Yeah, if I get just regular Michelin Defenders I will wonder what I was missing. The CC's are a new product, as the Michelin rep emphasized, but I guess I trust that they know what they are doing. Michelin says it is the most tested new tire in their history. I'm planning on making an appointment to get them installed on Sept. 1st, and so soon I'll know.
The Costco tire guy was aware that CCs are directional tires, which affects rotations. CCs can't be cross-rotated, just front to back. Michelin says they should still wear just fine for the life of the tire if rotated, but perhaps that's another small question mark. Michelin makes a point of the fact that the CCs stop almost as well worn as when they are new, as opposed to some competing tires that have significant performance reductions once they've been driven 20k-60k.
....Did the Concierge have any other comparisons with other Michelin tires other than the Defender H/T? It sounded like the concierge was just reading from the public data for fuel mileage comparisons.
The Michelin rep didn't have any other recommendations. But I'd already told him I'd narrowed it down to either the CCs or the T + H. As I mentioned a while ago, the Pilot A/S performance option for my size has just been discontinued. Discount Tire still has a set in stock near me, but rightly or wrongly I think I've ruled that option out. Since I'm likely to sometimes be driving in the snow for considerable distances with my daughter in the car for the next few years, I've decided I'd like the best performance for that in an all-season tire.
With CR giving it their top buy recommendation and Tire Rack also giving it high marks, I wouldn't be surprised if Michelin increases the prices on the CCs and availability may be limited due to demand the recommendation creates.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I would stay away from a discontinued tire. Just because if one gets trashed might not find a replacement. And I refuse to have a mismatched tire on the car!
Funny thing, Miami at least has 40-year certification process, inadequate but at least something. Most other Florida cities/counties do not have anything. I work in bridge design, DOTs have annual or biannual bridge inspections, depending on structure types and all cost calculations/estimates are always done in min. 15 year, up to 75 year time horizon, depending on the circumstances. I think 25 years is a good cycle, when you can catch serious problems in their nascant stage and address them. After first 25 years, next intervals should probably be somewhere around 15.
I suspect there will be a big change in a way common structural building areas will be treated, from HOA reserve dues, to inspections/certifications, to insurance. It will make living in high rise building much more expensive, but I think it should. It shouldn't be that you spend last dollar to buy a unit and then have no money to put into its maintenance. Currently unit owners have zero incentive to look ahead more than 3-5 years (some for "biological" reasons, others for reasons of coming life change, like new job or others), so reserves are often pitifully inadequate and people fight tooth and nail about $20 per month increases to in their condo HOA fees, cause in their mind they won't likely see any benefit from sufficient reserves. With that attitude building a multimillion dollar reserve over time is next to impossible. It creates of course that sudden cliff in building conditions, when instead of on-going structural maintenance, they spend money on new reception area or pool planters and structural deterioration progresses until it can't be addressed without spending tens of millions, translating in tens of thousands per unit. If not government, insurance industry may be the first to force these changes by structuring their premiums to incentivize proper maintenance. Another motivator may be a condo value cliff created by the market, i.e. if the condo is too old and has poor structural ratings it will become money loser for the owners. The downside is it may start turning into a slum, which has been happening with other types of developments.
It will take some time, though, at least a few years to fully digest this terrible event, just like it did for Hyatt Regency in Kansas City in 1981, or Sunshine Skyway vessel collision, or FIU bridge collapse (we're already seeing significant changes in practice for this one, just in three years, more to come).
I don't post much any more unless something tickles my fancy. I am very familiar with the Hyatt Regency disaster. Hyatt Regency was a client of the insurance brokerage firm I was with. Interesting times, as they say.
"It's important to state right up front that there's no rubber or tire shortage in the United States just yet. However, for the future-minded, all the pieces are in place for one to hit the auto industry in the near future. For now, tire companies including Continental, Goodyear, and Bridgestone all say they have enough supply and production is rolling along."
There are mostly very positive reviews of the CrossClimate2 at tirerack.com, but since it's a new tire not many have put a lot of miles on them yet. For those who have put miles on them, there have been a couple of not so good reviews, including....
