The Cellar - Cloud's car stuff

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Quote:

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce (Post 662577)

Yeah, I had a friend trade in a year old Ford pickup because squirrels did $2,000 damage to the wiring harness. That didn't happen on 1975 pickups.

That's because back then, the squirrels had more respect. They didn't wear their pants around their knees, weren't attached to their phones and kept off your lawn....

A woman that reminded me of Cloud was parked next to me when I came out of the market... she was driving a metallic green Kia Soul. She asked me what make my truck is, and even wrote it down on her grocery list.

What's the deal with the "remote start"? I see a few vehicles I'm interested in seem to come with that as standard equipment.

I don't want it! What if it "remote starts" itself right off the lot (I have heard of this happening). I don't trust this. We don't have severe weather here where I could see it being an advantage. Can I get it removed?

you can check for a car bomb from a safe distance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud (Post 663510)

That's just silly... I had it on my last Jeep and loved it. Bad weather, cold mornings, groceries in the car on a hot day (turns off after 10 minutes or so if you don't put the key in).
It's the after-market ones that can get wonky, but it just starts it self and turns back off, or maybe turns lights on and shit... not like it unlocks doors and drives off...

I see lots of new cars coming without a spare tire, or you have to pay extra for the spare tire "option." WTF? How could you not need a spare tire?

Are you going to change a flat, or call AAA? Those of us that will actually get out there and change a flat are becoming a minority. So if they can save a couple bucks, make it easier to design, and save a little weight for shipping costs/gas mileage, they will.

Especially on "chick cars".

I'll call AAA . . . and they'll put on the spare tire. (still confused)*

I make no apologies for "chick cars" 'cause after all . . . I'm a chick. or an old hen, whichever . . .

*ETA: and then I'll drive it to the tire place, where they always tell me I need 4 new tires . . .

what you're seeing is most likely the 'full sized spare' option. 99% of cars come with a spare. exceptions would be cars that have differing diameter tires on front and back..... or cars that don't have the storage space like a 370Z or a Vette.

those cars usually either run RunFlat tires, or provide a compressor and some fancy version of fix=a=flat.

well, it's a good thing I'm not ready, 'cause I really can't find one car that has everything, at least not in my price range. I know there's no "perfect" car, but I'm discouraged and rethinking things.

I would insist on a proper spare wheel.
The repair kits can only deal with minor punctures, and are unreliable.
Space savers tyres are better but you have to drive delicately on them. And what are you going to do with the flat while you're driving for repairs? It doesn't fit in the space-saver bay.
Maybe if you are just running around in cities a space saver would be okay. If you're ever going out of mobile phone range, get a real spare.

Cloud get AAA , worth EVER Penny if yer broke down 20 miles behind the back side of No where ( Where I Live )

Got AAA! And btw, I just noticed that AAA members get free credit monitoring, which is a pretty good deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippyt (Post 668151)

Cloud get AAA , worth EVER Penny if yer broke down 20 miles behind the back side of No where ( Where I Live )

Well surely she could just call you then, couldn't she? I'm sure you'd help. ;)

I find car salesmen have a habit of whisking me off to the back parking lot, or worse, to a secluded residential area for a "test drive." (shakes head). No problems, really, but in hindsight -- Will not go alone, and will not allow this to happen to me again.

and . . . Nissan Rogues are pretty nice.

Did you look into a Pontiac Vibe, Cloud? Ive been considering it (even though CR took its recommendation away).

NONE of the Pontiacs are recommended by CR. They're good looking, but that's not enough to make me take a closer look.

I think I'm waiting for the Juke to come out in October.

Except this Pontiac is actually a Toyota - a Matrix twin, and it gets really good reviews.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud (Post 669006)

NONE of the Pontiacs are recommended by CR. They're good looking, but that's not enough to make me take a closer look.

I think I'm waiting for the Juke to come out in October.

We just got posters of them... very cool

I didn't know it was a turbo! and it has 4 doors, but the back ones are suicide doors with no discernible handles. I'd send you a brochure, but we don't have any yet.

there's a really cool video of the new engine at the bottom of this page:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/2...ew-york-intro/

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud (Post 669050)

there's a really cool video of the new engine at the bottom of this page

Quote:

Featuring the first application of Nissan's 1.6-liter direct injected four-cylinder turbo in North America, it will be available with torque vectoring all-wheel drive, so it might just be the driver's car of the bunch, too. Featuring "180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque

That tiny four cylinder engine has more horsepower than a 1975 standard Chevy big block V-8.

What was Nissan (and Renault) doing when GM was cost controlling during the late 1990 and 2000s? When all engineering was conducted in the finance department? This current technology says when GM was actually bankrupt. Reasons for GM's bankruptcy appear from innovative companies. Another example of GM spread sheets today only reporting what existed 10 years ago.

