Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fintail

Strangely enough though, the Tampa team did win a Cup. I'd imagine the temperature and humidity there would make maintaining an ice surface quite difficult and expensive. I remember reading about the fog that would develop there back in the day.

Seattle will be getting an NHL team soon - I hope it is a relocation rather than expansion, I don't know if the league needs or has the talent pool for endless expansion, but the fees and short term profits rule the day, and the commissioner is quite the weasel.

abacomike said:

When the Florida Panthers came to town and opened up an ice arena at the Bank United Arena in Sunrise, FL, I almost did a doo-doo in my pants! I said to myself - "...what idiot would be dumb enough to buy an expansion NHL team and house that team in South Florida?" Let's face it - the climate is not conducive to ice rinks. But, they did it anyway. The Panthers don't skate on ice down here, they skate on SLUSH! That's the only excuse I can come up with as to why they can't ever win their division - let alone the Stanley Cup!

pensfan83

nyccarguy said:

Thanks. It definitely isn't easy. The parents are a good support group for one another. We are always willing to help someone else out if logistically they can't make the trip, but their son/daughter can. Some days are easier than others. Saturday night, both boys had games that were local (one at home, one at the next town over). The practices are sometimes difficult. My "Mite" usually has practice at 5:20 - 5:30 in the evening while my "Pee-Wee" has practice at 7:00 or 8:00 at night. 2x during the week. The rink is on the other side of town from where I live. It is 12 minutes there on a Sunday AM. At least 1/2 hour to 40 minutes one way during the evening rush.

On some of my business trips I've shared hotels with youth hockey teams in town for a tournament and struck up friendly conversations with some of the parents. I'll just say they, including your boys, are very lucky to have parents supporting them they way they do because youth hockey is a very demanding (and expensive) undertaking.

roadburner

The next vehicle we get will be for my wife. I'm not going to start looking seriously until we turn in the i3 in late August. Right now shes leaning towards either a CX-3 Grand Touring or a Renegade Trailhawk. A CPO X1 may also work.

pensfan83

I really, really liked the X1 I test drove. It was surprisingly roomy inside and handled really nice. The seats could have been a bit more supportive but that's about all I can gripe about.

28firefighter

We love our X1 - for the money we are paying to lease it, it is very tough to beat. Spacious inside, generous cargo room, handles very well. My big complaint is also the seats, but they don't seem to bother my wife and she is the one who commutes with it.

iluvmysephia1

I agree with driver100 on digging sedans more than SUV's. I am looking towards the Toyota Yaris iA or the final year of the Mitsubishi Lancer, 2017, either an ES or a GT model, for the 2011 Kia Soul replacement.

Although the sedans I'm interested in are only in the $15,000-$17,000 range, I too prefer the 4-door sedan for my automotive needs. The Soul just got an oil change and just went over 98,000 miles. Still running Kia strong.

fintail

I like sedans and wagons too. I can't warm up to many CUVs and SUVs, I guess I don't see the need for one, I don't need to sit high or haul 5 people or carry a lot of stuff.

If I had to pick a big rig, maybe a G-Wagen for laughs and pretending to play along with the image.

ab348

Been watching more episodes of The Grand Tour. I wonder how Amazon justifies what must be an incredible cost to produce it. I felt the last few seasons of Top Gear with the trio were running on fumes and becoming tiresome and silly. GT really isn't much different and man, are Clarkson and May starting to look old and tired. Their track facility is nowhere near as good as what they had on TG, which also detracts from the show.

Having said all that, the most recent episode with the replica/re-creation Jag XKSS and the Aston Martin DB4 GT was interesting in regard to those two vehicles. What they didn't seem to address is why their manufacturers chose to make them again. And that doesn't really redeem how tired the whole thing seems.

fintail

I stopped watching TG a season or two before it stopped. It just got a little too far out there, kind of jumped the shark in a way. I sometimes think about giving GT a try, but always forget.

It anyone can afford to bankroll something like that, it is Amazon.

driver100

suydam said:

tjc78 said:

driver100 said:

I know sedans are out of favor but I don't want to drive an SUV or crossover....a vehicle without a trunk. I like the dynamics of a car.....the feel of a car, the lower center of gravity of a car, no windshield washer fluid sloshing around sounds. Generally, I like the look of a car more too.

What SUV have you driven that has “sloshing around sounds”. I prefer cars too, but both of our Enclaves have been like a bank vault on wheels.  

As is our Buick Encore.

No matter how quiet or strong an SUV or wagon type vehicle is.......you can hear washer fluid sloshing around. You also hear grocery bags falling over and things in the back sliding. Another thing that bothers me...add it to the list JM, is when you have passengers in the back they have to sit over an open....or crudely covered storage pit..........much nicer to have a shelf and a window behind the passenger area.

