Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

bwia

driver100 said:

RE 2021 E Class. Most reviews are favorable and it is usually ranked as the #1 car in that market.....Edmunds gives it 5 stars out of 5.

https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/

I don't dispute your assertion but U.S. News and World Report ranked the E Class as #3 behind the Genesis G80 #1, and the BMW 5 Series at #2. This conclusion was based on the analyses of thirty auto reviews. Additionally, they gave the E Class an 8.2 out of 10.

driver100

bwia said:

driver100 said:

RE 2021 E Class. Most reviews are favorable and it is usually ranked as the #1 car in that market.....Edmunds gives it 5 stars out of 5.

https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/

I don't dispute your assertion but U.S. News and World Report ranked the E Class as #3 behind the Genesis G80 #1, and the BMW 5 Series at #2. This conclusion was based on the analyses of thirty auto reviews. Additionally, they gave the E Class an 8.2 out of 10.

We can choose reviews all day. Check Car & Driver AMG E53#1, E Class #2, A7#3, A6 #4, Genesis G80 #5, MB CLS #6.
U.S. News is pretty good for an overall review but a little weak on real substance.
https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/e-class
Most reviews I have seen rate it the highest and BMW has dropped out of the running in any reviews I have seen.

driver100

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I am younger than many here, and I already feel way too old for such a car. Maybe when I was 14 I might have thought it was more desirable - far too "look at me" now, not to mention the likely ride/handling/comfort.

driver100 said:

I would say I like a car that balances driving experience and comfort. I know the Yaris is a great handling/driving car for what it is, but I couldn't drive something that looks like this;
.....and that I have to wedge myself into.

I think the key words are " Maybe when I was 14 I might have thought it was more desirable".

I’d rather drive a car that made me feel like I was14 as opposed to a car that made me feel like I was 114.

I just try to act my age.....but on the youngish side of what I am. Being immature (14) doesn't make me any younger than what I am.

ab348

Just saw a note that there is now a class action lawsuit here in Canada regarding Kia, both for engine failures as well as the engine compartment fires. Apparently Kia Canada has been just as stubborn as Hyundai has been in taking responsibility for these problems. The lawsuit is apparently using the angle that these issues are known to such an extent that they have significantly decreased the value of customer cars and are seeking both repair of the vehicles as well as diminished value compensation.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

My neighbor made these ice sculptures...one is a Great Pyramid, the middle one is The Colosseum, and the closest one is the CN Tower in Toronto.

That’s right, you guys are still in lock down. Another few weeks and there will be pyramids on every lawn.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I am younger than many here, and I already feel way too old for such a car. Maybe when I was 14 I might have thought it was more desirable - far too "look at me" now, not to mention the likely ride/handling/comfort.

driver100 said:

I would say I like a car that balances driving experience and comfort. I know the Yaris is a great handling/driving car for what it is, but I couldn't drive something that looks like this;
.....and that I have to wedge myself into.

I think the key words are " Maybe when I was 14 I might have thought it was more desirable".

I’d rather drive a car that made me feel like I was14 as opposed to a car that made me feel like I was 114.

Rare photo of the last time @roadburner tried his hand at a luxury car:

I thought you were supposed to get the FRONT tires off the ground. I never pictured RB as a solid rear axle kind of guy.

roadburner

ab348 said:

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I am younger than many here, and I already feel way too old for such a car. Maybe when I was 14 I might have thought it was more desirable - far too "look at me" now, not to mention the likely ride/handling/comfort.

driver100 said:

I would say I like a car that balances driving experience and comfort. I know the Yaris is a great handling/driving car for what it is, but I couldn't drive something that looks like this;
.....and that I have to wedge myself into.

I think the key words are " Maybe when I was 14 I might have thought it was more desirable".

I’d rather drive a car that made me feel like I was14 as opposed to a car that made me feel like I was 114.

Rare photo of the last time @roadburner tried his hand at a luxury car:

My FIL had a 1984 Riviera; he kept offering me to let me drive it- and he could never understand why I always respectfully declined.

For the record, this is the last time I actually did drive a luxury car...

roadburner

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I am younger than many here, and I already feel way too old for such a car. Maybe when I was 14 I might have thought it was more desirable - far too "look at me" now, not to mention the likely ride/handling/comfort.

driver100 said:

I would say I like a car that balances driving experience and comfort. I know the Yaris is a great handling/driving car for what it is, but I couldn't drive something that looks like this;
.....and that I have to wedge myself into.