"35,000 Miles on Tires May 25, 2021 Tire was/is great for winter and non-winter driving, but they became unacceptably loud after about 25000 miles. Very loud and I mean raise your voice to speak loud. Was this review helpful? Yes | No 3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Tire:Michelin CrossClimate2 Grand Touring All-Season Vehicle:2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring"
"25,000 Miles on Tires July 26, 2021 excellent all weather tire but the tread is almost worn out after 25k miles. Was this review helpful? Yes | No 3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Tire:Michelin CrossClimate2 Grand Touring All-Season Vehicle:2013 Toyota Camry 4cyl"
But for every negative review there are lots of positive ones, including these from the Michelin site....
"★★★★★5 out of 5 stars. TRM4Life · 6 months ago I bought these after watching "Engineering Explained" on YouTube. I wanted a high quality snow tire that wouldn't be noisy on the interstate. I drive a 2002 Nissan Sentra SER Spec-v. It's a true manual transmission with no traction control and entirely too much power and only front wheel drive. I do delivery driving and have to often drive offroad and on gravel. They perform excellent on inclines and have amazing grab on gravel roads. I have been in situations where any other time I would have been stuck and these just chew right through the snow and pull. After 10k miles they're showing minimal wear, I'm very happy and impressed!"
"★★★★★5 out of 5 stars. Joe F · 6 months ago Long time Michelin Tire Buyer, I've had the AT & Defenders on many model vehicles. Wife has 2016 Toyota Sienna AWD Limited. OEM came with Run flats which were noisy and hard. I changed to Defenders which is a great tire. With 63,000 miles we just installed Cross Cimate 2 size 235-55/18. Michelin knocked it out of the park with these tires. Feels like I'm driving a luxury 80k SUV now. Smooth, Quiet and tons of control. I can not believe how quiet and smooth they ride."
"★★★★★5 out of 5 stars. Jake · 9 months ago MAGICAL TIRES I got a set last year. I had Bridgestone Mud&Snows on my Outback Touring. Absolute garbage in snow. An AWD that continuously got stuck. Terrible hydroplaning in heavy rain. I researched and found raves about the Cross Climate. Then I had to search like crazy. Everyone was "sold out." Finally found a set, had them delivered and a local shop installed them. The result? Amazingly good handling. No hydroplaning even going through standing water. As far as getting stuck in moderate snow? These tires turned my Subaru into a snowmobile!"
It had to happen at some time, yet Ford is playing it safe.
Ford F-150 Lightning Production to Double Thanks to Strong Demand.
A report says Ford intends to spend $850 million to double its original output goals for the electric truck because of so much interest by prospective customers. Starting price in the $40k range similar to ICE versions.
I would stay away from a discontinued tire. Just because if one gets trashed might not find a replacement. And I refuse to have a mismatched tire on the car!
When I was a kid I probably had 4 different tires on my car. I’d burn them up quick and then slap on whatever was on sale or I found along the road to keep me going. I actually have fond memories of driving around in old rattle traps with wired together equipment and wondering if this was the day I’d walk home.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Sounds like a previous renter kept the car too long and Avis put out a search. Meanwhile the car was returned but the search alert wasn’t canceled. Still doesn’t explain how they found it far from the guy’s home.
I’ve been in our offices and have overheard agents on the phone calling a tow truck to recover cars that were never returned and were at some shack in the woods. How they find them I don’t know.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I’ve been in our offices and have overheard agents on the phone calling tow truck to recover cars that were ever returned and were at some shack in the woods. How they find them I don’t know.
Easy to put trackers on cars these days, and it would be a good idea for the rental car companies to do that. Keep it in mind OF, don't take a nap on the side of the road on company time
@driver100 said:
Easy to put trackers on cars these days, and it would be a good idea for the rental car companies to do that.
Keep it in mind OF, don't take a nap on the side of the road on company time
Yeah, I can see all now. Enterprise employee in the slammer and can’t prove who he is because of a chip shortage. His wife won’t interfere for fear of not getting her SS checks. Poor @oldfarmer50, he might never post again.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I’ve been in our offices and have overheard agents on the phone calling tow truck to recover cars that were ever returned and were at some shack in the woods. How they find them I don’t know.
Easy to put trackers on cars these days, and it would be a good idea for the rental car companies to do that. Keep it in mind OF, don't take a nap on the side of the road on company time
I was in Baltimore last weekend and they have scooters sitting around that you can rent; as many big cities do. My son said you just use your credit/debit card and away you go. He said they have trackers on them and every so often they see one blinking away at the bottom of the harbor.
