The Conservative Cave
The Bar => The Lounge => Topic started by: Hawkgirl on October 13, 2009, 07:40:18 PM
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I am going to look at SUV's this weekend and wanted suggestions.. My friend recommended a Buick Enclave and my father drives a Toyota Highlander, which I like. I also want to look at the Lexus RX.
I currently drive a Merc-Benz E350, but with a kid in tow, an SUV will make it easier for me.
Any feedback is appreciated...
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I drive a cop/grandma car
It's a Mercury Grand Marquis. I bought it because the price was right, but, it is the single most comfortable car I've driven.
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I drive a Mini Cooper. Super cute, but not quite an SUV :p
My mom has a Lexus RS, and she really likes it.
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Take a look at the new Volvo xc60 - Mrs RC thinks that'll be her Xmas present.
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Take a look at the new Volvo xc60 - Mrs RC thinks that'll be her Xmas present.
Oooh...I like it...gonna research it...thanks!
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I've got a 02' Hyundai Accent and a 06' Toyota Corrola
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How about this one?
$1.5M Russian SUV Features Diamonds, Whale Penis Leather
Whale penis leather interior. That's all you really need to know about the $1.5 million Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition. Yes, the diamond-encrusted white gold gauges and gold-plated bulletproof windows are impressive, but seriously, whale penis leather interior.
The already bulletproof and wildly over-the-top 8.1 liter GM V8-powered Dartz Kombat T98 is getting a name change to Prombron and along with it will come a complete and brain-maimingly bourgeoisie upgrade with the Monaco Red Diamond Edition. The world's most expensive ultra-luxury SUV will debut at the 2010 Top Marques Monaco show with luxe features crazy enough to make a Maybach blush. For your $1.5 million you get the following features:
1. Ruby Red matte paint
2. Gold-plated bulletproof windows
3. 22" Kremlin Red Star bulletproof wheels
4. Whale Penis Leather interior
5. Tungsten exhaust
6. Tungsten and white gold gauges with diamonds and rubies
7. White gold diamond and ruby encrusted badges - grill, side and dashboard
8. Special edition Vertu mobile phone with "alert" button
9. Additional outside kevlar coating
10. Rogue Acoustic Audio System.
And, of course, of course -
THREE BOTTLES OF World Most Expensive Vodka - RussoBaltique Vodka, drink edition, same as in the RussoBaltique car when it visited Monaco at 1912.
jalopnik (http://jalopnik.com/5380680/15m-russian-suv-features-diamonds-whale-penis-leather)
(http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2009/10/500x_Prombron_Red_Diamond.jpg)
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Whale Penis Leather?
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I own a 2000 Saturn SC2 and a 2008 Saturn Astra. Daggum Penske.
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2008 Jeep Liberty. 4WD which I need in the winter, but still easy enough on gas, and plenty of room.
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2009 Infiniti FX ~ Black
(http://images.automotive.com/color/300x187/2009/Infiniti/CAB90INS071A0806.jpg)
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2009 Infiniti FX ~ Black
(http://images.automotive.com/color/300x187/2009/Infiniti/CAB90INS071A0806.jpg)
Made you trade in the old one when you hit the CA border, eh?
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I drive a cop/grandma car
It's a Mercury Grand Marquis. I bought it because the price was right, but, it is the single most comfortable car I've driven.
Me too, but I drive a Crown Vic. :heart:
I call it my people mover. It drives well and hey, it's paid for.
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I am going to look at SUV's this weekend and wanted suggestions.. My friend recommended a Buick Enclave and my father drives a Toyota Highlander, which I like. I also want to look at the Lexus RX.
I currently drive a Merc-Benz E350, but with a kid in tow, an SUV will make it easier for me.
Any feedback is appreciated...
My parents just bought a Highlander and are really happy with it. (and they haven't agreed on a "shared vehicle" in 40 years of marriage,lol) We packed it with adults this past weekend and were comfortable and had a nice few long drives. I drive a 2000 Toyota Solara and like it a bunch. (more American than my previous "American car") Only $$ I've invested in it was 4 new tires (last winter, by choice) and some soap and wax> :-)
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I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma 4x4.
It is the third Toyota I have had since 1986 and would recommend one to anybody.
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Wasn't she the Doctoral Candidate in Foucault Pendulum Who's thesis was the lost treasure of the Knights Templer ?
edited to correct syntax error
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Me too, but I drive a Crown Vic. :heart:
I call it my people mover. It drives well and hey, it's paid for.
And I bet it's got plenty of LEG room too.
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I drive a cop/grandma car
It's a Mercury Grand Marquis. I bought it because the price was right, but, it is the single most comfortable car I've driven.
Lemme guess--you hit the wrong pedal and go through 7-11 storefronts on a regular basis too, huh?
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Lemme guess--you hit the wrong pedal and go through 7-11 storefronts on a regular basis too, huh?
Farmer's markets and DMV's are also good targets.
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And I bet it's got plenty of LEG room too.
I can definitely stretch out in that car. My previous vehicle was a Ford Conversion van with a queen bed and fuzzy fur. :naughty:
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I have an 04 IS300 that I LOVE. Only wish it was a manual.
My 06 Tundra will remain with me for a long time, though I'd like more power.
If I were buying, I'd go with an IS350 even though it's not availble in AWD. If it had to be an SUV? I'm a toyota guy, so I'd go 4Runner. Drove an RX350 when the dealer had my IS; hated the seats.
