Was to Costco this morning for gasoline - $3.69.9 for premium. Two weeks ago I filled up for $3.39.9. That’s a 30 cent per gallon increase in just 2 weeks. And the economists are bragging that inflation was dropping! I’d like to know where and how. When I went shopping Wednesday, I paid $5.99 for a gallon of milk and passed on the eggs which were $3.99 a dozen. Butter was $6.99 a pound and the store brand bread loaves were $2.99 each.
All I see is prices continuing to rise. I wonder where those economists buy their food and gasoline? 🤪😜
Did local gas taxes go up? That happened here. I just paid ~$4 for PUG at the neighborhood Chevron (read: not the cheapest place), $3 for a gallon of milk, $3.50 for a specialty loaf of bread, and I am in a HCOL state.
When there's a claim of inflation dropping, that's the rate of inflation, not prices - prices are still rising, just a little slower. Won't someone think of institutional shareholders and the top few who take so little and give so much.
My MB dealer asked me if I was interested in a new previously owned MB. I put a cap of $30000 on the current inventory. I got this C Class; 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4dr Sdn C 300 Luxury 4MATIC Used 149,741 Miles Price $19,895
Anyone think that is a good deal? Our 2014 has 40k miles and is probably worth about $12k as a trade-in...I'd much rather have it. Using oldfarmer's formula this car should be selling for about $3000.
Son says he's interested in his friend's 2010 Ford Taurus SEL for $8,500 with 100,000 miles. His current ride is a 2010 Mercury Milan with 196,000 miles. Rough condition. The Milan has the oil light come on when car comes to a stop. Burns oil. Probably will be going on life support shortly. Getting it looked at Monday. Any thoughts on the Taurus?
That generation of Taurus is not too bad IIRC. Should be 3.5 V6. Only issue I ever had with those is for a big car they feel cramped inside. The center console is massive and the driver’s footwell is very small.
They’ve always appealed to me, for some reason. Of course, I’d only want the SHO. Is this SEL AWD or FWD? Seems a bit pricey, no?
Just a quick search for comps and I found this one owner, clean history example that is a year younger, 20k fewer miles, and AWD asking just $1500 more.
'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
Woke up this morning to a cold condo. Put on TV for weather report and I learned it was 42 degrees here in my city. That’s really cold for South Florida. Tomorrow morning lows are forecasted to be in the mid to upper 30’s. Iguanas will be all over the place looking dead from the cold. They are rampant here in South Florida.
State had a bounty on them along with pythons and I believe gators (not sure).
Borrow a shopping cart from the supermarket and run around scooping them up for the bounty before they warm up. Who needs the Lotto?
I just gassed up at a Sunoco station @$2.74 for regular. As I’m fueling up I look to the no-name brand next door and see $$2.69. That’s surprising since the $.20 gas tax was suppose to raise prices. More surprising was that this was in the city where prices are usually the highest around.
Gas prices are all over the place. The station close to me is $.69 higher.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
At the American Legion post with the guys watching the Mecum auctions and the bids are simply insane. There were several muscle cars from the late 60's early 70's going for $ 250K more.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Woke up this morning to a cold condo. Put on TV for weather report and I learned it was 42 degrees here in my city. That’s really cold for South Florida. Tomorrow morning lows are forecasted to be in the mid to upper 30’s. Iguanas will be all over the place looking dead from the cold. They are rampant here in South Florida.
State had a bounty on them along with pythons and I believe gators (not sure).
Borrow a shopping cart from the supermarket and run around scooping them up for the bounty before they warm up.
I thought you were going to give Mike a recipe for cooking them.
@qbrozen said:
They’ve always appealed to me, for some reason. Of course, I’d only want the SHO. Is this SEL AWD or FWD? Seems a bit pricey, no?
Just a quick search for comps and I found this one owner, clean history example that is a year younger, 20k fewer miles, and AWD asking just $1500 more.
Yeah, without checking, I told him it seemed a bit overpriced. Don't know if AWD. I've always thought they pretty good cars.
Brief update. *40 minute drive to Badyear tires on Wednesday because I had a nail in my tire. I was pretty sure I'd need a new tire. If they asked when I called they could have had it there by the time I came in. *I drive, they take 90 minutes to tell me they have to order a tire, it will be in next day. *I call, go in the next day, wait 90 minutes, and they tell me they ordered the wrong tire. *I tell them they are incompetent, but don't want to say too much just yet in case they sabotage my car. *I call today, tire is in. I say make sure he has the new tire on the rim by the time I get there. *I get there and she assures me they will have my tire on as soon as possible. * in 20 minutes they drove the car up to the door completed. Customer Service lady was a sweetheart, so nice, I told her that she saved them getting a one star review on Yelp and Google. * She did give 20% discount and free installation. Not worth what I went through but they did try, and the car drives like a new one.
tough sell probably. but you could be a good candidate for this one. has more equipment you seem to want, which is good. and putting so few miles on it, before you know it, miles will be normal!
