Brad Nelson
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עַבְדְּךָ֔ אֶת־ הַתְּשׁוּעָ֥ה הַגְּדֹלָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את
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Post by Brad Nelson on Mar 27, 2021 17:06:45 GMT -8
The over-the-air stations that I watch have been blasting CarShield ads. I honestly want the braintrust’s opinion on this. Even the midlevel CarShield plan is $100/month. Isn’t this really a suckers bet then? Wouldn’t you be better setting aside that money in your own savings account?
Or, for those who have no discipline, is this at least a responsible thing to do as an alternative? Another thing, who knows if something will be covered when it breaks? CareShield is going to have all the fine print of an insurance company. The whole thing just smells rotten. But maybe I’m wrong.
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kungfuzu
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Post by kungfuzu on Mar 27, 2021 20:47:08 GMT -8
I think you hit on a strong point. I have no doubt that some people would see this as a way to discipline themselves as regards car-repair costs. I can't imagine many people actually putting some amount aside, on a monthly basis, for potential future engine/transmission repair costs. This payment might be seen as some sort of "car payment" like on a loan.
If one is able to discipline oneself, I can't see how the CarShield program can make sense for the buyer. They don't pay for all those ads with loses. At least one would think that they don't.
On a more basic note, if one takes care of a modern auto, then major breakdowns like blown transmissions or major engine failure is rare. That is not to say that there will not be many problems once a car starts to reach 100,000 miles, but these would more likely be things like sensors needing replacement, brake pads and rotors being switched out, new gas filters, a new starter motor or computer. While these can cost a fair amount of money, they are not nearly as expensive as replacing a motor or transmission. They are also repairs which one can often do oneself.
If it came to something major, I would think it might be better to purchase another car than, for example, to drop $4,000-$6,000 on a rebuilt motor.
I have never looked at a CarShield contract, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were time limits on when one can use the service, much like some life-insurance policies don't allow one to draw on them until at least one year of payments have been made. I also wonder how much CarShield would pay on minor repairs?
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Brad Nelson
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עַבְדְּךָ֔ אֶת־ הַתְּשׁוּעָ֥ה הַגְּדֹלָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את
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Post by Brad Nelson on Mar 28, 2021 8:19:37 GMT -8
That sounds like a good strategy. They stress in the commercial that their service is a good option once your warrantee (if you had one) expires (assuming you bought it from a dealer).
With an older car, you’re not going to be spending $100/month for nuts-and-bolts repairs. And if you do need a major repair, then getting a new car does sound like a better option than putting good money after bad.
I did an online quote request with CarShield just to see what the cost would be for my 2004 Ford Focus. I figure I would get an emailed estimate.
Okay, I’m seeing this as more of a scam now. Instead of receiving an emailed quote, someone called me. She asked my zip code, the mileage on my car, and if it was in good repair. I was then put on hold to talk to someone else. I waited for about 45 seconds with some loud and ugly “hold” music playing the background. And then just hung up.
So with that experience, I would say steer clear of this “service.” Seems fishy.
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kungfuzu
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Post by kungfuzu on Jul 1, 2021 19:17:18 GMT -8
I have never thought highly of Ben Shapiro. I have seen him in a couple of discussions and he didn't strike me as equal to a pimple on Rush Limbaugh's ass. I recall some Brit interviewer simply ripping little Ben apart. Now I have more reason to dislike him. Shapiro paid Facebook $3 million in advertising
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Post by artraveler on Jul 2, 2021 7:31:11 GMT -8
I consider Ben as a neutral in the culture wars. Not a RINO but not a libertarian either. He has a successful radio show and many people seem to follow him. If I must chose between Ben and Dan Bongino it is Dan every time.
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Brad Nelson
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עַבְדְּךָ֔ אֶת־ הַתְּשׁוּעָ֥ה הַגְּדֹלָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את
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Post by Brad Nelson on Jul 6, 2021 8:39:17 GMT -8
I’m not a fan of Shapiro. If I want to listen to conservative ranting, I’ll listen to Mark Levin. My thesis, of course, is that the “conservative” airwaves are filled with people profiting from discontent but otherwise doing zero to actually reform what needs to be reformed. It’s a mountain of gadflies — including Rush — who hover over the problems like flies on you-know-what without bringing a shovel. When I saw the psychological equivalent forming itself at StubbornThings, that’s when I had to pull the plug for my own sanity. I deeply appreciate the soldiers, politicians, parents, and other activists who actually work on the front lines to change things and/or protect this country. But I have little use for the rest of them. I’m sorry. It’s just one area where I have little tolerance left for nonsense.
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kungfuzu
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Post by kungfuzu on Jul 6, 2021 18:00:47 GMT -8
I think we pegged it years ago when we said that most of the so-called conservative pundits were simply looking for the next book deal or TV gig. Few offer any concrete suggestions as to how to turn things around.
In this regard, Steven Bannon is far-and-away the best pundit. You may or may not agree with his stances, but he gives his audience concrete proposals on what can be done. He brings in, as guests, people who are doers not talkers. As he constantly says, his show is about "human agency." I also like the fact that he brings in journalists and others who deal in facts, not just opinions.
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