On 2015-05-26 11:00 AM, wrote:

> I just sold my 14 year old car but rust was definitely not why - I
> figured I was going to face bills here and there and this was the
> moment to decide whether to put more money in, or change.
>
> This one has undercoat protection and I figure it will see me out.
>


I would have sold that Buick years ago but my wife loved it and did not
want to give it up. Even when the front end was rotted she thought I had
coached the mechanic to say that. Three years ago I had a problem with
the transmission slipping. I took it to my mechanic to check it out and
went looking for a replacement. Then he called me and said it was a
leaking line. With parts and labour it was only $150 to get it fixed.
Last year I had to replace the fuel tank. She is retired and didn't put
a lot of miles on the car, so it was cheaper to spend $100-200 on
repairs 2-3 times a year than to make payments on a new car.

On Tue, 26 May 2015 12:27:55 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:

> She is retired and didn't put
> a lot of miles on the car, so it was cheaper to spend $100-200 on
> repairs 2-3 times a year than to make payments on a new car.
>

For me, the time to get a new car is when I'm spending as much monthly
to fix the old one as would be to pay for a new one.

--

sf

On 2015-05-26 4:51 PM, sf wrote:
> On Tue, 26 May 2015 12:27:55 -0400, Dave Smith
> > wrote:
>
>> She is retired and didn't put
>> a lot of miles on the car, so it was cheaper to spend $100-200 on
>> repairs 2-3 times a year than to make payments on a new car.
>>
>
> For me, the time to get a new car is when I'm spending as much monthly
> to fix the old one as would be to pay for a new one.
>


That's pretty close to my strategy. We are both retired, so having a
reliable car is not as important to us as it used to be. I consider the
cost of repairs versus new car payments. I was spending about $500 per
year on the average to keep that Buick on the road. That's two car
payments. It ran well and handled well. Then the repairs started
getting more expensive. Two years ago the AC died, so I told my wife
to open the windows and drive faster because if I was going to spend
that much money on a car it would be on a newer on.

On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:

>> I would have sold that Buick years ago but my wife loved it and did not
>> want to give it up. Even when the front end was rotted she thought I had
>> coached the mechanic to say that. Three years ago I had a problem with
>> the transmission slipping. I took it to my mechanic to check it out and
>> went looking for a replacement. Then he called me and said it was a
>> leaking line. With parts and labour it was only $150 to get it fixed.
>> Last year I had to replace the fuel tank. She is retired and didn't put
>> a lot of miles on the car, so it was cheaper to spend $100-200 on
>> repairs 2-3 times a year than to make payments on a new car.
>>
>
> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>

You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>
> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
> >
> > The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
> > there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
> > waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
> >
>
> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>
>
That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
don't.

Taxis ain't cheap. :-(

On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>
>> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>>>
>>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>>
>>
>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>
>>
> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house.

I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.

> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>
Taxis aren't available everywhere, either.

Jill

jmcquown wrote:
> On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
>> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>>
>>> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>>>>
>>>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>>>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>>>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>>>
>>>
>>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>>
>>>
>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't
>> provide transportation to and from your house.
>
> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.
>
>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>
> Taxis aren't available everywhere, either.
>
> Jill
>

Hyundai dealerships probably don't offer that service.

On Tue, 26 May 2015 19:15:23 -0400, Username >
wrote:

>jmcquown wrote:
>> On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
>>> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>>>>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>>>>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't
>>> provide transportation to and from your house.
>>
>> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.
>>
>>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>>
>> Taxis aren't available everywhere, either.
>
>Hyundai dealerships probably don't offer that service.

I'm guessing that's supposed to be derogatory. There's nothing wrong
with late model Hyundais, in fact they're a lot better designed and
built than Australian or American built cars, for example.

Je�us wrote:
> On Tue, 26 May 2015 19:15:23 -0400, Username >
> wrote:
>
>> jmcquown wrote:
>>> On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
>>>> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>>>> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>>>>>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>>>>>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>>>>>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>>>>>
>>>>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't
>>>> provide transportation to and from your house.
>>> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.
>>>
>>>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>>>
>>> Taxis aren't available everywhere, either.
>> Hyundai dealerships probably don't offer that service.
> I'm guessing that's supposed to be derogatory. There's nothing wrong
> with late model Hyundais, in fact they're a lot better designed and
> built than Australian or American built cars, for example.
>

I agree but how do *you* define "late model"? I didn't know Australia
had a car brand.