Some good points but I'd rather have mine, especially because it only has 40k miles on it so should last longer than me at this rate....and I know the car. Would like a backup camera but getting used to not having one. I usually back into parking spaces, it's quite an art to judge the rear and the white lines - without a camera.
Solution - Don't back in.
Reverse parking means backing into a space so you can drive forward out of the space after. It can be a simple way to reduce the risk of collisions.
Backing out a space unfortunately leads to many fatalities. In a 2018 study of non-traffic motor vehicle crashes in 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 12,000 vehicle nonoccupants (eg. pedestrians or cyclists) were injured by vehicles backing up, and 284 were killed. This class of crashes, non-traffic, was limited to incidents occurring outside public trafficways, typically driveways and parking facilities.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to being injured or killed in backover collisions. Non-profit organization Kids & Cars reported that 25 children in the U.S. were killed in 2019 due to backover incidents alone.
I don't always back in....but if it is possible to do it I would much rather back in, even without the camera!
Woke up this morning to a cold condo. Put on TV for weather report and I learned it was 42 degrees here in my city. That’s really cold for South Florida. Tomorrow morning lows are forecasted to be in the mid to upper 30’s. Iguanas will be all over the place looking dead from the cold. They are rampant here in South Florida.
State had a bounty on them along with pythons and I believe gators (not sure).
Borrow a shopping cart from the supermarket and run around scooping them up for the bounty before they warm up.
I thought you were going to give Mike a recipe for cooking them.
Clean and filet the iguana. Nail the iguana to a cedar board and cook over medium heat for 3 hours, then throw the iguana away and eat the board. Works for possums too.
@driver100 said:
Some good points but I'd rather have mine, especially because it only has 40k miles on it so should last longer than me at this rate....and I know the car. Would like a backup camera but getting used to not having one. I usually back into parking spaces, it's quite an art to judge the rear and the white lines - without a camera.
————————————————
I’m sure that “art” requires a fine brush and it doesn’t hurt to have pro-active ears either.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Woke up this morning to a cold condo. Put on TV for weather report and I learned it was 42 degrees here in my city. That’s really cold for South Florida. Tomorrow morning lows are forecasted to be in the mid to upper 30’s. Iguanas will be all over the place looking dead from the cold. They are rampant here in South Florida.
State had a bounty on them along with pythons and I believe gators (not sure).
Borrow a shopping cart from the supermarket and run around scooping them up for the bounty before they warm up.
I thought you were going to give Mike a recipe for cooking them.
Clean and filet the iguana. Nail the iguana to a cedar board and cook over medium heat for 3 hours, then throw the iguana away and eat the board. Works for possums too.
Would that recipe work for squirrels?
My B-I-L has a small country property, and lots of squirrels...he was talking about shooting them and eating them. I don't go to his place for dinner. He's the minimalist, had the last rotary black telephone in Canada, has an old version Ranger truck with 3 on the tree, and he pained it pea soup green with a roller brush. Took the tailgate off to get better mileage. Has no TV, burns wood in a stove if it is extremely cold, unplugs all electrical devices if he goes out for a few hours.
tough sell probably. but you could be a good candidate for this one. has more equipment you seem to want, which is good. and putting so few miles on it, before you know it, miles will be normal!
Some good points but I'd rather have mine, especially because it only has 40k miles on it so should last longer than me at this rate....and I know the car. Would like a backup camera but getting used to not having one. I usually back into parking spaces, it's quite an art to judge the rear and the white lines - without a camera.
Solution - Don't back in.
Reverse parking means backing into a space so you can drive forward out of the space after. It can be a simple way to reduce the risk of collisions.
Backing out a space unfortunately leads to many fatalities. In a 2018 study of non-traffic motor vehicle crashes in 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 12,000 vehicle nonoccupants (eg. pedestrians or cyclists) were injured by vehicles backing up, and 284 were killed. This class of crashes, non-traffic, was limited to incidents occurring outside public trafficways, typically driveways and parking facilities.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to being injured or killed in backover collisions. Non-profit organization Kids & Cars reported that 25 children in the U.S. were killed in 2019 due to backover incidents alone.
I don't always back in....but if it is possible to do it I would much rather back in, even without the camera!
