Why not mail it to each member of this board? You recieve the bottle, have one sip in Mike's honor and then mail it to the next person. __________________________________________________________________________________
Was over at Son #1's place and just got back to this site.
I see that no one has offered to be the first so let it be me. I promise to send it along after one sip to the next member with paid up dues. Yeah, I really will.
PS: Mike, to save you the cost of shipping it to PA, I'll have my Delray Beach SIL pick it up tomorrow. What time do you get back from church in the morning?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
We seem to get opinions here on everything from dishwashers to backsplashes, so it should be safe to ask a question related to car buying, yes? (smile)
Anyone here ever buy from Hertz or Enterprise? I have been looking around online at used minivans. Nearly everything that I see (outside of Odyssey) seems to have been a rental vehicle. So I'm looking at the online sales stores for Hertz and Enterprise.
I used to be opposed to the idea of buying an ex-rental car, but now I'm more open to the idea. And if you are going to buy an ex-rental, why not buy from the rental agency instead of one that's been through an auction and changed hands several times?
Their prices (Hertz and Enterprise) seem well within reason, certainly better than CarMax. I can't believe some of the prices I have seen at CarMax.
So, opinions? Experiences?
My in-laws have bought a lot of vehicles from rental companies. They get really good deals and they've always had good luck with their cars.
Mike said that the neighbors' son gave it to them as a gift. Weird to give them such an expensive bottle if they don't drink. Their loss is Mike's gain. Actually it's weird to give them any alcohol as gift if they don't drink.
I don't drink Scotch, so whoever wants my turn in the Scotch-sip-chain is welcome to have it.
The rental sales lot do seem to have good prices. And as noted, if you buy one that came from an auction, it was probably a rental anyway. At least buying direct, they can supply service records.
One of them (I think Hertz) now has "rent to buy" units (I stumbled upon their ad while cruising the cars.com listings). IIRC, they are current rentals available for sale. You can test drive for 2 hours for free, or rent for a day at a low price. if you want it, they credit the rental fee. So gives you a chance to take a long, free test drive.
That's cool. The 2 hour test drive would be enough time to take it to a mechanic. I wonder if the computer stores info on abuse type activity like how many times the motor hit the rev limiter. If your mechanic could access that it would tell a lot.
The rev limiter is there to prevent any abuse whatsoever. As long as you aren't doing it from a cold start the car should be fine. With newer cars, like the last rental Chevy I might have taken on the track, it goes into a "limp" mode where the car has about 25 HP and let's itself cool down before it self destructs. This was on a recent model newer V6 Auto on a normal temperature day, sometimes only half way through a 30 minute session. My A3 used to do the same thing with the DSG oil, but with much higher limits, after it was 90K miles old, with some Stage 2 upgrade tuning, and on days over 90 degrees and after 20+ minutes of a session only. This kind of thing is why I have my low opinion for Chevy.
That's exactly what I mean. If you take your rental to the track and hit the rev limiter 20 times or beat it into limp mode, that's abuse that I would like to know about as a future buyer.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My '02 Intrigue I bought as a GM Certified used car was an ex-rental, Avis I believe. The only issue I found was a residue of spilled soda pop on the horn pad of the steering wheel that was not immediately visible but was there - it scrubbed off easily enough. It was a good car, no sign of abuse over 6 years of owning it. .
The only issue I had with my 2000 Intrigue was the steering intermediate shaft. It would make clunking noises at slow speeds. They lubed it and that took care of the issue for about 6 months. Ended up replacing it, luckily under warranty. I don't remember the miles that was on the car when I bought it, seem to remember it being around 10k. It was a dealer loaner car for the Olds/Cadillac dealership. One thing that really impressed me is that the OEM floor mats were somewhat dirty. Without me having to ask, they ordered new ones and had them for me a few days later. In hindsight I should have kept that car and not bought the 01 Aurora 4.0. But..the Aurora was priced about 1/3 of what it would have been new and was only 2 years old.