Another point, if you are keeping track JM, is that you can lock up your valuables to some degree, if you have a trunk. I know they can still get in, but it is a little harder to do, and at least things can be hidden out of view.

Keep in mind one of our vehicles is an SUV. My wife likes the view and the tall seating, but, if she could have found a car that had as good a viewing area and it felt right, she would prefer a car too.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
I'm getting to experience euro sedan like depreciation. Don't like it. but not the end of the world/

You're looking at this all wrong. You have the luxo feeling with an econobox wallet.

jmonroe

Another wannabe!

I want to drive what I want to drive....not too concerned about depreciation. If I don't get enough I keep the one I have...or eat the difference if I have to. I learned....depreciation isn't a good enough reason to settle for a car I don't really want.

So what's your point, I agree with you. When did you come to this realization? It sounds like you are arguing with yourself.

jmonroe

I like arguing with myself....I usually win.

That's the only time you can win arguments here on this forum - argue with yourself - odds much better than arguing with jmonroe. Come to think about it, I've seen you lose arguments with yourself here on this forum - when you finally break down and admit you were wrong about something. You're my kinda guy, driver. Love your rational and objective comments on just about everything.

I hate it hen I argue with myself and I lose the bet.

That reminds me, the founder of IKEA died today....he was 91. I am wondering if he has make-it-yourself caskets? I wonder if they are easier to put together than most of their stuff? I think the casket has a name like a "dropinboxin"

jmonroe

28firefighter said:

We love our X1 - for the money we are paying to lease it, it is very tough to beat. Spacious inside, generous cargo room, handles very well. My big complaint is also the seats, but they don't seem to bother my wife and she is the one who commutes with it.

What's the decibel number of the "sloshing windshield washer fluid" in that X1 ? And how many times have you had to pull over to eat that Sam's chicken because you couldn't wait until you got home because of the unrelenting aroma?

jmonroe

jmonroe

iluvmysephia1 said:

I agree with driver100 on digging sedans more than SUV's. I am looking towards the Toyota Yaris iA or the final year of the Mitsubishi Lancer, 2017, either an ES or a GT model, for the 2011 Kia Soul replacement.

Although the sedans I'm interested in are only in the $15,000-$17,000 range, I too prefer the 4-door sedan for my automotive needs. The Soul just got an oil change and just went over 98,000 miles. Still running Kia strong.

I just got home about an hour ago from taking the Genny to the dealer for an oil change. I didn't even have 2000 miles on it since my last oil change in the Summer of 2016. But I did it because of the time period. I use full synthetic and it cost $100.52 and that was with a $10 coupon but it takes almost 9 quarts. The first oil change was free, so the average ain't too bad yet.

Oh well, even a wannabe oil change is getting expensive. I might have to resort to doing it myself and saving the $15.95 labor charge and the markup on the oil which I figure is around 3 bucks a quart. The filter was 7 bucks and that is what I would pay at the dealer myself since the auto parts doesn't stock that filter, so no savings there.

To get my money's worth I'm going to have to put more miles on that beauty between oil changes. :@

jmonroe

suydam

driver100 said:

suydam said:

tjc78 said:

driver100 said:

I know sedans are out of favor but I don't want to drive an SUV or crossover....a vehicle without a trunk. I like the dynamics of a car.....the feel of a car, the lower center of gravity of a car, no windshield washer fluid sloshing around sounds. Generally, I like the look of a car more too.

What SUV have you driven that has “sloshing around sounds”. I prefer cars too, but both of our Enclaves have been like a bank vault on wheels.  

As is our Buick Encore.

No matter how quiet or strong an SUV or wagon type vehicle is.......you can hear washer fluid sloshing around. You also hear grocery bags falling over and things in the back sliding. Another thing that bothers me...add it to the list JM, is when you have passengers in the back they have to sit over an open....or crudely covered storage pit..........much nicer to have a shelf and a window behind the passenger area.

Another point, if you are keeping track JM, is that you can lock up your valuables to some degree, if you have a trunk. I know they can still get in, but it is a little harder to do, and at least things can be hidden out of view.

Keep in mind one of our vehicles is an SUV. My wife likes the view and the tall seating, but, if she could have found a car that had as good a viewing area and it felt right, she would prefer a car too.

You must have ears like an owl. I have pretty good hearing and I’ve NEVER heard water sloshing, from any source. Bags don’t slide because I have a nice cargo tray in the back and they’re cloth anyway. I think you just prefer sedans, and that’s fine. But those are pretty trivial arguments.

ab348

driver100 said:

That reminds me, the founder of IKEA died today....he was 91. I am wondering if he has make-it-yourself caskets? I wonder if they are easier to put together than most of their stuff? I think the casket has a name like a "dropinboxin"

Funeral could be delayed until they figure out how to assemble the thing.

stickguy

A DIY oil change in a Hyundai? What could possibly go wrong there.

driver100

jmonroe said:

iluvmysephia1 said:

I agree with driver100 on digging sedans more than SUV's. I am looking towards the Toyota Yaris iA or the final year of the Mitsubishi Lancer, 2017, either an ES or a GT model, for the 2011 Kia Soul replacement.