At a shopping place I always try to pull in. When backing out the cross-traffic warning will beep if a car is coming, and I can look at the screen to see what or who I am going to run over. When I back in I can't see to pull out if a big truck or SUV is parked next to me.
@driver100 I can solve all his parking problems with not being able to see to back in or back out with this jewel. It may even have a backup camera (but you won't need it).
It symbolizes what's wrong with the US market. Too many big boxes driving around using too much extra fuel to carry 1 person in a 6 person vehicle. This completely bypasses all that conspicuous consumption. LOL
Woke up this morning to a cold condo. Put on TV for weather report and I learned it was 42 degrees here in my city. That’s really cold for South Florida. Tomorrow morning lows are forecasted to be in the mid to upper 30’s. Iguanas will be all over the place looking dead from the cold. They are rampant here in South Florida.
s.
What kind of heat source do you have for your condo?
————————————————
I never understood backing into parking spaces. I’ve watched the backer-inners struggle to get groceries in their cars when they back in. On top of that some lots say, “head in parking only” but those are just curtesy words because police can’t enforce that in parking lots. However, when I lived in SC the company policy was head in parking only. Those that backed in had their parking privileges revoked for a month for the first offense. The second offense got you fired. That fixed the problem.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@qbrozen said:
They’ve always appealed to me, for some reason. Of course, I’d only want the SHO. Is this SEL AWD or FWD? Seems a bit pricey, no?
Just a quick search for comps and I found this one owner, clean history example that is a year younger, 20k fewer miles, and AWD asking just $1500 more.
————————————————-
Well, he did say it was his “friends” car. So to me that’s akin to thinking you’ll get a good deal at a dealership because you know someone whose neighbor works at a dealership. Yeah, right. Those are the baby seals that dealerships drool over.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
My B-I-L has a small country property, and lots of squirrels...he was talking about shooting them and eating them. I don't go to his place for dinner. He's the minimalist, had the last rotary black telephone in Canada, has an old version Ranger truck with 3 on the tree, and he pained it pea soup green with a roller brush. Took the tailgate off to get better mileage. Has no TV, burns wood in a stove if it is extremely cold, unplugs all electrical devices if he goes out for a few hours.
I gave them up after I read they are high in cholesterol.
'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
@snakeweasel said:
At the American Legion post with the guys watching the Mecum auctions and the bids are simply insane. There were several muscle cars from the late 60's early 70's going for $ 250K more.
That’s what happens when old guys with lots of money get all liquored up on free drinks.
I never understood backing into parking spaces. I’ve watched the backer-inners struggle to get groceries in their cars when they back in. On top of that some lots say, “head in parking only” but those are just curtesy words because police can’t enforce that in parking lots. However, when I lived in SC the company policy was head in parking only. Those that backed in had their parking privileges revoked for a month for the first offense. The second offense got you fired. That fixed the problem.
jmonroe
If we park at the far corner just around the bend in the Publix Plaza I can back in, open the trunk, and load the groceries into the trunk and the buggy stays on the sidewalk. Since I am the only one who thought of this ingenious plan, I usually get that parking space, and backing in works beautifully. I just back into the space by the square store near the lower right hand side of the diagram. (By 4868)
At the American Legion post with the guys watching the Mecum auctions and the bids are simply insane. There were several muscle cars from the late 60's early 70's going for $ 250K more.
That’s what happens when old guys with lots of money get all liquored up on free drinks.
I imagine more drinking will occur when buyer’s remorse hits them.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
@driver100 I can solve all his parking problems with not being able to see to back in or back out with this jewel. It may even have a backup camera (but you won't need it).
It symbolizes what's wrong with the US market. Too many big boxes driving around using too much extra fuel to carry 1 person in a 6 person vehicle. This completely bypasses all that conspicuous consumption. LOL
That is really ridiculous, but even these things are a lot larger than what most of the buyers who buy them need. Though, considering the way people drive around here, it may provide extra protection;
Woke up this morning to a cold condo. Put on TV for weather report and I learned it was 42 degrees here in my city. That’s really cold for South Florida. Tomorrow morning lows are forecasted to be in the mid to upper 30’s. Iguanas will be all over the place looking dead from the cold. They are rampant here in South Florida.
State had a bounty on them along with pythons and I believe gators (not sure).
Borrow a shopping cart from the supermarket and run around scooping them up for the bounty before they warm up.
I thought you were going to give Mike a recipe for cooking them.
Clean and filet the iguana. Nail the iguana to a cedar board and cook over medium heat for 3 hours, then throw the iguana away and eat the board. Works for possums too.
Would that recipe work for squirrels?
