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Last night neither Mrs. j or myself were very hungry but wanted something to eat, so we went to Chick-fil-A. She likes the chicken salad wrap, I like their signature chicken sandwich. As a senior you are entitled to a free drink, but if you order a combo meal they have to ring up the items separately. This place is jammed packed and as we are at the register I see that a booth just opened so I tell Mrs. j I'm going to go claim it before we have to eat standing up. I get the condiments and sit down. No sooner than I sit down Mrs. j shows up with a "cone" (never saw that before) which I assumed is the marker so that someone can deliver your order when it is ready. Mrs. j says, "look at the receipt. I don't think it is right". It wasn't we were charged $1.78 for the drinks. No sooner than I say that, a young high school age girl brings the tray with our order. I show here the receipt and she says she'll take care of it. She starts to walk away and I ask her if she needs my credit card to do the cancellation and she says, "if you want me do it like that I can but I can just give you the money back in cash if that is OK with you". I told her OK and she brings back $1.80. As I'm reaching into my pocket to give her 2 cents she tells me not to bother, she has more customers to get meals delivered.
This Chick-fil-A is run so efficiently I can't believe it. The kids they have working there actually seem to enjoy what they are doing, not just putting in their time. You have to see it to believe it. They come by and ask how the meal is, can I get you a refill, more napkins, more ketchup, you name it and they are trying to help you. I'm sure this is why they are always very busy and their drive through looks like a highway with a light that has malfunctioned but they have several kids out there taking orders before the cars get to the order station.
This is the only Chick-fil-A that I go to so maybe this is how they are all run but I doubt it. I don't go to very many fast food places but what I saw in the past none of them operate like this.
It would not surprise me too much if the next thing this Chick-fil-A does is to implement call-ahead to alleviate the congestion with seating.
We have been so conditioned to poor service over the years that when we get real service, we are overwhelmed. I know I am.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I think their business model is to just wear you down until you give up, and bail out. Not likely too many people like you who have the resources, and willingness, to fight this to the end.
_________
This is probably GM's business model. And if you think it's a hassle and inconvenience to GG, just imagine how much greater the problem would be for the typical JOE that can only afford a Chevy!
This model of fighting and delaying lemon law claims is probably much more effective for the typical Chevy owner than the typical Cadillac owner, since the latter would generally have greater financial means and resources. Imagine if this was your only method of transportation, and you relied upon it to get to work every day! Also Chevy doesn't automatically give out loaners.
I have a feeling they get a lot of people to say "mercy" and wave the white flag with these techniques.
Another way (if you've never owned a Big 3 car) to be disappointed with a car maker is to have a bad rental car experience.
My wife admitted she was impressed with how the '16 Kia drives, feels, and has performed. Her view is/was very negative towards Kia/Hyundai. The reason for this is the crap they made in the 80's and 90's. Some of which is from a friend of hers buying a cheap Accent/Excel/Elantra - who knows or remembers the exact name? way back when, but also from a Kia Rio/Sephia rentals way back when. Those cars came off as garbage, even to a this Neon owner (I had a Kia rental way back when I was still in the Neon too, and that left a poor impression).
Maybe GG can make you a sweet deal on a 2016 CTS, and you can pocket the difference out of that $80K if you can pry it out of the hands of the dealer before he goes bust.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Your new company has a good slogan but to get the word out that will take a lot of advertising and you will have to charge $500 an hour. So, your gone before your first case.
Stay in retirement or get back to selling old books.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
E400 sedan isn't even listed on the MBUSA site now, if it matters - just E43 for a 6cyl. But Canada lists an E400, for now anyway.
This outcome was the danger to picking the "keep this one until it acts up" plan.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Ouch on prepaying for this car in full! However, the fact that Mercedes has earned enough goodwill from a customer that they can overlook some of these issues says a lot too.
https://youtu.be/rR_5h8CzRcI?t=3m12s
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
The kitchen manager showed up a couple minutes later. Said that was far more carrot/celery than she'd seen in a bowl of soup. Shouldn't have been scooped out that way. Offered replacement, etc.. Wife just said "fix it." It's a new store, only a few weeks old, and just getting it wings in the air. They cared. Welcome to ChickFilA.