Although the sedans I'm interested in are only in the $15,000-$17,000 range, I too prefer the 4-door sedan for my automotive needs. The Soul just got an oil change and just went over 98,000 miles. Still running Kia strong.

I just got home about an hour ago from taking the Genny to the dealer for an oil change. I didn't even have 2000 miles on it since my last oil change in the Summer of 2016. But I did it because of the time period. I use full synthetic and it cost $100.52 and that was with a $10 coupon but it takes almost 9 quarts. The first oil change was free, so the average ain't too bad yet.

Oh well, even a wannabe oil change is getting expensive. I might have to resort to doing it myself and saving the $15.95 labor charge and the markup on the oil which I figure is around 3 bucks a quart. The filter was 7 bucks and that is what I would pay at the dealer myself since the auto parts doesn't stock that filter, so no savings there.

To get my money's worth I'm going to have to put more miles on that beauty between oil changes. :@

jmonroe

The last time you did your own oil change it cost you a few $1000 bucks!

Leave it to the professionals...it will cost less in the long run.

btw....some people may not have as sharp hearing or a sense of smell, so they can buy SUVs.

andres3

jmonroe said:

andres3 said:

I hereby propose, a Federal National Traffic Citation/Ticket Immunity law be implemented effective immediately by Executive Order and Legislative Act.

If an American Citizen has a driving record with no at-fault accidents totaling more than $500 in damages in the last 7 years, they shall have 3-strike immunity from Traffic Fines. This means they would have to be pulled over 4 times in one year in order to begin accumulating tickets/fines.

The incentive to not "goof off" is that if you don't maintain your pristine "no accident" driving record, you will lose the 3-strike immunity/year benefit for at least 7 years as you re-establish your good record.

Therefore, the law self-corrects. Those that drive unsafely will undoubtedly receive little benefit. Good drivers will be incentivized and rewarded for driving safely over the long-run.

I may allow for some exceptions, or perhaps 3-strikes-in-one violations, such as DUI, texting while driving, and left lane camping. Probably anything over .16 BAC would be 4-strikes in one.

For sure, my plan will reduce accidents and revenue streams from traffic tickets. Judges will have to survive with wood-laminate instead of mahogany finished courtrooms, and the Police will be more free to concentrate on serious crimes. The shortcomings of "Officer Discretion" will be corrected. The system will be improved. The status quo will be advanced.

I know you will do what you want but most people would just obey the traffic laws and avoid getting as many tickets as you get. Another benefit is spending your hard earned money for family expenses and yet another benefit would be having more time for friends and family. Maybe even see you in here more often. But, we live in a free country so you're free to do it your way.

jmonroe

Yeah, I don't see that happening with the caliber of law enforcement in my State (low), and the amount of miles I drive every year (high).

That's what I like about the $99 lawyer. He might be in cahoots with the prosecution and deliver minimal results, but at least I don't have to waste my time in court. He appears on your behalf, and he is effective at delaying the fine a maximum amount of time.

andres3

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I just watched a segment on PBS Motor Week which was talking about a device that police would plug into your cell phone after an accident to determine if the device was being used at the time. It would only reveal use not content thus muting concern over privacy.

While it seems like a great idea I wonder about the 4th amendment implications and wouldn't police still need a warrant?.

I saw that. The purveyor of the device just pictures the policeman plugging it into the power connection on your phone while you are "allowed" to still hold your phone, therefore they claim there's no violation of rights? LOL

The push for the device came from a father whose son was killed by a driver who, after months of trying to get phone logs, was allegedly on his phone on or about the time of the incident.

While I like the idea of punishing negligents that were using their cell phone at the time of an accident, I too, see it as problematic for a free society.

Cell phones and car black boxes should fall under 5th Amendment Self-Incrimination protection as you own your car and its black box of data, as well as your cell phone.

IF it happens too often people will soon figure out that their cell phone should land inside of the fire pit when it "flew out" the car window during the major accident. I would think anyone with half a brain would "lose" their cell phone, and not remember where they put it.

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
I've been the that old barn several times years ago to watch one of my nephews play or drive him to practice.
Right on Route 5.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eN6zfuLLZj0

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=35GBuxw-ras

carnaught

tbirdmarco said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=35GBuxw-ras

First impression is the side looks like a (Fisker) Karma, and the back resembles a Dodge Dart .

oldfarmer50

This report is for Sandman.