My B-I-L has a small country property, and lots of squirrels...he was talking about shooting them and eating them. I don't go to his place for dinner. He's the minimalist, had the last rotary black telephone in Canada, has an old version Ranger truck with 3 on the tree, and he pained it pea soup green with a roller brush. Took the tailgate off to get better mileage. Has no TV, burns wood in a stove if it is extremely cold, unplugs all electrical devices if he goes out for a few hours.
I never understood backing into parking spaces. I’ve watched the backer-inners struggle to get groceries in their cars when they back in. On top of that some lots say, “head in parking only” but those are just curtesy words because police can’t enforce that in parking lots. However, when I lived in SC the company policy was head in parking only. Those that backed in had their parking privileges revoked for a month for the first offense. The second offense got you fired. That fixed the problem.
jmonroe
Speaking of backing in, parking spaces etc. All the homes in our addition have 3 car garages. One double door and one single door. A builder told me that all the double doors are a standard 16 feet, but for the single doors there are two standards, 8 ft. and 9 ft. and a builder can use either one. Probably 90% of the homes have the smaller 8 ft wide doors, and it is extremely difficult to fit a big P.U. or SUV into them. I happen to have the wider 9 ft. single door so not an issue for me. Many of those with the smaller doors always back in for some reason. I guess they think they might need a fast get-a-way. Don't know if garage door regs are the same nationwide or if they are state by state. That one foot makes a huge difference. I think those 8 ft. wide doors should be outlawed.
Woke up this morning to a cold condo. Put on TV for weather report and I learned it was 42 degrees here in my city. That’s really cold for South Florida. Tomorrow morning lows are forecasted to be in the mid to upper 30’s. Iguanas will be all over the place looking dead from the cold. They are rampant here in South Florida.
State had a bounty on them along with pythons and I believe gators (not sure).
Borrow a shopping cart from the supermarket and run around scooping them up for the bounty before they warm up.
I thought you were going to give Mike a recipe for cooking them.
Clean and filet the iguana. Nail the iguana to a cedar board and cook over medium heat for 3 hours, then throw the iguana away and eat the board. Works for possums too.
Would that recipe work for squirrels?
My B-I-L has a small country property, and lots of squirrels...he was talking about shooting them and eating them. I don't go to his place for dinner. He's the minimalist, had the last rotary black telephone in Canada, has an old version Ranger truck with 3 on the tree, and he pained it pea soup green with a roller brush. Took the tailgate off to get better mileage. Has no TV, burns wood in a stove if it is extremely cold, unplugs all electrical devices if he goes out for a few hours.
Where and when I grew up, people hunted and ate squirrels, absolutely nothing unusual about that. Possums and armadillos were beyond the pale, but squirrel was definitely on the menu.
@driver100 said:
If we park at the far corner just around the bend in the Publix Plaza I can back in, open the trunk, and load the groceries into the trunk and the buggy stays on the sidewalk. Since I am the only one who thought of this ingenious plan, I usually get that parking space, and backing in works beautifully.
I just back into the space by the square store near the lower right hand side of the diagram.
(By 4868)
————————————————
Why did I know you’d have an answer? I’m sure you can do that in all parking lots.
jmonroe >
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@houdini1 said:
Speaking of backing in, parking spaces etc. All the homes in our addition have 3 car garages. One double door and one single door. A builder told me that all the double doors are a standard 16 feet, but for the single doors there are two standards, 8 ft. and 9 ft. and a builder can use either one. Probably 90% of the homes have the smaller 8 ft wide doors, and it is extremely difficult to fit a big P.U. or SUV into them. I happen to have the wider 9 ft. single door so not an issue for me. Many of those with the smaller doors always back in for some reason. I guess they think they might need a fast get-a-way. Don't know if garage door regs are the same nationwide or if they are state by state. That one foot makes a huge difference. I think those 8 ft. wide doors should be outlawed.
————————————————
I agree that 8 foot doors are pretty skinny. I’m surprised to hear that houses with 3 car garages would even bother with 8 footers since they’re relatively newer designed homes (last 20 years or so).
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@houdini1 said:
Speaking of backing in, parking spaces etc. All the homes in our addition have 3 car garages. One double door and one single door. A builder told me that all the double doors are a standard 16 feet, but for the single doors there are two standards, 8 ft. and 9 ft. and a builder can use either one. Probably 90% of the homes have the smaller 8 ft wide doors, and it is extremely difficult to fit a big P.U. or SUV into them. I happen to have the wider 9 ft. single door so not an issue for me. Many of those with the smaller doors always back in for some reason. I guess they think they might need a fast get-a-way. Don't know if garage door regs are the same nationwide or if they are state by state. That one foot makes a huge difference. I think those 8 ft. wide doors should be outlawed.