"Jeßus" > wrote in message
news
> On Tue, 26 May 2015 19:15:23 -0400, Username >
> wrote:
>
>>jmcquown wrote:
>>> On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
>>>> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it
>>>>>> fixed,
>>>>>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>>>>>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't
>>>> provide transportation to and from your house.
>>>
>>> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.
>>>
>>>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>>>
>>> Taxis aren't available everywhere, either.
>>
>>Hyundai dealerships probably don't offer that service.
>
> I'm guessing that's supposed to be derogatory. There's nothing wrong
> with late model Hyundais, in fact they're a lot better designed and
> built than Australian or American built cars, for example.

My husband has a 2011 Hyundai and so far no problems with it. I think there
might have been one recall but not sure. Then again, pretty much most late
model cars will be recalled with the air bag thing. I have a 2014 Ford. My
Ford dealership almost always provides transportation. Only time they
didn't was when the driver was ill or the car was being repaired. I once
got a complimentary rental car for several days when they couldn't repair my
van promptly. There is a car repairs shop near here that offers you a ride
home as well. Most shops have a shuttle car or van these days.
Advertisement for them. I have been to other shops where they will give you
a ride. Either the owner or one of the mechanics, in their own car.

On 5/26/2015 7:15 PM, Username wrote:


>>
>> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.
>>
>>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>>
>> Taxis aren't available everywhere, either.
>>
>> Jill
>>
>
> Hyundai dealerships probably don't offer that service.


Buy an Equus and they will come and get the car for you. Not sure if
they offer it for the Genesis.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 3:52:48 PM UTC-7, jmcquown wrote:
> On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
> > On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
> >>
> >> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
> >>>
> >>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
> >>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
> >>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
> >>>
> >>
> >> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
> >>
> >>
> > That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house.
>
> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.

Dealerships I use have a factotum who will deposit you up to five miles
away. Then you must persuade a cow-orker to take you there, on their
way home.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 5:52:48 PM UTC-5, jmcquown wrote:
>
> On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
>
> > On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
> >>
> >> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
> >>
> > That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house.
>
> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.
>
A hundred years ago when I had my Cadillac they had a shuttle service
in a stretch limo, no less!
>
> > Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
> >
> Taxis aren't available everywhere, either.
>
> Jill

On 5/26/2015 2:37 PM, wrote:
> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 5:52:48 PM UTC-5, jmcquown wrote:
>>
>> On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
>>
>>> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>>>
>>>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>>>
>>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house.
>>
>> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.
>>
> A hundred years ago when I had my Cadillac they had a shuttle service
> in a stretch limo, no less!

A hundred years ago, a Cadillac was a cut above your average car. OTOH,
the Dodge dealership my dad goes to has a courtesy shuttle available.
It's no stretch limo though - just a mini-van but it's a whole lot
better than hoofing it.

>>
>>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>>
>> Taxis aren't available everywhere, either.
>>
>> Jill
>

On 5/26/2015 6:52 PM, jmcquown wrote:

>
> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.
>

Chevy dealer in town does. Drop off as early as 7 and get a ride to
work or home. Not sure it there is a distance limit.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 6:52:48 PM UTC-4, jmcquown wrote:
> On 5/26/2015 5:28 PM, wrote:
> > On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
> >>
> >> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
> >>>
> >>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
> >>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
> >>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
> >>>
> >>
> >> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
> >>
> >>
> > That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house.
>
> I never knew a dealership that offered free transportation, either.

Both the Toyota and Honda dealerships in Ann Arbor have a shuttle
that will take you to where you want to go, within reason. Most of
us use them to get back to work, although I occasionally see people
taken home. Even the plain old garage that I used to go to had a
guy who would drive people to work.

Cindy Hamilton

On Tue, 26 May 2015 14:28:00 -0700 (PDT), "
> wrote:

>On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>
>> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>> >
>> > The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>> > there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>> > waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>> >
>>
>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>
>>
>That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
>don't.
>
>Taxis ain't cheap. :-(

On the other hand, the money you would save by taking your car to a
neighbourhood garage instead of a dealership would probably compensate
for the cost of a taxi.

On 2015-05-26 18:55, wrote:
> On Tue, 26 May 2015 14:28:00 -0700 (PDT), "
> > wrote:
>

>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
>> don't.
>>
>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>
> On the other hand, the money you would save by taking your car to a
> neighbourhood garage instead of a dealership would probably compensate
> for the cost of a taxi.
>
That is so true. I take vehicles to dealers only when they are under
warranty and only for things covered by the warranty. Even those trips
can involved rude surprises, which is why I don't buy any of the Big 3
NA car products. They treat their dealership as a license to steal.