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I drive the '98 Ford Ranger that I inheirited when my father died. Complete with the Marlin lever action in the gun rack in the rear window.
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I am going to look at SUV's this weekend and wanted suggestions.. My friend recommended a Buick Enclave and my father drives a Toyota Highlander, which I like. I also want to look at the Lexus RX.
I currently drive a Merc-Benz E350, but with a kid in tow, an SUV will make it easier for me.
Any feedback is appreciated...
I have always liked the Lexus RX series, really don't think you can go wrong with it.
I just purchased a Jeep Commander, the clearance price on 09's was just too good to pass up. Previously drove a Nissan Xterra. However had I been looking at something closer to retail msrp, I would have really considered the newer Lincoln MKZ. The Volvo XC90 and Saab 9-7X also warrant a quick look IMHO.
While insanely priced, nothing but perhaps a Cayenne will rival some of the BMW X5's, particularly with the V8. However even when following the scheduled maintenance they can be finicky or hit and miss, I'd be quite leery of keeping one outside of warranty.
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'99 S-10 4x4 4.3L Vortec.
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BTW we have a '04 Tahoe and a '07 Camry - I drive the Camry
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Made you trade in the old one when you hit the CA border, eh?
LOL No, we bought it last year.
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2008 Jeep Liberty. 4WD which I need in the winter, but still easy enough on gas, and plenty of room.
But, they look Gay.
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I drive the '98 Ford Ranger that I inheirited when my father died. Complete with the Marlin lever action in the gun rack in the rear window.
:cheersmate:
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I can definitely stretch out in that car. My previous vehicle was a Ford Conversion van with a queen bed and fuzzy fur. :naughty:
(http://media.nextautos.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/the-a-team-van-5_001.jpg)
I have it on good authority that this is your old van.
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2006 Nissan Mirano. I can pack soooo much into that car! I like it that when my seats are down, I still have room behind the front seats on the floor. It takes regular gas and is pretty good on gas mileage.
Prior to it, I had a '98 and an '01 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limiteds. Loved them!!! But they were 8-cylinders and not as good on gas but I did like the way they drove.
I lease my car, and just extended my lease until January. I only have 26k miles on it and was allowed 39k which they also extended to 49k. We haven't decided whether or not to buy it, but it works better for me from a tax deduction to lease rather than buy.
I don't know that I will get another Mirano.....Chevy has a new hybrid SUV that I want to look at, mainly because it is considerably less than a Nissan.
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. If it had to be an SUV? I'm a toyota guy, so I'd go 4Runner. Drove an RX350 when the dealer had my IS; hated the seats.
I know what you mean about the seats on the RX...I had an ES350 before I got my Benz and asked my service guy to hold an RX for me when I brought my car in for service. I thought the seats were a bit "stiff".....My EX350 was probably the best car I've driven and I should have never switched to M-Benz....have had a few problems with it already and I haven't even had it a year. :whatever:
You really can't go wrong with Toyota or Lexus though...their reliability is unmatched. Toyota is offering some good incentives on the 09 Highlander right now...but I hear the 2010 is re-vamped...so I may wait.
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But, they look Gay.
Says you. Oh, and it's not ghey until you get stuck in a 20" snowstorm, like you would with your grannymobile.
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I had a 2007 Lexus and I was not impressed with the quality. I had several issues with it, including the transmission. When I went shopping for new this time, I excluded them from my list. Check out Acura. They are great cars. I have so many cars and trucks that I qualify for fleet insurance.
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As someone who has survived being born and raised in the Detroit area (and lived to tell about it), I am a hard-core firm believer in Japanese motor vehicles.
Mrs. E drives her 2000 Honda Accord, 5-speed, 4 cylinder. Paid for.
I drive our 2004 Toyota Sienna mini-van. Paid for. I've heard people abhor mini-vans (unless soccer moms have to schlep around a whole damned battalion of kids) because they look teh ghey. So they run out and buy an SUV because it doesn't look teh ghey. :mental:
Sorry, I don't understand that.
I'm after reliability, excellent engineering, fit, form, and function. I don't give a shit what it looks like nearly as much as what it can do for me and what it takes to keep it running.
I am extremely pleased with both cars. I have the scheduled maintenance done when it's recommended and have never needed to do anything other than the 90K tuneup, tires, brakes, and rear shocks for the Sienna. (Struts for both cars are still kickin'.)
Both cars have in excess of 130,000 miles and they're still going strong.
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1989 Ford F-150. It's paid for.
I wish I had your "problem". :p
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I drive our 2004 Toyota Sienna mini-van. Paid for. I've heard people abhor mini-vans (unless soccer moms have to schlep around a whole damned battalion of kids) because they look teh ghey. So they run out and buy an SUV because it doesn't look teh ghey
There's a cab company here that has a Plymouth Voyager as a taxi, and I swear the damn thing is broken in the middle. Worst cab ride I've ever had.
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There's a cab company here that has a Plymouth Voyager as a taxi, and I swear the damn thing is broken in the middle. Worst cab ride I've ever had.
I can believe that. The operative word there is "Plymouth Voyager." A bigger piece of shit has rarely been made.
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Well, I went with a Toyota Venza :-)
(http://i35.tinypic.com/1zxabs2.jpg)
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Well, I went with a Toyota Venza :-)
(http://i35.tinypic.com/1zxabs2.jpg)
Oh I haven't seen it before. What color?
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Oh I haven't seen it before. What color?