Maybe they should mandate thinner cars
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My parking nightmare is coming out from a store to find an SUV or a pickup truck on boths sides of me and I have to back out into the driving lane unable to see anything. They should outlaw tall vehicles is my opinion. (Fat chance, I know.)
backing into a tight spot (like skinny garage door) can be easier, since you have the mirrors to see how close you are on each side. A lot of cars (especially today) are bulky enough up front without great visibility that it can be hard to tell exactly how close your mirrors are to being whacked. Super easy backing in.
plus if the length is tight, got the BU camera (unless you are a tightwad luddite like Driver) to know how much space you have!
backing into a tight spot (like skinny garage door) can be easier, since you have the mirrors to see how close you are on each side. A lot of cars (especially today) are bulky enough up front without great visibility that it can be hard to tell exactly how close your mirrors are to being whacked. Super easy backing in.
plus if the length is tight, got the BU camera (unless you are a tightwad luddite like Driver) to know how much space you have!
Hey, I agree with the first paragraph but not the second. I tried the C250, loved driving it, bought it....didn't even think about a rear camera - I just wanted that red car.
put the truck to use today, and wore myself out with DIY home improvements (my son's house this time).
offered to help with redoing the unfinished side of his basement (where the broken sewer line got replaced a few weeks ago). Project included painting the cinderblock walls (Drylock paint) and putting down click together vinyl plank flooring.
so of course, this was a job for a PU truck. Loaded a bunch of stuff (never know what tools you might need, turns out my miter chop saw was not one of them!) Dropped that off and took my car to Lowe's to get flooring (he was going to take his S4, but I got a chuckle out of that idea). He learned a lesson, which is boxes of 6"x4' vinyl plank flooring are really heavy. and 24 of them on a crappy Lowe's flatbed cart is really hard to push. I helped, by holding his coat. Dragged all that out to the front, and I pulled the truck around, dropped the tailgate, and easy to just toss all the boxes in with room to spare. Did not even notice it squatting, and that must have been pushing 800 pounds. Sticking all them throw the pass through in his car was not happening, and just getting into the truck would have been horrible.
he actually commented on the way home that maybe he should get one next time because of how convenient. My wife later spoiled that idea by pointing out he knows somebody with one, though usually easier to have it handy at any time.
dragged all the boxes to the basement (not fun) and finally got started installing (after my wife and his fiancee did the wall painting). got about 2/3 done by dinner (starting at 2:30 or so did not help). Quite the pain that job is, with a lot of cutting and finagling to get the pieces lined up and snapped together right. and dirty job. But, what we got done looked way better than the crappy dingy old (probably asbestos) tiles down there. He will finish up Monday.
also put in some LED multi panel lights to replace the dingy weak bulbs so we could see enough to not cut off fingers with a utility knife. place is looking so good now they are actually planning on using that side for something besides junk.
At the American Legion post with the guys watching the Mecum auctions and the bids are simply insane. There were several muscle cars from the late 60's early 70's going for $ 250K more.
I wonder what’s causing that? Over the last few years it seemed as if classic cars weren’t bringing as much but this current Mecum auction has seen some real record breakers.
Could these buyer be hoping for a hedge against inflation?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
backing into a tight spot (like skinny garage door) can be easier, since you have the mirrors to see how close you are on each side. A lot of cars (especially today) are bulky enough up front without great visibility that it can be hard to tell exactly how close your mirrors are to being whacked. Super easy backing in.
plus if the length is tight, got the BU camera (unless you are a tightwad luddite like Driver) to know how much space you have!
tough sell probably. but you could be a good candidate for this one. has more equipment you seem to want, which is good. and putting so few miles on it, before you know it, miles will be normal!
Some good points but I'd rather have mine, especially because it only has 40k miles on it so should last longer than me at this rate....and I know the car. Would like a backup camera but getting used to not having one. I usually back into parking spaces, it's quite an art to judge the rear and the white lines - without a camera.
Solution - Don't back in.
Reverse parking means backing into a space so you can drive forward out of the space after. It can be a simple way to reduce the risk of collisions.
Backing out a space unfortunately leads to many fatalities. In a 2018 study of non-traffic motor vehicle crashes in 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 12,000 vehicle nonoccupants (eg. pedestrians or cyclists) were injured by vehicles backing up, and 284 were killed. This class of crashes, non-traffic, was limited to incidents occurring outside public trafficways, typically driveways and parking facilities.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to being injured or killed in backover collisions. Non-profit organization Kids & Cars reported that 25 children in the U.S. were killed in 2019 due to backover incidents alone.