I just love your 68 Cutlass. It is a really nice looking car. I always enjoyed driving my grandmother's 68 Cutlass S and was always amazed by (at least at the time) how well it rode.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Mike said that the neighbors' son gave it to them as a gift. Weird to give them such an expensive bottle if they don't drink. Their loss is Mike's gain. Actually it's weird to give them any alcohol as gift if they don't drink.
I don't drink Scotch, so whoever wants my turn in the Scotch-sip-chain is welcome to have it.
Yes - I asked them about that. They said their son received the bottle of scotch from a business associate while he was down here on business last year. Since the son didn't want to go through security at the airport with a sealed bottle of "liquid" for fear it would be confiscated, he decided to give it to his parents. So in the end, I guess I really have to thank the TSA for the scotch!
The only issue I had with my 2000 Intrigue was the steering intermediate shaft. It would make clunking noises at slow speeds. They lubed it and that took care of the issue for about 6 months. Ended up replacing it, luckily under warranty. I don't remember the miles that was on the car when I bought it, seem to remember it being around 10k. It was a dealer loaner car for the Olds/Cadillac dealership. One thing that really impressed me is that the OEM floor mats were somewhat dirty. Without me having to ask, they ordered new ones and had them for me a few days later. In hindsight I should have kept that car and not bought the 01 Aurora 4.0. But..the Aurora was priced about 1/3 of what it would have been new and was only 2 years old.
I just love your 68 Cutlass. It is a really nice looking car. I always enjoyed driving my grandmother's 68 Cutlass S and was always amazed by (at least at the time) how well it rode.
Thanks for the nice words about the Cutlass. I am looking at possibly getting the front end suspension rebuilt soon as it feels a bit loose. Always something.
My Intrigue also developed that ISS clunk. It was a common problem and typical of GM at the time they did not come up with a good fix. There was for a while a lube kit with grease fitting available from GM but it was not around for very long. Mine was out of warranty when it developed so I bought a spray can of white grease and got at it as best as I could. It seemed to help for a while.
Yes - I asked them about that. They said their son received the bottle of scotch from a business associate while he was down here on business last year. Since the son didn't want to go through security at the airport with a sealed bottle of "liquid" for fear it would be confiscated, he decided to give it to his parents. So in the end, I guess I really have to thank the TSA for the scotch!
Yes - I asked them about that. They said their son received the bottle of scotch from a business associate while he was down here on business last year. Since the son didn't want to go through security at the airport with a sealed bottle of "liquid" for fear it would be confiscated, he decided to give it to his parents. So in the end, I guess I really have to thank the TSA for the scotch!
Ahh, that makes more sense.
Soo, how was it? Did it live up to the hype?
I did not open the bottle. I decided I would keep it for a special occasion when I know someone who drinks scotch would appreciate it.
For all intents and purposes, I think it depends on who you buy an ex-rental from. Hertz seems to take car of their cars the best, followed closely by Avis. No surprises there....they're the two biggest in the industry.
All the ones from Enterprise I have rented have been OK. But, a 1/2 step "less" well cared for than Hertz and Avis.
I've rented some real dogs from Budget and Dollar....check engine lights on, trim falling off, scuffs and scratches, etc.
National has been hit an miss....some are quite nice. Others look like they just came out of a chop shop.
.
As to fleet size according to Forbes Enterprise is the largest car rental company by large margin.
Shows you what I know. Only knock I have with Enterprise is their fleet tends to have higher mileage on them then the ones I get from Hertz or Avis.
Thanks for the feedback so far, more would be welcome. I cleaned up the Cadillac this morning, and posted it for sale on Craigslist. I have not fully decided to make a move, but I decided to see if the Cadillac would sell easily. If it does, then I will make up my mind about whether or not to replace, or just get along with only the truck.
I appreciate all of the kind words about my DTS, and the ad I wrote to try and sell it. A great bunch of people here, and I do enjoy this community. Also the feedback about buying an ex-rental car. I have always tended to shy away from ex-rentals, due to the fear of abuse, but I suppose no one out there is taking a rented minivan to the track and abusing it, so … (smile)
Mike, I would not open that bottle of $1500 scotch. I simply would not do that, it would hurt my soul to think of more than $1,000 disappearing into thin air when I twisted the cap and broke the seal. Especially if you’re not a scotch drinker, which I am not myself. The most expensive booze I have ever purchased was some 10 year old Tullamore Dew for about $50. Irish Whiskey, very unlike scotch, and if you’re a bourbon drinker like me, then Irish will taste much better to you.