I think the key words are " Maybe when I was 14 I might have thought it was more desirable".

I’d rather drive a car that made me feel like I was14 as opposed to a car that made me feel like I was 114.

I just try to act my age.....but on the youngish side of what I am. Being immature (14) doesn't make me any younger than what I am.

My philosophy has always been:
Growing old is inevitable.
Growing up is optional.

fintail

It's funny, I had my AMG cars in my 20s and 30s, now I want a little softness, especially with the rough state of some local roads - models with air suspension or actual SUVs have a little appeal for this reason as well.

When I was in high school, I had a thing for Escort GTs and I liked GTIs, maybe as close as I got to wanting a hot hatch, never got close to buying one however. Maybe at some random point I'll get into something sportier, or maybe this is my ideal. You'd hate the E wagon, it feels heavy but it's that road-smoothing ground-hugging weight.

roadburner said:

I understand that, I’ve owned a few sleepers. I just got the larger sedans out of my system in my 20s and 30s. After that I made a hard turn to coupes and hot hatches. Maybe I’ll want something softer when I hit my 70s, but I wouldn’t bet on it; I suspect that an M5 Competition or Charger Hellcat is about the softest I’d tolerate.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

My neighbor made these ice sculptures...one is a Great Pyramid pile of snow, the middle one is The Colosseum, a pile of snow with notches in it it the closest one is doesn't look like the CN Tower in Toronto.

Fixed it for you.

What have you sculpted out of snow lately?

Yes I have several pyramids, err piles along my driveway.

roadburner

fintail said:

It's funny, I had my AMG cars in my 20s and 30s, now I want a little softness, especially with the rough state of some local roads - models with air suspension or actual SUVs have a little appeal for this reason as well.

When I was in high school, I had a thing for Escort GTs and I liked GTIs, maybe as close as I got to wanting a hot hatch, never got close to buying one however. Maybe at some random point I'll get into something sportier, or maybe this is my ideal. You'd hate the E wagon, it feels heavy but it's that road-smoothing ground-hugging weight.

I doubt I'd actually hate it, I reserve my hatred for vanilla appliances.

nyccarguy

I’ve got a list in my head dream cars that I won’t be able to afford in my lifetime - a Guards Red/Black 911 & a Black/Black M4 top the list. Since I’ve relegated myself to driving a pickup truck for the foreseeable future, there are a few sporty cars I’d consider - a GTI w/ DSG, an Acura TLX, Genesis G70... so many cars out there today are just meh. They don’t do anything for me.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

My neighbor made these ice sculptures...one is a Great Pyramid, the middle one is The Colosseum, and the closest one is the CN Tower in Toronto.

That’s right, you guys are still in lock down. Another few weeks and there will be pyramids on every lawn.

yes, if this goes on I may start sculpting something on my lawn too;

driver100

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

My neighbor made these ice sculptures...one is a Great Pyramid pile of snow, the middle one is The Colosseum, a pile of snow with notches in it it the closest one is doesn't look like the CN Tower in Toronto.

Fixed it for you.

What have you sculpted out of snow lately?

Yes I have several pyramids, err piles along my driveway.

Just because you don't recognize great art when you see it!

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

I’ve got a list in my head dream cars that I won’t be able to afford in my lifetime - a Guards Red/Black 911 & a Black/Black M4 top the list. Since I’ve relegated myself to driving a pickup truck for the foreseeable future, there are a few sporty cars I’d consider - a GTI w/ DSG, an Acura TLX, Genesis G70... so many cars out there today are just meh. They don’t do anything for me.

I had some hatches, but nothing that was really hot rod. Colt GTS, Civic S. But never ended up with anything really exotic. And the wife got the more expensive stuff! At least I did have the TLX, and got to drive a G70 a number of times (enough to know I would never buy one for myself). I think the Porsche boat has sailed. But, maybe will splurge by next year for my big birthday year and looking forward to retirement (but not too close) and something that I will feel a little guilty about. Even if just a lease.

