Search found 566 matches

by bwalling
Fri Mar 10, 2023 5:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FLA gulf coast Red Tide - Plan B - FLA east coast?
Replies: 10
Views: 1367

Re: FLA gulf coast Red Tide - Plan B - FLA east coast?

wabbott wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 5:22 am Don't recall if the Atlantic Coast of FL ever has outbreaks. The panhandle will have outbreaks every 3 or 4 years or so, not nearly as often as Tampa area.
It's less common because the water is much colder over there.
Wricha wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 5:45 am Myakka River State Park (https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks ... state-park) is a good place to kayak. Not to far from Sarasota. There are alligators in the park but they give people a lot of latitude.
Cool park. Also, the alligators there are huge. They're not the little tots you see on golf courses.
by bwalling
Tue Mar 07, 2023 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Floor Coverings Purchased Through Costco
Replies: 12
Views: 1771

Re: Floor Coverings Purchased Through Costco

I avoid all big box store purchases that use 3rd party installers with no incentive to maintain the big box store's reputation. Those installers tend to be ones that don't have enough clientele to stay busy as an independent business which infers just starting out or not enough repeat customers due to installation quality issues. Buying from a dedicated business with their own installation team and thus reputation to protect, doesn't always ensure quality either but I think the odds are much better. Most flooring stores do not employ installers directly, they are subcontracted. There are a number of different subspecialties, and keeping them all busy full time isn't economically viable. All the independent flooring stores I have access to ...
by bwalling
Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Accounts keep switching to paperless
Replies: 49
Views: 5049

Re: Accounts keep switching to paperless

DoubleComma wrote: Mon Mar 06, 2023 10:05 pmWorse, when you have a question, or don’t understand something, they don’t want you walking into a physical building with some nice person just waiting behind the counter to spend 35 minutes with you. They don’t care how long you’ve used their bank, and unless you have disgusting amounts money they don’t care how much you with them.
I walked into the local Bank of America last week to try to get some answers around fees on ATM, debit, and credit card when traveling internationally. No one at the branch was able to answer. Also learned that they no longer keep any Euros on hand, and you have to order them in.
by bwalling
Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Floor Coverings Purchased Through Costco
Replies: 12
Views: 1771

Re: Floor Coverings Purchased Through Costco

I avoid all big box store purchases that use 3rd party installers with no incentive to maintain the big box store's reputation. Those installers tend to be ones that don't have enough clientele to stay busy as an independent business which infers just starting out or not enough repeat customers due to installation quality issues. Buying from a dedicated business with their own installation team and thus reputation to protect, doesn't always ensure quality either but I think the odds are much better. Most flooring stores do not employ installers directly, they are subcontracted. There are a number of different subspecialties, and keeping them all busy full time isn't economically viable. Broadly, you'll find two categories of installers: th...
by bwalling
Tue Mar 07, 2023 5:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Floor Coverings Purchased Through Costco
Replies: 12
Views: 1771

Re: Floor Coverings Purchased Through Costco

They have a deal with Shaw. Shaw makes quality products. That deal involves an arrangement with a local flooring company, and they may or may not have one in your local area. If there's a flooring kiosk near the exit, they have one. Costco does have some requirements in terms of reputation, so the local company is probably among the better local options. They also impose some pricing constraints on the local company, so the pricing should be decent, but it's not like their own warehouse pricing. Flooring can be a bit hard to comparison shop, as most manufacturers private label everything to retailers. Shaw has a set product list, but they'll happily private label all of it, so you won't find the same name for the same product at two differe...
by bwalling
Mon Mar 06, 2023 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it okay to go to a dentist who is not in your dental insurance network?
Replies: 41
Views: 3972

Re: Is it okay to go to a dentist who is not in your dental insurance network?