If CFA made Cadillacs, GG would have had a new one at a small cost for usage of this one after 2.5 weeks.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The auto-braking function in the Driver's Assistance Package will apply the brakes on your car when it is in cruise control and you are approaching another car too quickly. Radar is used to "match" the speed of the car in front of you. You have the ability to adjust the distance tolerances between your car and the car in front of you. You can set it for 3 car lengths, 4 car lengths or 5 car lengths.
As for collision mitigation, that comes standard on the Mercedes E Class - which means brakes will be applied when a collision is imminent.
My experiences with the Driver's Assistance Package on my E400 (2014) were outstanding. I preferred the auto-braking feature when in cruise control. On my trip up and back to Ponte Vedra when I had the E400 (also have it on the BMW now) is that cars will frequently sneak into your lane so as to pass a car in front of them. What happens is that the car automatically matches the speed of the car coming into your lane by braking and decelerating, if necessary. Pedestrians crossing in front or behind your car are picked up by the sensors and the car will auto-apply brakes to avoid hitting the pedestrian - especially the pedestrians walking behind your car. I park in a parking lot in front of my building. The pedestrian warning and auto-braking feature saved me already a few weeks ago from hitting a guy who was walking very close to the cars. My car braked quickly and avoided hitting the guy who appeared out of nowhere from my left.
But, in summary, be proactive and stand your ground when you want something done, driver, when dealing with a car dealership. They and/or Mercedes did not "deliver" your new car in the timeframe agreed to due to problems associated with meeting Canadian standards. For that reason, you demand a new car be acquired whichi would include the options you want, PERIOD!!!
2021 Genesis G90
What I learned is that a few of them are now being run by private companies. These few get by on about half the money that the government run parks get, and they are always clean, updated, in good repair, and actually make a profit.
What a great way to reduce the size of the gov., stimulate private enterprise, save tax dollars AND keep our National Parks in good shape. To keep this car related, I hope this idea spreads so fast that a Mustang GT couldn't keep pace. There has to be a lot of other areas where this would be beneficial.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
A few decent things on the menu though, esp in this area where choice isn't as varied as places to the south and east (maybe also why people are healthier here ) . Some awful/offal politics in the past, but not bad food. Now only if we could get Cracker Barrel and Steak 'n Shake out here.
I had the Driver's Assistance Package on my 2014 E400 (and have it on my new BMW 740i) and it is a terrific option. You can set the distance between your car and the car in front of you by 3, or 4, or 5 car lengths. It also uses sensors and radar to slow you down to match the speed of the car in front of you. It does the same thing if a car is moving from the right lane into your left lane - it will brake your car sufficiently to allow the distance you set to be acquired.
But, demand that a new car be either ordered or located for you - don't "ask" if it can be done - that sets you up for failure in attaining what you set out to accomplish. Just my honest opinion, driver - it's the way I deal with dealerships and manufacturers - and I've been very successful at doing what I do!
2021 Genesis G90
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
But Chick-Fil-A restaurants prepare the food identically to any other. I love their chicken and their fries. I used to be a hamburger freak - now I am solely a "chicken" freak - or some other kind of freak like a new car freak. But a freak, just the same!!!
2021 Genesis G90
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
2021 Genesis G90
Driver...I saw E400 coupes at the Mercedes dealer I was at yesterday. They also had a very nice '16 E350 (http://www.mbcincy.com/inventory/new-2016-mercedes-benz-e-class-e350-4matic-sport-sedan-4matic-sedan-wddhf8jb2gb282114) that I wished I would have bought instead of the CTS. Pics don't do it justice. Just a very nice car. Dealer said "my deal" would be $11,000 off MSRP. Quite a bit over my budget.