They just started making it. I wanted the blue, but it got sold while we were writing up the contract. Now the sales person is looking for the same color at other dealerships; I am getting it fully loaded...so if they can't find that color, fully loaded, I'll go with Silver. Either color is nice. I'll post a pic when I have it front of my house.
It's a crossover of a crossover and wagon...lol...roomy interior, nice space in the back, drives like a car, but high like a Highlander....it's a unique mix.
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They just started making it. I wanted the blue, but it got sold while we were writing up the contract. Now the sales person is looking for the same color at other dealerships; I am getting it fully loaded...so if they can't find that color, fully loaded, I'll go with Silver. Either color is nice. I'll post a pic when I have it front of my house.
It's a crossover of a crossover and wagon...lol...roomy interior, nice space in the back, drives like a car, but high like a Highlander....it's a unique mix.
I like white and silver, never been a fan of blue cars. I can't wait to see it when you post it.
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Well, she just called me, they can't find a fully loaded blue, so SILVER it is! (which is what I wanted initially until I saw that blue in the showroom)
I pick it up on Thursday. :-)
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pretty car....
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Congrats! :cheersmate:
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Says you. Oh, and it's not ghey until you get stuck in a 20" snowstorm, like you would with your grannymobile.
Do you remember the vehicle Cujo always use to bitch about? Yep, that's my driva, a Fortieth Edition (1997) Mercedes Benz Roadster. I just put the hardtop on last week, :( but, for twenty inches of snow there is always the wife's '08 Subaru wagon which I can use. The local Benz dealer is one of, if not, the best shop I have ever dealt with. After dealing with Chevy and Chrysler for years I was amazed when the Benz was repaired on time at the specified price, washed and vacuumed, with a courtesy ride available or loaner which ever I preferred. And the cost was no more (well maybe just a little for parts) than what my Chrysler or Chevy use to cost!!
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Nice choice, my '07 Camry is great. My next door neighbor owns the local Toyota dealership and his wife got a Venza as soon as they came out.
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Truck.
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Red Blazer. 4-wheel-drive is a must-have in Minnesota winters. I will definitely never go back to anything without it.
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Well, I went with a Toyota Venza :-)
(http://i35.tinypic.com/1zxabs2.jpg)
Nice! AWD?
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Nice! AWD?
No, FWD, 6 cylinder. Never owned a Toyota....a friend at work just told me their service department is horrible and one of the worst rated. Is this true, for any of you toyota owners????
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No, FWD, 6 cylinder. Never owned a Toyota....a friend at work just told me their service department is horrible and one of the worst rated. Is this true, for any of you toyota owners????
I can't say they compare to the Lexus dealer in any way, but they haven't been horrible for me.
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I can't say they compare to the Lexus dealer in any way, but they haven't been horrible for me.
SIGH....
One thing that worries me is that the DIRECTOR of the finance department will not return my phonecalls! I want to know what my interest rate will be and my salesperson tells me he'd rather discuss it with me in person. To me, this is a bit shady. I will be financing 50% of the car, so my rate better be low...his hesitancy to discuss this with me is worrisome.
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SIGH....
One thing that worries me is that the DIRECTOR of the finance department will not return my phonecalls! I want to know what my interest rate will be and my salesperson tells me he'd rather discuss it with me in person. To me, this is a bit shady. I will be financing 50% of the car, so my rate better be low...his hesitancy to discuss this with me is worrisome.
You've signed for the car and you don't know what you are going to be actually paying for it?
Ruh-roh....
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SIGH....
One thing that worries me is that the DIRECTOR of the finance department will not return my phonecalls! I want to know what my interest rate will be and my salesperson tells me he'd rather discuss it with me in person. To me, this is a bit shady. I will be financing 50% of the car, so my rate better be low...his hesitancy to discuss this with me is worrisome.
It's a game dealers play to make more money. You get approved for "x" rate and the dealer charges you "y". The difference between x and y is profit to the dealer. Print out the rates from a local credit union website and bring that with you - you should get at least that or better at the dealer, if you can't just go through the credit union (membership is usually a $25.00 checking account). No matter what the finance director tells you just remember that he or she is the last place the dealer can make money on you.
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Are you going for the 100,000 mile toyota service plan??
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You've signed for the car and you don't know what you are going to be actually paying for it?
Ruh-roh....
Nooooooo....I pick it up on Thursday because they had to find the car for me.
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Print out the rates from a local credit union website and bring that with you - you should get at least that or better at the dealer,
I've already done that. :-)
I didn't know you could talk down rates though...
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SIGH....
One thing that worries me is that the DIRECTOR of the finance department will not return my phonecalls! I want to know what my interest rate will be and my salesperson tells me he'd rather discuss it with me in person. To me, this is a bit shady. I will be financing 50% of the car, so my rate better be low...his hesitancy to discuss this with me is worrisome.
Had a similar problem with a warranty. Eventually got it straightened out, but it was a PITA.
Are the seats better than the RX350? :-)
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I've already done that. :-)
I didn't know you could talk down rates though...
Absolutely. Though the finance director will make it hard having the printout - and not showing it too early, is vital.
The 100k service contract is another place the dealer makes a little money, MSRP is somewhere between $1,200 - $2,500 depending on vehicle and equipment (Hybrid and navigation cost more) and cost is usually closer to 50% of that. I got the 100k package MSRP $1,400 +/- for under $600. Finance people make their commissions off the rate they charge and the profit in the service contract. They tend to kick and scream when you talk them down but nothing is more satisfying.
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I've already done that. :-)
I didn't know you could talk down rates though...
they want you to funance it through them, not your bank or credit union.