And speaking of backsplash, a young man of my acquaintance just bought his first house. The previous owner had put in one of “those” backsplashes, the kind recently pictured here in these forums. It’s the kind of thing that really catches your eye immediately when you walk into the kitchen. I suspect most people will either love it or hate it. I’m not sure it’s something I would want to live with long term, but I would never change out a functional unit just for the sake of appearance. That would be money and energy wasted that I could spend on cars or computers!
Usually, though, such decisions are made by the “better half”. My ex would run me all over town looking at faucets for the kitchen sink until she found just the right one.
that MB is actually taking up 5 spots! Nice car that does not deserve the treatment, but the owner sure does.
I recounted and you are right! I have seen taking up 2 spots but never 4 or 5! Must be a real narcissist! Or obsessive compulsive maybe. I have just learned to try and park as well as I can, the end of an aisle, next to an extra wide handicap spot, next to cars with minimal damage......if I try to hard to be safe and park a mile away some moron will find me and park his rusted out dented car with huge doors and held together with Bondo right next to me.
Yes - I asked them about that. They said their son received the bottle of scotch from a business associate while he was down here on business last year. Since the son didn't want to go through security at the airport with a sealed bottle of "liquid" for fear it would be confiscated, he decided to give it to his parents. So in the end, I guess I really have to thank the TSA for the scotch!
Ahh, that makes more sense.
Soo, how was it? Did it live up to the hype?
I did not open the bottle. I decided I would keep it for a special occasion when I know someone who drinks scotch would appreciate it.
Good idea! Give it about 3 months and if no one shows up who will appreciate it go with Plan B, sending it around to your friends at C&C.
henryn....I'd probably coming to chat with you about that Caddy as a 2nd car if I was closer. That's got another decade of what's likely to be trouble free Caddy cruising in it.
Mike....kind of reminds me of a dinner party I went to several years ago. The host was serving what allegedly was very expensive caviar and pate. I passed on both. When they told me how expensive it was, I told them....."it could cost a year's salary, I don't like pate nor caviar. Cost has no bearing."
Sounds like you're the same with the scotch. Regardless of the price, you just don't like it. I can relate. I love bourbon but hate scotch....even though both are essentially, whiskeys.
I had some expensive Pappy Van Winkle bourbon at a bourbon bar not too far from kyfdx's abode a few weeks ago. I only had a couple of ounces, but was told a fifth sold for $3K.
I love me some bourbon, but I preferred the bourbon I drink regularly....Michters Small Batch at around $40 a fifth.
I'd sell or regift it to someone who enjoys scotch.
The Indy Shop I use in town has five star Yelp ratings and they are always busy. They will no longer work on European cars because of past problems and constant comebacks. Like I heard one shop owner say about Audis " They don't stay fixed"!
Sounds like a guy and a shop that doesn't know the first thing about German automobiles. The space shuttles would have been more unreliable if I had worked on them
Also sounds like that shop is just in over their heads.
My friend who owned the Maserati was invited to a bottle opening of a fine wine....$15000 a bottle. There were 8 people there, they uncorked the wine and poured it into glasses, one for each person. My friend didn't know what the custom was so he just drank his right away. You're supposed to wait until they explain how the wine came to be so exclusive, and then drink a toast. When they saw he drank his wine before they could do that they asked him to leave.
So, if we get invited to Mike's don't down your allotment before the speaches and announcements.
Ab, I had a 79 Cutlass that looked exactly like this and I loved that car:
How long did you have it Driver? Did you buy it new? I ask because a friend had a '79 Regal of a similar style that he bought new and it was awful in terms of quality. He is a GM loyalist but he admits it was one of the worst cars he ever owned. I know around here those late-70s A-bodies developed a reputation for rust in the rear frame rails and the rear bumpers. Too bad because they drove nicely when they were right.