As an aside, I may have a deal on a car. Will know more tomorrow.
Just what is it that you get with German cars, other than a badge?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I am guessing the potential new car isn't a CTS-V
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You get a badge, styling that usually ages very well, and usually also receive driving dynamics and tactile feel that can be hard to beat.
2021 Genesis G90
2021 Genesis G90
It is one of the cheapest franchises to manage.....but not own. Just $10000 if accepted compared to $750,000 for McDs, but you never own it and can't pass it on or sell it. It always belongs to the company.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Well, they're built by gnomes in the Black Forest. Can't say that about a Hyundai.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
All of this driving dynamics is lost on me. I never felt that I had to take corners quickly and have the car hold the road like that. I also never felt that it took a lot of skill to mash down on an accelerator peddle that someone else designed for you. I'm more of the type that wanted to design the accelerator peddle and what was behind it.
When I was a kid I always felt better throwing a ball (football or baseball) better than the other kids and especially the kids that ran their father's car's on Friday night to impress the girls how fast it was in the quarter mile.
While they were doing that, I was in the back of my fathers station wagon.
Some thing are more fun than others.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
In Canada they offer the E300 and E43, as well as the 6 cyl E400. Just a guess but I think they didn't offer the E400 in the U.S. this year because it is a new model and they probably couldn't build enough - my guess is it will be available in 2018.
I think you are right about those packages and I believe it is $3000 for driver assist or intelligent drive.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
First I need to find out how much the option is....I just really want the braking feature, but I am sure I will have to take more than that.
I like the idea of ordering a fresher car, then it won't sit in the freezing cold for 6 months and it will have this part installed at the factory. There may be problems with paperwork etc.....I need to see what they say first.
If I want it and have a problem I will sic you on them
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That 2016 E350 would make a very nice car, but it would have to be at a lower price. It is about the same as my 2015 E400 and that is a fine car.
Come on, give us a hint.....so I can sleep tonight. I think it starts with an "A".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The Genesis is a fine car with a lot of toys on it for the money, but, it won't be quite the same. Some people appreciate fine wine, a good cigar, premium beer, steak instead of hamburger and a true German luxury car - compared to the wannabe car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If it arrived in December we would have driven it down. So, in a way they are responsible, at least Mercedes is for the delay.
I think my bargaining chip is what imid alluded to, it is to their advantage and mine, to sell this one asap and hopefully mine would arrive by April 2nd. Doubt if there is one on the way, when we went to the Mercedes factory in Stutgart, they said every car built, has been ordered....even if it is for a dealer. They never make a car that hasn't been ordered...including armored vehicles that are made there as well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I recall you were going to fly home at Christmas and garage it after the dealer delivered it?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2021 Genesis G90
But yeh, the best way to try and change this is to show it will be best for both of us.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Good info Mike. I really don't like the automatic lane change idea......I wonder if the car wedges itself between two cars like the Florida drivers do?
btw...you must be immune to the drivers here Mike, I have had so many people tell me the driving here is the worst they see anywhere. I played tennis today with a native Floridian - not too many of those - and he said drivers were always slow and careful, but, now they have become extra aggressive in Florida. I have heard a lot of people say that.
I saw a new 740i today, was silver and had a spoiler....that is one beautiful looking car. I like that design way more than an MB S series. Somehow it doesn't look huge, maybe the large wheels help. Looked very unique and sleek.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Still weird to me how Canada and US have different offerings. E300 is a new one for the US market, but there was a W212 E300 in Canada. E400 replaced the E350 in Canada, where in the US, both were offered. Doesn't seem very efficient.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2021 Genesis G90
2021 Genesis G90
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Thanks....could be very useful to know.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It sounds like you Canadians are more polite than the drivers in my area. Almost every day, on the local news, I hear about some older person that was run over. It's a strange way to control the senior citizen population and it must hurt like hell for an instant.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250