Might just go with something like a GTI if I want small/sporty. The next Si Civic could be fun. Or maybe finally scratch the BMW itch with a 3 series. Not likely an M car though, would be a waste on what I could do with it. wouldn't mind another Miata, but need to test fit the new ones to see if I can drive one now without contorting my legs. Or I might get something older that I wanted in the past. Who knows?

driver100

Another example of why I like horse power.
I was entering a highway where the cars are going 70 to 80 mph. I had a long ramp but a guy in a pickup truck was speeding up in the right lane of a 2 lane highway (2 lanes each way), he may have been trying to get ahead of me but he also seemed to be trying to cut me off so I wouldn't get on the highway or maybe in front of him. I was still in COMFORT mode, but I would say I used about 328 of the 339 horses to take off and got in front of him. Falling back behind him was an option, but the way he was driving he may have stayed directly beside me making it harder to get on the highway.

explorerx4

Buick trying to imitate a GTI doing the inside rear wheel lift.

fintail

The 6cyl is definitely the one to have in the E. I am sure the 4 is fine for many (and is also apparently improved with the facelift), but the refinement and power of the 6 is worth the cost, and the mileage penalty isn't huge.

Thinking of "dream cars", most of mine would also need a lottery win, so I am content with what I have, I can't imagine it being much better and still being at least marginally reasonable. Next notch up might be a special order base/non-AMG G550 in designo manufaktur China Blue with all blue designo interior (to match the fintail), but I'd need a mortgage or a windfall to make that work as well.

driver100 said:

Another example of why I like horse power.
I was entering a highway where the cars are going 70 to 80 mph. I had a long ramp but a guy in a pickup truck was speeding up in the right lane of a 2 lane highway (2 lanes each way), he may h him. Falling back behind him was an option, but the way he was driving he may have stayed directly beside me making it harder to get on the highway.

stickguy

the RDX might not be a dream car exotic, but it is nice enough that it is really hard to justify spending lots more money to upgrade. At some point, you get to a level where might not even notice going for more!

tjc78

I love our cars and appreciate the refinement, comfort and power. Having said that it’s the biggest waste of money right now.

For the two payments, insurance and gas I could Uber everywhere we go and come out way ahead.

I know that’s temporary, but until our summer place opens they are just wasting money.

It’s pretty sad that yesterday we went to BJs, but instead of one that is 10 mins away we went to the one 30 minutes away just to take the ride.

venture

tjc78 said:

I love our cars and appreciate the refinement, comfort and power. Having said that it’s the biggest waste of money right now.

For the two payments, insurance and gas I could Uber everywhere we go and come out way ahead.

I know that’s temporary, but until our summer place opens they are just wasting money.

It’s pretty sad that yesterday we went to BJs, but instead of one that is 10 mins away we went to the one 30 minutes away just to take the ride.

I know what you mean. My son and his family live about 30 minutes away. When we go to see him, his wife, and the boys it takes us at least an hour to get there; if we do it right.

driver100

fintail said:

The 6cyl is definitely the one to have in the E. I am sure the 4 is fine for many (and is also apparently improved with the facelift), but the refinement and power of the 6 is worth the cost, and the mileage penalty isn't huge.

Thinking of "dream cars", most of mine would also need a lottery win, so I am content with what I have, I can't imagine it being much better and still being at least marginally reasonable.

driver100 said:

Another example of why I like horse power.
I was entering a highway where the cars are going 70 to 80 mph. I had a long ramp but a guy in a pickup truck was speeding up in the right lane of a 2 lane highway (2 lanes each way), he may h him. Falling back behind him was an option, but the way he was driving he may have stayed directly beside me making it harder to get on the highway.

I could have taken a 4 cylinder and got it earlier...it was tempting, but I am glad I waited for the 6 - worth the wait and the extra cost, and it will probably last longer.
For the first time ever I don't have a great urge to get a new car. This one is perfect in every way for me. If I was looking I would consider a C Class or equivalent only because we don't need the larger car since we don't use it to drive to Florida.
Most people I talk to are satisfied with what they have...their car, their house, their lifestyle. I sometimes ask them what they would do if they won $20 million in the lottery. A few said give it all away, some said give half away.
Anyone want to say what they would do?
I told them if I won $20 million I would have to leave them and find new friends that have yachts, have 4 or 5 houses around the world and wear Rolex's, but it was nice knowing them. No, I don't want to change my life, but knowing you can get what you need would be a nice feeling.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

My neighbor made these ice sculptures...one is a Great Pyramid, the middle one is The Colosseum, and the closest one is the CN Tower in Toronto.