Driver's Rule about Trying to maintain a worn out Used Car.....a perfect example.
My SIL, who I am not a big fan of because of his business habits and poor decision making etc has a son who graduated from university, and got a very good job.
His son was driving a 1989 Volvo with almost 400k miles on it. The car had several $1000 worth of repairs up until then, but, within a year it had a $2000 transmission repair, and a few months later $4000 engine replacement.
My grandson asked for my advice and I said lease a new car. It will be reliable (especially since he has to go to onsite locations), it will look better if one of the bosses sees you, and you can start paying down a car you could drive for a long time. He doesn't care about cars and he is into environment stuff so he wanted a Nissan Leaf. Not my first choice but at least it is new and reliable.
So, he asks his father and the father (my SIL) tells him it would be better just keeping the Volvo. So, about 10 months later the Volvo is garbage. They probably poured more money into it that I don't know about, but they sank at least $6000 into a car that lasted about 20 months....and he has nothing to show for his money.
A new Focus or Corolla, Civic or even Leaf would have cost about $300 a month, and he could drive it until the end of the lease or keep it, probably for 10 or 15 years with the mileage he does. Heck, for $10k he could be driving a lightly driven Cadillac DTS that will last for at least 10 years (with his mileage)!
This was a case of false economizing (as I call it), and it happens all the time.
People get sucked in, and can't grasp the sunk cost concept. basically they think that because they just put $ into it, they have to "get their moneys worth" out of it. Often that just means driving it until the next expensive failure happens.
older cars are fine, if they are in good shape, and reliable. And sometimes you can run the numbers and make it look good. but at some point, with any car, you need to cut bait and move on.
agree with GG-- prefer KY bourbon over scotch; found a four roses thats really nice and not too $$$
test drives: wife looking to replace 10 yo subaru tribeca, that has been a workhorse; wife wants a wagon
Subaru-- they must sell everything as dealer stock seems limited; impreza, outback, forester waga\ons all functional-- just not as nice as my audi
audi-- went for wash so I could clay bar and way A4 later; drove A3, A4-- really nice; sat in RS5-- wow, used
tesla-- drove top end S (P90D) ; ludicris mode is amazing and with the low Center of gravity, corners at speed ; if I have 140K, that would be on the list; the new Tesla 3 should be interesting
People get sucked in, and can't grasp the sunk cost concept. basically they think that because they just put $ into it, they have to "get their moneys worth" out of it. Often that just means driving it until the next expensive failure happens.
older cars are fine, if they are in good shape, and reliable. And sometimes you can run the numbers and make it look good. but at some point, with any car, you need to cut bait and move on.
Very happy I let go of the Vibe when I did. It was getting to that point when you don't know if the next costly problem would be in a month (likely) or a year (a wishful hope). Time to cut bait!
I appreciate all of the kind words about my DTS, and the ad I wrote to try and sell it. A great bunch of people here, and I do enjoy this community. Also the feedback about buying an ex-rental car. I have always tended to shy away from ex-rentals, due to the fear of abuse, but I suppose no one out there is taking a rented minivan to the track and abusing it, so … (smile)
Mike, I would not open that bottle of $1500 scotch. I simply would not do that, it would hurt my soul to think of more than $1,000 disappearing into thin air when I twisted the cap and broke the seal. Especially if you’re not a scotch drinker, which I am not myself. The most expensive booze I have ever purchased was some 10 year old Tullamore Dew for about $50. Irish Whiskey, very unlike scotch, and if you’re a bourbon drinker like me, then Irish will taste much better to you.
And speaking of backsplash, a young man of my acquaintance just bought his first house. The previous owner had put in one of “those” backsplashes, the kind recently pictured here in these forums. It’s the kind of thing that really catches your eye immediately when you walk into the kitchen. I suspect most people will either love it or hate it. I’m not sure it’s something I would want to live with long term, but I would never change out a functional unit just for the sake of appearance. That would be money and energy wasted that I could spend on cars or computers!