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they want you to funance it through them, not your bank or credit union.
Yes, I know..but they may be competitive if I show them what I CAN(and will) get if they don't offer me a fair rate.
When I bought my Lexus a while back, they tried to use the "but it will increase your credit score" angel. :whatever:
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Are you going for the 100,000 mile toyota service plan??
We haven't discussed that yet.
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Yes, I know..but they may be competitive if I show them what I CAN(and will) get if they don't offer me a fair rate.
When I bought my Lexus a while back, they tried to use the "but it will increase your credit score" angel. :whatever:
They should be willing to at least match the rates from wherever else you have checked...you just need to be prepared to get the loan from the other place if Toyota won't match the lower rate.
It's just like when you got your mortgage....
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We haven't discussed that yet. (In reference to extended service plans)
I was just recently researching the idea of picking up a Toyota pick up, before I settled on a Jeep. There were quite a few links on Edmunds.com (http://www.edmunds.com/)'s Toyota specific forums and ToyotaNation.com (http://www.toyotanation.com/) for salespeople at dealerships who would sell over the phone, extended service contracts at huge discounts. The profit margins on them are sickening. I'll try and find one of the individual threads in a bit.
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1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. Once you drive a 'Cruiser, everything else will seem like flimsy crap......even other Toyotas. Probably the most rock-solid vehicle ever made for civilian use.
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1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. Once you drive a 'Cruiser, everything else will seem like flimsy crap......even other Toyotas. Probably the most rock-solid vehicle ever made for civilian use.
e-lockers? :cheersmate:
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2010 Ford Mustang
Great muscle car
Big and loud engine -4.0 liter 12 valve V-6
Gets 16 city/ 24 hwy mileage.
oh and very sexy...
(http://media.dealerskins.com/carspecs2002/photos/JATOCOLOR400/FORD%5CMUSTANG%5C2010%5C2COUA.jpg)
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This is what I have but its not the one I own. Its a 2004 Pontaic Grand Am.
(http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/vehicle-pictures/2005/pontiac/grand-am/04129171990001-480.jpg)
But if I win the Powerball then its one of these.
(http://www.astonmartintrader.co.uk/global/vanquish400.jpg)
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But if I win the Powerball then its one of these.
(http://www.astonmartintrader.co.uk/global/vanquish400.jpg)
We don't have the Powerball here anymore, but we do have Megamillions. If I win that, it'll be these:
(http://www.alltackle.com/viking_52_2004.jpg)
(http://www.kcac.com/inventory/piper/Meridian/Piper_Meridian_13.jpg)
I'll still, however, keep this:
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h228/burnsk73/cars.jpg)
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(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h228/burnsk73/cars.jpg)
Holy crap, is that your house? A house that big is worth a fortune in New Jersey, where I live.
Dual garage, 2 story brick house and you own a beemer? You must live in a state with low property taxes and low real estate or you are semi-rich.
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I was just recently researching the idea of picking up a Toyota pick up, before I settled on a Jeep. There were quite a few links on Edmunds.com (http://www.edmunds.com/)'s Toyota specific forums and ToyotaNation.com (http://www.toyotanation.com/) for salespeople at dealerships who would sell over the phone, extended service contracts at huge discounts. The profit margins on them are sickening. I'll try and find one of the individual threads in a bit.
UGH! I will take RC's advice and offer half of what they say. If they flinch; then I'll opt out.
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Holy crap, is that your house? A house that big is worth a fortune in New Jersey, where I live.
Dual garage, 2 story brick house and you own a beemer? You must live in a state with low property taxes and low real estate or you are semi-rich.
You need to move to the South.... :-)
I don't live in the same state that Kev does, but we don't have state income taxes, though our sales tax is high.
I live in a gated subdivision, with 30 homes, we have 3.2 acres and our property taxes are under $5000/yr.
Property is much much cheaper here than in the NE.
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I personally like the Acura MDX if you are looking for an SUV, I actually am also in the market for a new car, my lease is up in December, I should be getting an Acura TSX, Acura is the Luxury brand for Honda so they are solid built vehicles, but if you already own a Mercedes you may be dissapointed with anything else. The MDX is a really nice looking and comfortable SUV.
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Another really cool car is the Ford Flex, its kind of odd looking on the outside but inside it is like riding in a Limo, they also have the Microsoft SYNC technology, this is actually the car that my father has as his compnay vehicle, it somewhat resembles the old station wagons of the sixtys but is the size of an SUV, it has a glass ceiling in the back, power liftgate and his even has a refrigerator in the back seat, great vehicle if you have kids and Ford has come a long way really being an exemplary American car company.
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You need to move to the South.... :-)
I don't live in the same state that Kev does, but we don't have state income taxes, though our sales tax is high.
I live in a gated subdivision, with 30 homes, we have 3.2 acres and our property taxes are under $5000/yr.
Property is much much cheaper here than in the NE.
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the country thanks to Gov. Corzine. So we need to vote his ass out with Chris Christie!
I would never buy a house in New Jersey, I would rather rent a large apartment for the rest of my life. You have to have a pretty big combined income to afford a house in New Jersey or New York.
I like living in New Jersey though, the weather is nice, not too hot and short summers, cold winters (I love snow). Easy access to New York City without having to pay New York cost of living. Decent economy compared to the rest of the country. The turnpike and parkway give you easy access to get anywhere in the state. Lots of cool and trendy cities. I was born here and I'll probably die here.