That’s right, you guys are still in lock down. Another few weeks and there will be pyramids on every lawn.

yes, if this goes on I may start sculpting something on my lawn too;

I think the left rear tire is flat. Needs air.

graphicguy

Back to our favorite topic...appliances. Have a 10 year old KitchenAid dishwasher. Has soldiered on well. Some of the touch buttons stopped responding. So, apparently it’s a known issue and a quick YouTube search showed how to replace it.

Talking to a friend, who’s more of a “do it yourself-er” than I’ll ever be, came over this weekend to help install the new touch panel. Apparently, there is a wiring harness that goes onto the electric clip which has a short somewhere.

He won’t go so far as to start diagnosing it wire by wire. Called a couple of professional repair guys. First, they’re all backed up for at least 3 weeks. 2nd, the part is a couple hundred dollars. Minimum $150 to fix.

So, $350 into it and I’m thinking a new replacement for the entire unit is $600-$650. Hmmmm....

Haven’t shopped for a dishwasher for a while. What does the peanut gallery recommend? Brands?

ab348

The better Bosch models (not the Ascenta, apparently) get good reviews. KitchenAid is good too. Whirlpool is a bit cheaper but apparently not bad.

I personally avoid Samsung and LG kitchen appliances based on some horror stories I've seen.

tjc78

We just got a new KA and couldn’t be happier. It wasn’t cheap, but super quiet and has the third rack which we love.

We looked at Bosch and a few others, but the KA had all the features we wanted. It’s also partially based on the fact we loved our Kenmore made by Whirlpool at the old house. As you probably know Whirlpool owns KA. Ruled out GE as the one that was here only lasted two years and didn’t perform all that well.

I don’t have much love for Samsung appliances as we have the French door fridge with touchscreen and it’s not the best to live with. The inside is hard to clean with several non-removable pieces and I have to manually defrost the ice maker monthly (or as I found go into a special service menu and wait hours for the fridge to do it).

Here is the model we got.

https://www.kitchenaid.com/major-appliances/dishwashers/front-controls/p.44-dba-dishwasher-in-printshield-finish-with-freeflex-third-rack.kdfm404kps.html?

graphicguy

Y’all love spending my money.

I see my budget of $600-$650 is a little light for the models you guys recommend. Was trying to go the “budget” route as I still think I’ll be moving in the the next 12-18 months.

So, to sum up, sounds like Bosch and KitchenAid are the choices.

I really had no issues with my KitchenAid for a decade, until now. I guess 10 years is the likely life span.

Thanks for the recs. Looks like I’m shopping today.

Local company (Recker and Boerger) the folks that put in my HVAC system (and did a great job) also sells appliances. Will go look at the big box places, but probably buy from the local place.

kyfdx

graphicguy said:

Y’all love spending my money.

I see my budget of $600-$650 is a little light for the models you guys recommend. Was trying to go the “budget” route as I still think I’ll be moving in the the next 12-18 months.

So, to sum up, sounds like Bosch and KitchenAid are the choices.

I really had no issues with my KitchenAid for a decade, until now. I guess 10 years is the likely life span.

Thanks for the recs. Looks like I’m shopping today.

Local company (Recker and Boerger) the folks that put in my HVAC system (and did a great job) also sells appliances. Will go look at the big box places, but probably buy from the local place.

Our Bosch is about 9-10 years old. No issues. Very, very quiet. We have the mid-range model which was around $900. (your budget should probably be $800-$1000)

The key to low noise is getting the European style dishwasher that has no grinder. We had a Jenn-Air originally, which was a great dishwasher, but you didn't want to run it while watching TV.

Also, a tip from a local salesperson. Anything listed at 48 db or below is going to be virtually silent. Don't pay extra to go from 48 db to 42 or 44 db.

stickguy

don't tell me the lifespan of a DW is 10 years. My Kitchenaid turns 10 this summer! Hard to believe it has been that long since we remodeled much of the house. I must be getting old.

about a year ago, it did start acting up. I think the buttons stopped working. Thought I needed a new one (at that age, I am not wasting money on a repair guy) and looked a bit at Lowes. I settled on one of the big name "domestics" (whirlpool or Maytag, forget which one now, but the one considered better). One thing I remember being a bonus (at least from the signs and talking to the salesman) was it had a heavier duty and more powerful motor. And we liked the features (racks, etc.) Not to top line, but well above basic. Maybe it was $600 at the time?

But, whatever was wonky fixed itself and that has generally been OK. Once in a while it gets glitchy, but I keep pushing buttons, slam the door, let it sit (all the basic troubleshooting steps) and eventually it works again. Functionally, it seems great. Still quiet and cleans well. Just (typical) it's the electronics that get you.