This question is for our financial experts. I cribbed it from Yahoo Finance.
"Dear MarketWatch,
I am considering paying off my mortgage. I am 60 years old and have a $250,000 mortgage on my home. The home is worth $950,000. The mortgage payment is $2,800 a month on a 30-year loan. The interest rate is 3.875%, and I have 24 years left on the loan.
I live in a high tax state. Taxes are $1,200 per month. The home is in good shape and needs no major repairs. I plan to work until I am 67. I will have a pension of $8,000 per month. I now have $1 million in my 401(k) and $1 million in company stock. I will have to sell stock to pay off the house.
Should I pay off the mortgage now, or wait until I retire after 67?"
Before reading MarketWatch's response, proffer a response of your own. While not doing the Math and taking the taxes into consideration, commonsense tells me that paying off the mortgage is probably the prudent strategy. Read the full article at:
To me, there is not enough information to give a definitive answer as pay off the mortgage or not. Can this person still itemize their taxes? Where is the 250k to pay off the mortgage coming from?
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I’ve been in our offices and have overheard agents on the phone calling a tow truck to recover cars that were ever returned and were at some shack in the woods. How they find them I don’t know.
OnStar.
When we were picking up the Dodge van years back, the rental manager told me the car was on its way back at half an hour to go on rental time. I believe he had rented it out for a day hoping the renters would bring it back on time.
I'm positive he used the locator on OnStar or equivalent service. OnStar used to let you pay a fee above the OnStar rate and you could live track your vehicle. It was within a few minutes of where the location was. It was advertised as allowing parents to locate where your car was when the kids or someone else was driving it.
To me, there is not enough information to give a definitive answer as pay off the mortgage or not. Can this person still itemize their taxes? Where is the 250k to pay off the mortgage coming from?
Selling stock, he said.
Without the cash to pay off the mortgage, and five more years on the job, he should keep the status quo.
It's not a given that he should payoff the mortgage at retirement, if it causes a taxable event (by selling stock or a 401K distribution). Of course, we'd have to know more about his current income and expenses.
With the SALT capped at $10K, I just assume no one is getting any benefit from mortgage interest, any more.
another option, just refi the mortgage down. 15 year fixed might be down around 2%, so payment would not increase much at all.
Yeah, in any case he should refinance, regardless of term. But, if his payment is $2800, that has to include taxes and insurance. Principal and interest would be $1335, in that scenario. Hardly enough to worry about.
At 2.5% APR, his payment would go up by $330/mo. to go to a 15 yr mortgage.
that is what I did last December. had I think 23 years left and refi'd to 10 and payment went up about that much. Rate did not drop tremendously (maybe .75) but the old loan was a 7/23 arm that was coming due.
figured to lock in the lower rate and pay it off in a lot fewer years.
or instead, now we are looking to move. Which also takes care of the problem.
@kyfdx, I missed the part about selling stock. You can still get a tax benefit from your mortgage interest if you itemize. Even at almost a 4% interest rate, what's the hurry to pay off the mortgage? Cash flow I guess. Where's is that Snakey guy when we need him?
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I’ve been in our offices and have overheard agents on the phone calling tow truck to recover cars that were ever returned and were at some shack in the woods. How they find them I don’t know.
Easy to put trackers on cars these days, and it would be a good idea for the rental car companies to do that. Keep it in mind OF, don't take a nap on the side of the road on company time
Ha ha, it’s occurred to us that the boss might be tracking us when we’re on the road in the company van. There’s also speculation that he has listening devices as well so we always start our day shouting what a great guy he is and how we love our job.
As to tracking rentals, I know our GM products have Onstar which could be used to locate a car.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
This question is for our financial experts. I cribbed it from Yahoo Finance.
"Dear MarketWatch,
I am considering paying off my mortgage. I am 60 years old and have a $250,000 mortgage on my home. The home is worth $950,000. The mortgage payment is $2,800 a month on a 30-year loan. The interest rate is 3.875%, and I have 24 years left on the loan.
I live in a high tax state. Taxes are $1,200 per month. The home is in good shape and needs no major repairs. I plan to work until I am 67. I will have a pension of $8,000 per month. I now have $1 million in my 401(k) and $1 million in company stock. I will have to sell stock to pay off the house.