Just finished a 13 hour first day with Enterprise. Mainly older guys like me with one being 81 whose been with them 20 years. He walks with a cane so they don't discriminate. Very easy job, not even a drug test. The group was very supportive and showed me how everything worked. I had a choice of showing up anytime between 5:30 and 6:45 and I took the early bird today. It seem the early arrivals get the longer trips and boy did we travel. South throughout the Hudson Valley and then west to Syracuse. First I drove an 18' Sentra with under 500 miles.Not a bad little car, pretty peppy and crisp handling but the seats weren't supportive of my back. Not a long distance car.

After I dropped the Sentra off we were assigned to bring a bunch back north. I got a Jeep but on advice of my coworkers refused to drive it because the registration was 4 months expired. Then then sent us across the Hudson to pick up a Hyundai Elantra but that one had a 10 month expired registration. The boss back at the office then assigned me to a Ford Focus but the local staff told me they had sent it back across to where we just left. So I rode in the chase vehicle back north to pick up a Chevy Cruse. Unfortunately, the Chevy was missing a wheel. I now had my knick-name.....The Jinx. Back to the main office.

Once there we were assigned a fleet of 2017 Pacificas going to the auction. We traveled as a group out to an auction yard north of Syracuse. The Pacifica wasn't as nimble but the ride was a lot more comfortable. Supportive leather seats were nice and it was filled with goodies like Nav, heated seats and blind spot monitoring. I can see how the BSM could come in handy. We piled back in the chase vehicle for the 3 hours trip back.

This Enterprise branch seems to do a lot of collecting of cars going out of service to be wholesale, retailed or returned to manufacturers after some kind of lease. Very low key with plenty of coffee/bathroom breaks as long as the job got done. I guess the only down side is the length of the work day. I now know how they give you 25 hours for two days work.

Sandy, is that the kind of information you wanted?

jmonroe

andres3 said:

jmonroe said:

andres3 said:

I hereby propose, a Federal National Traffic Citation/Ticket Immunity law be implemented effective immediately by Executive Order and Legislative Act.

If an American Citizen has a driving record with no at-fault accidents totaling more than $500 in damages in the last 7 years, they shall have 3-strike immunity from Traffic Fines. This means they would have to be pulled over 4 times in one year in order to begin accumulating tickets/fines.

The incentive to not "goof off" is that if you don't maintain your pristine "no accident" driving record, you will lose the 3-strike immunity/year benefit for at least 7 years as you re-establish your good record.

Therefore, the law self-corrects. Those that drive unsafely will undoubtedly receive little benefit. Good drivers will be incentivized and rewarded for driving safely over the long-run.

I may allow for some exceptions, or perhaps 3-strikes-in-one violations, such as DUI, texting while driving, and left lane camping. Probably anything over .16 BAC would be 4-strikes in one.

For sure, my plan will reduce accidents and revenue streams from traffic tickets. Judges will have to survive with wood-laminate instead of mahogany finished courtrooms, and the Police will be more free to concentrate on serious crimes. The shortcomings of "Officer Discretion" will be corrected. The system will be improved. The status quo will be advanced.

I know you will do what you want but most people would just obey the traffic laws and avoid getting as many tickets as you get. Another benefit is spending your hard earned money for family expenses and yet another benefit would be having more time for friends and family. Maybe even see you in here more often. But, we live in a free country so you're free to do it your way.

jmonroe

Yeah, I don't see that happening with the caliber of law enforcement in my State (low), and the amount of miles I drive every year (high).

That's what I like about the $99 lawyer. He might be in cahoots with the prosecution and deliver minimal results, but at least I don't have to waste my time in court. He appears on your behalf, and he is effective at delaying the fine a maximum amount of time.

I guess $99 for a lawyer isn't bad and it sounds like you got your money's worth but I would rather have had that 99 bucks to spend the way I wanted to spend it; like on the $100 oil change I got today. But like I said, "free country so we can do what we want, sorta".

I spent my money for something legal, whereas you spent yours because you got caught doing something that wasn't legal.

jmonroe

tjc78

suydam said:

driver100 said:

I know sedans are out of favor but I don't want to drive an SUV or crossover....a vehicle without a trunk. I like the dynamics of a car.....the feel of a car, the lower center of gravity of a car, no windshield washer fluid sloshing around sounds. Generally, I like the look of a car more too.

What SUV have you driven that has “sloshing around sounds”. I prefer cars too, but both of our Enclaves have been like a bank vault on wheels.  

As is our Buick Encore.

Someone at the office just got an Encore in the same burgundy color as our Enclave.  I have to park next to it and snap a pic.  The Encore looks just like a mini Enclave. 

tjc78

nyccarguy said:

I'm definitely happy with the new Pilot. Yesterday I drove 256 miles between the away hockey games my 2 sons had. The adaptive cruise, rear Blu Ray player, smooth ride, & cargo room all came in immensely handy yesterday (even though it was me & 1 child). Game 1 was an hour away in Pawling, NY (Dutchess County) that started at 7:50 AM. Trying to get my almost 9 year old son out the door before 6:30 AM wasn't easy. Once I told him to pick a movie to watch (while I load up), he sprang into action. I know what you're thinking. "Bradd, with 1 kid why didn't you just take your Infiniti?" My son played 4 mini (24 minute) games. He was a goalie for games 1 & 4, a forward/defense for game 2 & 3. So I had 2 hockey bags, 1 stick, 1 goalie stick, & a set of goalie pads. Fold down the 3rd row & tossed it all in. Game 2 was an hour and a half way in South Windsor, CT (near where @explorerx4 lives). It was just me & my 11 year old. So I could have taken the Infiniti, but he got to chill and watch a movie. The ACC makes the highway trips so much easier. I set it at 70 - 75 (depending on the speed limit) and it does it's thing. When I see I'm approaching a slower vehicle, I just move over and it will bring me back up to speed. The games were fantastic. My almost 9 year old scored the 1st 2 goals of his career & had an assist. My 11 year old has started to block shots and his defense gets better every game. They won 1-0.

It’s great when an expensive purchase really pays off.  Every time we load our Enclave to gills for a trip or have to haul stuff I sing it’s praise.  

My my wife loves it too, so it’s a double win.   

venture

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

That reminds me, the founder of IKEA died today....he was 91. I am wondering if he has make-it-yourself caskets? I wonder if they are easier to put together than most of their stuff? I think the casket has a name like a "dropinboxin"

Funeral could be delayed until they figure out how to assemble the thing.

Now that was funny. I actually laughed out loud at the guy in the Kofn with a smile on his face.

fintail

Of course, not being legal doesn't necessarily mean it is wrong (and vice versa). I know some people in the money trail will disagree, but speed limits don't appear to only be about safety.

I think Andres should maybe just break the traffic laws that aren't enforced, which seems to be most of them excluding speeding. The stuff I see on the roads has me doubting human evolution, and it isn't speeders.

jmonroe said:

I guess $99 for a lawyer isn't bad and it sounds like you got your money's worth but I would rather have had that 99 bucks to spend the way I wanted to spend it; like on the $100 oil change I got today. But like I said, "free country so we can do what we want, sorta".

I spent my money for something legal, whereas you spent yours because you got caught doing something that wasn't legal.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

explorerx4 said:

@nyccarguy, I've been the that old barn several times years ago to watch one of my nephews play or drive him to practice. Right on Route 5.

Yup.  That's the place.  How old is that rink?  50 years?

Sandman6472

Wow, your first day was pretty impressive to be honest. Not sure I'll even take the job if offered to be honest. Working six days a week was fine when I was in my 30's, 40's or 50's but now, just not gonna happen. But will go listen and see what it's all about. Would rather do about 15 to 18 hours since Hertz has me almost 30 each week, give or take a few. Glad to hear that a guy with a cane isn't an issue for them as it just helps me get around easier.
My wife and kids think I'm nuts for even going tomorrow but gotta see it through as don't want to pass up a good opportunity. If it's that good, could always cut back my Hertz schedule a bit if really necessary. But we'll just see how things go tomorrow and see if they even offer me a slot!

The Sandman

driver100

andres3 said:

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I just watched a segment on PBS Motor Week which was talking about a device that police would plug into your cell phone after an accident to determine if the device was being used at the time. It would only reveal use not content thus muting concern over privacy.

While it seems like a great idea I wonder about the 4th amendment implications and wouldn't police still need a warrant?.

I saw that. The purveyor of the device just pictures the policeman plugging it into the power connection on your phone while you are "allowed" to still hold your phone, therefore they claim there's no violation of rights? LOL

The push for the device came from a father whose son was killed by a driver who, after months of trying to get phone logs, was allegedly on his phone on or about the time of the incident.

While I like the idea of punishing negligents that were using their cell phone at the time of an accident, I too, see it as problematic for a free society.

Cell phones and car black boxes should fall under 5th Amendment Self-Incrimination protection as you own your car and its black box of data, as well as your cell phone.

IF it happens too often people will soon figure out that their cell phone should land inside of the fire pit when it "flew out" the car window during the major accident. I would think anyone with half a brain would "lose" their cell phone, and not remember where they put it.

They can trace your calls....they don't need your actual cell phone!

driver100

Oldfarmer...I always wondered what that job would be like....now I have some idea. Sounds like it would be fun if the hours aren't too bad.
Keep posting....I get a feeling for the job, and like your car reviews, but, I don't actually have to be doing the work......perfect!

driver100

venture said:

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

That reminds me, the founder of IKEA died today....he was 91. I am wondering if he has make-it-yourself caskets? I wonder if they are easier to put together than most of their stuff? I think the casket has a name like a "dropinboxin"

Funeral could be delayed until they figure out how to assemble the thing.

Now that was funny. I actually laughed out loud at the guy in the Kofn with a smile on his face.

It was funny and you would have a smile too if you had made $58 Billion and were 8th richest guy in the world.

fintail

Sadly, the amount that society is free might be overestimated.

On the surface, I have no issue with black boxes or phone records being used against a negligent driver, but I also can't say I have complete faith in those doing the analysis.

Another fun thing, records don't rely on a physical phone.

andres3 said:

While I like the idea of punishing negligents that were using their cell phone at the time of an accident, I too, see it as problematic for a free society.

Cell phones and car black boxes should fall under 5th Amendment Self-Incrimination protection as you own your car and its black box of data, as well as your cell phone.

IF it happens too often people will soon figure out that their cell phone should land inside of the fire pit when it "flew out" the car window during the major accident. I would think anyone with half a brain would "lose" their cell phone, and not remember where they put it.

abacomike

I went in to H&R Block this morning to complete my tax forms.  Looks like I’m getting a $1300+ refund in a few weeks.  I already got my email stating the IRS has accepted the electronic filing and I should have my refund deposited to my checking account in 7-20 days.

I have not been able to itemize deductions in many years.  My standard deduction is about $7500 (over 65 years old).  Under the new tax code starting this year, I only gain $300 in deductions - so I will be one of those middle class taxpayers who will not benefit from the new tax code.

I don’t moan and groan over paying taxes - $12,000+ provided by me to the Federal Government for the luxury of living in the best country in the world is an honor for me.  The US is still a marvelous country, even with all the problems we have in Washington DC.  We’ve survived as a democratic society for 241 years and please God it will survive long after our great grandchildren have passed.  

Just think what it would be like to be born in North Korea or China or Libya or Germany in the 1940’s.  So 18% of my income going to the Feds is OK by me. 

jmonroe

fintail said:

Of course, not being legal doesn't necessarily mean it is wrong (and vice versa). I know some people in the money trail will disagree, but speed limits don't appear to only be about safety.

I think Andres should maybe just break the traffic laws that aren't enforced, which seems to be most of them excluding speeding. The stuff I see on the roads has me doubting human evolution, and it isn't speeders.

jmonroe said:

I guess $99 for a lawyer isn't bad and it sounds like you got your money's worth but I would rather have had that 99 bucks to spend the way I wanted to spend it; like on the $100 oil change I got today. But like I said, "free country so we can do what we want, sorta".

I spent my money for something legal, whereas you spent yours because you got caught doing something that wasn't legal.

jmonroe

WRONG may be a question to those who question if something is "fair" but a speed limit is just that, it's a LIMIT that should not be exceeded. And if it is exceeded you have broken the law which by definition is not legal. I don't agree with speed limits in a lot of areas but I'm not willing to take my chances in court saying, "judge, you know that is too low of a limit for that road". Yes, I drive over the limit most of the time but not so much that I draw attention to myself and as a result I have not gotten speeding tickets.

For the last 8 years that I worked I drove the PA Pike 40 miles round trip, it was a very easy drive. The speed limit then was 65 MPH and I did around 72 or 73 routinely with no problem. Not too long after I retired they raised the speed limit to 70 across the whole PA Pike. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I went to watch Grandson #3 play hockey yesterday and I took the PA Pike. I set the cruise to 77 and just sailed along but there were some cars and one semi that passed me. I don't know what you can get away with now that the limit is 70 but I don't want to push my luck.

I feel it is much more comfortable not having to be on the lookout for the cops all the time but I know others who don't mind doing that. Son #1 is one of those but he didn't learn that from me. I've been with him many times, especially when we go to Myrtle Beach, and I hear him say, "there's my pace car. Let's see how this goes". He lays back a couple hundred feet so as not to get caught in the fallout and off he goes. Only once has his "pace car" been pulled over and he just slows down and starts looking for his next "pace car". That's more work than I'm willing to put up with when I drive.

FWIW, the pace car is almost always a BMW, Mustang, Camaro or some other sporty type car. Not any common 4 door sedans that I can remember.

jmonroe

jmonroe

abacomike said:

I went in to H&R Block this morning to complete my tax forms.  Looks like I’m getting a $1300+ refund in a few weeks.  I already got my email stating the IRS has accepted the electronic filing and I should have my refund deposited to my checking account in 7-20 days.

I have not been able to itemize deductions in many years.  My standard deduction is about $7500 (over 65 years old).  Under the new tax code starting this year, I only gain $300 in deductions - so I will be one of those middle class taxpayers who will not benefit from the new tax code.

I don’t moan and groan over paying taxes - $12,000+ provided by me to the Federal Government for the luxury of living in the best country in the world is an honor for me.  The US is still a marvelous country, even with all the problems we have in Washington DC.  We’ve survived as a democratic society for 241 years and please God it will survive long after our great grandchildren have passed.  

Just think what it would be like to be born in North Korea or China or Libya or Germany in the 1940’s.  So 18% of my income going to the Feds is OK by me. 

Mike, I totally agree with you but that doesn't stop me from cheating if I think I can get away with it.

jmonroe

fintail

It's a limit on a sign, but most cars made in the past 70+ years will exceed it without issue. I have to question why it should not be exceeded - and if the people making the decisions can ante up when asked how they reached ab optimal number. Besides, most cops don't really enforce much within 10 or so over on the highway - no matter if a sometimes artificially low 55 (hello Oregon) or a more open 70, so it's moot, for me anyway, as I seldom drive faster than that 10 over.

Large pickups are also a good candidate for pace cars, at least around here - a feeling of invincibility, and maybe some kind of FOP badge or similar get out of jail/ticket free card, too.

The real issue is idiots in the left lane, a book can be written about that

jmonroe said:

WRONG may be a question to those who question if something is "fair" but a speed limit is just that, it's a LIMIT that should not be exceeded. And if it is exceeded you have broken the law which by definition is not legal. I don't agree with speed limits in a lot of areas but I'm not willing to take my chances in court saying, "judge, you know that is too low of a limit for that road". Yes, I drive over the limit most of the time but not so much that I draw attention to myself and as a result I have not gotten speeding tickets.

For the last 8 years that I worked I drove the PA Pike 40 miles round trip, it was a very easy drive. The speed limit then was 65 MPH and I did around 72 or 73 routinely with no problem. Not too long after I retired they raised the speed limit to 70 across the whole PA Pike. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I went to watch Grandson #3 play hockey yesterday and I took the PA Pike. I set the cruise to 77 and just sailed along but there were some cars and one semi that passed me. I don't know what you can get away with now that the limit is 70 but I don't want to push my luck.

I feel it is much more comfortable not having to be on the lookout for the cops all the time but I know others who don't mind doing that. Son #1 is one of those but he didn't learn that from me. I've been with him many times, especially when we go to Myrtle Beach, and I hear him say, "there's my pace car. Let's see how this goes". He lays back a couple hundred feet so as not to get caught in the fallout and off he goes. Only once has his "pace car" been pulled over and he just slows down and starts looking for his next "pace car". That's more work than I'm willing to put up with when I drive.

FWIW, the pace car is almost always a BMW, Mustang, Camaro or some other sporty type car. Not any common 4 door sedans that I can remember.

jmonroe

suydam

Well the limit on the sign isn’t posted just for fun. It’s the law. Whether it should be or not is irrelevant. Most people drive 5-10 over. Police are looking for those who really exceed the limit. It’s dangerous for police to pull over a car; many have been killed doing so. If I get a ticket I was going too fast. I can be bummed out about it, but ultimately it’s my fault and that’s that. All that energy poured into righteous indignation towards a cop doing his or her job, trying to Game the system (and paying fines)seems like it could go towards more productive uses, but you seem to enjoy it.

driver100

Drivers Rule On Speed Limit:
10% over the limit is OK....odds of getting a ticket are pretty slim.
(in Canada 20% because of kilometers)

The limit is what it is because they expect people will go at least 10% more than what is posted. If they raise 70 mph to 80 people will be driving 90!

That solves that problem.

bwia

That's what happens when you retire without completing all your tasks. Over the years I have had my share of cleaning up after the "early" retirees.

fintail

If I get a ticket I was exceeding a number on a sign, but maybe not driving "too fast" I don't really get tickets though, as I seldom venture past 10 over, so it doesn't matter.

I am scared when something being "the law" somehow makes it correct. It took a generation to move away from dopey 55, not enough people fought it. It's often hard to get an answer from the powers that be about why a specific limit exists. But when you don't really answer to anyone, that's how it goes.

oldfarmer50

tbirdmarco said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eN6zfuLLZj0

tbirdmarco said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eN6zfuLLZj0

While everything mentioned about salt and beet juice is true what they forget to mention is that car washes recycle water and you actually getting washed with salt water in winter. While I do wash my cars in winter I find it's better to also go out and drive around when you get a good rain during periods of thaw. Gets underneath better than most washes.

roadburner

jmonroe said:

fintail said:

Of course, not being legal doesn't necessarily mean it is wrong (and vice versa). I know some people in the money trail will disagree, but speed limits don't appear to only be about safety.

I think Andres should maybe just break the traffic laws that aren't enforced, which seems to be most of them excluding speeding. The stuff I see on the roads has me doubting human evolution, and it isn't speeders.

jmonroe said:

I guess $99 for a lawyer isn't bad and it sounds like you got your money's worth but I would rather have had that 99 bucks to spend the way I wanted to spend it; like on the $100 oil change I got today. But like I said, "free country so we can do what we want, sorta".

I spent my money for something legal, whereas you spent yours because you got caught doing something that wasn't legal.

jmonroe

WRONG may be a question to those who question if something is "fair" but a speed limit is just that, it's a LIMIT that should not be exceeded. And if it is exceeded you have broken the law which by definition is not legal. I don't agree with speed limits in a lot of areas but I'm not willing to take my chances in court saying, "judge, you know that is too low of a limit for that road". Yes, I drive over the limit most of the time but not so much that I draw attention to myself and as a result I have not gotten speeding tickets.

For the last 8 years that I worked I drove the PA Pike 40 miles round trip, it was a very easy drive. The speed limit then was 65 MPH and I did around 72 or 73 routinely with no problem. Not too long after I retired they raised the speed limit to 70 across the whole PA Pike. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I went to watch Grandson #3 play hockey yesterday and I took the PA Pike. I set the cruise to 77 and just sailed along but there were some cars and one semi that passed me. I don't know what you can get away with now that the limit is 70 but I don't want to push my luck.

I feel it is much more comfortable not having to be on the lookout for the cops all the time but I know others who don't mind doing that. Son #1 is one of those but he didn't learn that from me. I've been with him many times, especially when we go to Myrtle Beach, and I hear him say, "there's my pace car. Let's see how this goes". He lays back a couple hundred feet so as not to get caught in the fallout and off he goes. Only once has his "pace car" been pulled over and he just slows down and starts looking for his next "pace car". That's more work than I'm willing to put up with when I drive.

FWIW, the pace car is almost always a BMW, Mustang, Camaro or some other sporty type car. Not any common 4 door sedans that I can remember.

jmonroe

I always called the faster car a "rabbit" back in the the days of the beyond moronic 55 mph NMSL; I ran a CB and an original Cincinnati Microwave Escort and averaged around 80 on the interstate- and I was never pulled over. I'd leave my girlfriend's(now wife) apartment in Hyde Park(Cincinnati) and arrive at my home south of Louisville in 120 minutes or less- and I never drove more than 10 over on anything other than limited access highways.
Now that the speed limit in KY is 70 mph on most limited access highways I still don't drive over 80 mph. It's just a comfortable speed for me- even though my 2er and 3er feel like they aren't remotely close to breaking a sweat at that modest speed.

ab348

While we have many roads that are designed like expressways with a 50ph (80 km.h) limit, those are within urban areas with a lot of entry/exit traffic so I get it. Even those are routinely driven 15% over the limit or more with no problem. As was said, it is when you draw attention you yourself that it becomes a problem.

I find myself uncomfortable once I get much above 70mph. It isn't the car but me. Any twitch of the wheel due to momentary distraction or unexpected hazard on the road happens much more quickly and the odds of something bad happening are greater at high speed. Plus if there are other characters doing the same or greater speed around you that adds to the risk. 70 just seems the right number for me to feel comfortable.

stickguy

At this point, I’m happy keeping below 75. Still getvwhere I am going, with a lot less stress.

Michaell

I find that as I get older, I'm less inclined to speed. I'll still do 5 over on I-25 in Denver, and find I'm one of the slower cars on the road.

On longer road trips, I'll set the cruise at 7-8 over the posted limit (usually 75), and find that I'm passed as often as I'm passing others.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

tbirdmarco said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eN6zfuLLZj0

tbirdmarco said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eN6zfuLLZj0

While everything mentioned about salt and beet juice is true what they forget to mention is that car washes recycle water and you actually getting washed with salt water in winter. While I do wash my cars in winter I find it's better to also go out and drive around when you get a good rain during periods of thaw. Gets underneath better than most washes.

That's what I do too. And it snowed in the Burgh last night, about 3 inches on the table on the deck. When we left to go out to breakfast this morning, Mrs. j's Subie showed no signs of salt because it rained on Sunday night while we were out so all the salt was washed off from the previous snow days and I even mentioned to Mrs. j that the car still beaded from the rain drops (I really like that wax I have been using for years now, but that's another subject), anyway, I now wait for another rain to clean off the painted surfaces and more importantly, the under side of the car. :@

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

I find that as I get older, I'm less inclined to speed. I'll still do 5 over on I-25 in Denver, and find I'm one of the slower cars on the road.

On longer road trips, I'll set the cruise at 7-8 over the posted limit (usually 75), and find that I'm passed as often as I'm passing others.

I'm like that too. All those years obsessively being careful not to speed at work made me pretty docile. That may change as my chase vehicle was doing 75 in a 65 yesterday (he claimed 72.)