On Tue, 26 May 2015 20:09:25 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>On 2015-05-26 18:55, wrote:
>> On Tue, 26 May 2015 14:28:00 -0700 (PDT), "
>> > wrote:
>>
>
>>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
>>> don't.
>>>
>>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>
>> On the other hand, the money you would save by taking your car to a
>> neighbourhood garage instead of a dealership would probably compensate
>> for the cost of a taxi.
>>
>That is so true. I take vehicles to dealers only when they are under
>warranty and only for things covered by the warranty. Even those trips
>can involved rude surprises, which is why I don't buy any of the Big 3
>NA car products. They treat their dealership as a license to steal.

From what I understand, dealerships these days make their money from
parts and servicing - not the actual car, due to strong competition.

So they gouge the living hell out of any sucker who takes their car
there for service or repairs.

I remember a few years ago when the timing belt was due on my Subaru
Forester, I did some research to find out what else I should replace
whilst I was at it. The local Subaru dealership wanted $1300 for the
parts, I bought the exact same parts online for $500 delivered.

On 2015-05-26 21:26, wrote:

>> That is so true. I take vehicles to dealers only when they are under
>> warranty and only for things covered by the warranty. Even those trips
>> can involved rude surprises, which is why I don't buy any of the Big 3
>> NA car products. They treat their dealership as a license to steal.
>
> From what I understand, dealerships these days make their money from
> parts and servicing - not the actual car, due to strong competition.
>
> So they gouge the living hell out of any sucker who takes their car
> there for service or repairs.\

>
> I remember a few years ago when the timing belt was due on my Subaru
> Forester, I did some research to find out what else I should replace
> whilst I was at it. The local Subaru dealership wanted $1300 for the
> parts, I bought the exact same parts online for $500 delivered.

I had a Ford Ranger with a diesel engine (1985). An oil filter was $35.
The Fuel fuel filter was $110. I had a mechanic rip out the fuel
filter and replaced it with a Racor filter. The filter cartridges were
$4.95.

On Wed, 27 May 2015 07:08:49 -0300, wrote:

>On Wed, 27 May 2015 11:26:12 +1000, Jeßus > wrote:
>
>>On Tue, 26 May 2015 20:09:25 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:
>>
>>>On 2015-05-26 18:55, wrote:
>>>> On Tue, 26 May 2015 14:28:00 -0700 (PDT), "
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>
>>>>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
>>>>> don't.
>>>>>
>>>>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>>>
>>>> On the other hand, the money you would save by taking your car to a
>>>> neighbourhood garage instead of a dealership would probably compensate
>>>> for the cost of a taxi.
>>>>
>>>That is so true. I take vehicles to dealers only when they are under
>>>warranty and only for things covered by the warranty. Even those trips
>>>can involved rude surprises, which is why I don't buy any of the Big 3
>>>NA car products. They treat their dealership as a license to steal.
>>
>>From what I understand, dealerships these days make their money from
>>parts and servicing - not the actual car, due to strong competition.
>>
>>So they gouge the living hell out of any sucker who takes their car
>>there for service or repairs.
>>
>>I remember a few years ago when the timing belt was due on my Subaru
>>Forester, I did some research to find out what else I should replace
>>whilst I was at it. The local Subaru dealership wanted $1300 for the
>>parts, I bought the exact same parts online for $500 delivered.
>
>That's how I felt, something like a game of Catch Me if you Can - when
>taking the old car in first I would have my grandson check out any
>problem so that at least it sounded like I might know something when
>there

It's sad that people have to think that way, but it is well justified.

>With this one, Mazda, I did buy a package for the first five years of
>services, that worked out pretty fairly divided into payments for
>same. What I didn't like was taking the basic car it did not have
>keyless entry, so I did go one up to get it. He was pointing out that
>also had quad speakers, ask me how much I care about that! I like
>the keyless entry because most of all you don't make all those
>scratches around the lock with other keys on the chain.

But... it has QUAD SPEAKERS!!

On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 5:55:31 PM UTC-5, Je�us wrote:
>
> On Tue, 26 May 2015 14:28:00 -0700 (PDT), "
> > wrote:
>
> >On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
> >>
> >> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
> >>
> >>
> >That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
> >don't.
> >
> >Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>
> On the other hand, the money you would save by taking your car to a
> neighbourhood garage instead of a dealership would probably compensate
> for the cost of a taxi.
>
>
Yes, it was a SUBSTANTIAL savings for work to
be done at a neighborhood shop. But to go a mile
and one half was $6.50 and the return trip was
another $6.50.