Nobody needs that much horsepower in a car. Which says how much smaller that engine should really be because it features the latest examples of current technology.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud (Post 669050)

there's a really cool video of the new engine at the bottom of this page:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/2...ew-york-intro/

I like the size of the Juke. I'm driving the Suzuki SX4, which has proven to be good in the snow. I wonder how the Juke will match up. It may be too over-powered for good traction.

Thats a good point Griff regarding the overpowered... But she needs to get up a hill not deal with snow ... I think.

it's got a small powerful engine, AWD available, high seating position, and a hatch. CVT or manual transmission, estimated to have great gas mileage, too.

I stand corrected about the Pontiac Vibe. CR has removed it's recommendation temporarily because of unintended acceleration problems. Ouch.

I see the Juke is set to have a "smart throttle" (aka brake override). :)

Is Pontiac even going to be around in 3-5 years? I really cannot figure out why they exist now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by classicman (Post 669163)

Thats a good point Griff regarding the overpowered... But she needs to get up a hill not deal with snow ...

Big block V-8s standard in the largest Cadillacs were about 180 Hp. That engine had no trouble getting a multiple ton car up any hill.

Ford Fiesta with factory applied tattoos?

http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/fie...page=Feature18

yes, I'm still 15 at heart

Nothing wrong with that, just don't pierce it, 'cause it'll leak.;)

Body shop: You want us to match what now?

they'd just replace the decal eh?

Found this on the myFICO forums--did you know that auto lenders have access to a DIFFERENT "auto enhanced" FICO score, which the consumer cannot buy or access for himself? (LJ, this is not a dig at you, or car finance people, really! -- it's just for info purposes)

Quote:

What is an Auto Enhanced score and how do I leverage it?

Most people do not realize there is a difference between your normal FICO score, and the score you are graded on when you apply for auto credit. Your normal credit score is simply referred to as "Classic FICO Score (also referred to as your BEACON score)". The auto score is usually referred to as your "FICO Auto Industry Option". This score it not available for you to purchase and only dealers\finance companies are able to pull it. Here are the major differences between Auto and Classic scores:

-The major difference between FICO scores and FICO auto scores is that the auto scores rate you more on how you've managed your previous auto credit. Most car lenders primarily care about how you’ve paid your auto loans. The auto score gives them this information.

-Have you made late payments on a current or previous auto loan or lease?

-Have you ever settled an auto loan or lease for less than you owed?

-Have you had a car repossessed?

-Have you had an auto account sent to collections?

-Did you include your car loan or lease in your bankruptcy?

How some car dealers "play the spread" to get you to pay more (and increase their commissions)

It's possible that a car dealer has the ability to pull your traditional FICO scores AND your FICO auto scores. That means they'll have six scores on you. It's a guarantee that some of those scores are going to be higher than the others. So which ones will they use when trying to get you financed?

It depends.

Are you familiar with the term "spread"? It's how car dealers make money when they finance you. If they can quote you a higher interest rate than you deserve—then they stand to make a nice chunk of change from the bank that finances you.

The only way to make a killer "spread" is to make you think that you have lower scores.

How to use your FICO scores to your advantage when buying a car?

Fortunately, you don't have to fall for their dirty tricks. Now that you know all about FICO Auto Industry Option scores, you can protect yourself. Here's what I suggest...

When you first walk into the finance director's office, don't tell him what your FICO scores are. Wait until he reviews the scores himself. Then ask him what your scores are. If the scores he reviewed are higher than the ones you have, don't say anything and just go by his scores. However, if your scores are higher, then pull them out and show him. If he has a choice in the type of scores he can use, there's a possibility that he'll be able to use your highest score. And, it will let him know that he doesn't have a fool sitting in front of him. He can't take advantage of you!

How do you find out what your FICO Auto Industry Option scores are before you walk into a car dealership?

You can't. Sorry. They're not for sale—at any price. Only lenders\dealers have access to them.
I mean seriously, up until you read this, had you ever heard of the FICO Auto Industry Option score?

Exactly.

Only a very small percentage of the population even knows they have three FICO credit scores...let alone three Auto Industry Option scores.

So how can you use this information to help you get your next new car financed at the best interest rate?

First, get your three credit reports\scores from myfico.com. Remember, myfico.com is the ONLY place you can get all three of your actual FICO scores. The three major buraeus sell credit scores. There are commonly referred to as FAKO scores and are worthless to you. If you handled your previous auto credit well—your FICO Auto Industry Option scores will be higher than your traditional FICO scores. So expect more from the lender. You can also ask the lender to show you their tier levels. Tiers are basically charts lenders use that have different interest rates based on your scores. You want to see which tier your fall in.

If they won't show you...at least have them break it down verbally for you. (Personally, I like to see it with my own eyes, as I never believe a word that comes out of most car dealers' mouths.)

If you've handled your auto credit poorly...then you should simply try to find an auto lender that uses just the traditional FICO credit scores. When you find a lender that uses a traditional FICO credit score, you'll have your best chance to get the lowest interest rate.

Start by calling dealerships and ask the finance person the following:

-What credit reporting agency do your lenders use?

-Do your lenders use FICO Auto Industry Option scores (or you can say, “FICO auto enhanced scores”) or regular FICO credit scores?

-What’s the minimum score that I need to get approved through your captive lender?
-What’s the minimum score that I need to get approved at the best rate by your captive lender?
-How does a discharged bankruptcy (or other major negative item) affect your loan decision?
-When was the last time you got someone with a [mention whatever concerns you about your credit reports here] on their credit reports approved? Tell me about that deal.
-What factors other than my scores go into your decision-making process?
-Can you dictate which score or which credit reporting agency the lenders you work with use to make a loan decision

from here:http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Unde...oring/m-p/3684

still immersed in carPron. Am drooling over the redesigned (2011 Ford Edge). Prolly over my price range though.

so . . . I want a BLUE car with BLACK leather interior.

really. who cares about performance? or gas mileage?

:D

Ever had a black interior? Gets mighty warm...

that's what everybody keeps saying. But everything gets "warm" here anyway. I'll just put sheepskin covers on it during the summer.

My favorite car eva! was a blue boat of a Cadillac with black leather interior. My stupid drunk ex totalled it, and I don't think I've ever forgiven him for that.

Black is bad! Go to a little used street with white lines painted on it. Put one hand on the black road and the other on the white stripe.

If not for the hotness ;) The black will not last nearly as long as a lighter color. It will crack &/or peel sooner... jus sayin'

killjoys! you're just busting my fantasy of rolling around on the leather seats, aren't ya?

No, leather is OK. Black is the hardest to keep clean, and gets hot, as does red, but sheep skins will take care of that.

but . . . gray is ugly (esPECially gray leather) and beige -- see, I have this rule:

JUST SAY NO TO BEIGE!

why would black leather be harder to keep clean than a lighter gray or beige?

Because it shows every speck of dust and dirt, especially in the hard to clean seams and crevasses. Don't you have any black clothing?

dust? I'm not worried about dust. I'm more worried about spills. Leather wipes off.

happy! 'cause I checked my credit score today and . . . I actually have one! (I didn't before) and it's not too bad! so, hopefully I'll be able to get a loan with decent terms this time

gah! very frustrated! After several months of looking and researching, I've identified a few pretty good all around cars for me. But I keep getting hung up on the "big" v. "small" question, and trying to find one vehicle to suit all my needs has been difficult. So .. .

this week, I've decided to KEEP my present car ('01 Honda Civic, 55,000 miles); and get an additional vehicle, one on the bigger side. I have enough cash for a downpayment separate from a trade/sell, I think. Then, in a few years' time, I can get something smaller and zoomier, and gift my Civic to my oldest grandchild. Or something.

I've always liked the Element, and may consider one of those. Although they apparently wallow like a pregnant sow in emergency situations, I've always been intrigued by the "multi-purpose" side of it. They are dead on reliable, and I could just plan to keep that vehicle--forever or until it dies, probably 20 years. Or I may look for something else "big" with similar utility.

When this idea came to me, I thought, "duh!" (head smack). I get soooo uptight with car trouble--this way, I can have a spare! It wouldn't cost me much to keep the Civic insured and running.

I figure, if worst comes to worst, I can sell my Civic for extra cash, pile all my possessions in the Element, and live in it. yeah, so I'm a little paranoid. Wanna make something of it?

Anyway, that's my thinking this week!

Sounds like a no brainer -

(thats what I did)

still really really liking the Nissan Juke. My main dilemma, if I get this car, will be deciding between FWD(and/or manual tranny); and the AWD version, which only carries the CVT.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/2...iew-road-test/

Considering your climate, and doubting you do much off roading, you probably don't need the AWD. So it comes down to whether you want to be shiftless or not.

It's cute cloud. I liked the multiple views.

I am now almost certain I will buy a Juke when they become available in a couple of months. Most likely the top trim CVT/AWD version. Won't decide on a final color until I can see them in person. Here's a review:

Yeah, with real fire.;)

It looks like a winner. I'll be happy to drive it out to you personally.

nah, fire is so cliched . . . .

I'm putting a dragon on it! :D

i plan on taking one as a demo as soon as I can get one. I will take you on a virtual test drive, and all that shit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud (Post 681447)

I am now almost certain I will buy a Juke

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undertoad (Post 681449)

I'll be happy to drive it out to you personally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumberjim (Post 681455)

i plan on selling you one.

Looks like a win win win ...

I would certainly like to help my Cellardwellars (and be helped by them), but --Don't you think Pennsylvania is a little far from me to consider? I'd have 2000 miles put on the car before I even got it with this scenario, which would make me unhappy.

If I were to consider buying from far away, I might consider Portland OR; then I could combine with visit to BD#2 and drive it back.