Should I pay off the mortgage now, or wait until I retire after 67?"
Before reading MarketWatch's response, proffer a response of your own. While not doing the Math and taking the taxes into consideration, commonsense tells me that paying off the mortgage is probably the prudent strategy. Read the full article at:
First, with that kind of money, he should adopt me. Second, what was he thinking taking out a mortgage that he won’t pay off until he 84?
If he pays it off and they reinstate the SALT deduction for the uber rich he’ll lose out.
Stocks are on a sugar high right now so this might be a nice time to cash in, however he’ll get hit with capital gains tax.
Having 1/2 your savings in the stock of a single company is not a good idea so he should probably start reducing his exposure anyway.
Isn’t 3.9% on a mortgage is pretty high these days?
Therefore….
Sell some of the company stock, refinance his loan and make it a 15 year term. Double up on payments and it should be close to payoff by the time he retires.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
We put an offer in on a condo this morn. Will see what happens. The market is crazy and I’m not sure I’m willing to play the game. It SHOULD, theoretically, make money for us, which is a bonus since the primary intention is a getaway location.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
@qbrozen said:
We put an offer in on a condo this morn. Will see what happens. The market is crazy and I’m not sure I’m willing to play the game. It SHOULD, theoretically, make money for us, which is a bonus since the primary intention is a getaway location.
Awesome! It’s a wild ride these days… that’s for sure!
@qbrozen said:
We put an offer in on a condo this morn. Will see what happens. The market is crazy and I’m not sure I’m willing to play the game. It SHOULD, theoretically, make money for us, which is a bonus since the primary intention is a getaway location.
I take it this is in Myrtle Beach. If the price is right we could be doing some biz next summer.
We will need a 3 bedroom 2 bath ocean front view unit well furnished with plenty of kitchen stuff for when we eat breakfast in. FWIW, I don’t expect to pay MSRP.
Let us know how it goes and good luck.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I get this survey which they say is from Mercedes Benz. At Mercedes-Benz USA, we're committed to our customers and their safety. To help us better serve you in the future, please take a few moments to share your thoughts about the Takata airbag safety recall.
The results of this survey are for market research purposes only.
By participating* in this survey, you will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA. Win 1 of 4 $500 e-gift codes from a selection of retailers and charities.
To view the official rules for the sweepstakes, please click on Official Rules.
The survey will take 5-7 minutes to complete. To start, simply answer the question below.
If I answer the questions it goes to: survey.research-w4187@sendyourfeedback.com
I suppose it is legit if they have MB written on it, but then again I get fake emails from banks with their logo on it. And why do they have a survey about Takata airbags?
@qbrozen said:
We put an offer in on a condo this morn. Will see what happens. The market is crazy and I’m not sure I’m willing to play the game. It SHOULD, theoretically, make money for us, which is a bonus since the primary intention is a getaway location.
I take it this is in Myrtle Beach. If the price is right we could be doing some biz next summer.
We will need a 3 bedroom 2 bath ocean front view unit well furnished with plenty of kitchen stuff for when we eat breakfast in. FWIW, I don’t expect to pay MSRP.
Let us know how it goes and good luck.
jmonroe
Sorry. 2bd/2ba.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I get this survey which they say is from Mercedes Benz. At Mercedes-Benz USA, we're committed to our customers and their safety. To help us better serve you in the future, please take a few moments to share your thoughts about the Takata airbag safety recall.
The results of this survey are for market research purposes only.
By participating* in this survey, you will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA. Win 1 of 4 $500 e-gift codes from a selection of retailers and charities.
To view the official rules for the sweepstakes, please click on Official Rules.
The survey will take 5-7 minutes to complete. To start, simply answer the question below.
If I answer the questions it goes to: survey.research-w4187@sendyourfeedback.com
I suppose it is legit if they have MB written on it, but then again I get fake emails from banks with their logo on it. And why do they have a survey about Takata airbags?
@qbrozen said:
We put an offer in on a condo this morn. Will see what happens. The market is crazy and I’m not sure I’m willing to play the game. It SHOULD, theoretically, make money for us, which is a bonus since the primary intention is a getaway location.
I take it this is in Myrtle Beach. If the price is right we could be doing some biz next summer.