I don't always back in....but if it is possible to do it I would much rather back in, even without the camera!
At a shopping place I always try to pull in. When backing out the cross-traffic warning will beep if a car is coming, and I can look at the screen to see what or who I am going to run over. When I back in I can't see to pull out if a big truck or SUV is parked next to me.
You need to get a newer car.
When I work the airport I have to back in dozens of different cars during my shift. I’ve come to love the back up camera and the proximity beeper. Particularly when the mirrors are covered by rain or slush.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
backing into a tight spot (like skinny garage door) can be easier, since you have the mirrors to see how close you are on each side. A lot of cars (especially today) are bulky enough up front without great visibility that it can be hard to tell exactly how close your mirrors are to being whacked. Super easy backing in.
plus if the length is tight, got the BU camera (unless you are a tightwad luddite like Driver) to know how much space you have!
———————————————— When we built our first house in the Spring of 1969 I was lucky because my builder only used 9 foot doors (we had 2 of them) so I didn’t have to spend money to upgrade for those. My driveway was as level as your dining room table which is rare in the Burgh area. I decided to learn how to back in right from the first day because I didn’t want to get up early to shovel the driveway in the Winter so I could get to work on time. I figured that by backing in I could get a good running start to plow through a snow built up if I had to and I had to many times in the 20 years I lived there. A side benefit that I didn’t realize until it happened was the tire tracks I left in the morning guided me perfectly into my garage when I came home after work.
Even a genius can’t think of everything.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@stickguy
We re-painted our cinder block walls in the basement before we sold the old house. Tons and tons of scraping and then painting. Took forever.
@imidazol97
I try and be mindful where I park my truck. Considering it is huge I generally park it further away so that I’m not in between smaller cars.
@imidazol97 said:
What kind of heat source do you have for your condo?
Heating coils in the air handling unit. Very inefficient and costly. It takes about an hour to raise the indoor temp about 2 degrees. Heating costs 3 X more than AC, and takes a long time to heat the place. I use a nice warm comforter when it gets cold like this which is very rare.
I have not used the heat yet - temp in condo is 71 degrees. Supposed to get to 68 degrees outside today. But early this morning the outside temp was 37 degrees. That is darn cold.
My brother said it was in the upper 20’s where he lives near Jacksonville
backing into a tight spot (like skinny garage door) can be easier, since you have the mirrors to see how close you are on each side. A lot of cars (especially today) are bulky enough up front without great visibility that it can be hard to tell exactly how close your mirrors are to being whacked. Super easy backing in.
All true until you look to one side to ensure the wing mirror on that side has enough clearance to the chintzy 8' garage door frame and snap off the mirror on the opposite side where you aren't looking because it was too close to the frame.
I saw there was some YT video, didn't watch it, that recommended investing in collector car instead of the stock market.
I wouldn't get a collector car as an investment as a collector anything is a bad investment.
I have read that rare stamps and coins can be an excellent investment and hedge against inflation. I've never tried it, I think you would need to be a very enthused hobbyist to have the detailed knowledge necessary to invest wisely.
Comments
When there's a claim of inflation dropping, that's the rate of inflation, not prices - prices are still rising, just a little slower. Won't someone think of institutional shareholders and the top few who take so little and give so much.
And of course either the photo or description is wrong, that's not a luxury trim car.
Son says he's interested in his friend's 2010 Ford Taurus SEL for $8,500 with 100,000 miles. His current ride is a 2010 Mercury Milan with 196,000 miles. Rough condition. The Milan has the oil light come on when car comes to a stop. Burns oil. Probably will be going on life support shortly. Getting it looked at Monday. Any thoughts on the Taurus?
That generation of Taurus is not too bad IIRC. Should be 3.5 V6. Only issue I ever had with those is for a big car they feel cramped inside. The center console is massive and the driver’s footwell is very small.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
They’ve always appealed to me, for some reason. Of course, I’d only want the SHO. Is this SEL AWD or FWD? Seems a bit pricey, no?
Just a quick search for comps and I found this one owner, clean history example that is a year younger, 20k fewer miles, and AWD asking just $1500 more.
'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 just gassed up at a Sunoco station @$2.74 for regular. As I’m fueling up I look to the no-name brand next door and see $$2.69. That’s surprising since the $.20 gas tax was suppose to raise prices. More surprising was that this was in the city where prices are usually the highest around.