I thought to myself I need to be running a
taxi service at those prices!

On Tue, 26 May 2015 17:41:50 -0700 (PDT), "
> wrote:

>On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 5:55:31 PM UTC-5, Je�us wrote:
>>
>> On Tue, 26 May 2015 14:28:00 -0700 (PDT), "
>> > wrote:
>>
>> >On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>> >>
>> >> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
>> >don't.
>> >
>> >Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>
>> On the other hand, the money you would save by taking your car to a
>> neighbourhood garage instead of a dealership would probably compensate
>> for the cost of a taxi.
>>
>>
>Yes, it was a SUBSTANTIAL savings for work to
>be done at a neighborhood shop. But to go a mile
>and one half was $6.50 and the return trip was
>another $6.50.
>
>I thought to myself I need to be running a
>taxi service at those prices!

I haven't been in a taxi in years, so I'd be sure to be horrified at
the prices these days. I drove taxis for about a year, in a place
called Airlie Beach, which is basically a holiday destination for
younger people rather than families. It was a cruisy job and very good
pay. Awesome way to meet women too, as I discovered I used to go
home when it was quiet and listen to the scanner, when it got busy,
I'd go back out. There had never been an assault on any driver in the
history of the company. I would never in a million years drive a taxi
anywhere else though.

On 5/26/2015 8:41 PM, wrote:

>>
>>
> Yes, it was a SUBSTANTIAL savings for work to
> be done at a neighborhood shop. But to go a mile
> and one half was $6.50 and the return trip was
> another $6.50.
>
> I thought to myself I need to be running a
> taxi service at those prices!
>

Try it. Won't be long before you want your old job back. Not many
wealthy cab drivers. Many work 12 hour days too.

wrote:
> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 5:55:31 PM UTC-5, Je�us wrote:
>> On Tue, 26 May 2015 14:28:00 -0700 (PDT), "
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
>>> don't.
>>>
>>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>> On the other hand, the money you would save by taking your car to a
>> neighbourhood garage instead of a dealership would probably compensate
>> for the cost of a taxi.
>>
>>
> Yes, it was a SUBSTANTIAL savings for work to
> be done at a neighborhood shop. But to go a mile
> and one half was $6.50 and the return trip was
> another $6.50.
>
> I thought to myself I need to be running a
> taxi service at those prices!
>

There's a minimum charge. The driver does have to travel to your location.

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 5:55:31 PM UTC-5, Username wrote:
>
> wrote:
> > to go a mile
> > and one half was $6.50 and the return trip was
> > another $6.50.
> >
> > I thought to myself I need to be running a
> > taxi service at those prices!
> >
>
> There's a minimum charge. The driver does have to travel to your location.
>
>
Duh.

On Tue, 26 May 2015 20:07:04 -0300, wrote:

>On Wed, 27 May 2015 08:55:20 +1000, Jeßus > wrote:
>
>>On Tue, 26 May 2015 14:28:00 -0700 (PDT), "
> wrote:
>>
>>>On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>>>> >
>>>> > The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>>>> > there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>>>> > waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>>> >
>>>>
>>>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
>>>don't.
>>>
>>>Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>>
>>On the other hand, the money you would save by taking your car to a
>>neighbourhood garage instead of a dealership would probably compensate
>>for the cost of a taxi.
>
>I trust dealerships about as far as I can throw them.

Wise choice there.

>However they do
>offer shuttle service, I can say that about them.

True. We do have some mechanic workshops here that offer 'courtesy
cars', but they are rare.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 6:07:10 PM UTC-5, wrote:
>
> I trust dealerships about as far as I can throw them. However they do
> offer shuttle service, I can say that about them.
>
>
I've had no gripes about their work, just their price gouging
prices. An example: I was in for recall, free fix, but they
did do a bit of going over to check for other things. They
said I needed a new fuel filter and the price was $50; my local
garage did it for $10.

On Tue, 26 May 2015 17:44:39 -0700 (PDT), "
> wrote:

>On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 6:07:10 PM UTC-5, wrote:
>>
>> I trust dealerships about as far as I can throw them. However they do
>> offer shuttle service, I can say that about them.
>>
>>
>I've had no gripes about their work, just their price gouging
>prices. An example: I was in for recall, free fix, but they
>did do a bit of going over to check for other things.

They're not at all shy about suggesting unnecessary or pointless
maintenance or repairs as well.

>They
>said I needed a new fuel filter and the price was $50; my local
>garage did it for $10.

They're the same everywhere it seems.

On 2015-05-26 20:44, wrote:

> I've had no gripes about their work, just their price gouging
> prices. An example: I was in for recall, free fix, but they
> did do a bit of going over to check for other things. They
> said I needed a new fuel filter and the price was $50; my local
> garage did it for $10.
>
My last Ford went in in a recall, came back running like crap. They said
it needed a tuneup, even though there was low mileage. Then they found a
cracked head casket.

A short time later the battery up and died. No problem they told me...
it's under warranty. FWIW.. it was 1988. It cost me $165. I could have
picked up a battery at Canadian Tire for $70. Service manager said it
would be a lower quality battery. Lower quality than the one that died
after 6 months?

They also charged me an hour for labour... and a battery can be change
din 10 minutes. The real kicker was the $46.95 test for the AVR test.
When I questioned that he told me it was the amperage voltage and
resistance test. Yes... I know that... why am I being charged and why
is it $46.95. He asked if I thought that had a meter that with a couple
clamps they attached?.... Yes... that it exactly how it is done.

I told them to watch me going out because they would never see me coming
back in. I didn't exactly keep that promise. A few years later I stopped
by and asked the manager to come out and see my new van.... a Mazda.

On 2015-05-27 6:15 AM, wrote:
> On Tue, 26 May 2015 21:52:09 -0400, Dave Smith
> > wrote:
>
>> On 2015-05-26 20:44, wrote:
>>
>>> I've had no gripes about their work, just their price gouging
>>> prices. An example: I was in for recall, free fix, but they
>>> did do a bit of going over to check for other things. They
>>> said I needed a new fuel filter and the price was $50; my local
>>> garage did it for $10.
>>>
>> My last Ford went in in a recall, came back running like crap. They said
>> it needed a tuneup, even though there was low mileage. Then they found a
>> cracked head casket.
>>
>> A short time later the battery up and died. No problem they told me...
>> it's under warranty. FWIW.. it was 1988. It cost me $165. I could have
>> picked up a battery at Canadian Tire for $70. Service manager said it
>> would be a lower quality battery. Lower quality than the one that died
>> after 6 months?
>>
>> They also charged me an hour for labour... and a battery can be change
>> din 10 minutes. The real kicker was the $46.95 test for the AVR test.
>> When I questioned that he told me it was the amperage voltage and
>> resistance test. Yes... I know that... why am I being charged and why
>> is it $46.95. He asked if I thought that had a meter that with a couple
>> clamps they attached?.... Yes... that it exactly how it is done.
>>
>> I told them to watch me going out because they would never see me coming
>> back in. I didn't exactly keep that promise. A few years later I stopped
>> by and asked the manager to come out and see my new van.... a Mazda.
>
> I did that with Volvo years ago - the damn thing was always running up
> bills and the worst thing was screechy brakes. The last crunch was
> going for a service and getting them to put the snows on. When I
> collected it, as usual the service was about $230 and I was advised
> that a belt had gone in one of the tires - so why had they put them
> on? I asked the manager to put the all seasons back on, then he
> wanted to charge me for that and I left.
>
> Within a couple of days we had bought a Honda Accord and as the Volvo
> mans office was on the corner nearby with plate glass, I drove up
> beside it, waited til he was watching me and gave him the finger.
>


Volvos are supposed to be good cars. Two of my brothers bought new cars
a few years ago. The bitch inlaw demanded that one get a Volvo because
their son had one and he always has the best of everything. The other
bought a Nissan. The closest Volvo dealer is in Hamilton, 40 miles away
so when he took it in for his first oil change and inspection the bill
was over $400. The other took his Nissan to the local dealer and paid
about $40.

On 2015-05-26 17:28, wrote:
> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>>
>> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>>>
>>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>>
>>
>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>
>>
> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
> don't.
>
> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>
I didn't say anything about the transportation there and back, only that
she doesn't have to stay while the repairs are being done. The mechanic
I use is about two miles from my house. I can always use the exercise,
so I walk or bicycle. I avoid dealerships for any work that is not
covered by warranty.

In article >,
says...
>
> On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:24 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
> >
> > On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
> > >
> > > The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
> > > there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
> > > waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
> > >
> >
> > You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
> >
> >
> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
> don't.
>
> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(

Our local garage lends repair-customers a small car until theirs is
fixed. It's just a scruffy old runaround but they don't charge for it.