My experience has been that you're less likely to get scammed by dentists who do not participate in insurance networks, which routinely pay them less than what they charge or what they need to charge to meet expenses. To make up for that shortfall, the "in plan" dentists that I have visited have always attempted to push higher cost "treatment" plans on their patients. Not at all how the economics of it work, nor what happens in any broad sense in the industry. The variation in treatment options isn't about contracted rates. There is no variation in procedure mix when comparing in network with out of network dentists. There is no variation in procedure mix when comparing in network patients with cash patients for dentist...
by bwalling
Fri Mar 03, 2023 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone 8 - upgrade to 12pro or 14pro?
Replies: 38
Views: 4201

Re: Iphone 8 - upgrade to 12pro or 14pro?

cbox wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:46 am As to batteries being a reason to upgrade: Not. I'm on my third new battery for the 8 Plus. New battery is all you need to add another year or two of life. $49 at the Apple store, installed.
Just checked. They want $89 for battery replacement, and clearly state they'll force me to replace my cracked screen to get a new battery. Total cost $318.
by bwalling
Fri Mar 03, 2023 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone 8 - upgrade to 12pro or 14pro?
Replies: 38
Views: 4201

Re: Iphone 8 - upgrade to 12pro or 14pro?

RobLyons wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:57 am
cbox wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:46 am I find the new phones with the flat sides to be uncomfortable to hold (especially the heavy "max" model).

Phone cases make a world of difference.
That makes the whole thing worse. Most phones are crazy huge, and a case makes them even bigger. I'll just be holding onto my Mini until they finally bring it back.
by bwalling
Fri Mar 03, 2023 5:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cars: Max you'd pay? How long do you keep cars? Plans to go EV?
Replies: 99
Views: 9067

Re: Cars: Max you'd pay? How long do you keep cars? Plans to go EV?

On the one extreme you have the person who will always reply that you should buy a cheap Asian car (bonus points for 10 year old Camrys) and drive it to 250k miles. On the other extreme you have people who buy new 70k luxury SUVs or Teslas every few years. 1. What is the most you'd be comfortable paying for a car? (not necessarily what you can afford, but what you'd pay) Maybe I'm your middle ground, as I'd pay $50-60k for a car, but keep it for longer. But, I also want a combination that's hard to find for less (off road, leather, a quality sound system, and an interior that doesn't look like it's from 2004). 2. Do you buy new, used, or CPO? Why? New for wife, CPO for me. She likes new. She just does. CPO is a little more, but also tells ...
by bwalling
Fri Mar 03, 2023 5:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5174

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

Cruise wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 2:14 am And CPO stands for?
Certified PreOwned
by bwalling
Thu Mar 02, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5174

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

chuckwalla wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 12:47 pm The NX got rid of the touchpad in 2022. I would look for a deal on a brand new NX.
Good luck finding one. Around here they're sold as soon as the dealer gets allocation. Often, there are 2-3 people with deposits on the same vehicle.
by bwalling
Thu Mar 02, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5174

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

The CVT did have an issue. I know. Our 13 Crosstrek got a free replacement by Subaru at 53k miles. But I can tell you that the feel in our Legacy is worlds better. I can't say first hand how your 16 is (year before ours). If you haven't had the CVT fluid changed and filter cleaned, have that done by a mechanic who knows what they're doing. For mine, it’s not that the CVT has issues, just that it’s so slow to accelerate. It’s been like that since day one, and makes you pretty nervous when you need to pass someone. I think the CVT is tuned to save fuel, but at the cost of acceleration. They're incredibly anemic. We have a 2014 Outback. I tried to get my wife the 6 cylinder, but she wanted the 4. She wound up regretting that. My daughter driv...
by bwalling
Thu Mar 02, 2023 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5174