Usually, though, such decisions are made by the “better half”. My ex would run me all over town looking at faucets for the kitchen sink until she found just the right one.
On one of my son's rehab's, he had a rather narrow backsplash, maybe 12 inches. He used those narrow glass tiles like we have been showing, but he put them in vertically rather than horizontal. I had never seen that done before but it looked great., and made the backsplash look broader.
Gotta love the ambition of extended warranty marketers. Just got a mailer from Ford stating:
"You purchased your Ford 8 months ago. That means your 3 year 36,000 mile warranty may be expiring soon..."
No information on how much an additional 3 years would cost but I estimate about $1600. Not sure if I want a car that might have a $1600 repair before 75,000 miles.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The Indy Shop I use in town has five star Yelp ratings and they are always busy. They will no longer work on European cars because of past problems and constant comebacks. Like I heard one shop owner say about Audis " They don't stay fixed"!
Sounds like a guy and a shop that doesn't know the first thing about German automobiles. The space shuttles would have been more unreliable if I had worked on them
The Indy Shop I use in town has five star Yelp ratings and they are always busy. They will no longer work on European cars because of past problems and constant comebacks. Like I heard one shop owner say about Audis " They don't stay fixed"!
Sounds like a guy and a shop that doesn't know the first thing about German automobiles. The space shuttles would have been more unreliable if I had worked on them
Oh, he knows all about working on German cars but he simply chooses not to work on them anymore. He is always booked and they do great work but they have a small shop. After owning quite a few European cars I fully understand. It's no wonder that the car warranty companies charge through the roof for certain cars and refuse to sell a warranty at ANY price for some models such as Land Rovers.
The Indy Shop I use in town has five star Yelp ratings and they are always busy. They will no longer work on European cars because of past problems and constant comebacks. Like I heard one shop owner say about Audis " They don't stay fixed"!
Sounds like a guy and a shop that doesn't know the first thing about German automobiles. The space shuttles would have been more unreliable if I had worked on them
Also sounds like that shop is just in over their heads.
That's not it. They have a very small shop and more work than they can handle as it is.
I got one at christmas, but still need to set it up. I got a Fitbit charge. Nice unit. I got the HR (includes heart rate) but if you don't care about that, the standard model is a bit cheaper.
look at the fitbit site. sometimes the prices are better than the stores, plus good support (returns if needed).
and be real careful measuring your wrist. use the measure tool on the website (you print it out and cut out a marked band). Unless you have really thick wrists, most likely you will not need bigger than a Large.
"Anyone have a suggestion on buying a Fitbit or other similar device?"
I believe there was a recent controversy about them being inaccurate. I personally would do a search on this before buying. Also like many other things, after the novelty wears off many people let them sit in their drawers.
Anyone have a suggestion on buying a Fitbit or other similar device?
My wife got me one 2 years ago and it was the "old" style with just a series of dots instead of actual numbers. Unless it was hooked up to a Smartphone it didn't really do anything on it's own. It was a pain to charge and it ended up in a drawer. Then this Christmas my kids got me a FitBit Charge, and it's much more user friendly. I have worn it almost every day since then. It tracks steps and is also a watch. According to it I walk about 12,000-15,000 steps a day. That seems about right since I have 3.5 mile loop I do pretty religiously. Of course it is just a guide. One day while raking my lawn I "walked" over 20,000 steps since I think that arm movement has a lot to do with the step counts. I turned off the heart rate function so it will hold a charge for almost a week.
My wife has had a Fitbit Charge for almost a year. She likes the feedback from the site. Now there's a tool that lets you know when you've done a certain number of steps each hour through the day. Her setting is 250. She's considering getting a Charge HR, which gives the heart rate.
I watched a sales presentation on QVC or HSN this morning pimping for a Sony tracker device. They were trying to cut down the competition without directly saying it. Just like with cars, LOL.
I recommend shopping Amazon especially if you have Prime for the 2-day shipping.
Ah gizmos. Our weekend company had an EKG gizmo attached to her smart phone. She has an arrhythmia she likes to keep track of.
Mine was normal.
Another friend upgraded their Fitbit and give me theirs (the dots one). I gave it back after playing with it a day, but I don't like wearing watches or jewelry. Glasses are about all I'll tolerate.
Same friend gave us an iPhone4 that sits in a drawer. Not sure why no one has tried to give us a car.
Ah gizmos. Our weekend company had an EKG gizmo attached to her smart phone. She has an arrhythmia she likes to keep track of.
Mine was normal.
Another friend upgraded their Fitbit and give me theirs (the dots one). I gave it back after playing with it a day, but I don't like wearing watches or jewelry. Glasses are about all I'll tolerate.
Same friend gave us an iPhone4 that sits in a drawer. Not sure why no one has tried to give us a car.
Because you'd either return it to them or stick it in some cubbyhole or garage for eternity. You are not an easy person to give gifts to, that's for sure!
So is it me or are Shifty and I the only ones who want the scotch for the scotch as opposed to the price and doing a great favor to Mike by taking it off his hands? Too bad. Shifty and I are on opposite coasts.
I have a friend who is down visiting another friend in Fort Lauderdale. This is a friend from Hope Lodge in NYC after the transplant. His wife was a patient there at the same time. We're the two out of maybe a dozen patients who came out alive and thriving. Last I knew there was one alive and struggling but the others are all gone.
All I have to do is say "Hey, Angel. While you're down there why don't you pick up a bottle of scotch for me?"
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I ended up getting an Apple Watch for my birthday from my wife. I didn't want the Fitbit because I didn't want to wear multiple devices.
I love it, of course I use all Apple devices which helps. You can only pair Apple Watch with an iPhone.
I knew I could count on you guys for some great input!
I really try to get in a fast walk around our 'hood every day for a half hour. I was thinking a fitbit or similar product would inspire me to push myself. Yes, I know about the novelty wearing off part and I've been guilty in the past of this. I've spent a lot of time on Amazon reading reviews etc.
I have an IPhone6 so the Apple Watch was appealing but they are EXPENSIVE and for the life of me I don't see much benefit since I carry the phone anyway. Just seems redundant but I could be missing something I suppose.
Oh, I don't know about the cubbyhole part @abacomike. Remember, we've moved twice in 5 years and everything we owned fit in three minivan loads for the recent move to Las Cruces. And yeah, if it sits around gathering dust, it'll get gifted along to the next person.
I have no interest in scotch. I believe I tried it in 1965 with Coke and didn't like it at all. I keep a pint of Maker's Mark for medicinal purposes. I think it's 25 years old. Don't get sick very often where I just need a dose and to go to bed. But it was imported from Kentucky besides being made there.
I find it funny to read people on my Twitter timeline going on constantly about how they need to up their step count based on what this thing tells them. It is quite bizarre how obsessed they get. But many people have gone totally off the deep end in regard to fitness. Nothing wrong with being fit. I just question the way some people make it the most important thing in their lives.
Another off the wall question that isn't car related.
Anyone have a suggestion on buying a Fitbit or other similar device?
Just got the wife a Fit Bit Alta. She loves it. Does everything but heart rate. Connected to our PC and her Note 4 flawlessly. Also alerts her to texts. IMO it does a lot for $129.99. Pretty neat to see the little drawn in area on a map of where we walked.
Comments
Why not mail it to each member of this board? You recieve the bottle, have one sip in Mike's honor and then mail it to the next person.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Was over at Son #1's place and just got back to this site.
I see that no one has offered to be the first so let it be me. I promise to send it along after one sip to the next member with paid up dues. Yeah, I really will.
PS: Mike, to save you the cost of shipping it to PA, I'll have my Delray Beach SIL pick it up tomorrow. What time do you get back from church in the morning?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I don't drink Scotch, so whoever wants my turn in the Scotch-sip-chain is welcome to have it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I just love your 68 Cutlass. It is a really nice looking car. I always enjoyed driving my grandmother's 68 Cutlass S and was always amazed by (at least at the time) how well it rode.
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
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My Intrigue also developed that ISS clunk. It was a common problem and typical of GM at the time they did not come up with a good fix. There was for a while a lube kit with grease fitting available from GM but it was not around for very long. Mine was out of warranty when it developed so I bought a spray can of white grease and got at it as best as I could. It seemed to help for a while.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Soo, how was it? Did it live up to the hype?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike, I would not open that bottle of $1500 scotch. I simply would not do that, it would hurt my soul to think of more than $1,000 disappearing into thin air when I twisted the cap and broke the seal. Especially if you’re not a scotch drinker, which I am not myself. The most expensive booze I have ever purchased was some 10 year old Tullamore Dew for about $50. Irish Whiskey, very unlike scotch, and if you’re a bourbon drinker like me, then Irish will taste much better to you.
And speaking of backsplash, a young man of my acquaintance just bought his first house. The previous owner had put in one of “those” backsplashes, the kind recently pictured here in these forums. It’s the kind of thing that really catches your eye immediately when you walk into the kitchen. I suspect most people will either love it or hate it. I’m not sure it’s something I would want to live with long term, but I would never change out a functional unit just for the sake of appearance. That would be money and energy wasted that I could spend on cars or computers!
Usually, though, such decisions are made by the “better half”. My ex would run me all over town looking at faucets for the kitchen sink until she found just the right one.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Good idea! Give it about 3 months and if no one shows up who will appreciate it go with Plan B, sending it around to your friends at C&C.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mike....kind of reminds me of a dinner party I went to several years ago. The host was serving what allegedly was very expensive caviar and pate. I passed on both. When they told me how expensive it was, I told them....."it could cost a year's salary, I don't like pate nor caviar. Cost has no bearing."
Sounds like you're the same with the scotch. Regardless of the price, you just don't like it. I can relate. I love bourbon but hate scotch....even though both are essentially, whiskeys.
I had some expensive Pappy Van Winkle bourbon at a bourbon bar not too far from kyfdx's abode a few weeks ago. I only had a couple of ounces, but was told a fifth sold for $3K.
I love me some bourbon, but I preferred the bourbon I drink regularly....Michters Small Batch at around $40 a fifth.
I'd sell or regift it to someone who enjoys scotch.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
There were 8 people there, they uncorked the wine and poured it into glasses, one for each person.
My friend didn't know what the custom was so he just drank his right away.
You're supposed to wait until they explain how the wine came to be so exclusive, and then drink a toast.
When they saw he drank his wine before they could do that they asked him to leave.
So, if we get invited to Mike's don't down your allotment before the speaches and announcements.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
My SIL, who I am not a big fan of because of his business habits and poor decision making etc has a son who graduated from university, and got a very good job.
His son was driving a 1989 Volvo with almost 400k miles on it. The car had several $1000 worth of repairs up until then, but, within a year it had a $2000 transmission repair, and a few months later $4000 engine replacement.
My grandson asked for my advice and I said lease a new car. It will be reliable (especially since he has to go to onsite locations), it will look better if one of the bosses sees you, and you can start paying down a car you could drive for a long time. He doesn't care about cars and he is into environment stuff so he wanted a Nissan Leaf. Not my first choice but at least it is new and reliable.
So, he asks his father and the father (my SIL) tells him it would be better just keeping the Volvo. So, about 10 months later the Volvo is garbage. They probably poured more money into it that I don't know about, but they sank at least $6000 into a car that lasted about 20 months....and he has nothing to show for his money.
A new Focus or Corolla, Civic or even Leaf would have cost about $300 a month, and he could drive it until the end of the lease or keep it, probably for 10 or 15 years with the mileage he does. Heck, for $10k he could be driving a lightly driven Cadillac DTS that will last for at least 10 years (with his mileage)!
This was a case of false economizing (as I call it), and it happens all the time.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
older cars are fine, if they are in good shape, and reliable. And sometimes you can run the numbers and make it look good. but at some point, with any car, you need to cut bait and move on.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
hope all better in Miami, mike;
agree with GG-- prefer KY bourbon over scotch; found a four roses thats really nice and not too $$$
test drives: wife looking to replace 10 yo subaru tribeca, that has been a workhorse; wife wants a wagon
Subaru-- they must sell everything as dealer stock seems limited; impreza, outback, forester waga\ons all functional-- just not as nice as my audi
audi-- went for wash so I could clay bar and way A4 later; drove A3, A4-- really nice; sat in RS5-- wow, used
tesla-- drove top end S (P90D) ; ludicris mode is amazing and with the low Center of gravity, corners at speed ; if I have 140K, that would be on the list; the new Tesla 3 should be interesting
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
"You purchased your Ford 8 months ago. That means your 3 year 36,000 mile warranty may be expiring soon..."
No information on how much an additional 3 years would cost but I estimate about $1600. Not sure if I want a car that might have a $1600 repair before 75,000 miles.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Anyone have a suggestion on buying a Fitbit or other similar device?
look at the fitbit site. sometimes the prices are better than the stores, plus good support (returns if needed).
and be real careful measuring your wrist. use the measure tool on the website (you print it out and cut out a marked band). Unless you have really thick wrists, most likely you will not need bigger than a Large.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I believe there was a recent controversy about them being inaccurate. I personally would do a search on this before buying. Also like many other things, after the novelty wears off many people let them sit in their drawers.
My wife got me one 2 years ago and it was the "old" style with just a series of dots instead of actual numbers. Unless it was hooked up to a Smartphone it didn't really do anything on it's own. It was a pain to charge and it ended up in a drawer.
Then this Christmas my kids got me a FitBit Charge, and it's much more user friendly. I have worn it almost every day since then. It tracks steps and is also a watch. According to it I walk about 12,000-15,000 steps a day. That seems about right since I have 3.5 mile loop I do pretty religiously. Of course it is just a guide. One day while raking my lawn I "walked" over 20,000 steps since I think that arm movement has a lot to do with the step counts.
I turned off the heart rate function so it will hold a charge for almost a week.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
I watched a sales presentation on QVC or HSN this morning pimping for a Sony tracker device. They were trying to cut down the competition without directly saying it. Just like with cars, LOL.
I recommend shopping Amazon especially if you have Prime for the 2-day shipping.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I love it, of course I use all Apple devices which helps. You can only pair Apple Watch with an iPhone.
How self obsessed are you?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Mine was normal.
Another friend upgraded their Fitbit and give me theirs (the dots one). I gave it back after playing with it a day, but I don't like wearing watches or jewelry. Glasses are about all I'll tolerate.
Same friend gave us an iPhone4 that sits in a drawer. Not sure why no one has tried to give us a car.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I have a friend who is down visiting another friend in Fort Lauderdale. This is a friend from Hope Lodge in NYC after the transplant. His wife was a patient there at the same time. We're the two out of maybe a dozen patients who came out alive and thriving. Last I knew there was one alive and struggling but the others are all gone.
All I have to do is say "Hey, Angel. While you're down there why don't you pick up a bottle of scotch for me?"
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Thank God you are still with us, fezo! The world would not be as nice a place without you! God Bless!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I really try to get in a fast walk around our 'hood every day for a half hour. I was thinking a fitbit or similar product would inspire me to push myself. Yes, I know about the novelty wearing off part and I've been guilty in the past of this. I've spent a lot of time on Amazon reading reviews etc.
I have an IPhone6 so the Apple Watch was appealing but they are EXPENSIVE and for the life of me I don't see much benefit since I carry the phone anyway. Just seems redundant but I could be missing something I suppose.
Anyway, THANKS for the input!
I keep a pint of Maker's Mark for medicinal purposes. I think it's 25 years old. Don't get
sick very often where I just need a dose and to go to bed.
But it was imported from Kentucky besides being made there.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Ha!
I find it funny to read people on my Twitter timeline going on constantly about how they need to up their step count based on what this thing tells them. It is quite bizarre how obsessed they get. But many people have gone totally off the deep end in regard to fitness. Nothing wrong with being fit. I just question the way some people make it the most important thing in their lives.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart