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anyone have personal experience with leasing a vehicle

Posted By: advice please on 2005-12-10
In Reply to:

I've never owned a car, end up upside down on the loan, owe old loan on top of new loan, and own it for so long it starts to tinker and I pay for repair on top of the loan.  What is the downside of leasing?  I heard you sometimes have to pay, but only if you drive over the limited mileage right?  Working at home, that saves mileage on commute which makes up 70% of it I would suppose.  Plus being new it won't nickle and dime me to death with repairs, low payment because you only pay for the amount of money it would depreciate for the time you own it.  Any personal experience with this, and is there red tape or hidden small print?  Going to start looking really soon, I only hear bad things but its from people who drive a lot.  I think a new car is a necessity in this day and age, with all the swindling mechanics and the dependence to get from here to there.  A new different car every three years doesnt sound so bad either.


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leasing vehicle - sm
Thanks for all the reponses, honest and otherwise. You all basically told me what I felt inside - the only one who makes out on a lease is the dealer. Thanks again.
leasing vehicle
If you travel 12-15,000 miles or less and do not want to worry about repairs, etc, and know you want to drive a newer vehicle always - having a payment always, leasing is good. I leased for a while and it was fine, but then started putting on a lot more miles. So now I buy my vehicle and drive until it dies. Matter of opinion.
leasing in like renting - paying someone else for the privilige of driving their vehicle..sm
with the low mileage you put on vehicles, you would have an easy time selling outright to a third party. Crunch the numbers.  figure out what you would pay for leasing, including deposit. Figure out what you could buy that same car for. If you hold it for 5 years, you can get an idea of how much cars depreciate by checking blue book prices on the current model and a 5 year model. Use that to figure what percent it would depreciate. Then add your leasing costs all together. Add your car payments all together.  Then subtract from the car payment what your car would be worth in 5 years, because you'll get that back, ya know. IMHO leasing is done by people too lazy to figure out the numbers and by people that it's important to "look good" to the neighbors, regardless of what your bank account actually holds. Hope you don't mind my honesty.  
Any personal experience with HRT?

Can weight gain be a side effect of hormone-replacement therapy? Has anyone tried anything else for symptoms of menopause? I need help! Gained 40 lbs in the 1-1/2 years on HRT and gotta do something about it!


Same here . . . no personal experience
My sister had it done a couple of years ago, and we are all (the whole family)truly amazed that she has 20/20 vision now. No problems with the surgery whatsoever.
Just asking you to consider that your experience is personal, as is theirs.
x
My personal experience...sm

Our pay for VR was dropped to 60% of our MT CPL rate.  The theory that VR produces more lines for MTs is, IMHO, hogwash.  The dictators I had were so bad, I usually blocked out paragraphs and retyped them.  VR took my pay down to near minimum wage and I had to find another job.  BUT, if you can, give it a try to see how it works out for YOU.  I once received 2 long VR reports from an unfamiliar account and breezed through them with very little editing. That's where you make your $$, if you are lucky enough to get dictation like that. Good luck with whatever you decide.


The benefit of personal experience

  I was surgically menopaused at 35 after 4 major abdominal procedues starting at 18.   Prior to the removal of my uterus and remaining ovary, I've hemorrhaged multiple times, been critically anemic, etc., etc.   Early on I was deemed a high risk for gyn cancer, although the major scare came at 35 with a necrotic ovarian mass.  I made a conscious, informed decision early on not to have my remaining ovary and uterus removed until the threat of cancer could not be ruled out with testing. 


  Within days of the final procedure,  I became despondent and so hormonally challenged I was suicidal.  HRT took months to help.  I have never regained what was lost by having a cleanout done, despite the obvious need to have it done.  It does impact every woman differently.  Some sail through and others suffer.  I can tell you that in retrospect, the only thing that would move me to have this procedure is a life threatening risk if I didn't.  Think long and hard because there are more terrible things out there than the imposition of monthly cramps and excessive bleeding.   The quality of your life may improve or it may decrease. Please do not misunderstand me - If you are under a cancer threat or require transfusions, I would not hesitate to do it.   Good luck to you.


 


my personal experience on a set schedule versus flex
I have worked for 2 companies now that want a set schedule and they DO watch to see when I will be on. There are several reasons for it, and I'll try to explain from their standpoint.

First I found that if they have a stat and I am scheduled to be working, they NEED me to be on to take that stat. Another issue is QA coverage. They need to hire QA personnel to pick up any blanks I left and still get the report to the client withing TAT. So if I work outside my assigned shift time, they may not meet TAT because they didn't have enough QA staff. On the flip side, if the QA staff has nothing to QA, then they transcribe and take the work I would normally get, leaving me without any work when I eventually DO log in.

I am a high producer and can get my required line count in 5 hours, not 8, and when I do work 8 I may find myself without work the next day.

It is a delicate balancing act for everyone. I decided to take the 9-5 employee job, but also have a back up account on those no work available days as an IC so I can always make sure my paycheck is reliable.

You have to go with what works for you.
Leasing may work for you sm
Just read through each and every document. Make absolutely clear that you understand what condition in which the car is to be returned at the end of the lease. I do not know of one person who wasn't charged something or other at the end of the lease. They will be counting on your car as a resale "cream puff" at the end of the lease, and if you don't return it in very good condition (and within the mileage alloted at the outset), there will be fees.

Also, check into your insurance coverage. Insurance on a leased vehicle can be higher due to the fact that the insurance company is at significantly more risk if the car is totalled, and you own much less of it than you do with a conventional loan. Furthermore, make sure you are absolutely meticulous about logging your routine maintenance so you can prove it was done and keep your warranty active.

Did you ever consider purchasing a car that came off lease? It would only be a couple of years old and in good condition, sometimes with much warranty remaining. That way, someone else would take the new car depreciation hit.

A better solution may be to find a reliable independent mechanic. I go to a great little garage where labor costs are a fraction of what you pay at the dealer and they stand 100% behind each and every repair.

No matter what you decide, good luck! My dear old '89 car is dying and I will be in your shoes looking for a car very soon.
Leasing works for me (sm)

I am in the same boat.  I just ended my first lease and had less than 25,000 miles on the car after 37 months.  Leasing also allows you to get more car for the money, as lease payments are much lower than buying, especially if you can find a special.  I'm not watching for car ads right now, since I just got my new vehicle three weeks ago, so I can't tell you of any specials.  You can sometimes buy a low-mileage lease (we took 10,000 miles/year and saved an extra 3%) if you know you won't use the mileage.    


You will always have a car payment (which we would anyway) but you will always be within warranty and only pay for gas and basic maintenance.  Then again, you will always have a new car.  Good luck!


Leasing question

Does anyone know of a company where a Lanier can be leased?  I just purchase, less than a month ago, a C-phone for an IC position and now, finally after several weeks, a fulltime position came through but I need a Lanier.  I cannot afford to buy another piece of equipment, especially since I have not received a check from my IC position yet and when it comes in, the first one is only going to be about 90+ dollars because of timing.  They pay every two weeks and it is a week behind for payrolling or something along those lines.  Any ideas?


I know they are suing MQ regarding leasing
breach of contract or confidentiality or something - maybe that MQ used info obtained from DQS to solicit their clients? Something to that effect. I have worked for both and I don't know which company was worse or better.  Since I lasted years with MQ and only months with DR, I would have to say that MQ was better for me, which is a sad statement in itself.  DR is always, always hiring, particularly for 1 horrible account in Florida, I believe.  So I guess everyone is used to just ignoring their ad by now.  Wish I had better news!
If the vehicle has been totalled (sm)
by an insurance company it will have a salvage title, so those will have evidence that the vehicle was totalled. I have heard of auto salvage companies using creative measures to disguise the real damage to the vehicle (like pounding the body with a hammer to simulate hail) leading the buyer to believe there is only body damage. We bought a submarine once and it was the best deal we ever made, a year old full sized fully loaded truck for less than half price. It was river water though and only 3 weeks after the flood. The only problem with it was the cruise control didn't work! Anything out of LA or MS at this stage probably already has rust.
I'm wondering now if you use a vehicle...
for easier application or do you just use straight water? I got quite a bit of the powder in my eyes, etc. I'm sure I could get used to this and even improve my technique over time, but I just wondered. I've read about using just about anything from honey to soap to apply it. BTW, my pores look better after 1 use. Thanks!
Hybrid Vehicle

 Yes, I love my Insight.  It is 2001, never had any problems and has 50 to 60 miles per gallon of gas usage!  When I purchased this one, I received a 15% off the top for the 21K cost of the car on federal taxes.  I could never go to a regular car again. 


The best part is:  the mileage is even more because the engine shuts off at a stop sign or when in road rage traffic.  This would prove to be even better mileage since all other automobiles are steadily burning while this Insight is completely off.  Of course you can adjust if you really need air conditioning.  It came with auto everything:  windows, transmission and power brakes and steering.


 


I would think that owning a vehicle with low miles is a plus - sm
at the end of that 5 years you own the vehicle, versus leasing you don't; and you would owe a huge chunk if you choose to buy it. After 5 years of paying a car off with low miles, you can choose to re-sell and get a better price because of the low miles (big selling point). So whoever fed you the line above is, I think, totally off the mark (or trying to lease you a car).
Husband bought a vehicle, in his name,
husband died. Money still owed on the car. I did not want, was not responsible for HIS bill and nothing they could do. Told them sitting in my backyard, come and get it. I did not own, had not signed my John Henry on it, so glad. Could be similar if you are not signed on the house.
leasing is same as renting a house, never the best financial choice...sm
bottom line is somebody is making money off of you leasing. If they didn't make money off of you, they wouldn't lease. Same thing with renting. Renters always cover the mortgage and repairs on a home while the owner reaps the benefit of building equity. Now cars are a little different as they definitely depreciate while homes do not (usually!) but as I said, if they weren't making money doing it, they wouldn't do it. You can easily find a traded-in used vehicle with 50,000 or less at a dealership. Get one of the yearly reports from Consumer Reports and you can find which cars are the most reliable (for example, Buick LeSabres - those things run 4ever). Best financial move is to buy it from a private party with cash. I mean showing up with the whole offer in $100 bills. Few people can pass that up. If you can't get the money together to buy a car outright, you will for sure never get ahead driving someone else's car and paying them for the privilege of it. And you are just kidding yourself if you're driving around in a "new car" that you can't even afford to buy.
Anyone lease their vehicle? Need pros and cons please - sm
Am considering trading vehicle, and was advised because of the low miles I put on vehicles (under 25,000 miles in 5 years), that I would be better off leasing than buying.  Would appreciate any and all thoughts and things to watch out for when leasing from those of you that have gone this route.  TIA.
It's a form for vehicle accidents. It looks funny without

the caps, but I am not sure of this grammar rule. 


TIA~


 


Not true. There are times that renting a home and leasing a car make more sense.
than outright purchase. Do your homework.
Dear confused, you've been offered some very poor advice re leasing...sm
none of the "pros" in favor of leasing have offered any dollar amounts, percentages, appreciation, or depreciation facts. It's all about feelings, feelings, feelings. You know, deep down inside, that leasing isn't the best way to use your money. It's just the same as renting. It's for peopel who don't have the money, so they get ripped off because they are trying to act like people who do have the money. But most people "considering" leasing have already made up their mind that they want to lease. It's so much more less painful...
Here in North Carolina they get to operate a motor vehicle at age 15 when accompanied by
a licensed driver.  No, they do not state WHO has to be the licensed driver (i.e. friend, neighbor, etc) or how long the licensed driver needs to be licensed, but at 14.5 years they start driver's education in the schools!  It is ridiculous to me, as they are children operating a very dangerous toy and I pray they up the age before my children reach it, as I do not feel children possess the maturity and forethought to drive at such a young age.
It's when a vehicle is reconditioned, for example, new paint, fancy wheels, stereo, upholstery, D
p
Experience on top, current experience first. Education second. Leave out ALL fluff.
Recruiters don't need your life story. They need to know if you can do the job. If you want, put your current employer, then state "I have 20 years in the profession doing....." Keep it simple; keep it clean. If you want to go into more detail, do it during the interview. A HUGE red flag is to see that you've worked for 10 different companies, for months at a time. I know that someone who has worked for the same company for 2 years or more is going to have some degree of loyalty and will work through issues rather than cut and run.
This is not personal for me.
This afternoon I watched coverage of the mother and I am embarrassed for her as an American.  She has gone far beyond the first time I saw her and really felt sorry for her.  I believe her criticism is harsh assuming she knows no more about what happened to her daughter than we do or the judges in Aruba do. 
Isn't that personal?
The best interest of the patient has to be examined here. Why, in order to prove something that is said about other occupations, do you compromise the patient's privacy in order to prove yourself?
Not sure if you mean as MT or for personal (sm)
If for MT, here you go:

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Home
my personal ob/gyn uses (sm)
EMR. I must say that as a patient I do not like to sit there while he types into his system, looking up at me occasionally to ask a question. It is very impersonal and, as I think you ORS is going to find, quite time consuming on his part!

I have no idea how he'd get his IMEs done, either. The one EMR report that I've seen (had to take one from my ob/gyn to a neurologist for my migraines) looked very "computer generated" and not "personal to me" at all. What a turn-off for a $150 doctor visit.

If your client is very busy, hopefully you will be hearing back from him once he finds out how time consuming it is entering all that data!!

Bonnie, new to the board
personal?
Dear SM, given your abject anonymimity, how can the question be personal?
Try not to take it too personal...sm
sometimes some people just struggle with being nice or trying to help. Everyone needs a break some time...even her. good luck to you!
My own personal take on that....

My daughter was in the process of being preopped for back surgery for scoliosis in her thoracic spine.  She had had before playing basketball, but she got injured during a game, which really exacerbated it when a girl fell on her neck/upper back.


Anyway, the PA in one of the many consultants offices we went to actually asked, "Who fell on you?  A teammate or someone from the other team?"  My DH and I looked at each other and could hardly keep from laughing, but God love my daughter who answered her with a completely straight face, but asked later, "What difference does it make who fell on me?"  That question still makes me scratch my head.


Same here, but it was my personal PC, and...
I ended up pulling off just the bare necessities (critical documents and e-mails), and I had to take it down to the dirt...partitioned the hard drive and reformatted, reinstalled the operating system and all my programs. I have degrees in programming and information systems, and it still took me 20 hours to do. If you can't do that yourself, you need to get it to someone who can, but plan on a pretty big bill, I'm afraid. It may be as much as a couple hundred bucks, maybe a little more.

I am so sorry for what you are going through! I think virus programmers need to be stuck in front of a firing squad.
I'm with ya on that one! ALL of our personal

personal thanks
Sue:

Thanks so much for being so cordial. I just read a nasty gram telling me that basically I have been complacent for 18 years and now need to join the 21st century. I have done work on-line over the years, but have never had to take a test. I have tons of reference materials and just have nearly always used WP. I do know how to do Word, but don't use it every day.

Can you tell me who you are working for now? Any advice for me?

Again, thanks for being so helpful. I am going to go on E-Bay today and order that.

Write back with any advice, please.

Thanks, Jeanie
not sure about your personal accout, but
in my office they say just spell it as best you can and let the MR people worry about it unless it is completely unintelligble, then put Unknown and leave a note and forget about it. hope that helps you :)
It's a personal decision.

I prefer IC as well.  When you're an employee, they pay you less per line than as an IC.  You still pay taxes, federal, state, Medicare, Social Security as an employee.  However, the employer pays for Worker's Comp and matches the social security and Medicare only portion of your taxes, which I believe is only 7.65%.  That social security percentage is quite small when you consider the fact that self-employment taxes are only 15.6%.  I don't remember the exact percentages because it's been a while since I had to manually figure it all, but you can look it up on Google.


As an IC, I get to deduct every little thing I can think of.  I can deduct my home office, a portion of my utilities, a portion of my Internet and phone, any mileage, office supplies (and I love office supplies!), furniture, software, computers and other equipment, paper, reference materials, everything.


The issue is that when you are an employee, those taxes get taken right off the top so you don't even miss that money.  Most people don't set aside a percentage of their pay that should have gone to those taxes, so they grumble when they owe at tax time.  You actually get to see how much you're paying out in taxes.  However, they got to use their money all year instead of loaning it to the government interest free.  That's a perk.


Just my personal opinion
but I think the Herman Miller chairs are as overrated as they are overpriced. I bought one of the Aeron chairs and ended up sending it back. It would have been great for lounging, but it was all wrong for proper support for typing all day at a computer. I have no experience of the Mirra chair; it might be better. I ended up test sitting several chairs at Office Depot and Staples and found a very comfortable, very supportive chair on sale for about $100 that has worked very well for me. I'd recommend, before you spend all that money on a Herman Miller chair, try out the chairs at office-supply stores. You might find one that works for you at a much lower price.
Must just be personal preference then..
because I absolutely love it.  Been using it for over 3yrs.  Very easy to query the fields to change to correct DOS or patient if need be, upload statuses to use if info is not available.  I am so sorry you detest this platform...I absolutely love it.  As far as the ESP expander, adore it too.  Sure, I had to add everything from scratch but once you get through the major bulk of it, adding ones here and there over time is a piece of cake.  I even have complete reports including headers set up in my ESP files.  Some Expander programs will not allow that.  In answer to your question, no I have never used SmartType (sp?)...but I have no complaints with what I have now.  Guess it's all what you're used to and what you like your expander to be able to do. 
PERSONAL ATTACKS (SM)

Cut it out with the personal attacks.  If you don't like the subject matter, skip it.  Banning is the next step.  I'm tired of deleting unnecessary, ugly posts. 


Goldbird


Nah, I don't have a tatoo. It's personal art. To each his/her own. sm

Some men find tatooes on women very sexy.


Don't be so judgmental. It's art and very personal for some.
 
Personal opinion here.... but
I would wait until my test results come back; however, I would be researching into which companies hire fresh out of school and also check with your school to see if they have any contacts with companies for their new graduates. 
This is very personal information.
dd
Eww, I think that is very personal and I wouldn't
!
Personal preference
I am a former nurse as well and I promise you that the CMT exam is not a speck compared to boards .. something I think I may still be traumatized by and it was way too long for me to feel that way!!  You are going to get a lot of negative feedback here and I can only tell you that as a nurse with really good experience and an MSN there was no real reason for me to take the CMT exam save for personal validation.  I think that if you work in a field and there is a credential then it is a personal choice whether or not you take the exam.  Many companies do pay for your CMT and will pay as well for you to do the continuing education to maintain it.  Additionally, promotions and the like are often given to CMTs first and I'd say mainly because it shows an employer you cared enough personally to validate yourself.  I don't need someone to force me .. it was driven by my own personal goals in this business.  I'd like to see people stop bashing AAMT because of issues that were not put into play because of AAMT but because of politics and big business squeezing for the buck.  I'd like to see people give each other encouragement and support, but women seem not to be able to do that easily.  I'd like to see this business shake itself off and start to live up to principles that make some sense too .. but I fear that my bubble has burst and still life goes on and we need to make a paycheck.  If you think you will benefit from taking the exam (if only personally) then just do it.
I pay $320/mo with ATT, ATT says no autodialing for personal use, sm
which is what they call when you dial into a phone number for transcription. There must be a real person on the other end, is what they told me. Therefore, I haven't tried vonage, as it says no autodialing. I wish I could find out if anyone else uses vonage and makes long distance calls for MT.
Just a personal preference
I am not the original poster but some people just prefer to do certain types of transcription and it has nothing to do w/ being scared. For me, I prefer clinic notes b/c they are a lot more repetetive and so I find I get more lines with them.
The only certain way that your personal information
will fall into another's hand is to totally remove the hard drive and either replace it with a new one, or sell as is.  Every old computer that I have discarded, I made sure to remove the hard-drive before putting it out to pasture.
Rather personal question, I would say, --sm
and one that I am not willing to divulge. seems like you are just trying to find out what other companies are paying while you are looking for a job. I am not trying to be snitty, I just don't think, quite frankly, that it is anybody elses business how much I make and who I work for.