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

psteinx wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 10:15 am
SeattleLaw wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 10:04 amOne thing that drives me nuts about Subaru is that you need 6k mile oil changes (likely due to oil leak issues), which means about twice a year I'm in the shop and they don't give you loaners.
Splurge a little on quick-change places. In and out in 30-60 minutes, obviates the need for a loaner.
I prefer getting oil changes from places that don't show me a dirty air filter from a car that's not even mine in order to try to sell me on other things. I've literally never been to one of those quick oil change places that didn't show me an air filter, and I've never had them show me one that fits my car. It was a lie every single time.
by bwalling
Thu Mar 02, 2023 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5174

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

The more recent X3s are very reliable, especially with the 6 cylinder. If you have a good mechanic that will work on German cars, then there isn't much worry about repair costs. BMW dealers charge quite a lot, but independent mechanics that are familiar with them aren't really more expensive than other cars. Invariably, since BMW was mentioned, someone is going to chime in to say that their repair costs are high. It's become a tradition. As to other brands, have a look at Lexus. They can be very reliable, and often provide a compromise between the driving performance of a BMW and some interior comfort. My wife drives a 2020 X3, and she loves it. I like it quite a bit as well. Try to find the Cognac interior. IMO, it's much nicer than the st...
by bwalling
Thu Mar 02, 2023 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone 8 - upgrade to 12pro or 14pro?
Replies: 38
Views: 4201

Re: Iphone 8 - upgrade to 12pro or 14pro?

May or may not matter to you, but the 14 is likely the last iPhone to use the Lightning connector. It's very likely the iPhone switches to USB-C going forward.

Given that most of my other stuff is USB-C at this point, I'm not going to upgrade until I can get that in the phone as well. Of course, you may have reasons to prefer staying with Lightning if you have a bunch of other devices that use it.
by bwalling
Wed Mar 01, 2023 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
Replies: 61
Views: 5074

Re: How to keep rabbits off lawn?

jebmke wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:19 pm
shunkman wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:18 pm
bwalling wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 11:13 am Outdoor cat
Outdoor cats kill all kinds of other wildlife too such as birds that help keep insects under control.
They also don't live as long (the cat). Around here a Great Horned Owl can easily take a cat. Not to mention cars.
We would have like to have an indoor cat. However, she has insistently destroyed screens to provide herself with outdoor access. We relented, and put in a pet door to avoid continued damage. She's 17 and quite healthy despite being outside in an area with hawks and coyotes.

However, there aren't rabbits around here because she kills the babies any time they have some. The neighbors are quite pleased with her efforts.
by bwalling
Wed Mar 01, 2023 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
Replies: 61
Views: 5074

Re: How to keep rabbits off lawn?

Outdoor cat
by bwalling
Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Negotiate extended warranty on CPO?
Replies: 6
Views: 470

Re: Negotiate extended warranty on CPO?

The CPO warranty itself is fixed, but the brands usually sell extended warranties. Negotiate part or all of that cost into your purchase price. I think the one offered on the last Lexus I bought was around $3000 to go to 8 years/96,000 miles. Get some compromise on the vehicle price, and you can cover a lot of that.

The statement that they can't negotiate is just a tactic. Of course they can. They just want you to think they can't. Autonation dealers will tell you they're "no haggle" or "one price", and I got one to come down $3500 on Monday.
by bwalling
Tue Feb 28, 2023 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How does buying a car work these days?
Replies: 72
Views: 9821

Re: How does buying a car work these days?

They're ahead of car dealers in that regard. Seems like everyone is shifting to curbside pickup or delivery of their groceries in some areas. There was a thread not too long ago asking why it's cheaper to order something from Target for curbside pickup than just buying it from the shelf. They won't move entirely to that model. There is so much put into where they place products, on end caps, adjacent to other products, near the checkout, etc to get you to not only buy more than you came in for, but also higher margin items. Same reason the pharmacy is way in the back, forcing you to walk past a ton of high margin items. Amazon works because it's easy to buy individual items and have them show up at your door. The friction is very low. They...
by bwalling
Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PSA - LastPass breach!
Replies: 718
Views: 65055

Re: PSA - LastPass breach!

Finally decided to give up on LastPass. 1Password apparently currently has a bug that prevents importing from LastPass.

(There is a workaround to export to CSV and then import, but that loses a lot of information I'd rather not lose).
by bwalling
Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?
Replies: 65
Views: 6654

Re: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:30 amFor those who bothered to watch the video, EVs start out with a huge drain on the planet and over time and miles, things get better. ICE is the easiest in manufacturing and gets worse by miles and time and a hybrid starts somewhat in the middle but excels going forward.
The scale of those factors makes all the difference. An ICE is currently better for the environment to build, and dramatically worse to operate. The gap closes very quickly after it's put into use, and only grows from there. Lifetime, an ICE has more than double the greenhouse gas emissions of an EV.

https://greet.es.anl.gov/
by bwalling
Tue Feb 28, 2023 4:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SIXT auto rental bait and switch
Replies: 15
Views: 2057

Re: SIXT auto rental bait and switch

Car rentals aren't like hotel bookings - they'll way oversell, because there's no obligation to the rental, and many renters just never show up. Unlike a flight, which you prepay for, or a hotel booking, which comes with a one night cancellation penalty, car rentals usually have no such financial incentive to follow through. While they overbook, I believe industry stats are that only about 1% of rentals find there are no cars left. I swear I was once told the stats on how many don't show, but I can't find them right now. I do recall it was a staggeringly high number (like 30% or something like that). I've been upgraded for free because my booked class was unavailable. One time, Avis rented a car from Hertz for me to cover my rental because ...
by bwalling
Mon Feb 27, 2023 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?
Replies: 65
Views: 6654

Re: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Mon Feb 27, 2023 8:23 am A very good analysis of EV vs ICE vs hybrid for total emissions including production of the vehicle and production of electricity over miles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1E8SQde5rk

As you'd expect from me, it is not just a simple "Well, electric has no exhaust" answer.
From the description of the video:
Several claims in this talk lack scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers.
So, why watch it or share it?
by bwalling
Mon Feb 27, 2023 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3-row CUV with removable/foldable 2nd row
Replies: 14
Views: 2343

Re: 3-row CUV with removable/foldable 2nd row

TheGreyingDuke wrote: Mon Feb 27, 2023 5:54 am
bwalling wrote: Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:23 pm It's been a long time since I had one, but on the Toyota Sienna, the middle seats were easily removed, and left very little on the floor when they were removed other than some recessed latches and a plastic cover.
The newest model of the Sienna has seats that are not (readily) removed, side airbags are attached. There is a work around but not for the most civilians
That's unfortunate. Fold flat third row plus easily removed captain's chairs was useful. Could put quite a lot in there with the back fully open like that.
by bwalling
Mon Feb 27, 2023 5:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car
Replies: 81
Views: 9669

Re: Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car

mw1739 wrote: Fri Feb 17, 2023 5:49 am Your list is good for the suburban lifestyle, but I don't think I would take any of those models off-roading. For that you need to look at a 4-Runner or Jeep.

Personally, I'm planning to buy the Grand Highlander (or its Lexus equivalent).
This. OP mentioned off roading. Most of OP's list will get torn up if that off roading is much more than a gravel or dirt road. Check out the 4 Runner, the Lexus GX, or a Jeep product. The 4 Runner and the GX will last forever.
by bwalling
Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3-row CUV with removable/foldable 2nd row
Replies: 14
Views: 2343

Re: 3-row CUV with removable/foldable 2nd row

It's been a long time since I had one, but on the Toyota Sienna, the middle seats were easily removed, and left very little on the floor when they were removed other than some recessed latches and a plastic cover.
by bwalling
Sun Feb 26, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Negotiating during due diligence?
Replies: 49
Views: 5223

Re: Negotiating during due diligence?

When a buyer tries to renegotiate a purchase agreement by using things an inspector pointed out that were or reasonably should have been known to a buyer, that is negotiating in bad faith. And if you have any personal integrity, that will affect your own self-respect. An AC system being old is known. It not performing well is not known. No one is acting in bad faith here. Asking for them to fix it, replace it, or pay the costs to do so is not only reasonable, it's normal. Your contract has wording as to how things from the inspection are treated. If not, shame on the real estate agents for the oversight. It may say you can inspect, but nothing comes of it. It might say, you can inspect and negotiate on remedy. It might say you can inspect ...
by bwalling
Sun Feb 26, 2023 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?
Replies: 65
Views: 6654

Re: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?

Valuethinker wrote: Sun Feb 26, 2023 6:34 amIt seems unlikely that most Tesla owners will get around to replacing the battery. By the time that is necessary, EVs will have jumped another generation of advance. Battery recycling is going to be a thing, too - major automotive manufacturers, seeing where this thing is going, are working with the rest of the supply chain to ensure that-- recycled lithium + other minerals will become a big supply source (in the way it is for steel in reinforced concrete, and aluminum for cans etc).
There are also companies using old EV batteries at utility scale. They're less effective for running a car, but good enough for storing generated power when combined in a huge array of other former EV batteries.
by bwalling
Sat Feb 25, 2023 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?
Replies: 65
Views: 6654

Re: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?

One thing to consider - have your family members ride along when you test drive. I have found people don't like being passengers in the Model 3. The way it accelerates seems different, and seems to be problematic for people prone to motion sickness.

Granted, I have the Performance model that does 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, but I don't really accelerate faster than the other cars around me.
by bwalling
Sat Feb 25, 2023 5:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?
Replies: 65
Views: 6654

Re: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?

I have a 2018 Long Range Performance with FSD I'm about to trade in (I've started some outdoor hobbies that need a vehicle capable of some relatively rough roads).

The acceleration is fantastic. It significantly changes your ability to merge and pull out in traffic. You can also pass anyone at any time. Driving like that will wreck your range, however.

Is the road noise high? Perhaps, but I'm not sure I'd ever notice - the sound system is fantastic.
by bwalling
Wed Feb 22, 2023 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ioniq 5 SEL AWD vs. ID.4 Pro S AWD
Replies: 68
Views: 5888

Re: Ioniq 5 SEL AWD vs. ID.4 Pro S AWD

TSR wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 1:10 pm UPDATE: I bought the Ioniq 5 in part based on everyone's guidance. I like it so far (took a road trip about 70 miles away). Will hope to join other discussions about EVs as I have more experience with it.

Thanks again for everyone's advice
Congrats. Give it a few months, and you'll come fully over to the side of "why would anyone want to buy gas". :wink:
by bwalling
Wed Feb 22, 2023 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car market, Feb 2023
Replies: 24
Views: 3777

Re: New car market, Feb 2023

It's highly brand and location specific. Last week, I drove dealer employees' personal cars at a Subaru dealership because they have none. You can put a deposit down on a future delivery, but they're usually sold before they arrive on the lot.

Lexus dealers with 150 miles of me are all out of most vehicles. If there is one on the lot, it's already presold and waiting on pickup, and you can't test drive it. Many more popular models (NX 350h, etc) have literally three buyers lined up on them before they get to the dealer.

Meanwhile, Honda and Acura have plenty on the lot and you can take your pick.
by bwalling
Wed Feb 22, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheated by a car rental company
Replies: 76
Views: 10749

Re: Cheated by a car rental company

lthenderson wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 11:32 am The easy answer to your question is to get their offered insurance.
No one should have to pay them protection money so they don't run up false charges on your bill.

Collectively tolerating abusive behavior by capitulating is how consumers lost all the power they've lost. We don't own things anymore - they're all licensed, rented, or subscribed to, and many companies have ditched even having someone you can talk to at all. Even digital things you "buy" can just be taken away at any time with no recourse.

