Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

jpp75 · August 2015

qbrozen said:

Bought my CTS not long after my 41st bday. I found that I agree with some reviews that Cadillac has become the luxo leader in driving dynamics. IMHO, those still clinging to BMW have not driven a comparably equipped CTS or ATS. It is no longer granddad's cadillac.

My apologies for prematurely aging you.

Everything I've read says they have the driving dynamics beat, unfortunately those the brand name is just so tarnished Cadillac isn't really a brand most people would give serious consideration to.

graphicguy · August 2015

I'm with everyone else with the central screen popping up out of the top of the dash. I don't understand how that turned into a styling trend. Even iPads are falling out of favor (market for Apple dropping like a stone). So, if that's who they're trying to mimic, they picked a trend that is going in the wrong direction....and are stuck with it until major interior restyles are in order.

Driver...I like how they integrated the center screen in your E Class. Well done.

imidazol97 · August 2015

graphicguy said:
I'm with everyone else with the central screen popping up out of the top of the dash. I don't understand how that turned into a styling trend. .and are stuck with it until major interior restyles are in order.

Driver...I like how they integrated the center screen in your E Class. Well done.

The designers are in a Catch 22. People (magazine writers) are saying everyone is demanding larger
and larger screens. On the other side the designers are trying to style a dash with the large screen but
then make it so that no one will really have to notice it when they aren't wanting to use it. Hence, I
see how the idea of popup screens solves the 'don't wanna see it all the time' problem. The picture Driver put up has the screen artfully built into the soft part of the dash pad; however, that limits the size of the screen unless the dash pad changes shape to leave a larger gap for it in a redesign.

imidazol97 · August 2015

I was dragged to the theater for a performance of "The Book of Mormon" yesterday. Fifth row center seats. It's hilarious though somewhat bawdy in its humor. Best acting and best stage I've seen since our first "A Chorus Line" in Indianapolis 20 years ago. Better than "War Horse." Never a gap (other than the 18-minute intermission). It's still traveling the country and will be back in the midwest in March at several cities in midwest.

driver100 · August 2015

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:
I'm with everyone else with the central screen popping up out of the top of the dash. I don't understand how that turned into a styling trend. .and are stuck with it until major interior restyles are in order.

Driver...I like how they integrated the center screen in your E Class. Well done.
The designers are in a Catch 22. People (magazine writers) are saying everyone is demanding larger
and larger screens. On the other side the designers are trying to style a dash with the large screen but
then make it so that no one will really have to notice it when they aren't wanting to use it. Hence, I
see how the idea of popup screens solves the 'don't wanna see it all the time' problem. The picture Driver put up has the screen artfully built into the soft part of the dash pad; however, that limits the size of the screen unless the dash pad changes shape to leave a larger gap for it in a redesign.

The screen in a Tesla is huge and it is built in, and looks smart. How would you like a screen this size to be a pop-up one?
It can be done...it probably takes some work placing the vents and controls. I believe the Tesla screen is slanted toward the driver, which is nicely done.

I actually think the ideal would be a screen half the size of the Tesla one, but extra large is OK too.

Michaell · August 2015

imidazol97 said:
I was dragged to the theater for a performance of "The Book of Mormon" yesterday. Fifth row center seats. It's hilarious though somewhat bawdy in its humor. Best acting and best stage I've seen since our first "A Chorus Line" in Indianapolis 20 years ago. Better than "War Horse." Never a gap (other than the 18-minute intermission). It's still traveling the country and will be back in the midwest in March at several cities in midwest.

We saw Book of Mormon a year or so ago here in Denver. My daughter in law was raised Mormon, so was interesting to get her take on things.

Was completely laugh out loud hilarious, but very inappropriate - what do you expect from the guys who developed "South Park"?

imidazol97 · August 2015

tyguy said:
.

I don't want to hear the GM-dislikers talking about the Aztek's design after seeing this, and several other much more recent examples of "ugly" (my opinion). LOL

ab348 · August 2015

imidazol97 said:

I don't want to hear the GM-dislikers talking about the Aztek's design after seeing this, and several other much more recent examples of "ugly" (my opinion). LOL

Yep. Aside from the grille openings, that looks like it might have been designed by Nissan and their bizarro design team.

js06gv · August 2015

I don't want to hear the GM-dislikers talking about the Aztek's design after seeing this, and several other much more recent examples of "ugly" (my opinion). LOL

And the irony here is that you posted a pic of the most tasteful (I know, a stretch) version of the Aztek, after GM had some time to play around with the quantity of plastic cladding. I'm a Pontiac fan, but I was never able to get behind the Aztek. Back in its day, I thought my post-DustBuster '97 Trans Sport was a great looking ride, even with all the cladding, although it was metallic tan on mine.

suydam · August 2015

The problem with the Aztek is that every part looks like it belongs to a different car. I don't care for the looks particularly of the little BMW (especially in a two tone) but at least it has a unified design.

imidazol97 · August 2015

js06gv said:
you posted a pic of the most tasteful (I know, a stretch) version of the Aztek,

I agree this is a tasteful color and design. I chose one the same color the BMW, so I would not be accused of using different colors to generate a differential in appearance acceptability. Also, it is really hard to get a picture from the rear of the I3 in any strong color, like the tangerine. Most are shown in mild colors to minimize the odd lines. Furthermore, I chose the front fender shot of the Aztek because it was weaker design and did not use the rear quarter shot which is very good, in my opinion.

Can't find the tangerine quarter shot again, so I'll substitute this dull yellow to try to be fair.

carnaught · August 2015

I dunno, I think the i3 is so ugly, it's kinda cool. But what do I know, I drive a Lexus RC with a Darth Vader grill

.

Mr_Shiftright · August 2015

At least the i3 is very innovative in construction. It's more of a tech platform for future chassis building, I think.

stever · August 2015

imidazol97 said:
I was dragged to the theater for a performance of "The Book of Mormon" yesterday. Fifth row center seats.

Somehow I scored third row center for the touring Chorus Line show that hit Memphis. Have my album on mp3 around here somewhere. All time fav. Enjoyed the Book in NYC a few years ago but dodged a bullet last night. My wife and her girlfriend went to some depressing operatic style local "musical" here last night and it sounded pretty dreadful. I had more fun painting our friend's kitchen.

Thanks for the feedback on the screens. Maybe I can hang my ballcap on it.

fezo · August 2015

Wow. A "my car is less ugly on an absolute scale than your car" contest!

I didn't find the Aztek attractive by any means but as it lost cladding it became better looking and I loved the tent option. As I understand from anyone that had one it was an OK vehicle. No one saying it was great but they didn't particularly have complaints either.

The i3 kind looks like it was beaten with an ugly stick.

That center stack in the Tesla is quite startling in person. It makes sense in pretty quickly once you're in it and once you're on the road you're far too busy with how it handles and how quickly it accelerates to care.

bwia · August 2015

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:
I'm with everyone else with the central screen popping up out of the top of the dash. I don't understand how that turned into a styling trend. .and are stuck with it until major interior restyles are in order.

Driver...I like how they integrated the center screen in your E Class. Well done.
The designers are in a Catch 22. People (magazine writers) are saying everyone is demanding larger
and larger screens. On the other side the designers are trying to style a dash with the large screen but
then make it so that no one will really have to notice it when they aren't wanting to use it. Hence, I
see how the idea of popup screens solves the 'don't wanna see it all the time' problem. The picture Driver put up has the screen artfully built into the soft part of the dash pad; however, that limits the size of the screen unless the dash pad changes shape to leave a larger gap for it in a redesign.
The screen in a Tesla is huge and it is built in, and looks smart. How would you like a screen this size to be a pop-up one?
It can be done...it probably takes some work placing the vents and controls. I believe the Tesla screen is slanted toward the driver, which is nicely done.

I actually think the ideal would be a screen half the size of the Tesla one, but extra large is OK too.

I kind of like the pop-up screen. I first on the Volvo S80 and I was very impressed. Nonetheless, I believe an 8" screen is optimal. Anything larger is gaudy affecting night vision because of excessive glare.

BTW, @driver is the pic of the E400 you posted your car. Very nice and luxurious, what trim level is it?

driver100 · August 2015

Michaell said:

imidazol97 said:
I was dragged to the theater for a performance of "The Book of Mormon" yesterday. Fifth row center seats. It's hilarious though somewhat bawdy in its humor. Best acting and best stage I've seen since our first "A Chorus Line" in Indianapolis 20 years ago. Better than "War Horse." Never a gap (other than the 18-minute intermission). It's still traveling the country and will be back in the midwest in March at several cities in midwest.
We saw Book of Mormon a year or so ago here in Denver. My daughter in law was raised Mormon, so was interesting to get her take on things.

Was completely laugh out loud hilarious, but very inappropriate - what do you expect from the guys who developed "South Park"?

We saw the Book of Mormon in London. I was in charge of getting tickets for 5 couples and that's the one they wanted to see. I said I accept no responsibility, but will get the tickets.

Everyone loved it but it was politically incorrect.

Saw a friend and his wife and they asked if we had seen any good plays. My wife said we saw the Book of Mormon. My friends wife said "Oh, we're Mormons".............I didn't know my friend converted....but, I thought quickly and said it wasn't me, it was the rest of the group that wanted to go.

driver100 · August 2015

imidazol97 said:

tyguy said:
.

I don't want to hear the GM-dislikers talking about the Aztek's design after seeing this, and several other much more recent examples of "ugly" (my opinion). LOL

Good comparison, but, the Aztek still wins. The i3 has a bit of a cuteness factor going for it, and the techies probably like it's less car-like looks.

I think it would look better if they made the rear side windows match the size of the front side windows, and if they made the front end a little sleeker.

I am sure they tested the look on techies and the Green people.

One more thought....the Buick model actually looked not too bad, and the design has some functionality to it. I think the Aztek was made for the Mad Max fans.

driver100 · August 2015

bwia said:

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:
I'm with everyone else with the central screen popping up out of the top of the dash. I don't understand how that turned into a styling trend. .and are stuck with it until major interior restyles are in order.

Driver...I like how they integrated the center screen in your E Class. Well done.
The designers are in a Catch 22. People (magazine writers) are saying everyone is demanding larger
and larger screens. On the other side the designers are trying to style a dash with the large screen but
then make it so that no one will really have to notice it when they aren't wanting to use it. Hence, I
see how the idea of popup screens solves the 'don't wanna see it all the time' problem. The picture Driver put up has the screen artfully built into the soft part of the dash pad; however, that limits the size of the screen unless the dash pad changes shape to leave a larger gap for it in a redesign.
The screen in a Tesla is huge and it is built in, and looks smart. How would you like a screen this size to be a pop-up one?
It can be done...it probably takes some work placing the vents and controls. I believe the Tesla screen is slanted toward the driver, which is nicely done.