Ours is a panel ready, but I am not bothering with that on the next one. Will save $500 and labor costs and just get stainless.

coldinohio

we traded out KA which was rusting out after 9 years for a Bosch (which is made in NC): KA donated to co-worker who has replaced a couple of racks, etc and still running...
Wifey wanted 3 racks so more than your budget
however, we had a less expensive Bosch previously that was fabulous.....

good luck

graphicguy said:

Y’all love spending my money.

I see my budget of $600-$650 is a little light for the models you guys recommend. Was trying to go the “budget” route as I still think I’ll be moving in the the next 12-18 months.

So, to sum up, sounds like Bosch and KitchenAid are the choices.

I really had no issues with my KitchenAid for a decade, until now. I guess 10 years is the likely life span.

Thanks for the recs. Looks like I’m shopping today.

Local company (Recker and Boerger) the folks that put in my HVAC system (and did a great job) also sells appliances. Will go look at the big box places, but probably buy from the local place.

pensfan83

Opinions please. We've started a renovation of the upstairs main bath and we're tackling all of it with the exception of the plumbing for a new tub or shower. My wife wants to remove the tub/shower and install a stand alone shower unit. I do not think it's a good idea and would prefer to keep a shower tub/combo albeit a nicer setup than we have now. Removing the tub leaves only one upstairs in the master bath and if I were looking at the house I would be disappointed there isn't a tub in the main bathroom, especially if I had a young family. She feels as long as the master bath still has a tub that it isn't a big deal. I'm normally deferential to her wishes (anyone remember the mulch fiasco from last spring?) but this is one thing I'm pretty adamant I don't want to go forward with.

28firefighter

Secondary bathroom upstairs should generally be a tub/shower. It would have been a dealbreaker for us with a shower only as that’s the bathroom we’ve assigned as the “kid” bathroom. My little one still needs baths and it’d be frustrating to have to use the master bath for that.

carnaught

Most people are comfortable utilizing a shower only, but as long as your place offers a tub in the house, it will probably not be a selling issue when the time comes. My $.02, FWIW.

Michaell

@pensfan83 - how long do you plan to live in the house?

You should make changes that suit your lifestyle, not those of the next owner.

stickguy

agree with all of the above (even though differing opinions!) Key is what you plan to do. If staying in the house long term (say until empty nest, heading into retirement) do whatever you want, that works best for you. But, having at least 1 tub is a must. Kids don't really use them that long, so using the master bath at least to me does not seem all that big a deal.

Normal though is the hall (kids/guest) bath just being a tub/shower combo.

what I found to be a waste when we remodeled was putting a new tub in the master. That just collects dust. But we did put a new tub in the hall bathroom.

if you are planning to move soon after the redo though, I would plan for pleasing prospective next buyers.

jmonroe1

roadburner said:

fintail said:

I look at some MBs as the best of both worlds - speed and refinement. My wagon is legitimately fast, probably faster than 98% of cars on the road, yet has a sublime comfortable ride, and high build/material quality. It's also a white station wagon with a traditional grille and hood ornament - it's invisible for those looking for fast cars. A modern day "sleeper" in a way, maybe.

I understand that, I’ve owned a few sleepers. I just got the larger sedans out of my system in my 20s and 30s. After that I made a hard turn to coupes and hot hatches. Maybe I’ll want something softer when I hit my 70s, but I wouldn’t bet on it; I suspect that an M5 Competition or Charger Hellcat is about the softest I’d tolerate.

I owned a “sleeper” once...an ‘80 Park Ave. I’m glad I owned that car when I was younger and my attention span was better than it is today. If I had that car today I’d need a box of NoDoz just to get me to and from the grocery store.

jmonroe

roadburner

We are remodeling the two upstairs bathrooms this spring. One will keep a bathtub, the other will just have a shower. The downstairs bath also has a tub so we believe that is sufficient.

bwia

This 1989 Lexus LS 400 advert brings back memories when a Lexus was truly an aspirational automobile. Replicated in 2021 with the LS 500 I think the test is not as impactful because at the same 145 mph dyno speed it suggests there is no improvement in refinement over the last 30 years. They should repeat the test but at perhaps 175 mph, that would certainly get some attention. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32w76TaRaRY

pensfan83

Michaell said:

@pensfan83 - how long do you plan to live in the house?

You should make changes that suit your lifestyle, not those of the next owner.

A safe bet is probably 10-12 years, we're not staying here as empty nesters. There is some rationale in converting as baths are and have been a thing of the past for at least a year. However I don't know that it's the logical move.
I would prefer to renovate the master bath with a garden tub and replace a linen closet with a shower stall and preserve the main bath as a shower/tub.

driver100

DWs. We have a lower price Bosch here and a low priced Maytag in Florida. Both do as good a job as you could hope for. I'd avoid Samsung and LG because of warranty issues people have had. Bosch is quieter. Can't go wrong with either.

kyfdx

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:

@pensfan83 - how long do you plan to live in the house?

You should make changes that suit your lifestyle, not those of the next owner.

A safe bet is probably 10-12 years, we're not staying here as empty nesters. There is some rationale in converting as baths are and have been a thing of the past for at least a year. However I don't know that it's the logical move.
I would prefer to renovate the master bath with a garden tub and replace a linen closet with a shower stall and preserve the main bath as a shower/tub.

I agree with @Michaell

Also, I wouldn't let resale enter into the decision at all, if you are going to be there 10+ years. Live your life the way that it works best for you.

Also, I like your wife's idea, as well.. sorry.

imidazol97

We've had this Whirlpool for 5 years. Higher quality rack coatings. I believe the higher model Whirlpool have
the 3 rack system and or you can get stainless steel housing. My opinion is the Whirlpool higher cost models are
likely the same soundproofing and motors as the KitchenAid but labeled differently.

I saw a model that had fewer buttons on the front of, not the top of the door. The door gets a lot of humidity going through the vent in the door to the outside world. This one had the choice of wash cycle types. It does not have a separate rinse cycle button, for instance. Basic cycle control for washing and drying in various ways along with a
Sani Cycle for drying.

Might take a good look at Lowes online for Whirlpool after checking Whirlpool's own site and comparing their models there with KitchenAid.

If a local store has comparable pricing, I buy there. But no one has come close to Lowes sales and 10% off if getting a new credit card with them or 5% off on regular Lowes card.

My 2 cents worth.

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

the RDX might not be a dream car exotic, but it is nice enough that it is really hard to justify spending lots more money to upgrade. At some point, you get to a level where might not even notice going for more!

I agree with that. Why do you think I bought another Genny?

jmonroe

fintail

Another thing with 4cyl models is that they tend to not be high option cars - I suspect like similarly equipped competition, they are aimed more towards a low lease payment. Finding a 4cyl car with drivers assist or leather etc is not common. The E has always kind of been a "sweet spot" car - not too big, not too small, not too fast, not too slow. Unfortunately, not too cheap either, but that's the brand. A normal 300E was over 40K 30 years ago, so the new models might be a fair deal - I only wish housing was only 60% more expensive over the same time period.

New C-class is debuting soon, I think this week. All 4 cyl (or hybrid variants) now, no 6, no V8 even in AMG. The times we live in.

If I came into 20MM, I'd probably be relatively low-key too. I'd have a few frivolities (some cars, a big garage, maybe my own ice surface), but I wouldn't have a sprawling mcmansion, and much of the money would be put to work with the proceeds not just helping me.

driver100 said:

I could have taken a 4 cylinder and got it earlier...it was tempting, but I am glad I waited for the 6 - worth the wait and the extra cost, and it will probably last longer.
For the first time ever I don't have a great urge to get a new car. This one is perfect in every way for me. If I was looking I would consider a C Class or equivalent only because we don't need the larger car since we don't use it to drive to Florida.
Most people I talk to are satisfied with what they have...their car, their house, their lifestyle. I sometimes ask them what they would do if they won $20 million in the lottery. A few said give it all away, some said give half away.
Anyone want to say what they would do?
I told them if I won $20 million I would have to leave them and find new friends that have yachts, have 4 or 5 houses around the world and wear Rolex's, but it was nice knowing them. No, I don't want to change my life, but knowing you can get what you need would be a nice feeling.

driver100

@fintail Another thing is that when you are living on a pension or on savings the cost of an expensive new car is a little harder to justify. If I trade in a 2017 E after 3 years....it will be worth half or less....say $35K, a new one has gone up in price from $72k to about $80k probably. If I can get by with a C Class the difference could be maybe $15k less.....and the car is nice to have but now more of a basic transportation thing....not used to go on trips as much. Not the same as working and my pay check keeping up with inflation etc., and though I like a car I can appreciate it isn't quite as important now.

jmonroe1

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:

@pensfan83 - how long do you plan to live in the house?