Janet UK

On Wed, 27 May 2015 19:37:18 +0100, Janet > wrote:

> Our local garage lends repair-customers a small car until theirs is
> fixed. It's just a scruffy old runaround but they don't charge for it.
>
> Janet UK

Different garages & dealerships have different policies here. One
time, our car needed something or other done that meant it would be
gone for days and they gave us a brand new Fiat 500 with only 5 miles
on it to use for free! Boy, that was a fun car to drive around
(reminded us of the olden days when we could park the Spider anywhere)
and an excellent sales strategy on their part because I think we would
have bought it if we'd been in the frame of mind to be a two car
family again. If you want a city car that can seat 4 people with back
seats that flip down if you need to haul something, look at a Fiat
500L.

--

sf

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 2:32:06 PM UTC-6, wrote:
> On Wed, 27 May 2015 13:17:09 -0700, sf > wrote:
>
> >On Wed, 27 May 2015 19:37:18 +0100, Janet > wrote:
> >
> >> Our local garage lends repair-customers a small car until theirs is
> >> fixed. It's just a scruffy old runaround but they don't charge for it.
> >>
> >> Janet UK
> >
> >Different garages & dealerships have different policies here. One
> >time, our car needed something or other done that meant it would be
> >gone for days and they gave us a brand new Fiat 500 with only 5 miles
> >on it to use for free! Boy, that was a fun car to drive around
> >(reminded us of the olden days when we could park the Spider anywhere)
> >and an excellent sales strategy on their part because I think we would
> >have bought it if we'd been in the frame of mind to be a two car
> >family again. If you want a city car that can seat 4 people with back
> >seats that flip down if you need to haul something, look at a Fiat
> >500L.
>
> I did consider a Fiat but was warned by others that if you need parts
> etc. not so cute.

Shouldn't that read "when you need parts"? At least for older ones which
weren't that reliable from what I read.

On 5/27/2015 6:04 PM, Roy wrote:

>>
>> I did consider a Fiat but was warned by others that if you need parts
>> etc. not so cute.
>
> Shouldn't that read "when you need parts"? At least for older ones which
> weren't that reliable from what I read.
>

Consumer Reports rates them last in reliability. The bottom five
included Mini, Chrysler, Ford. Top five included Mazda, Lexus, Toyota,
Honda.

On 2015-05-27 2:37 PM, Janet wrote:


>>> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>>>
>>>
>> That's true at most dealerships but a neighborhood garage doesn't provide transportation to and from your house. At least few I've dealt with
>> don't.
>>
>> Taxis ain't cheap. :-(
>
> Our local garage lends repair-customers a small car until theirs is
> fixed. It's just a scruffy old runaround but they don't charge for it.

My garage will drive me home and then pick me up. His door rate is
lower than the dealerships. He only fixes what needs to be fixed and he
does not screw me around.
>

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 4:31:31 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>
> My garage will drive me home and then pick me up. His door rate is
> lower than the dealerships. He only fixes what needs to be fixed and he
> does not screw me around.
>
>
Well, my go-to garage closed this past winter as he wanted
to retire so I will be visiting another one that is highly
recommended another 3 or 4 miles down the road. If they
transport people around I'll be surprised; if this one
is like other garages here all their help are mechanics
and not chauffeurs. :-(

On 5/26/2015 5:16 PM, Dave Smith wrote:
> On 2015-05-26 1:24 PM, wrote:
>>
>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>
>
Uh oh, I'm disclosing more personal information. LOL Funny but there is
a TV in the waiting room where I work and half the time it is not turned
on. If it is, it's at a low volume and definitely not a blaring sports
channel. There are plenty of current magazines on the tables in the
waiting room. Half the time the people I see sitting in there are texting.

> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>
True, Dave. That happens a lot where I work. People often have someone
meet them there. They leave one car and drive off together. Maybe they
go out to lunch or out shopping.

Jill

On 5/26/2015 5:16 PM, Dave Smith wrote:

>>
>> The other thing I had against that was spending time getting it fixed,
>> there's only me and I find it boring as hell sitting around in a
>> waiting room, generally with blaring television on a sports channel
>>
>
> You can always drop it off for repairs and go home until it is ready.
>
>

Maybe. I do use a shop within walking distance for some work. Warranty
would have to be done at a dealer 20 miles from me with no public
transportation.