I actually think the ideal would be a screen half the size of the Tesla one, but extra large is OK too.
I kind of like the pop-up screen. I first on the Volvo S80 and I was very impressed. Nonetheless, I believe an 8" screen is optimal. Anything larger is gaudy affecting night vision because of excessive glare.

BTW, @driver is the pic of the E400 you posted your car. Very nice and luxurious, what trim level is it?

Bwia, my E400 is very similar, but with different color wood and a flat bottom steering wheel. I think this would be closer to mine:

bwia · August 2015

I kind of like the pop-up screen. I first on the Volvo S80 and I was very impressed. Nonetheless, I believe an 8" screen is optimal. Anything larger is gaudy affecting night vision because of excessive glare. BTW, @driver is the pic of the E400 you posted your car. Very nice and luxurious, what trim level is it?
Bwia, my E400 is very similar, but with different color wood and a flat bottom steering wheel. I think this would be closer to mine:

Very nice indeed -- Enjoy the ride.

stever · August 2015

driver100 said:
Everyone loved it but it was politically incorrect

The Playbill at our show featured a big ad by the LDS church; something along the lines of you've seen the story, now read the book. Clever outreach I thought.

I use my Garmin all the time, even when I (think I) know where I'm going. A pop-up nav will never get popped down in our car. I like those HUDs for the speedo too.

henryn · August 2015

On the subject of electric bills, my latest is 1,666 kWh usage for a bill of $267. Not cheap. And on the subject of "Buying and Selling Cars", here's a story I just posted over in CCBA. My apologies to those who see it twice:

Here's another "punch that almost was". I wrote this up and sent it to the General Manager of the dealership yesterday, and I intend to post it everywhere I can find that does dealer reviews. My story:

Thursday, August 20, 2015, I received an email from Davis Chevrolet offering a 2015 Silverado Crewcab Texas Edition for $28,995. Stock #369455

Friday, August 21, 2015, approximately 5:00 p.m. I arrived at Davis Chevrolet, and was greeted by a sales representative. His business card says “Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx”, “Internet Manager”.

I showed him the ad (which I had printed), he brought around the truck, and we went for a test drive. We went inside to his office to work the numbers. The truck in question was already sold, or about to be sold. Xxxxxxx went through his stock, found a very similar truck, and brought it around for my inspection. The second unit was not a “Texas Edition”, instead an “All Star”. But it did have more features, and I liked it better.

Xxxxxxx ran the numbers, said the second truck was going to run $30k instead of $29k, which did not seem unreasonable, given the extra features – power seat, larger in-dash screen, back up camera, …

I gave him the keys to my 2013 F150, he (or someone) evaluated my trade. The numbers came back at $30k for the new Chevrolet, $22k for my trade in. Difference of $8000, plus TT&L. Given sales tax of 6.25% percent, I approximated the difference as being

$8,000
500 sales tax
300 title, license, doc fees, etc

$8,800 total difference trading in my 2013 Ford.

I told Xxxxxxx that I would make a deal, would buy the new truck right then and there if he could make the total difference $6,000. That number to include TT&L. Xxxxxxx came back, offer number two, and said, “Okay, you have the deal, $6,000 difference.” I asked, “Does that include the TT&L ?” and he answered no.

I recomputed,
$6,000
375 sales tax
300 title, license, etc

$6,675 total difference.

I once again told Xxxxxxx that the only deal I would sign for, right then and there, was $6,000 total difference. Xxxxxxx went away, and came back with “The best we can do is an additional $250 off.” Which left the total difference at approximately $6,425.

To recoup:

Deal number 1: $8,800 total difference
Deal number 2: $6,675 total difference
Deal number 3: $6,425 total difference

I told Xxxxxxx that I would not sign at that number ($6,425). But that I very well might take the deal after I slept on it. He said the truck I wanted might not be there tomorrow, and I said that was all right too, I did not have to have, nor even need the truck. I just wanted it.

I specifically asked Xxxxxxx if he was working the next day, and what hours he was working. Yes, arriving at 9. I told him I would call him in the morning with a Yes or No, and left the dealership. As I was pulling out of my parking space, Xxxxxxx came out, flagged me down, and told me we had a deal, at the number I wanted. I specifically asked him, “$6,000 total difference, including TT&L?”, and he said “Yes.”

I parked my truck, and went back in. This was approximately 6:00 p.m. We then proceeded to wait 2 hours for the finance office. I said more than once, “This is taking too long. Why don’t I go home, you make me an appointment, and I will come back.” Xxxxxxx said, “Only 10 minutes more” and “Only 5 minutes more”. Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

suydam · August 2015

This is why people hate car dealerships. I was so lucky my last buy was so straightforward-- a rarity. I said "23k OTD" -- they dithered, I went home. They called a couple of hours later -- done. We picked it up the next day. Why can't they all be like that?

ab348 · August 2015

henryn said:

As I was pulling out of my parking space, Xxxxxxx came out, flagged me down, and told me we had a deal, at the number I wanted. I specifically asked him, “$6,000 total difference, including TT&L?”, and he said “Yes.”

I parked my truck, and went back in. This was approximately 6:00 p.m. We then proceeded to wait 2 hours for the finance office. I said more than once, “This is taking too long. Why don’t I go home, you make me an appointment, and I will come back.” Xxxxxxx said, “Only 10 minutes more” and “Only 5 minutes more”. Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

I don't understand this. Why would they even try something that much more? Who gave the Finance office their numbers?

I assume you left without getting an explanation?

oldfarmer50 · August 2015

henryn said:
On the subject of electric bills, my latest is 1,666 kWh usage for a bill of $267. Not cheap. And on the subject of "Buying and Selling Cars", here's a story I just posted over in CCBA. My apologies to those who see it twice:

Here's another "punch that almost was". I wrote this up and sent it to the General Manager of the dealership yesterday, and I intend to post it everywhere I can find that does dealer reviews. My story:

Thursday, August 20, 2015, I received an email from Davis Chevrolet offering a 2015 Silverado Crewcab Texas Edition for $28,995. Stock #369455

Friday, August 21, 2015, approximately 5:00 p.m. I arrived at Davis Chevrolet, and was greeted by a sales representative. His business card says “Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx”, “Internet Manager”.

I showed him the ad (which I had printed), he brought around the truck, and we went for a test drive. We went inside to his office to work the numbers. The truck in question was already sold, or about to be sold. Xxxxxxx went through his stock, found a very similar truck, and brought it around for my inspection. The second unit was not a “Texas Edition”, instead an “All Star”. But it did have more features, and I liked it better.

Xxxxxxx ran the numbers, said the second truck was going to run $30k instead of $29k, which did not seem unreasonable, given the extra features – power seat, larger in-dash screen, back up camera, …

I gave him the keys to my 2013 F150, he (or someone) evaluated my trade. The numbers came back at $30k for the new Chevrolet, $22k for my trade in. Difference of $8000, plus TT&L. Given sales tax of 6.25% percent, I approximated the difference as being

$8,000
500 sales tax
300 title, license, doc fees, etc

$8,800 total difference trading in my 2013 Ford.

I told Xxxxxxx that I would make a deal, would buy the new truck right then and there if he could make the total difference $6,000. That number to include TT&L. Xxxxxxx came back, offer number two, and said, “Okay, you have the deal, $6,000 difference.” I asked, “Does that include the TT&L ?” and he answered no.

I recomputed,
$6,000
375 sales tax
300 title, license, etc

$6,675 total difference.

I once again told Xxxxxxx that the only deal I would sign for, right then and there, was $6,000 total difference. Xxxxxxx went away, and came back with “The best we can do is an additional $250 off.” Which left the total difference at approximately $6,425.

To recoup:

Deal number 1: $8,800 total difference
Deal number 2: $6,675 total difference
Deal number 3: $6,425 total difference

I told Xxxxxxx that I would not sign at that number ($6,425). But that I very well might take the deal after I slept on it. He said the truck I wanted might not be there tomorrow, and I said that was all right too, I did not have to have, nor even need the truck. I just wanted it.

I specifically asked Xxxxxxx if he was working the next day, and what hours he was working. Yes, arriving at 9. I told him I would call him in the morning with a Yes or No, and left the dealership. As I was pulling out of my parking space, Xxxxxxx came out, flagged me down, and told me we had a deal, at the number I wanted. I specifically asked him, “$6,000 total difference, including TT&L?”, and he said “Yes.”

I parked my truck, and went back in. This was approximately 6:00 p.m. We then proceeded to wait 2 hours for the finance office. I said more than once, “This is taking too long. Why don’t I go home, you make me an appointment, and I will come back.” Xxxxxxx said, “Only 10 minutes more” and “Only 5 minutes more”. Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

How could they justify thst after they chased you down to give you your numbers? $7500 ain't $6000 no matter how you pronounce it.

On my recent purchase when I went into the F&I office the paperwork had a list price $345 over sticker. I asked about it and they mumbled something about balancing out the $500 cash back which I was giving to the dealer. In the end it didn't matter because the final deal was the price I had agreed to. If it had been different I would have walked again. Don't understand why they play games like that.

I guess that they figure once you have a deal in your mind your go all stupid or something. A guy at work bought a used car and ended up paying $1000 for undercoating before he knew what he was signing. So maybe they're right.

bwia · August 2015

@henryn, very nice story that ended so abruptly. To quote Romeo, " O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?'

ab348 · August 2015

abacomike said:
Just a brief update on using Windows 10 on my 6 year old PC. I was using Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit which came with the computer when I purchased it. It has the original I7 Processor with 12 Gigs of RAM and a speed of 3.44 mhz. We discussed that the increased speed with Windows 10 was due to all the updates from years past for Windows 7. But now, when I turn the computer on, it takes less than 25 seconds to open the desktop and immediately start selecting Apps or the internet. This computer even when I first bought it took closer to 60 seconds to be ready to use.

So, my assumption is that Windows 10 is super fast compared to Windows 7. It runs programs more quickly than with the previous operating system. I will admit that I still don't know all the ins and outs of this new operating system so I hunt and peck as I need to change settings, etc. But, this update to Windows 10 was free and it made my computer a "teenager" once again.

I did the upgrade today on an Asus laptop I have in my office that has an external keyboard and monitor attached. It's an Intel I5 that runs a bit slower than yours, but is still plenty fast for how I use it. I was surprised how similar it seemed to Win7 on the surface, with none of the silly tiles on screen, the same desktop icons, etc. Some things are different and dumbed-down even more from Win7 though, which itself was dumbed-down from the XP machine I had previously. My one gripe so far is that the fonts on the external screen all seem blurry and while there is a lot of chatter on the net about this issue, there doesn't seem to be a simple fix for it. Some of the things regarding display settings I used to be able to play with or adjust in XP/W7 don't seem to be available on 10. If it is like every other version of Windows I've ever used, maybe about 10 reboots will fix it.

venture · August 2015

driver100 said:

stever said:

isellhondas said:
Hey, those old 1952 chest freezers are great! I'm talking about the kind you have to defrost. They don't freezer burn stuff and you can store food much longer.

Not sure about electricity usage. Probably not good.

Back to cars, I'm getting a little concerned about the tablet sticking up in the middle of the CX-3 dash. I managed to stick my Garmin halfway down the van console so the dash is clear.
Not sure you will have much choice...every car company is going in that direction. Those GPS screens that pop up are a big pet peeve of mine, but maybe we are the only ones it bothers.

When I test drove a 2015 A6 the screen is rather large and really blocks your view. The salesman said I could leave it down unless actually using it. But, then all the radio and media info is really small and hard to use, near the speedometer. The E400 has a small one, situated high, but built in and it is the best way to go. I'd prefer if it was slightly larger or much larger....the larger the better, but, like it built in.

Any car companies out there....please get the message.

This is the one in my Fusion. I kind of like it. There are also two smaller screens - one on each side of the speedometer.

venture · August 2015

driver100 said:

bwia said:
Speaking of alternative energy sources and stretching fuel reserves...

"Britain aims to tackle electric car range anxiety with wireless charging technology... The UK is committing £500 million (or roughly $780 million) over the next five years to study this technology. The trials, which are expected to begin later this year, are expected to last 18 months.

The trial follows an earlier Highways England feasibility study that looks at how wireless charging technology might be installed in Britain’s major roadways. It will also look at how motorists can pay for the electricity they receive to charge their vehicle.

Highways England calls the trials “the first of their kind.” But Fortune points out the idea for the technology dates back to the late 1800s when Nikola Tesla designed a similar system to charge streetcars remotely. Fortune also points out the technology has been employed in South Korea since 2013."
http://www.boston.com/cars/news-and-reviews/2015/08/18/britain-aims-tackle-electric-car-range-anxiety-with-wireless-charging-tech/q6qAutcNWsbH60HzBPxGFK/story.html
Our good neighbors bought one of these:

The article says it gets 124 mpg! If that's not saving oil I don't know what will.
They love their i3, but it is a 2nd car and it is only used to go a short distance to work and back.
A big problem I have is it is hard to know when it is coming along...no engine noise, just sound of tires.

Somebody in, or near, my neighborhood bought one of these. I've seen her three times now tooling around with a smile on her face.

imidazol97 · August 2015

ab348 said:

I did the upgrade today on an Asus laptop I have in my office that has an external keyboard and monitor attached. It's an Intel I5 that runs a bit slower than yours, but is still plenty fast for how I use it. I was surprised how similar it seemed to Win7 on the surface, with none of the silly tiles on screen, the same desktop icons, etc. Some things are different and dumbed-down even more from Win7 though, which itself was dumbed-down from the XP machine I had previously. My one gripe so far is that the fonts on the external screen all seem blurry and while there is a lot of chatter on the net about this issue, there doesn't seem to be a simple fix for it. Some of the things regarding display settings I used to be able to play with or adjust in XP/W7 don't seem to be available on 10. If it is like every other version of Windows I've ever used, maybe about 10 reboots will fix it.

My HP had the wrong video setting, so the icons on the screen were blurred. I looked in settings and found a 1600 X something as the only other setting offered, and tried it and it was perfect. Odd because 10 said the earlier setting was recommended by Win10 as ideal.

Other folks had said they had to download new driver from the laptop or video driver supplier for the laptop. Since you're using an external monitor, you've probably already tried that.

imidazol97 · August 2015

Finally found our last electric bill here in Western Ohio with DPL (Dayton Power & Light).
759 Kw and total bill $93.52. Really looking forward to the EPA killing the coal plants off so
the coal can be burned in other countries, because our bill will rise drastically as a result.

bwia · August 2015

Did any of you had an ice dam homeowner insurance claim from last winter? And was the settlement large enough to cover actual damage cost?

I just received an estimate from the insurance adjuster and one major item caught my eye---depreciation. Somewhere in the fine print it mentions something to the effect that the depreciation is "recoverable" depending on insurance coverage and mortgage covenants. The trouble is I have neither the policy or mortgage documents readily available.

Is this depreciation thing a loophole used to mimimize my claim $$ or is this standard industry practice?

suydam · August 2015

No, you get it back after the repairs are done. It seems silly to me but they all do it. I've had to deal with it twice now. Here's the deal -- you have to submit a claim for it after repairs are done to get it back. Crazy.

driver100 · August 2015

henryn said:

Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

Henryn, the only thing I can figure is $8000 for a truck 2 years newer is pretty good...depreciation of $4000 a year (and the new truck seems to have lots of extra features). I think when you went with $6000 he may have considered that price if desperate for a sale (it is the end of the month), but he wanted the extras added on, not built in. When you wanted to lock in $6000 out the door, he thought this is going nowhere, and they will get their revenge. Then they pulled the $7500 out because that was really going to be their best deal....$500 below advertised price.

You weren't treated nicely, but $2000+about $425 in extra off a truck that is already discounted to a bare bones $8000 difference may have been as a red flag to them.

It's like listing your house realistically for $300,000 and getting an offer for $220000. Most realtors would say that is an insulting offer, it will just make the seller angry. I have had a very low offer come in on a house and I was ready to tell them off, but they came back with a very good offer the second time. Guess they were testing the waters.....I don't mind if they learn quickly.

I think they thought your offer was unrealistically low and they thought they would have some fun. Not nice, but, I guess they had nothing better to do.

driver100 · August 2015

venture said:

driver100 said:

stever said:

isellhondas said:
Hey, those old 1952 chest freezers are great! I'm talking about the kind you have to defrost. They don't freezer burn stuff and you can store food much longer.

Not sure about electricity usage. Probably not good.

Back to cars, I'm getting a little concerned about the tablet sticking up in the middle of the CX-3 dash. I managed to stick my Garmin halfway down the van console so the dash is clear.
Not sure you will have much choice...every car company is going in that direction. Those GPS screens that pop up are a big pet peeve of mine, but maybe we are the only ones it bothers.

When I test drove a 2015 A6 the screen is rather large and really blocks your view. The salesman said I could leave it down unless actually using it. But, then all the radio and media info is really small and hard to use, near the speedometer. The E400 has a small one, situated high, but built in and it is the best way to go. I'd prefer if it was slightly larger or much larger....the larger the better, but, like it built in.

Any car companies out there....please get the message.

This is the one in my Fusion. I kind of like it. There are also two smaller screens - one on each side of the speedometer.

Venture that's a great set up. I like the fact the screen is a nice size, and having the info next to the speedometer is a nice bonus. Well designed...................

stickguy · August 2015

Thing with screens, and big reason I think they have the "skyjacker" is for navi. To be useful, that really needs to be up in eyeline. So if not stuck on the window, next closest thing. AC and radio, no big deal

stever · August 2015

I rather like my Garmin mount in the van but I enjoy a good kludge. It's out of my direct vision but easy to see and it's easy for my wife to grab to change the POIs. It's taped to a slice of plastic and jammed into a cubby with a block of ethafoam. The AC vents aren't really blocked but the hanging wire gets in the way now and then. (The kachina doll is temporary and on it's way back to its owner after I did some kludge repairs on it

)

jwilliams2 · August 2015

I rather like my Garmin mount in the van but I enjoy a good kludge.

Very clever...

abacomike · August 2015

Driver's E400 and my E 400 have 2 separate screens. The regular NAV and weather screen is in the center upper dash and there is another screen in the center gauge cluster where the speedometer is which is somewhat abbreviated. It displays NAV info and name of street or highway you are traveling on, radio stations, discs with names of songs, tire pressure monitors, and settings. When you have an address destination, it shows arrows pointing where you are directed to make a turn. Lots more info available on the round screen so you do not have to look at the NAV screen - the same info is right in front of you.

It's an amazing use of technology. I use that screen to make calls using Bluetooth.

It's a bit redundant but instead of focussing on the main screen while driving, all you have to do is look at the speedometer cluster. They think of everything.

henryn · August 2015

driver100 said:

henryn said:

Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

Henryn, the only thing I can figure is $8000 for a truck 2 years newer is pretty good...depreciation of $4000 a year (and the new truck seems to have lots of extra features). I think when you went with $6000 he may have considered that price if desperate for a sale (it is the end of the month), but he wanted the extras added on, not built in. When you wanted to lock in $6000 out the door, he thought this is going nowhere, and they will get their revenge. Then they pulled the $7500 out because that was really going to be their best deal....$500 below advertised price.

You weren't treated nicely, but $2000+about $425 in extra off a truck that is already discounted to a bare bones $8000 difference may have been as a red flag to them.

It's like listing your house realistically for $300,000 and getting an offer for $220000. Most realtors would say that is an insulting offer, it will just make the seller angry. I have had a very low offer come in on a house and I was ready to tell them off, but they came back with a very good offer the second time. Guess they were testing the waters.....I don't mind if they learn quickly.

I think they thought your offer was unrealistically low and they thought they would have some fun. Not nice, but, I guess they had nothing better to do.

You know, I actually considered that. I could only see three possibilities.

One, they thought I was stupid and wouldn't notice.

Two, they thought I might want the truck enough to buy it anyway.

Or three, they were "playing with me". If so, I gave them cause to regret it.

I collected my thoughts, and decided that the misrepresentation and long delay was definitely on purpose. I then walked out on the middle of the showroom floor. This was slightly after 8 p.m. on a Friday evening. There were maybe a half dozen sales people, at least one finance guy, a sales manager, and a front receptionist working there in the showroom area. Approximately 4 customers working on deals (one family group of about 5). I looked around, and projected my voice (which I'm quite good at): "I think everyone that works here is a DAMN CROOK!"

Looked around the room slowly, making sure everyone had heard me. All conversations had stopped dead, everyone was looking at me. I nodded my head in acknowledgement of the attention, and walked calmly out.

Remember, I left quietly and calmly two hours earlier. No ill feelings, no disputes, no problems. If they didn't want my offer, I had no problems with that. The salesman came after me, told me we had a deal, and wasted two hours of my time. They deserved worse than what I gave them.

oldfarmer50 · August 2015

driver100 said:

henryn said:

Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

Henryn, the only thing I can figure is $8000 for a truck 2 years newer is pretty good...depreciation of $4000 a year (and the new truck seems to have lots of extra features). I think when you went with $6000 he may have considered that price if desperate for a sale (it is the end of the month), but he wanted the extras added on, not built in. When you wanted to lock in $6000 out the door, he thought this is going nowhere, and they will get their revenge. Then they pulled the $7500 out because that was really going to be their best deal....$500 below advertised price.

You weren't treated nicely, but $2000+about $425 in extra off a truck that is already discounted to a bare bones $8000 difference may have been as a red flag to them.

It's like listing your house realistically for $300,000 and getting an offer for $220000. Most realtors would say that is an insulting offer, it will just make the seller angry. I have had a very low offer come in on a house and I was ready to tell them off, but they came back with a very good offer the second time. Guess they were testing the waters.....I don't mind if they learn quickly.

I think they thought your offer was unrealistically low and they thought they would have some fun. Not nice, but, I guess they had nothing better to do.

Nothing better to do but waste 2 hours to PO a customer? Must have been one heck of a slow day!

driver100 · August 2015

henryn said:

driver100 said:

henryn said:

Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

Henryn, the only thing I can figure is $8000 for a truck 2 years newer is pretty good...depreciation of $4000 a year (and the new truck seems to have lots of extra features). I think when you went with $6000 he may have considered that price if desperate for a sale (it is the end of the month), but he wanted the extras added on, not built in. When you wanted to lock in $6000 out the door, he thought this is going nowhere, and they will get their revenge. Then they pulled the $7500 out because that was really going to be their best deal....$500 below advertised price.

You weren't treated nicely, but $2000+about $425 in extra off a truck that is already discounted to a bare bones $8000 difference may have been as a red flag to them.

It's like listing your house realistically for $300,000 and getting an offer for $220000. Most realtors would say that is an insulting offer, it will just make the seller angry. I have had a very low offer come in on a house and I was ready to tell them off, but they came back with a very good offer the second time. Guess they were testing the waters.....I don't mind if they learn quickly.

I think they thought your offer was unrealistically low and they thought they would have some fun. Not nice, but, I guess they had nothing better to do.

You know, I actually considered that. I could only see three possibilities.

One, they thought I was stupid and wouldn't notice.

Two, they thought I might want the truck enough to buy it anyway.

Or three, they were "playing with me". If so, I gave them cause to regret it.

I think your 3 possibilities are right on.

There is something in car sales, and it is the reason for the "low ball" price, and it goes like this. Guy is all excited he is getting new car or truck,, tells all his relatives, family, friends, then when he goes to sign the paper the price has gone up. No one wants to return home without a new car at that point so the person justifies it to themselves, and just signs the paper. The salesman figures it's worth a shot, he knows he won't be selling you a truck for $6000 all in.....so he'll take a chance and try for $7500. He may have hoped you would go to $7000 or something....but, at this point he doesn't have much to lose.

If you don't mind a bit of homework, go online and find a similar truck at another dealer and see what the price comes out to.

Or, have some real fun, wait until your sales guy is off, see another salesman and tell him you'll pay $10k difference, and then when they prepare the deal walk out! Just joking, please don't try that, but, it is something I would probably do......I hate bait and switches. I like the salesman just to be honest and say, "I can't do it at that price, here is the absolute best price I can give", and an explanation would be even better.

As with all bad experiences, it made for a great story.

GGs experience is still the worst in a long time, but it will be great conversation opener at a party for a long time.

driver100 · August 2015

How about this unit:

dino001 · August 2015

driver100 said:

henryn said:

Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

Henryn, the only thing I can figure is $8000 for a truck 2 years newer is pretty good...depreciation of $4000 a year (and the new truck seems to have lots of extra features). I think when you went with $6000 he may have considered that price if desperate for a sale (it is the end of the month), but he wanted the extras added on, not built in. When you wanted to lock in $6000 out the door, he thought this is going nowhere, and they will get their revenge. Then they pulled the $7500 out because that was really going to be their best deal....$500 below advertised price.

You weren't treated nicely, but $2000+about $425 in extra off a truck that is already discounted to a bare bones $8000 difference may have been as a red flag to them.

It's like listing your house realistically for $300,000 and getting an offer for $220000. Most realtors would say that is an insulting offer, it will just make the seller angry. I have had a very low offer come in on a house and I was ready to tell them off, but they came back with a very good offer the second time. Guess they were testing the waters.....I don't mind if they learn quickly.

I think they thought your offer was unrealistically low and they thought they would have some fun. Not nice, but, I guess they had nothing better to do.

It's true, but all they need to do is say no and send him home. But they have strang him and then said yes, after which they took it back.

bwia · August 2015

henryn said:

driver100 said:

henryn said:

Finally, after a 2 hour wait, I get in the finance office and discover that the deal has been written up at a total difference slightly more than $7,500. $1,500 higher than the last agreed upon deal. $1,075 more than deal number 3 (above). $825 more than deal number 2.

I consider this to be very underhanded. The words “lying”, “cheating”, and “crooked” come to mind.

Henryn, the only thing I can figure is $8000 for a truck 2 years newer is pretty good...depreciation of $4000 a year (and the new truck seems to have lots of extra features). I think when you went with $6000 he may have considered that price if desperate for a sale (it is the end of the month), but he wanted the extras added on, not built in. When you wanted to lock in $6000 out the door, he thought this is going nowhere, and they will get their revenge. Then they pulled the $7500 out because that was really going to be their best deal....$500 below advertised price.

You weren't treated nicely, but $2000+about $425 in extra off a truck that is already discounted to a bare bones $8000 difference may have been as a red flag to them.

It's like listing your house realistically for $300,000 and getting an offer for $220000. Most realtors would say that is an insulting offer, it will just make the seller angry. I have had a very low offer come in on a house and I was ready to tell them off, but they came back with a very good offer the second time. Guess they were testing the waters.....I don't mind if they learn quickly.

I think they thought your offer was unrealistically low and they thought they would have some fun. Not nice, but, I guess they had nothing better to do.

You know, I actually considered that. I could only see three possibilities.

One, they thought I was stupid and wouldn't notice.

Two, they thought I might want the truck enough to buy it anyway.

Or three, they were "playing with me". If so, I gave them cause to regret it.

I collected my thoughts, and decided that the misrepresentation and long delay was definitely on purpose. I then walked out on the middle of the showroom floor. This was slightly after 8 p.m. on a Friday evening. There were maybe a half dozen sales people, at least one finance guy, a sales manager, and a front receptionist working there in the showroom area. Approximately 4 customers working on deals (one family group of about 5). I looked around, and projected my voice (which I'm quite good at): "I think everyone that works here is a DAMN CROOK!"

Looked around the room slowly, making sure everyone had heard me. All conversations had stopped dead, everyone was looking at me. I nodded my head in acknowledgement of the attention, and walked calmly out.

Remember, I left quietly and calmly two hours earlier. No ill feelings, no disputes, no problems. If they didn't want my offer, I had no problems with that. The salesman came after me, told me we had a deal, and wasted two hours of my time. They deserved worse than what I gave them.

I am playing Devil's advocate here. But was it an honest mistake or did they really tried to rip you off. Was any attempt made to remedy the situation or was it a take-it-or-leave-it proposition?

When I financed my last vehicle the finance guy tried to pull a fast one on me by adding some mysterious fee. I said I was not going to pay it so he increased trade in value. Problem solved, shook hands and everybody was happy.

bwia · August 2015

suydam said:
No, you get it back after the repairs are done. It seems silly to me but they all do it. I've had to deal with it twice now. Here's the deal -- you have to submit a claim for it after repairs are done to get it back. Crazy.

@suydam, thanks for that; I feel better already.

graphicguy · August 2015

imidazol97 said:
Finally found our last electric bill here in Western Ohio with DPL (Dayton Power & Light).
759 Kw and total bill $93.52. Really looking forward to the EPA killing the coal plants off so
the coal can be burned in other countries, because our bill will rise drastically as a result.

Imid...we're about in the same geographic area (I'm in the northern Cincinnati suburbs, Butler County). My house is 3000 sq ft. Have a hot tub outside, but no pool. I think my electric runs in that $95-$100 area. However, my furnace is gas. All total, my bills run about $170/mo. I told the wife that given we only use the hot tub a 2-3 times a month, maybe we should get rid of it, as it's not cheap to operate. I bet I could lop off $40 off my power bill just by doing that.

graphicguy · August 2015

henry...I agree with Driver and you. I'd walk. Wouldn't look back. Wouldn't give them another opportunity. Wouldn't take their phone calls. Mistake in the numbers? How many times have we heard that? Is the dealer, who does hundreds of these deals a month, every month, really that sloppy with their numbers?

Fact is, regardless of the number you agreed to, your objective was to make a deal. Whereas the only objective the dealer has/had was to get you back into the showroom any way they could. The dealer succeeded. They didn't care that they irritated a potential customer along the way. Never understood that line of thinking, but I've seen it done too many times.

imidazol97 · August 2015

@henryn
"Approximately 4 customers working on deals (one family group of about 5). I looked around, and projected my voice (which I'm quite good at): "I think everyone that works here is a DAMN CROOK!"
"Looked around the room slowly, making sure everyone had heard me. All conversations had stopped dead, everyone was looking at me. I nodded my head in acknowledgement of the attention, and walked calmly out."

I would have added, "They stopped me in parking lot saying they'd meet my price, then stalled for 2 hours and told me it's $1500 more." Wasted my time.

Then the folks shopping would have had an idea of what is wrong with that store.

Also, Edmunds used to have a dealer review topic on the site. And Yelp and Google and others allow reviews of businesses. That way, anyone looking up the location or business sees there are reviews. I usually read those, whether it's a restaurant or motel, and look for the pattern as well as the common sense in how the poster wrote the review that's negative OR positive.

houdini1 · August 2015

graphicguy said:
henry...I agree with Driver and you. I'd walk. Wouldn't look back. Wouldn't give them another opportunity. Wouldn't take their phone calls. Mistake in the numbers? How many times have we heard that? Is the dealer, who does hundreds of these deals a month, every month, really that sloppy with their numbers?

Fact is, regardless of the number you agreed to, your objective was to make a deal. Whereas the only objective the dealer has/had was to get you back into the showroom any way they could. The dealer succeeded. They didn't care that they irritated a potential customer along the way. Never understood that line of thinking, but I've seen it done too many times.

You can never think of these things until after the fact, but if a person could remain calm in a situation like this, you could just say that your were 99% sure you would take the deal, but you wanted to sleep on it and would be back first thing in the morning. Then, of course, don't show.

The whole thing about "experience" is true. You never get it until right after you needed it.

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