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Although property, taxes and the cost of living are all lower in the south typically you make less doing the same job in the south, take for example teachers, in the south teachers usually make between 25K and 55K a year in NJ teachers start around 45 and can make as much as 100k depending on district and education level. My family has lived in both NJ and PA, my father works both in NYC and Philadelphia his firm is based in NYC with a large office in Philly, due to the high property taxes in NJ and NY my family chose to relocate to PA, you can live in PA just over the river from Trenton buy a comparable house, the house itself usually costs a little more but the taxes are about half what they are in NJ, from Trenton you can take the train to NYC in about 45 Mins and be at Penn Station, or you can take Septa to Philadelphia and be in CC in about 45 mins, or its about a 30 Minute drive, also some shore points are as close as 45 mins, about and 1.25 hours to AC. It really makes a lot of sense and I think PA as a whole is nicer than NJ. We still have a shore house in Cape May and it takes us about an hour to drive there. In Bensalem you can pick up a new home for as little as 450K, nicer areas like where my parents live run about 750K for a new home, property taxes can be as low as 3k.
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New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the country thanks to Gov. Corzine. So we need to vote his ass out with Chris Christie!
I would never buy a house in New Jersey, I would rather rent a large apartment for the rest of my life. You have to have a pretty big combined income to afford a house in New Jersey or New York.
I like living in New Jersey though, the weather is nice, not too hot and short summers, cold winters (I love snow). Easy access to New York City without having to pay New York cost of living. Decent economy compared to the rest of the country. The turnpike and parkway give you easy access to get anywhere in the state. Lots of cool and trendy cities. I was born here and I'll probably die here.
Although property, taxes and the cost of living are all lower in the south typically you make less doing the same job in the south, take for example teachers, in the south teachers usually make between 25K and 55K a year in NJ teachers start around 45 and can make as much as 100k depending on district and education level. My family has lived in both NJ and PA, my father works both in NYC and Philadelphia his firm is based in NYC with a large office in Philly, due to the high property taxes in NJ and NY my family chose to relocate to PA, you can live in PA just over the river from Trenton buy a comparable house, the house itself usually costs a little more but the taxes are about half what they are in NJ, from Trenton you can take the train to NYC in about 45 Mins and be at Penn Station, or you can take Septa to Philadelphia and be in CC in about 45 mins, or its about a 30 Minute drive, also some shore points are as close as 45 mins, about and 1.25 hours to AC. It really makes a lot of sense and I think PA as a whole is nicer than NJ. We still have a shore house in Cape May and it takes us about an hour to drive there. In Bensalem you can pick up a new home for as little as 450K, nicer areas like where my parents live run about 750K for a new home, property taxes can be as low as 3k.
I often watch the HGTV shows about people looking for new homes and my brother has just moved from inside the Chicago city limits to a suburb.
It totally amazes me what housing costs are like in other areas of the country!
Yes, ATV...salaries are lower for teachers in the South, and various other jobs..but it's all relative, as the cost of living is lower here, too.
I was surprised when my brother was looking at houses, he was looking at price first, then what the taxes would be. Here, my clients looks at the price...then the interior of the house, etc. Taxes are a consideration as far as does one live inside the city limits or in the county as the city taxes are almost equal to the county taxes. People are more concerned about what HOA fees are, than property taxes.
I would love to live in a much larger city. Chicago or even Atlanta would make me happy. I would like the cultural opportunities - museums, theatre, art galleries, the food situation - restaurants, butcher shops, fruit markets, bakeries (a real bakery, not Kroger's ::) ), access to public transportation, a "neighborhood" - the coffee shop, cleaners, a few little shops, a local bar, the "atmosphere".
However, where I live was a good place to raises my kids. I didn't have to worry about gangs in my kids school, they went to public schools - that while not the best in the country, they were the best in the area. We lived in a subdivision - the houses weren't cookie cutter - but were all similar in price range, with a subdivision pool in the sub across the main road that the two subs shared. I sold my house the end of 2006 for $236500. It had almost 4000sf, fenced yard, huge screen porch, 4br, 2.5ba, 2 car garage and 2 fireplaces. And I thought I was lucky to get that much.
It's all relative.....
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Hawkgirl, depending upon who you have for insurance, there are some providers who offer mechanical breakdown (with deductible). My insurance is through GEICO and they offer it up to 7 years or 100K miles. Costs me like $40 per year.
And yeah, I don't EVER finance through the dealer. Did that once. Happened when I bought my Toyota. They gave me a rate of 5 1/2 percent (in 2001--not bad) initially, then sent me a letter saying that my initial application had been "rejected", and that they were going to have to write me a new contract at 10 percent.
California may be a screwed-up state, but they do have VERY good consumer protection laws, if you know where to look. So I take a copy of the CVC which states specifically they can't do that, and if they try, I have the option to take back my trade-in and give them their car WITHOUT RENUMERATION; IOW, they were going to eat the devaluation on the truck as they now couldn't sell it as new.
It was amazing how quickly they got the "old" contract approved. What my CU does is basically "pre-approve" up to a certain dollar amount. It's basically a blank check, and when we settle on a price with discounts, etc., and they wanted me to go through Jeep/Chrysler credit, I just said, "No thanks!" and signed over the draft to them.
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Another really cool car is the Ford Flex, its kind of odd looking on the outside but inside it is like riding in a Limo, they also have the Microsoft SYNC technology, this is actually the car that my father has as his compnay vehicle, it somewhat resembles the old station wagons of the sixtys but is the size of an SUV, it has a glass ceiling in the back, power liftgate and his even has a refrigerator in the back seat, great vehicle if you have kids and Ford has come a long way really being an exemplary American car company.
I distrust Ford almost as much as I distrust GM, mostly for the debacle involving a 1993 Taurus station wagon that I bought new. A bigger lemon has never been built (thanks, Chicago!).
I will be keeping my eye on them, however.
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Well I am not getting that car. Their rate was 14% :lmao: I told them to cancel the deal.
Not sure whether I should just keep my Benz (since it's paid for) or go back this weekend and work a deal on the same model but without all the bells and whistles (except for leather, I want leather) and pay cash.
I finally got a hold of the business manager after I told the sales manager to cancel the sale since he is not returning calls. Five minutes later, the business manager called me with their excellent rate of 14% :rotf: He said it was because of my investment properties (which are all current with mortgages paid on time)
SIGH...I HATE CAR SHOPPING!
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Not sure whether I should just keep my Benz (since it's paid for)
Probably the fiscally smart thing... but I'm not the one to give advice WHEN to buy on vehicles... :rotf:
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Well I am not getting that car. Their rate was 14% :lmao: I told them to cancel the deal.
Not sure whether I should just keep my Benz (since it's paid for) or go back this weekend and work a deal on the same model but without all the bells and whistles (except for leather, I want leather) and pay cash.
I finally got a hold of the business manager after I told the sales manager to cancel the sale since he is not returning calls. Five minutes later, the business manager called me with their excellent rate of 14% :rotf: He said it was because of my investment properties (which are all current with mortgages paid on time)
SIGH...I HATE CAR SHOPPING!
Have you looked at any American cars?
I've wondered about Chevy's new SUV...I think it's a hybrid but can't remember the name.
I will have to do something in January when my lease extension is up, and I was going to check it out.
I wonder if American car dealers would be more negotiable on interest.
I lease my car through Nissan, and when I was looking at getting another one.....they were pretty non-negotiable on interest rate. I only went in, because they called me telling me they would let me out of my current lease if I would lease another through them and they said they would keep the new one the same my existing payment and at the same rate.
They lied.
I won't get another from them, or at least not that particular Nissan dealership.
Do you have another Toyota dealership convenient to you?
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Well I am not getting that car. Their rate was 14% :lmao: I told them to cancel the deal.
Not sure whether I should just keep my Benz (since it's paid for) or go back this weekend and work a deal on the same model but without all the bells and whistles (except for leather, I want leather) and pay cash.
I finally got a hold of the business manager after I told the sales manager to cancel the sale since he is not returning calls. Five minutes later, the business manager called me with their excellent rate of 14% :rotf: He said it was because of my investment properties (which are all current with mortgages paid on time)
SIGH...I HATE CAR SHOPPING!
Sounds to me like they painted you as an easy mark. Go to your bank or credit union and see what kind of deal you can get through them. There are three things to remember when at a car dealership.
1--The dealer will never lose money on the deal.
2--The dealer will NEVER lose money on the deal.
3--THE DEALER WILL NEVER LOSE MONEY ON THE DEAL.
And frankly, when they sold the one you wanted, you should have walked then. When I hear a dealer say, "We'll go get that," you simply say, no thanks, that you're perfectly capable of getting it yourself. All you're doing is giving THEM the power. When you get an emotional attachment to a car, they have you. Be able (and ready) to walk away. I've done it before, including when I bought my last vehicle, when the first dealer made a pathetic offer on my trade-in.
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Sounds to me like they painted you as an easy mark. Go to your bank or credit union and see what kind of deal you can get through them. There are three things to remember when at a car dealership.
Be able (and ready) to walk away. I've done it before, including when I bought my last vehicle, when the first dealer made a pathetic offer on my trade-in.
Sometimes, people mistake niceness for stupidity. I am pretty easy going and perhaps you are right...they may have thought they could sucker me into a high interest loan. They lost on that bet.
I walked away from the deal and they lost me as a customer because of their shady practices.
I have to say my Benz purchase(and service) was a postive one. As was my Lexus. Maybe I've been spoiled?
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Sometimes, people mistake niceness for stupidity. I am pretty easy going and perhaps you are right...they may have thought they could sucker me into a high interest loan. They lost on that bet.
I walked away from the deal and they lost me as a customer because of their shady practices.
I have to say my Benz purchase(and service) was a postive one. As was my Lexus. Maybe I've been spoiled?
If you were here....I would say it was because you were a woman..... ::)
Years ago (1992) when I got divorced...I had to get rid of a 735BMW and get something I could afford.
That was a Mazda 626.
To be honest, my stepsister's husband did the research and told me what I should be paying for it (I was paying cash), all I had to decide was the color - I wanted the dark green they had that year, and whether or not I wanted a 4 or a 6 cylinder. I also knew that I wanted ABS brakes, because I have a bit of a lead foot ( ok...a biiig lead foot :-) ) and I wanted an automatic.
Basically...what I knew about cars fit into a thimble....and I'm still that way. Though I did learn how to put gas in the car.
I went to the Mazda dealership closest to where I lived. They didn't have what I wanted....they had a 4 cylinder "champagne" 626...the salesman talked me in to test driving it. The AC was on and the damn thing could barely make it up a 45degree hill! After we got back to the dealership....the dumbass salesman had the nerve to tell me...."that(car) was what a lady like me should have..."
I'm surprised he didn't see the steam come out of my ears.
I went to another Mazda dealer in the next county...turned out it was owned by the same man as the other one in my county....got my green one...a 6-cylinder and ABS brakes.....for $500 less than what I was told to ask for.
I may not know zilch about cars...but I do know when someone is condescending and treats me like I'm stupid!
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Sometimes, people mistake niceness for stupidity. I am pretty easy going and perhaps you are right...they may have thought they could sucker me into a high interest loan. They lost on that bet.
I walked away from the deal and they lost me as a customer because of their shady practices.
I have to say my Benz purchase(and service) was a positive one. As was my Lexus. Maybe I've been spoiled?
Good job walking away, too bad you had to deal with that crap. I sold cars for a few years and recognize all the tricks - on a side note my in-laws didn't buy from me out of pride and got screwed.
Now that you have a price call another dealer, talk to the general manager or owner, tell them what you want to pay and what the rate should be - you shouldn't have anymore trouble.
I can't tell you how many people walked out on my deals because of the BS that the Finance person did that salespeople truly have no control over.
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Have you looked at any American cars?
I've wondered about Chevy's new SUV...I think it's a hybrid but can't remember the name.
I may go look at the Chevy Equinox this weekend.
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i drive this(91 firebird T-top)
(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i310/ReeW/firebird.jpg)
But I want one of these
(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i310/ReeW/84green.jpg)
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I may go look at the Chevy Equinox this weekend.
Skip it. Until any cross-platform issues w/ Saturn shutting down are ironed out, I'd stay away from gov't motors.
Heard good things about the Edge, but still partial to Toyota.
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Skip it. Until any cross-platform issues w/ Saturn shutting down are ironed out, I'd stay away from gov't motors.
Heard good things about the Edge, but still partial to Toyota.
Edge is a nice looking ride.
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2009 Ford F 150 King Ranch. Love it.
KC
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hot car, hot chick, boobiez.
love you, Ree...
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Holy crap, is that your house? A house that big is worth a fortune in New Jersey, where I live.
Dual garage, 2 story brick house and you own a beemer? You must live in a state with low property taxes and low real estate or you are semi-rich.
My property taxes are about 4800 bucks per year. The BMW is the wifes. I don't drive cars.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h228/burnsk73/IMG_0579.jpg)
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Well I am not getting that car. Their rate was 14% :lmao: I told them to cancel the deal.
Not sure whether I should just keep my Benz (since it's paid for) or go back this weekend and work a deal on the same model but without all the bells and whistles (except for leather, I want leather) and pay cash.
I finally got a hold of the business manager after I told the sales manager to cancel the sale since he is not returning calls. Five minutes later, the business manager called me with their excellent rate of 14% :rotf: He said it was because of my investment properties (which are all current with mortgages paid on time)
14%??? :o That's unbelievable! I've heard from numerous people now though that having investment property is a serious concern to a lot of lenders right now. Surprisingly, a lot of banks have been turning people away with large down payments too... even with 750+ credit scores. Supposedly something about them fearing, you'll just pay the vehicle off before they are able to earn enough off the deal.
...If a sales manager isn't willing to return calls in a reasonably prompt manner, I'd be really concerned at how they treat their customers after the sale. :(
...all things considered, I'm sure your current vehicle will work beautifully.
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When I got my Astra recently, GMAC quoted 10%. I said thanks and called State Farm, and got 5%. I wonder if the dealerships are just hurting so much that they are charging what they are. I mean, my credit score ain't the best, but it didn't improve immensely in the 10 minutes it took me to hang up with one and call the other.
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I think that's part of it--dealers and auto manufacturers are hurting so badly they're willing to jam it up customer's asses any way they can.
Goes back to the three rules. The dealer (or manufacturer) is going to get their money from you at some point.
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I also like the Ford Edge, it is quite stylish for an American car, I test drove one though and I think the seating is a little awkward, I really like the flex a lot better.
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Skip it. Until any cross-platform issues w/ Saturn shutting down are ironed out, I'd stay away from gov't motors.
Heard good things about the Edge, but still partial to Toyota.
Ditto. The Ford Edge is super nice. Skip Government motors, Ford is still going strong and not using tax payer money for a "money back guarentee."
Besides my Mustang, I really like the new Ford Taurus, the specs and attention to detail on that vehicle is ridiculous, although I favor the older designs of the Taurus over the new look. They should do a retro redesign of the Taurus like they did with the Mustang.
(http://www.casanovacars.com/2007/03/15/Ford%20Mondeo%2020081.jpg)
I wish Mercury would bring back the cougar, my friend had a cougar and it was a lot of fun to drive and really comfy.
I'll never go back to buying foreign again. I've owned both European and Asian cars, Asian cars don't excite me and European cars are ridiculously expensive to repair-at some point the repairs mount up to the point where you say f*ck it.
The only foreign car that has my interest is the Toyota FJ Cruiser. But other than that I'll take a Ford over any other car.
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I've owned two Fords'...an escort in the 80's,,it was my first car...and a Ford Explorer about 5 years ago...never had any issues with either of them. I also respect their decision to turn down Obama.
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I've owned two Fords'...an escort in the 80's,,it was my first car...and a Ford Explorer about 5 years ago...never had any issues with either of them. I also respect their decision to turn down Obama.
I will never buy a GM. They are now mostly owned by the union, the U.S. government, and Canada combined. And yeah I respect Ford a lot for turning down Obama too. Unlike GM, Ford makes quality cars that people actually want to buy. I would consider Chrysler, but am much more inclined towards the Ford lineup. Love my new Mustang, much more fun to drive than my old Saab 9-3.