Gas prices are all over the place. The station close to me is $.69 higher.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
At the American Legion post with the guys watching the Mecum auctions and the bids are simply insane. There were several muscle cars from the late 60's early 70's going for $ 250K more.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
OK a 69 Dodge Daytona Nascar car went for 1.3 million. Must be nice to have money like that that you can throw away.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
This one?
https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0123-539809/1969-dodge-daytona/
Nope, this one:
https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0123-539652/1969-dodge-hemi-daytona-nascar/
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yeah, without checking, I told him it seemed a bit overpriced. Don't know if AWD. I've always thought they pretty good cars.
*40 minute drive to Badyear tires on Wednesday because I had a nail in my tire. I was pretty sure I'd need a new tire. If they asked when I called they could have had it there by the time I came in.
*I drive, they take 90 minutes to tell me they have to order a tire, it will be in next day.
*I call, go in the next day, wait 90 minutes, and they tell me they ordered the wrong tire.
*I tell them they are incompetent, but don't want to say too much just yet in case they sabotage my car.
*I call today, tire is in. I say make sure he has the new tire on the rim by the time I get there.
*I get there and she assures me they will have my tire on as soon as possible.
* in 20 minutes they drove the car up to the door completed. Customer Service lady was a sweetheart, so nice, I told her that she saved them getting a one star review on Yelp and Google.
* She did give 20% discount and free installation. Not worth what I went through but they did try, and the car drives like a new one.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Backing out a space unfortunately leads to many fatalities. In a 2018 study of non-traffic motor vehicle crashes in 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 12,000 vehicle nonoccupants (eg. pedestrians or cyclists) were injured by vehicles backing up, and 284 were killed. This class of crashes, non-traffic, was limited to incidents occurring outside public trafficways, typically driveways and parking facilities.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to being injured or killed in backover collisions. Non-profit organization Kids & Cars reported that 25 children in the U.S. were killed in 2019 due to backover incidents alone.
I don't always back in....but if it is possible to do it I would much rather back in, even without the camera!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
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I’m sure that “art” requires a fine brush and it doesn’t hurt to have pro-active ears either.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
My B-I-L has a small country property, and lots of squirrels...he was talking about shooting them and eating them. I don't go to his place for dinner.
He's the minimalist, had the last rotary black telephone in Canada, has an old version Ranger truck with 3 on the tree, and he pained it pea soup green with a roller brush. Took the tailgate off to get better mileage. Has no TV, burns wood in a stove if it is extremely cold, unplugs all electrical devices if he goes out for a few hours.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You need to get a newer car.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I can solve all his parking problems with not being able to see to back in or back out with this jewel. It may even have a backup camera (but you won't need it).
It symbolizes what's wrong with the US market. Too many big boxes driving around using too much extra fuel to carry 1 person in a 6 person vehicle. This completely bypasses all that conspicuous consumption. LOL
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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I never understood backing into parking spaces. I’ve watched the backer-inners struggle to get groceries in their cars when they back in. On top of that some lots say, “head in parking only” but those are just curtesy words because police can’t enforce that in parking lots. However, when I lived in SC the company policy was head in parking only. Those that backed in had their parking privileges revoked for a month for the first offense. The second offense got you fired. That fixed the problem.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Yeah we watched both of those.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
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Well, he did say it was his “friends” car. So to me that’s akin to thinking you’ll get a good deal at a dealership because you know someone whose neighbor works at a dealership. Yeah, right. Those are the baby seals that dealerships drool over.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
'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
That’s what happens when old guys with lots of money get all liquored up on free drinks.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
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I never understood backing into parking spaces. I’ve watched the backer-inners struggle to get groceries in their cars when they back in. On top of that some lots say, “head in parking only” but those are just curtesy words because police can’t enforce that in parking lots. However, when I lived in SC the company policy was head in parking only. Those that backed in had their parking privileges revoked for a month for the first offense. The second offense got you fired. That fixed the problem.
jmonroe
If we park at the far corner just around the bend in the Publix Plaza I can back in, open the trunk, and load the groceries into the trunk and the buggy stays on the sidewalk. Since I am the only one who thought of this ingenious plan, I usually get that parking space, and backing in works beautifully.
I just back into the space by the square store near the lower right hand side of the diagram.
(By 4868)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That’s what happens when old guys with lots of money get all liquored up on free drinks.