Excuse me, I have to go yell at some kids to get off my lawn.
by bwalling
Wed Feb 22, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheated by a car rental company
Replies: 76
Views: 10749

Re: Cheated by a car rental company

I think my approach would depend on how much I would care about burning down my relationship (ability to rent) with the agency. If it someone like Fox or similar 3rd or 4th tier agency that I could live without, I would go the dispute route if a first attempt at resolving it peacefully via customer service failed. If it was one of the majors (and that includes all the sub brands of Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise), I would spend more time working my way up the corporate chain, perhaps sending an appeal to executive management/CEO. Sadly frontline customer support ant many companies is not known for logical thinking and being empowered to make decisions based on logic. So definitely would help to know who the company is. If they tried to burn m...
by bwalling
Wed Feb 22, 2023 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheated by a car rental company
Replies: 76
Views: 10749

Re: Cheated by a car rental company

gatorking wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:33 am
CC1E wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:08 am Posts like this are why I pay the high fee for a premium credit card that includes primary rental insurance. The $500-$700 annual fee for an Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve are worth the piece of mind in these situations. And in my experience Amex really tries to take the cardholder’s side in disputes.
Wouldn't it be better to just buy the insurance from the rental company?
They shouldn't be given money for their insurance, especially if they have a tendency to invent charges that would otherwise be mitigated by buying their insurance.

That sounds a lot like the mafia.
by bwalling
Wed Feb 22, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26973

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

On topic Tesla - now that guaranteed $7500 March window is gone for new Tesla 3/Y orders — may be go ahead take a chance - put-in order by non-refundable deposit of $250 (?) — hope for the $7500 will be renewed for these two models. If not, you could simply cancel order and walk away (likely lose $250 - but you ain’t losing $7500 full tax credit if not renewed) .. If the $7500 credit is renewed, likely Tesla Y/3 demand may be strong enough that Tesla may incrementally raise their prices depending on demand .. get-in before they raise. Tesla used values have been extremely volatile lately. Mine was worth 50% more in November than it is now. For the first few years I owned it, it held value really well. Add price cuts, tax credits, and NHTSA...
by bwalling
Wed Feb 22, 2023 5:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26973

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

You can't know depreciation ahead of time. You can look at data and guess, but that's all you're doing. You don't know whether you're going to wind up with an accident history on the car and make it worth far less. You don't know whether market preferences are going to change. You don't know whether there are going to be a ton of well publicized recalls or incidents with that car. You don't know whether buying an ICE right now means no one at all will want it in five years when nearly everything on the market is EV. You can guess at some of those things, and past history is helpful. But, we're at the early stage of what looks like a big change in the auto market. No chance you know what five or ten year depreciation looks like on a new car ...
by bwalling
Tue Feb 21, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lastpass - abandon? Best alternative for Mac+iOS+Windows+Yubikey household
Replies: 55
Views: 5229

Re: Lastpass - abandon? Best alternative for Mac+iOS+Windows+Yubikey household

How do you measure your risk? You don't. Assuming these platforms are built properly, you don't have any. You're only going to know they're not built properly when someone exploits whatever mistake they made. Until then, you won't know which one you should have picked. Only for closed source non-audited password managers, that's not all of them. Right, because open source has proved to magically eliminate bugs and security holes? It has not, and cannot. Don't let open source fool you into thinking you're more secure than you are. That's FUD at best we went from talking about a random word called "Risk" to "bugs" and "security holes"? How about we pick a lane and stick with it. If you are basing things on "...
by bwalling
Mon Feb 20, 2023 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26973

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

just frank wrote: Mon Feb 20, 2023 4:03 pm Depreciation is an important factor in computing car cost.
And volatility, apparently. For the first two years of owning my Model 3, it was worth between 80% and 120% of what I paid for it used. Since November, it's plummeted to 50% of what I paid for it between Musk, the price drops, the tax credits, and the NHTSA pummeling them over self driving.
by bwalling
Mon Feb 20, 2023 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ioniq 5 SEL AWD vs. ID.4 Pro S AWD
Replies: 68
Views: 5888

Re: Ioniq 5 SEL AWD vs. ID.4 Pro S AWD

niceguy7376 wrote: Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:22 am Con:
It does not have the software that Tesla has. Car still cannot guide you from A to B with intermediate charging locations info. I use ABRP app for that.
Is that coming in a software update? That seems like a big omission. Can ABRP actually get data from the car about actual range, or is it just working from averages?

I use that any time I road trip in the Tesla. Traveling over 70 MPH runs the battery down faster, so knowing what the car actually says seems helpful.
by bwalling
Mon Feb 20, 2023 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car Advice - midsize SUV or Tesla Model 3? Or hold off?
Replies: 29
Views: 3807

Re: New Car Advice - midsize SUV or Tesla Model 3? Or hold off?

Chevy Bolts are an amazing value if the meet your needs. [/list] I keep seeing people say that (with incentives, rebates, and tax credit) that you can get a bolt for $14k-18k right now. I just did a search for bolts (new) for sale within 250-miles of me and there were two, the cheaper being a 1LT (I believe this is the base model) listed for $30,340. If I expand to 500 miles, there are 8, with a single one listed cheaper ($28,820...but call for details). I'd sell our VW jetta (which we bought for $14K OTD new in 2016) now if we could get a bolt as our primary commuter for even $20k, but I am not seeing it. Yes. They're a great deal. $26.5K. Eligible for the $7,500 tax credit, a $2000+ incentive in California, more in some Air Districts. Ca...
by bwalling
Sun Feb 19, 2023 4:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26973

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

CletusCaddy wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 8:00 pm
hunoraut wrote: Fri Feb 17, 2023 2:38 am in the combustion world every year people heralded a new BMW 3 series luxury-sports sedan killer. From Lexus IS300 to Infiniti G series to Acura to Genesis….and none of them ever live up to it. Its now literally decades of those new models and the longtime rivals Audi 4 and Mercedes C class trying to take that mantle and none of them have done it.
My 2014 Cadillac ATS begs to differ
Sales figures beg to differ with you. You might prefer it, but actual sales numbers suggest you're in the minority.

The Model 3 is what took the mantle. It reached a point where it outsold the BMW 3/4, Audi 4, and Mercedes C - combined.
by bwalling
Sat Feb 18, 2023 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I am looking for an alternative upon Costco Dental plan sunset?
Replies: 1
Views: 432

Re: I am looking for an alternative upon Costco Dental plan sunset?

You'll need to find another group that can get you in. Buying individually means you're a risk pool of one, and it will be priced that way. Check your local chamber of commerce, AARP, etc, etc.

Otherwise, you can sign up for a dental discount plan. Those don't have any reimbursement, but they do have lower fees on procedures.
by bwalling
Sat Feb 18, 2023 5:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car Advice - midsize SUV or Tesla Model 3? Or hold off?
Replies: 29
Views: 3807

Re: New Car Advice - midsize SUV or Tesla Model 3? Or hold off?

Right now, I'd buy a used Model 3. The prices on them have plummeted between Elon's antics, the price drops, the tax credits, and the sheer volume of Model 3's that have been sold in the last few years.