We will need a 3 bedroom 2 bath ocean front view unit well furnished with plenty of kitchen stuff for when we eat breakfast in. FWIW, I don’t expect to pay MSRP.
Let us know how it goes and good luck.
jmonroe
Sorry. 2bd/2ba.
I should have known you’d screw up a good business relationship.
Just curious, what condo place?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@qbrozen said:
We put an offer in on a condo this morn. Will see what happens. The market is crazy and I’m not sure I’m willing to play the game. It SHOULD, theoretically, make money for us, which is a bonus since the primary intention is a getaway location.
I take it this is in Myrtle Beach. If the price is right we could be doing some biz next summer.
We will need a 3 bedroom 2 bath ocean front view unit well furnished with plenty of kitchen stuff for when we eat breakfast in. FWIW, I don’t expect to pay MSRP.
Let us know how it goes and good luck.
jmonroe
Sorry. 2bd/2ba.
I should have known you’d screw up a good business relationship.
Just curious, what condo place?
jmonroe
Not one of the big ones. Only 8 units, 2 stories, with parking under it. 3 blocks from the ocean. Sitting amongst mostly single-family homes.
We also looked at a 3bd townhome in a golf community. But it was not well cared for, needed an easy $15k of work NOT including a mysterious mold issue in one closet, and was much further from the beach.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I get this survey which they say is from Mercedes Benz. At Mercedes-Benz USA, we're committed to our customers and their safety. To help us better serve you in the future, please take a few moments to share your thoughts about the Takata airbag safety recall.
The results of this survey are for market research purposes only.
By participating* in this survey, you will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA. Win 1 of 4 $500 e-gift codes from a selection of retailers and charities.
To view the official rules for the sweepstakes, please click on Official Rules.
The survey will take 5-7 minutes to complete. To start, simply answer the question below.
If I answer the questions it goes to: survey.research-w4187@sendyourfeedback.com
I suppose it is legit if they have MB written on it, but then again I get fake emails from banks with their logo on it. And why do they have a survey about Takata airbags?
Fintail, great detective work, and what a great site. You have to be so careful these days. I once read people like answering surveys.....people like to give their opinion. I wouldn't have bothered answering it, but something about it didn't seem right....I was curious if it was real or not....and you found the answer.........much appreciated.
I get this survey which they say is from Mercedes Benz. At Mercedes-Benz USA, we're committed to our customers and their safety. To help us better serve you in the future, please take a few moments to share your thoughts about the Takata airbag safety recall.
The results of this survey are for market research purposes only.
By participating* in this survey, you will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA. Win 1 of 4 $500 e-gift codes from a selection of retailers and charities.
To view the official rules for the sweepstakes, please click on Official Rules.
The survey will take 5-7 minutes to complete. To start, simply answer the question below.
If I answer the questions it goes to: survey.research-w4187@sendyourfeedback.com
I suppose it is legit if they have MB written on it, but then again I get fake emails from banks with their logo on it. And why do they have a survey about Takata airbags?
I get 10 of those a week. I once started one which seemed from a store I shop but as I went farther into it the questions began to sound suspicious so I never completed it.
At the very least your email will be spammed forever.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The voice recognition in my Legacy is not nearly as good as it was in my 2018 Legacy.
Last evening I tried to have it call Mrs. venture, but it wanted to find a route for me. When it asked the third time where I wanted to go I said, "Bite Me, Utah". It plotted a route to Bethel, Alaska.
Comments
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MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I would stay away from a discontinued tire. Just because if one gets trashed might not find a replacement. And I refuse to have a mismatched tire on the car!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a36312124/tire-shortage-possible/
"It's important to state right up front that there's no rubber or tire shortage in the United States just yet.
However, for the future-minded, all the pieces are in place for one to hit the auto industry in the near future. For now, tire companies including Continental, Goodyear, and Bridgestone all say they have enough supply and production is rolling along."
Rental Camry Goes Missing; Renter Concludes Avis Repossessed Car, Starts Viral Twitter Thread.
