The Economy

The only time I miss my old equipment leasing job is when I have to buy a new ride. We had a handful of dealerships in the region we worked with and trusted to take care of our clients, so when it was time for my own wheels, I just started browsing until I found a promising SUV. Call them up, verify that it’s a solid machine, ask them what they’ll take for it and they instantly provide their bottom line price (which still leaves them a fair profit), no bullshit haggling needed. Call up my credit union to get them to bless the loan and we’re done. They drive the vehicle down and drop it off, just ask that I get the paperwork returned in the next 30 days or so. Professional courtesy when you are on the inside feels like a magic spell.

 

Did a double-take for a second while wondering why the former longtime Ravens kicker was discussing monetary policy.

 

I bought my first and only new car in 2005 because I thought I got such a deal. They put the albatross of a 6.99 percent interest rate around my neck. I was enamored with cheaper and new, and they found a sucker to take a high rate. "Oh, we tried everywhere to get it lower." My credit was in the 700s, so I'm sure I could've gotten it lower. I was too stupid to know better and too lazy to refinance. I paid it early, so that at least cut into the burden a bit.

Last purchase, the dealer offered me financing at 3.69 percent. It wasn't their finance guy, it was one of their other back office folks. I walked and the guy seemed pissed. I emailed their finance guy the next day and was like, I know the drill, cut me a better deal. He did (2.69), but I won't finance through a dealer again.

 

Every truck I've ever bought has started with the conversation: "Any numbers we discuss are bottom line. How you slice the pie is your business."
It's not that I'm trying to get over on somebody. It's just don't agree to X then tack on Y and Z. Just tell me what XY and Z are up front.

 

About that recession....

'Oh My God!' CNBC Anchor Stunned By Stock Climb Seconds Before Inflation Report

 

I bought a Honda a few years ago and I wanted a 3-year financing plan, but they only offered a 4-year or 5-year plan.

Honda's extended warranty plan doesn't cover shit. I bought the GM plan on my Tahoe in 2002, and it was great. Figured Honda would come across as well. Um, not so much.

 

That’s because you never have to use a Honda warranty.

[Honda fanboi]

 

I'll be passing 300,000 miles on the Civic sometime in January.

 

Just here to remark about the new model for roadside assistance from insurers, dealers and car makers. I had a flat in my driveway. Called my insurer for assistance. Two hours later the fixer hadn't shown up despite several calls from me where I was assured he was on the way. Call again for a new dispatch, and to yell at the my insurer. While I am finishing my call the first fixer shows up. Instead of a tow truck from a garage as was customary several years ago, it's a sketchy looking guy in a dirty t-shirt and banged up compact car. I tell him to leave. Meanwhile I call my dealer and ask who they'd send out, a tow truck or gig worker. "For a flat? Gig worker," they tell me. Another hour and the second guy shows up, also in a sedan. He is neatly dressed, knowledgable and assures me he'll fix the flat. Has an impact wrench, shop jack and knows that my car requires a special key to unlock the lugnuts. Advises me in the future to make sure I reclaim the key from the repairman. Make sure to get his business card. Flat fixed, but if I was in some remote locale it would have been a frightening experience. Next time I will tell roadside assistance there is some major engine problem as well as a flat.

 

How much you got, boy?

 

Why would someone need a wrecker for a flat tire?