It's a far better car that most current EV alternatives, and the used prices have massively dropped.
by bwalling
Sat Feb 18, 2023 5:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lastpass - abandon? Best alternative for Mac+iOS+Windows+Yubikey household
Replies: 55
Views: 5229

Re: Lastpass - abandon? Best alternative for Mac+iOS+Windows+Yubikey household

brad.clarkston wrote: Fri Feb 17, 2023 1:05 pm
bwalling wrote: Mon Feb 13, 2023 7:00 pm
Domadosolo wrote: Mon Feb 13, 2023 6:58 pm How do you measure your risk?
You don't. Assuming these platforms are built properly, you don't have any. You're only going to know they're not built properly when someone exploits whatever mistake they made. Until then, you won't know which one you should have picked.
Only for closed source non-audited password managers, that's not all of them.
Right, because open source has proved to magically eliminate bugs and security holes? It has not, and cannot. Don't let open source fool you into thinking you're more secure than you are.
by bwalling
Fri Feb 17, 2023 5:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26973

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

I travel quite a bit for work and recently Hertz has offered me Teslas for about the same price as the regular cars. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of buying one to rent first and spend a few days with it. First impressions from a few days driving around New England and returning to Boston Logan: Handling and performance are fine - the instant acceleration is a kick. I'm not a fan of the giant iPad display. There is a learning curve with the car, and some things are off-putting. For example the key fob with no buttons. I never did figure out how to open the trunk. Range anxiety is a real phenomenon. I got back to the airport with 17% charge, but if I had needed to charge I would have worried about missing my flight. There is a le...
by bwalling
Thu Feb 16, 2023 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lowes (or any company really) time to process refund to credit card
Replies: 12
Views: 2861

Re: Lowes (or any company really) time to process refund to credit card

Despite the large amount, there's not a lot of risk in waiting. You're not paying interest on it right now. You're not required to pay the bill right now. The only real risk to you is if it's consuming enough of your available credit that you can't use the card for something else.

But, there isn't anything you're going to do to speed it up. They take a little while to show up.

If it doesn't show up in the allotted time, ask Lowes for an update first, and if they're not cooperative, then engage your card. Your card isn't going to help you if Lowes is still going trough the motions, even if those motions are long or annoying.
by bwalling
Thu Feb 16, 2023 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury car vs regular toyota management costs
Replies: 62
Views: 6035

Re: Luxury car vs regular toyota management costs

The question for a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo is more of a matter of failures and what it takes to repair them. Scotty Kilmer talks about BMW plastic all the time. He goes to carefully replace spark plugs. A simple thing to do (I just did it on my 13 Subaru Crosstrek yesterday). Problem is, the coil packs on top of the plugs are brittle plastic that quickly ages. So breaking one or more is going to add hundreds of dollars to replace these parts that on a Subaru or Toyota or Honda use far better materials, so you can go hundreds of thousands of miles. There are absolutely mechanics and shops that hate dealing with certain brands. These shops will sometimes refuse to service them, and some will just charge extra labor because they don't like...
by bwalling
Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?
Replies: 128
Views: 10998

Re: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?

Further evidence that gas-fueled vehicles are a much more cost-effective and time-effective transportation option for many in the US. I have spent $2 and 0 extra minutes charging my car this month. I've put $107 worth of gas in my wife's car this month, with two trips to a gas station. These threads are always so strange. The vast majority of your driving doesn't come anywhere near the range of an EV or an ICE. Reduced fuel economy in either has little to do with your daily and weekly routines. Average residential electric rates in the US are $15.64 (according to the US Energy Information Administration), a rate at which it's well cheaper to use an EV. Free public charging abounds as well. I can charge for free at the library, the grocery ...
by bwalling
Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?
Replies: 128
Views: 10998

Re: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?

Northern Flicker wrote: Thu Feb 16, 2023 1:16 am
iamlucky13 wrote: Wed Feb 15, 2023 10:29 pm EV threads on this forum always fascinate me.

OP is thinking of buying an EV, but wants to understand how much difficulty it is to recover if their battery runs empty.

Several posters confirm it is more hassle (time and cost) than getting a gallon or two of gasoline, but manageable.

The thread then devolves into a debate over the basic practicality of EV's.
Manageable is in the eye of the beholder. The more detailed debate helps one decide if they agree with the assessment.
To an extent, but half the EV thread comments are clearly people that have never owned one, and are just repeating various fears they've read about, or have been blown up in an online article to get page views.