That's what happened to one renter in New Jersey, but after viewing security camera footage and doing some online tracking, he concluded it was Avis itself that simply took the car back early, for no good reason that he could find. And Twitter backed him up.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37388879/rental-car-missing-did-avis-repossess/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_cdb&utm_medium=email&date=082621&utm_campaign=nl24526751
"35,000 Miles on Tires
May 25, 2021 Tire was/is great for winter and non-winter driving, but they became unacceptably loud after about 25000 miles. Very loud and I mean raise your voice to speak loud.
Was this review helpful? Yes | No
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Tire:Michelin CrossClimate2
Grand Touring All-Season
Vehicle:2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring"
"25,000 Miles on Tires
July 26, 2021 excellent all weather tire but the tread is almost worn out after 25k miles.
Was this review helpful? Yes | No
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Tire:Michelin CrossClimate2
Grand Touring All-Season
Vehicle:2013 Toyota Camry 4cyl"
But for every negative review there are lots of positive ones, including these from the Michelin site....
"★★★★★5 out of 5 stars. TRM4Life · 6 months ago
I bought these after watching "Engineering Explained" on YouTube. I wanted a high quality snow tire that wouldn't be noisy on the interstate. I drive a 2002 Nissan Sentra SER Spec-v. It's a true manual transmission with no traction control and entirely too much power and only front wheel drive. I do delivery driving and have to often drive offroad and on gravel. They perform excellent on inclines and have amazing grab on gravel roads. I have been in situations where any other time I would have been stuck and these just chew right through the snow and pull. After 10k miles they're showing minimal wear, I'm very happy and impressed!"
"★★★★★5 out of 5 stars. Joe F · 6 months ago
Long time Michelin Tire Buyer, I've had the AT & Defenders on many model vehicles. Wife has 2016 Toyota Sienna AWD Limited. OEM came with Run flats which were noisy and hard. I changed to Defenders which is a great tire. With 63,000 miles we just installed Cross Cimate 2 size 235-55/18. Michelin knocked it out of the park with these tires. Feels like I'm driving a luxury 80k SUV now. Smooth, Quiet and tons of control. I can not believe how quiet and smooth they ride."
"★★★★★5 out of 5 stars. Jake · 9 months ago
MAGICAL TIRES
I got a set last year. I had Bridgestone Mud&Snows on my Outback Touring. Absolute garbage in snow. An AWD that continuously got stuck. Terrible hydroplaning in heavy rain. I researched and found raves about the Cross Climate. Then I had to search like crazy. Everyone was "sold out." Finally found a set, had them delivered and a local shop installed them. The result? Amazingly good handling. No hydroplaning even going through standing water. As far as getting stuck in moderate snow? These tires turned my Subaru into a snowmobile!"
Ford F-150 Lightning Production to Double Thanks to Strong Demand.
A report says Ford intends to spend $850 million to double its original output goals for the electric truck because of so much interest by prospective customers. Starting price in the $40k range similar to ICE versions.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I’ve been in our offices and have overheard agents on the phone calling a tow truck to recover cars that were never returned and were at some shack in the woods. How they find them I don’t know.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Keep it in mind OF, don't take a nap on the side of the road on company time
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yeah, I can see all now. Enterprise employee in the slammer and can’t prove who he is because of a chip shortage. His wife won’t interfere for fear of not getting her SS checks. Poor @oldfarmer50, he might never post again.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
"Dear MarketWatch,
I am considering paying off my mortgage. I am 60 years old and have a $250,000 mortgage on my home. The home is worth $950,000. The mortgage payment is $2,800 a month on a 30-year loan. The interest rate is 3.875%, and I have 24 years left on the loan.
I live in a high tax state. Taxes are $1,200 per month. The home is in good shape and needs no major repairs. I plan to work until I am 67. I will have a pension of $8,000 per month. I now have $1 million in my 401(k) and $1 million in company stock. I will have to sell stock to pay off the house.
Should I pay off the mortgage now, or wait until I retire after 67?"
Before reading MarketWatch's response, proffer a response of your own. While not doing the Math and taking the taxes into consideration, commonsense tells me that paying off the mortgage is probably the prudent strategy. Read the full article at:
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/i-have-a-250-000-mortgage-on-my-home-with-24-years-left-on-the-loan-should-i-pay-it-off-before-i-retire-in-a-few-years-11629916366?siteid=yhoof2
Can this person still itemize their taxes?
Where is the 250k to pay off the mortgage coming from?
When we were picking up the Dodge van years back, the rental manager told me the car was on its way back at half an hour to go on rental time. I believe he had rented it out for a day hoping the renters would bring it back on time.
I'm positive he used the locator on OnStar or equivalent service. OnStar used to let you pay a fee above the OnStar rate and you could live track your vehicle. It was within a few minutes of where the location was. It was advertised as allowing parents to locate where your car was when the kids or someone else was driving it.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Without the cash to pay off the mortgage, and five more years on the job, he should keep the status quo.
It's not a given that he should payoff the mortgage at retirement, if it causes a taxable event (by selling stock or a 401K distribution). Of course, we'd have to know more about his current income and expenses.
With the SALT capped at $10K, I just assume no one is getting any benefit from mortgage interest, any more.
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But, if his payment is $2800, that has to include taxes and insurance.
Principal and interest would be $1335, in that scenario. Hardly enough to worry about.
At 2.5% APR, his payment would go up by $330/mo. to go to a 15 yr mortgage.
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figured to lock in the lower rate and pay it off in a lot fewer years.
or instead, now we are looking to move. Which also takes care of the problem.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I missed the part about selling stock.
You can still get a tax benefit from your mortgage interest if you itemize.
Even at almost a 4% interest rate, what's the hurry to pay off the mortgage? Cash flow I guess.
Where's is that Snakey guy when we need him?
As to tracking rentals, I know our GM products have Onstar which could be used to locate a car.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Considering how low interest rate have been for many years, for me, saving for retirement came before paying off the mortgage.
If he pays it off and they reinstate the SALT deduction for the uber rich he’ll lose out.
Stocks are on a sugar high right now so this might be a nice time to cash in, however he’ll get hit with capital gains tax.
Having 1/2 your savings in the stock of a single company is not a good idea so he should probably start reducing his exposure anyway.
Isn’t 3.9% on a mortgage is pretty high these days?
Therefore….
Sell some of the company stock, refinance his loan and make it a 15 year term. Double up on payments and it should be close to payoff by the time he retires.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
We put an offer in on a condo this morn. Will see what happens. The market is crazy and I’m not sure I’m willing to play the game. It SHOULD, theoretically, make money for us, which is a bonus since the primary intention is a getaway location.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Here is another episode of 'Caught in Providence'.
It's too bad the first guy feels so scared.
Awesome! It’s a wild ride these days… that’s for sure!
Good luck
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I take it this is in Myrtle Beach. If the price is right we could be doing some biz next summer.
We will need a 3 bedroom 2 bath ocean front view unit well furnished with plenty of kitchen stuff for when we eat breakfast in. FWIW, I don’t expect to pay MSRP.
Let us know how it goes and good luck.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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If I answer the questions it goes to: survey.research-w4187@sendyourfeedback.com
I suppose it is legit if they have MB written on it, but then again I get fake emails from banks with their logo on it. And why do they have a survey about Takata airbags?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Do you need a chance at winning $500 that badly?
I see the DePauw university jacket. I’ve texted my daughter wondering if it was her biology professor from last year…
It’s not her professor…
Just a strange coincidence, caught my eye.
The title got my interest, then I saw the jacket.
Sorry. 2bd/2ba.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
This site says a survey from that domain is bogus:
https://www.mypolicyhq.com/v3app/publicservice/loginv1/login.aspx?bc=9668a079-0e66-41db-89ab-dee8fc3853ab&serviceid=9c59a617-7a46-4015-8cef-a01ffc924f9f
I should have known you’d screw up a good business relationship.
Just curious, what condo place?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Not one of the big ones. Only 8 units, 2 stories, with parking under it. 3 blocks from the ocean. Sitting amongst mostly single-family homes.
We also looked at a 3bd townhome in a golf community. But it was not well cared for, needed an easy $15k of work NOT including a mysterious mold issue in one closet, and was much further from the beach.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You have to be so careful these days. I once read people like answering surveys.....people like to give their opinion. I wouldn't have bothered answering it, but something about it didn't seem right....I was curious if it was real or not....and you found the answer.........much appreciated.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
At the very least your email will be spammed forever.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Last evening I tried to have it call Mrs. venture, but it wanted to find a route for me. When it asked the third time where I wanted to go I said, "Bite Me, Utah". It plotted a route to Bethel, Alaska.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech