Latest Thread Images

An audiophile and petrolhead's journal: Buckle up!
Oct 9, 2012 at 12:49 PM Post #556 of 9,499
magick man said:
I don't usually take a lot of crap from people or companies. Ironically, I'm a real *****cat when treated with respect, I'll even go out of my way to be understanding of any issues a company might have. Having problems with production? Let me know, I'll wait. Need to get in some parts? That's cool, just drop me a line. You fell out of a tree, broke your arm, and can't solder for a couple months? No sweat, have someone email me to let me know, we can work something out. Ignore me? Lie to me? Treat me like a mushroom? I'll get medieval and go out of my way to be a PITA.
My friends will tell you, I always try to be a good person, but I'm not necessarily a nice one. :wink: A local bank manager is terrified of me. The bank made me angry over tons of little fees and screw-ups, I was in there almost every month with some problem or another. So, finally I'd had enough and went down there and demanded a cashier's check for all my money, because I was taking it to the credit union. At the time they weren't waiting for anything to clear. Instead of doing this, the manager insulted my intelligence by telling me that I'd signed an agreement stating I'd give them 3 business days to give me my funds, it was 10am on a Friday. I told him, no, I'd signed a document dealing with the availability of funds in lieu of pending transactions, but there were none. He told me I was wrong, then I asked to see the form. Well, he rummaged around his files, looked on his computer, and then claimed the paper I'd signed was at the central office and I'd have to wait until Monday. Horsehockey. So, I thought for a minute, then dialed a reporter I knew at a nearby radio station (on speakerphone) and asked him if he'd be interested in a story about a prominent local bank that, for some reason, wasn't allowing customers to close their accounts. You know what? I had my check in my pocket and was walking out of there in less than 15 minutes.
Click to expand...


People who would rather say "no" than do their fscking jobs should be strung up. Seriously.

Oddly I never seem to encounter these Champions in my daily life, the last time I closed out an account (took a corporate account too), it was a CU that had been bought out (thanks recession!), and the new management were hairless apes. When I asked to close the accounts they were like "what, why?" and I politely told them because they were too incompetent to pour water from a sandal with directions on the heel, and that in no way would I ever trust them to protect or handle my money (or the company's money), even if the Federal government was standing behind them. The manager blankly stared at me, absolutely did not understand what I had just said, and went ahead and thanked me for my business, cut me the checks, and said farewell. :rolleyes: (there were other customers and tellers who were staring at her in absolute amazement, it seriously went right over her head).
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 1:24 PM Post #557 of 9,499
Quote:
magick man said:
A while back I ordered a pair of Mingda Meixing MC845-AB amps. Specs:
Output Power: 95W x 2 Class A
Input Impedance: 500kohms
Output Impedance: 4ohms, 8ohms
Input Sensitivity: 900mV
Power Consumption: 270W
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 30 kHz, +/-1%
Vacuum Tubes (per pair): 845B x 4, 6SN7 x 2, 6SL7 x 2
THD+N: ≤ 0.5 %
S/N ratio: ≥ 90db
Dimensions (L x W x H) per block : 48 x 49 x 55 cm

Well, I was told, after the order was placed, there was a manufacturing delay. No big deal. A month later they said the amps were being built and would be shipped within a week. Yay! I was then instructed to send payment a few days later, and I did via Paypal with my AmEx. Happy times. Then two days later I was told the payment wasn't sufficient, that costs and shipping charges had increased, they need an additional $180. My "I'm being jerked around" alarm starts buzzing. However, considering that sometimes these things happen, I sent $180 more. A week goes by, no shipping notice. I email them, they don't reply. I wait 3 more days, send another email, no reply. I call their office in Hong Kong, at 1pm their time, it goes directly to voicemail. I give them 3 more days, no emails, no one answers. So I notify Paypal, they open a claim. Then I get contacted, within 3 hours. Imagine that?
rolleyes.gif
They claim they sold out and would have more next week. I reply, telling them I no longer want the amps. No reply. Paypal says they're working on resolving the conflict, said I should wait and the product will be sent next week. I tell Paypal I don't want it anymore, I'd been lied to and was tired of waiting. They don't care, they aren't going to do anything.
Sooo, I call up Francine, my pitbull at AmEx and give her the whole story. She says "don't worry, I'll take care of it". The next day, AmEx shows a credit for my full amount, and PayPal is angry! I get stern language, claiming I had circumvented the resolution process. I said, "tough nuts". The following day Paypal tries to charge my AmEx, AmEx blocks it. They then try to take the money from the bank account attached to my Paypal account. My credit union, for all intents and purposes, gives them the finger, because I have all electronic withdrawals on that account blocked. They threaten to suspend my account, I tell them that's fine because I have two others. At that point I guess they decide to just take the money back from the seller, because the people in Hong Kong contact me and they're very upset. I tell them "get bent" and give them the contact info for my attorney. Damn, that's just too much aggravation for a pair of tube amps, ya know?
Click to expand...

Those amps look cool!
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 7:05 PM Post #558 of 9,499
redcarmoose said:
Those amps look cool!
Click to expand...


Yeah, they do. They're a lot bigger than you'd guess from the photo, too.


Update:

The garage is coming along, though it isn't going to be done before the deadline, no bonus for them, it seems. Foundation, frame, and walls are up, and they're doing the roofing, wiring, and plumbing. One issue was half the crew got sick with colds and flu, so that set them back.

Also, there's a car auction tonight in Chattanooga for repos, starts shortly and is streamed to subscribers. So I signed up and am setup to bid. There's a 2010 CTS-V sedan being sold, in Raven Black, 23k miles, auto, with sunroof. It looks dirty (typical) but there's no actual damage, so we'll see what it goes to. I'm thinking I'll bid to $38k-ish. I'm sort of nervous about buying without checking it out first, but it's still under warranty.

 
Oct 9, 2012 at 7:08 PM Post #559 of 9,499
Can't you get the same car brand new (or nearly new) for like $50k? Also, seen the new 2013 coupe? :D

Also, it's a shame that the CTS used to be a "compact car" by Cadillac standards, and now it's their TOTL. I miss the STS and DTS, and cars even larger than that. I mean I get CAFE and all that, but c'mon, don't lie to me and call it a functional backseat - just sell me two seater with two doors.
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 7:10 PM Post #560 of 9,499
He wants to save some money. Getting the most value out of your purchase. It's a smart move as long as the car was properly maintained. I'm glad I didn't buy my care new it was $35,000  brand new. Only paid $5000 for it :p.
 
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 7:17 PM Post #561 of 9,499
lee730 said:
He wants to save some money. Getting the most value out of your purchase. It's a smart move as long as the car was properly maintained. I'm glad I didn't buy my care new it was $35,000  brand new. Only paid $5000 for it :p.

 
Click to expand...


While I understand that, repos and foreclosures are usually a minefield unless you know what you're getting into and can inspect and scrutinize it before the purchase. Because usually when people know they're gonna get something taken away, they abuse the crap out of it. Also, these cars list out for around 70 grand, but I would bet you could probably walk into a lease return for 40-50 with reasonably low miles, simply because the relatively low fuel economy, relatively high upkeep costs, and impracticality make them unattractive to average drivers. At least, that'd about what I'd guess depreciation looks like on a recent model, based on similarly expensive and outlandish vehicles.

I also think "auction" gets people automatically thinking that they're getting a deal, and usually they aren't; unless they're clever duckies.
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 7:33 PM Post #562 of 9,499
True but depreciation is a real thing regardless of upkeep. The minute you drive the car off the lot its lost half it's value :p. While I'd love to own such a luxury car as you said it's not practical in my situation. But I can dream? :).
 
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 7:37 PM Post #563 of 9,499
lee730 said:
True but depreciation is a real thing regardless of upkeep. The minute you drive the car off the lot its lost half it's value :p. While I'd love to own such a luxury car as you said it's not practical in my situation. But I can dream? :).

 
Click to expand...


Oh yeah, I know you lose a reasonable amount of value when you take a brand new car off the lot (it isn't usually a full 50%; it varies by model though - gotta love needless retail markup). Hence why I said lease return or similar - what cost 75 grand BNIB, you can snag a year later for 50 or less. Now if this auction closes at like 20, that's fantastic. But at 40-50, that's a little fanatic unless it's in pristine shape. :xf_eek: Also consider this is truly sight unseen for the car in Magick's case - that would make me hella-nervous (for all you know the previous owner drove it through hades for those 23k miles, and it's gonna need serious work that may not be covered by warranty; and I'm always inclined to assume the worst in these scenarios).
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 8:09 PM Post #564 of 9,499
Don't really want a coupe, I want a sedan for the extra space and passenger room. I'd like to use it for trips too. The bidding so far has been fairly low, from what I've seen. There was a nice 2011 V6 Mustang that sold for $14,250 and a regular CTS Caddie that went for $18k.

The Carfax on the Caddie is clean and it has no damage, so I'm not too worried. The interior is a pig pin, but that's because they don't even bother to vacuum them out before selling them, it needs new tires too. I'm always happy to let someone else pay the depreciation, especially on something like this. This particular car sold for $67k new, so anything below $40k will be a good deal and far better than what I'd pay a dealer.
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 8:20 PM Post #565 of 9,499
magick man said:
Don't really want a coupe, I want a sedan for the extra space and passenger room. I'd like to use it for trips too. The bidding so far has been fairly low, from what I've seen. There was a nice 2011 V6 Mustang that sold for $14,250 and a regular CTS Caddie that went for $18k.
Click to expand...


Not bad pricing.

The Carfax on the Caddie is clean and it has no damage, so I'm not too worried. The interior is a pig pin, but that's because they don't even bother to vacuum them out before selling them, it needs new tires too. I'm always happy to let someone else pay the depreciation, especially on something like this. This particular car sold for $67k new, so anything below $40k will be a good deal and far better than what I'd pay a dealer.
Click to expand...


I've seen CARFAX be wrong more times than I'd like to admit. :xf_eek: And yeah, the 30-40k range you spec'd above sounds fair assuming it's in solid shape.
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 8:35 PM Post #566 of 9,499
We're sitting here watching it on the TV, I have my MBP hooked up to it. We're eating pizza and making an evening of it. I didn't realize the Mrs liked auctions this much, she's glued to it. 4 lots left to go...
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 10:24 PM Post #568 of 9,499
Once it got over $25k most people dropped out, after $30k it was just me and one other person, and they dropped out at $32750. So, that, plus 7% buyer's premium puts it at almost exactly $35k + tax (and I can pay the tax myself later). That's pretty good, I'm happy. It's been the second most expensive car of the night so far, next to a 2011 Z06 `vette that went for a whopping $58k.

I'm thinking this is the GMC credit repo auction, at least 80% of the cars are GMs.
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 10:35 PM Post #569 of 9,499
My wife took away my laptop, she's going to bid on a car... What, God help me. :eek:

BTW, it said they take credit cards, so I'm putting this all on my AmEx. They'll love that, I'm sure.
 
Oct 9, 2012 at 10:37 PM Post #570 of 9,499
magick man said:
Once it got over $25k most people dropped out, after $30k it was just me and one other person, and they dropped out at $32750. So, that, plus 7% buyer's premium puts it at almost exactly $35k + tax (and I can pay the tax myself later). That's pretty good, I'm happy. It's been the second most expensive car of the night so far, next to a 2011 Z06 `vette that went for a whopping $58k.
I'm thinking this is the GMC credit repo auction, at least 80% of the cars are GMs.
Click to expand...


lol @ GMC credit repo. Either that, or you're living in The Matrix. :p (Did that totally bug the crap out of anyone else?)

magick man said:
My wife took away my laptop, she's going to bid on a car... What, God help me. :eek:
BTW, it said they take credit cards, so I'm putting this all on my AmEx. They'll love that, I'm sure.
Click to expand...


Watch her get a Prius or something. :p

Also, nuttiest thing I've ever heard put on an AmEx (black card though) was ~14 day rental of a complete 4-star resort property (~$350,000/day + room charges for ~100 guests). The initial ~$400,000 deposit prompted a near immediate call from AmEx, a few moments with the cardholder, and lo and behold: Authorized. I have no idea why you'd want to run upwards of $4 million at 26%, but hey, they approved the charges!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 5 (members: 0, guests: 5)
Back
Top