You should make changes that suit your lifestyle, not those of the next owner.

A safe bet is probably 10-12 years, we're not staying here as empty nesters. There is some rationale in converting as baths are and have been a thing of the past for at least a year. However I don't know that it's the logical move.
I would prefer to renovate the master bath with a garden tub and replace a linen closet with a shower stall and preserve the main bath as a shower/tub.

The main bath of a house (the one that is usually off the hall) should have a tub. Ask any realtor and that’s what they’ll say. Be it today, tomorrow or 10 years from now. I know, it’s your house so you’re free to do with it as you want but why make it like the ugly green car on a dealers lot come selling time if you don’t HAVE to make that change?

And one more thing I wouldn’t do is put in a garden tub...put in a jacuzzi instead. It’s well worth the difference in price.

That’s my two cents worth.

jmonroe

ab348

When I had my bathroom redone 3 years ago I had the tub taken out and a walk-in shower put in. My house is essentially a 2BR/2BA home but the second BR and bath are downstairs and only ever used if I have guests, which has only happened twice in the last couple of years. So the main level bath acts like an ensuite (the doors face each other across a hall) and I love the big shower. The only time the tub was ever used as a tub in all the years I was here was the one time I had to bathe a cat. Not trying that again, ouch.

In watching the various home reno shows I see two things consistently: nobody wants the typical 1960s square shower stall that is 36"x36" or less; and most master Jacuzzis get ripped out because they either don't get used or have failed.

One thing to keep in mind is that potential buyers who are older and either afflicted with or anticipating mobility issues would prefer a walk-in shower rather than having to step in and out of a tub.

ETA: If I were in your shoes and had contractors/plumbers coming in anyway, why not do the main bathroom with a tub/shower and then have the master bath converted to a spa shower only while they're there? You could even get a steam unit.

explorerx4

The 'main' is going to be used by kids and guests, so for the sake of versatility and practicality, I would keep a tub.
In your 'master'(now a politically incorrect term), do whatever you want.

dino001

imidazol97 said:

We've had this Whirlpool for 5 years. Higher quality rack coatings. I believe the higher model Whirlpool have
the 3 rack system and or you can get stainless steel housing. My opinion is the Whirlpool higher cost models are
likely the same soundproofing and motors as the KitchenAid but labeled differently.

I saw a model that had fewer buttons on the front of, not the top of the door. The door gets a lot of humidity going through the vent in the door to the outside world. This one had the choice of wash cycle types. It does not have a separate rinse cycle button, for instance. Basic cycle control for washing and drying in various ways along with a
Sani Cycle for drying.

Might take a good look at Lowes online for Whirlpool after checking Whirlpool's own site and comparing their models there with KitchenAid.

If a local store has comparable pricing, I buy there. But no one has come close to Lowes sales and 10% off if getting a new credit card with them or 5% off on regular Lowes card.

My 2 cents worth.

Whirlpool They claim very high reliability, CR sets it at high level, but I find them very uninspiring. Their racks are rigid, unflexible (no foldable tynes), pretty much look the same same as 25 years ago. So far I love my Bosch - cleans great, extremely quiet, very good drying performance without cooking the dishes (their earlier generations had some performance drying issues, reportedly).

fintail

Especially after my dad passed, I started thinking more along the lines of "live a little". As long as you spend less than you make, and put away at least a little something, enjoy what you work for. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed, and these might be the good old days. Might as well do something while one is physically able and has cash flow - I've looked at it that way for both travel and slightly splurging on cars.

I think the facelift E is actually marginally cheaper than the prior style, as some features once optional are standard - but it might be a slight difference. In another 30 years, the 99% will probably all have autonomous anonymous transportation pods anyway, might as well enjoy something now.

driver100 said:

@fintail Another thing is that when you are living on a pension or on savings the cost of an expensive new car is a little harder to justify. If I trade in a 2017 E after 3 years....it will be worth half or less....say $35K, a new one has gone up in price from $72k to about $80k probably. If I can get by with a C Class the difference could be maybe $15k less.....and the car is nice to have but now more of a basic transportation thing....not used to go on trips as much. Not the same as working and my pay check keeping up with inflation etc., and though I like a car I can appreciate it isn't quite as important now.