2 weeks or whatever and even they couldn't fix it.

This way, they are going to say they didn't have a chance, he kept it in his garage.

Maybe I am missing something but it sure sounds bad if they have weeks to look at it and they still can't fix it.

It is like the ultimate in incompetence.

driver100 · May 2015

stickguy said:
a lot of cars? That is nothing. Until you are in double digits, you ain't trying.

I looked at a lot with my daughter, but we did not test drive most of them. the first outing was to hit a bunch of stores, and just look at and sit in various models to see what felt good. From that, the long list got whittled down to a short list, of which we test drove the most likely candidates.

Hey, if I am spending 25K plus, and have to live with something for at least 3 years, I am not rushing the process and cutting corners!

Excellent point. If you sit in the car and like it, then go for a test drive. Sometimes you can sit in a car and it just doesn't feel right - no point taking it out.

My wife sat in a 2015 C Class and didn't like the forward vision. Her eyes are just slightly over the top of the dash and the hood line. Totally different when she tried the GLK. She found the 2014 C Class would have worked, but couldn't find one with low mileage and decent price. So, Mikes friend could probably eliminate a few of those models just by sitting in them.

carnaught · May 2015

"Mike, like most others here I spend some time researching cars. If I was in the market right now, I would seriously look at the Kia Cadenza. It is like a more grown up Optima. Since I have never driven one, that would be the first step. On paper they look great and they seem to be priced right with some incentives, etc. You can buy the "base car", which includes leather, nav, and a ton of other nice options, for a shade over $30,000."

Although a lot of bang for the buck, one caveat with this car is only fair gas mileage, around 20 combined.

houdini1 · May 2015

carnaught said:

"Mike, like most others here I spend some time researching cars. If I was in the market right now, I would seriously look at the Kia Cadenza. It is like a more grown up Optima. Since I have never driven one, that would be the first step. On paper they look great and they seem to be priced right with some incentives, etc. You can buy the "base car", which includes leather, nav, and a ton of other nice options, for a shade over $30,000."

Although a lot of bang for the buck, one caveat with this car is only fair gas mileage, around 20 combined.

The reason it seems to get less mpg than most of its competitors is because it has a bigger engine. Almost 300 hp v6.....tradeoffs !

Michaell · May 2015

Anyone want to weigh in?

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/34438/ford/expedition/trying-to-decide-how-to-sell-fix-up-or-as-is#latest

roadburner · May 2015

driver100 said:

ab348 said:
It's hard for a car to be repaired under warranty if it isn't at a dealer.
That's a good point ab. It would seem GG would have a stronger case if he left it at the dealers. Then he could say it sat there for 2 weeks or whatever and even they couldn't fix it.

This way, they are going to say they didn't have a chance, he kept it in his garage.

Maybe I am missing something but it sure sounds bad if they have weeks to look at it and they still can't fix it.

It is like the ultimate in incompetence.

Except that the nitwit Cadillac dealers have pretty much admitted that they don't have even a shred of a clue about how to fix it. "No code, we can't fix it." is their mantra.

bwia · May 2015

Condolences go out to the family of Beau Biden, who at 46, died of brain cancer. May he RIP.

Joe Biden's life is filled with tragedy. He lost his wife and child in an auto accident, he himself recovered from a brain aneurysm, and now his son Beau is gone at such an early age.

abacomike · May 2015

bwia said:

Condolences go out to the family of Beau Biden, who at 46, died of brain cancer. May he RIP.

Joe Biden's life is filled with tragedy. He lost his wife and child in an auto accident, he himself recovered from a brain aneurysm, and now his son Beau is gone at such an early age.

Yes - a terrible tragedy! I came within a millimeter of being where Joe Biden is re: his son. My son is alive today because of God's will and is still recovering from radiation therapy on his brain tumor. My son is 44 years old, thank God!

isellhondas · May 2015

Yes, tough news for a guy who has been through a lot!

driver100 · May 2015

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

ab348 said:
It's hard for a car to be repaired under warranty if it isn't at a dealer.
That's a good point ab. It would seem GG would have a stronger case if he left it at the dealers. Then he could say it sat there for 2 weeks or whatever and even they couldn't fix it.

This way, they are going to say they didn't have a chance, he kept it in his garage.

Maybe I am missing something but it sure sounds bad if they have weeks to look at it and they still can't fix it.

It is like the ultimate in incompetence.

Except that the nitwit Cadillac dealers have pretty much admitted that they don't have even a shred of a clue about how to fix it. "No code, we can't fix it." is their mantra.

Still say it would be doing more parked on their lot than in GG's garage.
At this point they can do a bit of a he said - we said thing....well, he needed it for 5 days and didn't leave it with us.
If I were the arbitrator/judge (ha ha) it would give GG a big advantage to say the car sat in their service centre for 2 weeks......if they can't fix it who can?

Maybe I've seen too many Judge Judys, but, they will have some excuses, the one they will start with is he wouldn't leave the car with us long enough.

If there is a GM customer service rep around please tell us what you think.

ab348 · May 2015

roadburner said:

Except that the nitwit Cadillac dealers have pretty much admitted that they don't have even a shred of a clue about how to fix it. "No code, we can't fix it." is their mantra.

I have no confidence that I fully understand whether or not that is actually the situation. I have been confused by this since it was first mentioned here. It's like I missed a post with some important information that would connect the dots, but it isn't here.

driver100 · May 2015

Michaell said:
Anyone want to weigh in?

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/34438/ford/expedition/trying-to-decide-how-to-sell-fix-up-or-as-is#latest

Interesting question for our group. I'll post it here in case someone else wants to weigh in too.

I have a 2001 Ford Expedition that I am wanting to sell. It needs a heater core, and this is an expensive job. It will cost apx. $750 to have it done.

I am trying to decide whether to try to sell it as-is, and disclose that it needs the heater core, or go ahead and bite the bullet and have it repaired, then sell it.

I even considered advertising it on Craigslist with two prices, one repaired and one not, just in case someone wanted to do it themselves.

Has anyone faced a similar decision on selling a vehicle? Would the market of buyers be way too small if it is not repaired? (It is otherwise in really good condition and runs fine) Thanks!

graphicguy · May 2015

driver100 said:

ab348 said:
It's hard for a car to be repaired under warranty if it isn't at a dealer.
That's a good point ab. It would seem GG would have a stronger case if he left it at the dealers. Then he could say it sat there for 2 weeks or whatever and even they couldn't fix it.

This way, they are going to say they didn't have a chance, he kept it in his garage.

Maybe I am missing something but it sure sounds bad if they have weeks to look at it and they still can't fix it.

It is like the ultimate in incompetence.

The CTS has already sat at the dealer for over a week, and they didn't fix it. Then another dealer said they couldn't fix it. Cadillac's only desire is to deny, delay, reject.

Not giving any more chances to irritate me and minimize the faults in their car.

AB...pretty simple...the car stalls, power steering goes out, there's a suspension issue and CUE issues. They tried to fix it....couldn't. Subsequent attempts to fix it were met with either a denial of the problems or stating it couldn't be fixed because it didn't "give a code". Two dealers and multiple trips to their service depts yielded the same results.

That's it in a nutshell.

andres3 · May 2015

graphicguy said:
People may be trading in a C Class after one year, but I don't think it's the current model. That thing has a gorgeous interior and no one can complain about fit and finish of it, either.

Took the CTS out of the garage yesterday to go to Costco. Stalled twice. There's some sort of creak eminating from the left front suspension area. Not sure what that is.

Back into the garage and wait for Cadillac to do something positive.

Don't hold your breath waiting for Cadillac to do something positive. I'm still waiting for a letter from Chrysler extending the warranty of my Neon's AC compressor, head gaskets, and automatic transmission to 7 years or 120,000 miles, with an offer to reimburse if you've already paid to have it fixed.

andres3 · May 2015

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

ab348 said:
It's hard for a car to be repaired under warranty if it isn't at a dealer.
That's a good point ab. It would seem GG would have a stronger case if he left it at the dealers. Then he could say it sat there for 2 weeks or whatever and even they couldn't fix it.

This way, they are going to say they didn't have a chance, he kept it in his garage.

Maybe I am missing something but it sure sounds bad if they have weeks to look at it and they still can't fix it.

It is like the ultimate in incompetence.

The CTS has already sat at the dealer for over a week, and they didn't fix it. Then another dealer said they couldn't fix it. Cadillac's only desire is to deny, delay, reject.

Not giving any more chances to irritate me and minimize the faults in their car.

AB...pretty simple...the car stalls, power steering goes out, there's a suspension issue and CUE issues. They tried to fix it....couldn't. Subsequent attempts to fix it were met with either a denial of the problems or stating it couldn't be fixed because it didn't "give a code". Two dealers and multiple trips to their service depts yielded the same results.

That's it in a nutshell.

Sounds like "we can't fix it" became "it works pretty much as designed and engineered" at some point when you complained too loudly or too frequently?

Reminds me when the body shop I dealt with last year told me the belt line trim moldings didn't align perfectly from the factory, and it was always like that. They never were able to answer why the unaltered untouched left-side trim moldings aligned perfectly.

graphicguy · June 2015

andres...I consider the power steering failures and stalling safety issues. Funny thing....on one of the service receipts it said (paraphrasing)..."customer states that power steering goes out. No code thrown. Power steering works as designed". When I quizzed the service manager if the power steering going out qualifies as "works as designed". He told me if there is no code once they plug it into their computer, that there is no fix available.

Even more interesting, two weeks before the above incident, the dealer DID acknowledge there was a power steering failure and replaced the power steering gears and pump. That did not fix the problem. It continues to fail. As far as they were concerned, that's all they had to do and everything was back to normal because they "didn't have a code".

Personally, I think there's some sort of fuel cut off going on that's causing the stalling. I also think the power steering and stalling are related and buried somewhere in one of the car's many computers. What the hell do I know, though. They are the "experts" and know my Cadillac better than anyone....at least that's what it says on the receipt.

Just wating for their response on the lawyer's letter and BBB file.

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