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14%??? :o ...If a sales manager isn't willing to return calls in a reasonably prompt manner, I'd be really concerned at how they treat their customers after the sale. :(
...all things considered, I'm sure your current vehicle will work beautifully.
Not calling back is part of the game, usually the have the salesperson call back and say so-and-so is too busy to call he/ she will see you at the dealership to sign papers and answer all questions then.
And the 14% a highball number, but you better believe some suckers sign on the dotted line. If you don't sign they go down to 9-10% and other suckers think they're getting a great deal so they sign. For people that know the tricks and play them out you can end up around 4-5% sometimes less.
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2005 Honda Pilot...I love it
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And the 14% a highball number, but you better believe some suckers sign on the dotted line. If you don't sign they go down to 9-10% and other suckers think they're getting a great deal so they sign. For people that know the tricks and play them out you can end up around 4-5% sometimes less.
I just went to my credit union, they offered me 4.9% and I didn't have any hassle or game playing.
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I just went to my credit union, they offered me 4.9% and I didn't have any hassle or game playing.
Credit unions aren't car dealers. I used to tell my customers on the test drive to do some research into going rates at credit unions because it pissed me off every time a good person got screwed by the b*tch in the corner office.
After 9/11/2001 she used to use the tragedy of the attacks to justify higher rates - I'm talking 19, 20, 21%. That's when I started telling people to call their credit union.
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After 9/11/2001 she used to use the tragedy of the attacks to justify higher rates - I'm talking 19, 20, 21%. That's when I started telling people to call their credit union.
The saleslady called me today and suggested that exact thing.
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The saleslady called me today and suggested that exact thing.
In dealership hierarchy only the person that cleans the restrooms has less authority then salespeople.
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My property taxes are about 4800 bucks per year. The BMW is the wifes. I don't drive cars.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h228/burnsk73/IMG_0579.jpg)
that's a beautiful house...what state are you in?
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In dealership hierarchy only the person that cleans the restrooms has less authority then salespeople.
Seems so...I must have spoken with a few different "managers'..meanwhile the sales person is the one who took me on the test drives and showed me the cars...but it seems that she's not allowed to "close the deal". I'd rather have dealt with her than with the other schmucks.
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I agree with the others , a credit union is the best bet. Many will allow you to join and get a vehicle loan shortly after. My CU offers 4 1/5% on new and 7 1/2 % on used cars less than 3 years old.
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e-lockers? :cheersmate:
Damn right it's locked. Wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't.
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Going back to the original post, my daily driver is a '96 Crown Vic Police Interceptor. The finest and the fastest hot rod off the floor. that I've ever had the pleasure to drive! Believe it or not, it came from Sheriff Arapio. I've got a buddie that heads south for the gubmint auction every year, down in Arizona. They took very good care of it as it has 200,000 miles and the oil still looks brand new!!!!!!!!
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We have his and her Hyundai Santa Fe's.
I have the joy of knowing that not a single piece of either of them was built by an American labor union.
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We have his and her Hyundai Santa Fe's.
I have the joy of knowing that not a single piece of either of them was built by an American labor union.
Are you really happy with them?
This is the car my accountant suggested I go look at in the next month or so. I want to stay with an SUV, I'd like one more affordable than a Nissan or Toyota.....but I am really freaky about safety features and he said they were highly rated....
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Well I am not getting that car. Their rate was 14% :lmao: I told them to cancel the deal.
Not sure whether I should just keep my Benz (since it's paid for) or go back this weekend and work a deal on the same model but without all the bells and whistles (except for leather, I want leather) and pay cash.
I finally got a hold of the business manager after I told the sales manager to cancel the sale since he is not returning calls. Five minutes later, the business manager called me with their excellent rate of 14% :rotf: He said it was because of my investment properties (which are all current with mortgages paid on time)
SIGH...I HATE CAR SHOPPING!
If I was buying a car on credit I would get a loan thru Capital one Bank. They will issue you a blank check and then you do not have to deal with credit issues. Credit unions will do the same. Have you looked at Infinity. They have great cars, great warranty and will treat you like royalty and give you a loaner car when you have a repair that will take more than a few minutes.
.
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Are you really happy with them?
This is the car my accountant suggested I go look at in the next month or so. I want to stay with an SUV, I'd like one more affordable than a Nissan or Toyota.....but I am really freaky about safety features and he said they were highly rated....
Absolutely.
We've never had any problems with ours, and they have a great warranty that even has roadside protection for the first 5 years. Fairly good gas mileage for a vehicle that size also. On the new ones, you can get an extra row of seats in the back.
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Hyundai's Veracruz (their fancy, upscale SUV) is nice. I haven't seen one since they put out pictures of the concept, but it was very attractive. If its as nice as the Genesis, it would be worth taking a look at.
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Absolutely.
We've never had any problems with ours, and they have a great warranty that even has roadside protection for the first 5 years. Fairly good gas mileage for a vehicle that size also. On the new ones, you can get an extra row of seats in the back.
Hyundai's Veracruz (their fancy, upscale SUV) is nice. I haven't seen one since they put out pictures of the concept, but it was very attractive. If its as nice as the Genesis, it would be worth taking a look at.
I went on their website last night and looked at the Sante Fe. Didn't think to look and see what other SUV's they have.
There was a calculator for purchasing one...but nothing about leasing. I need to lease, as I get a better tax deduction than if I purchase.
I really hate having to make car decisions... :(
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that's a beautiful house...what state are you in?
Evans, Georgia, right outside of Augusta.