I imagine more drinking will occur when buyer’s remorse hits them.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
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I never understood backing into parking spaces. I’ve watched the backer-inners struggle to get groceries in their cars when they back in. On top of that some lots say, “head in parking only” but those are just curtesy words because police can’t enforce that in parking lots. However, when I lived in SC the company policy was head in parking only. Those that backed in had their parking privileges revoked for a month for the first offense. The second offense got you fired. That fixed the problem.
jmonroe
Speaking of backing in, parking spaces etc. All the homes in our addition have 3 car garages. One double door and one single door. A builder told me that all the double doors are a standard 16 feet, but for the single doors there are two standards, 8 ft. and 9 ft. and a builder can use either one. Probably 90% of the homes have the smaller 8 ft wide doors, and it is extremely difficult to fit a big P.U. or SUV into them. I happen to have the wider 9 ft. single door so not an issue for me. Many of those with the smaller doors always back in for some reason. I guess they think they might need a fast get-a-way. Don't know if garage door regs are the same nationwide or if they are state by state. That one foot makes a huge difference. I think those 8 ft. wide doors should be outlawed.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
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You beat me to it. Another classic line from National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Best Christmas movie ever.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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Why did I know you’d have an answer? I’m sure you can do that in all parking lots.
jmonroe >
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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I agree that 8 foot doors are pretty skinny. I’m surprised to hear that houses with 3 car garages would even bother with 8 footers since they’re relatively newer designed homes (last 20 years or so).
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Maybe they should mandate thinner cars
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
me and I have to back out into the driving lane unable to see anything. They should outlaw tall vehicles
is my opinion. (Fat chance, I know.)
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
plus if the length is tight, got the BU camera (unless you are a tightwad luddite like Driver) to know how much space you have!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I tried the C250, loved driving it, bought it....didn't even think about a rear camera - I just wanted that red car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
offered to help with redoing the unfinished side of his basement (where the broken sewer line got replaced a few weeks ago). Project included painting the cinderblock walls (Drylock paint) and putting down click together vinyl plank flooring.
so of course, this was a job for a PU truck. Loaded a bunch of stuff (never know what tools you might need, turns out my miter chop saw was not one of them!) Dropped that off and took my car to Lowe's to get flooring (he was going to take his S4, but I got a chuckle out of that idea). He learned a lesson, which is boxes of 6"x4' vinyl plank flooring are really heavy. and 24 of them on a crappy Lowe's flatbed cart is really hard to push. I helped, by holding his coat. Dragged all that out to the front, and I pulled the truck around, dropped the tailgate, and easy to just toss all the boxes in with room to spare. Did not even notice it squatting, and that must have been pushing 800 pounds. Sticking all them throw the pass through in his car was not happening, and just getting into the truck would have been horrible.
he actually commented on the way home that maybe he should get one next time because of how convenient. My wife later spoiled that idea by pointing out he knows somebody with one, though usually easier to have it handy at any time.
dragged all the boxes to the basement (not fun) and finally got started installing (after my wife and his fiancee did the wall painting). got about 2/3 done by dinner (starting at 2:30 or so did not help). Quite the pain that job is, with a lot of cutting and finagling to get the pieces lined up and snapped together right. and dirty job. But, what we got done looked way better than the crappy dingy old (probably asbestos) tiles down there. He will finish up Monday.
also put in some LED multi panel lights to replace the dingy weak bulbs so we could see enough to not cut off fingers with a utility knife. place is looking so good now they are actually planning on using that side for something besides junk.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Could these buyer be hoping for a hedge against inflation?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
When we built our first house in the Spring of 1969 I was lucky because my builder only used 9 foot doors (we had 2 of them) so I didn’t have to spend money to upgrade for those. My driveway was as level as your dining room table which is rare in the Burgh area. I decided to learn how to back in right from the first day because I didn’t want to get up early to shovel the driveway in the Winter so I could get to work on time. I figured that by backing in I could get a good running start to plow through a snow built up if I had to and I had to many times in the 20 years I lived there. A side benefit that I didn’t realize until it happened was the tire tracks I left in the morning guided me perfectly into my garage when I came home after work.
Even a genius can’t think of everything.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@stickguy
We re-painted our cinder block walls in the basement before we sold the old house. Tons and tons of scraping and then painting. Took forever.
@imidazol97
I try and be mindful where I park my truck. Considering it is huge I generally park it further away so that I’m not in between smaller cars.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Heating coils in the air handling unit. Very inefficient and costly. It takes about an hour to raise the indoor temp about 2 degrees. Heating costs 3 X more than AC, and takes a long time to heat the place. I use a nice warm comforter when it gets cold like this which is very rare.
I have not used the heat yet - temp in condo is 71 degrees. Supposed to get to 68 degrees outside today. But early this morning the outside temp was 37 degrees. That is darn cold.
My brother said it was in the upper 20’s where he lives near Jacksonville
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D