Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

dino001 said:

Some people can't be helped, even if their life depended on it. They'd rather blame Bush, Obama, global warming, globalization, Wall Street bankers, or Sun spots.

I now understand why salespeople still pull that nonsense. There must be a lot of people who buy whatever they're sold.

They seem very happy with their purchase so as Isell always said...if the customer is happy it was a good deal. I'll never say anything critical to them about it.

oldfarmer50

nelsonf said:

Dealer installed leather in a base dart? Oh the humanity!

That one I actually agree with. My SIL has advanced MS and the leather will help her slide out into her wheelchair easier.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

For some reason the car still has wheel mounted shift paddles and launch control- features that might be used by 0.005% of G12 owners(Alpina B7 owners excepted).

I have tried paddle shifters once to see how well they work, going down a steep hill. I like a manual gear shift, but, the paddles do nothing for me, and are actually difficult to use as I have to think do I want a - or a + in this situation. Then, I think, is it worth ruining my transmission if I do the wrong thing!

Don't think you will ruin the transmission or the engine. Using the paddle shifters with either an automatic or DCT the computers keep you from doing stuff that will hurt the engine or transmission. Such things as not allowing an up shift if the engine speed isn't high enough to make the shift.

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

Michaell said:

Both the MINI and the Subaru have paddles; to my knowledge, neither my daughter or my have ever used them.

I have, occasionally, just for the fun of it.

My E-GT has the shifter that I can move into "manual" mode, the move it backwards or forwards to change gears. Again, not something that gets used all that often.

However, I am seriously considering a stick shift for my next car, when the lease is up in a few months.

A manual is not in my future until I retire and move away from traffic congestion.

Planning on moving to the desert?

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

nelsonf said:

Dealer installed leather in a base dart? Oh the humanity!

That one I actually agree with. My SIL has advanced MS and the leather will help her slide out into her wheelchair easier.

It sounds like the deal from hell. I didn't think dealers could get away with those tactics any more. Your in laws did no preparation, they knew nothing about the real costs.....and they bought a car that is going to be discontinued next year. Cars like the Dart and Chryco 200 and Vernano are being dropped to leave assembly lines free to build more trucks and SUVs which sell better, and are more profitable.

If they waited, they could have bought the Dart on sale. Lease prices are probably high because depreciation will be greater.

stickguy

could have gotten an Elanta limited for less money most likely.

roadburner

I clocked this puppy in today; a 2016 X5 with BMW Individual paint and just about every M Performance accessory in the catalog: aero kit, CF trim, Power Kit, exhaust, wheels- you name it-

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

For some reason the car still has wheel mounted shift paddles and launch control- features that might be used by 0.005% of G12 owners(Alpina B7 owners excepted).

I have tried paddle shifters once to see how well they work, going down a steep hill. I like a manual gear shift, but, the paddles do nothing for me, and are actually difficult to use as I have to think do I want a - or a + in this situation. Then, I think, is it worth ruining my transmission if I do the wrong thing!

Don't think you will ruin the transmission or the engine. Using the paddle shifters with either an automatic or DCT the computers keep you from doing stuff that will hurt the engine or transmission. Such things as not allowing an up shift if the engine speed isn't high enough to make the shift.

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

The only real danger with down shifting for going down hills, even steep ones, is red lining your engine. As long as your engine speed is below the limits of the engine you really won't have an issue with wear on the engine or transmission.

On the other had the more you use your brakes the hotter they get, the hotter they get the less effective they are. Go down a long enough steep hill using just your brakes you just might end up without brakes.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

Michaell said:

Both the MINI and the Subaru have paddles; to my knowledge, neither my daughter or my have ever used them.

I have, occasionally, just for the fun of it.

My E-GT has the shifter that I can move into "manual" mode, the move it backwards or forwards to change gears. Again, not something that gets used all that often.

However, I am seriously considering a stick shift for my next car, when the lease is up in a few months.

A manual is not in my future until I retire and move away from traffic congestion.

Planning on moving to the desert?

Nope just away from a big city with lots of traffic.

berri

...and Illinois taxes and fiscal malfeasance

cdnpinhead

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

If you try that in the Rockies with an 8-mile 6% downgrade you'll burn your brakes out before you get to the bottom. I can often smell people from the flatlands coming down a pass.

andres3

cdnpinhead said:

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

If you try that in the Rockies with an 8-mile 6% downgrade you'll burn your brakes out before you get to the bottom. I can often smell people from the flatlands coming down a pass.



Why not just let it ride with no brakes. Too much traffic?

Michaell

cdnpinhead said:

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

If you try that in the Rockies with an 8-mile 6% downgrade you'll burn your brakes out before you get to the bottom. I can often smell people from the flatlands coming down a pass.



Exactly. I'll downshift the transmission on some of those grades coming down I-70 to maintain a decent speed.

Sandman6472

Have never used the paddle shifters in either vehicle to date since the roads are so flat here. the only height we get is going on overpasses. Just put the selector in "D" and off I go. The Golf shifts rather smoothly, the A3 even smoother...a pleasure to drive both. Now with my oldest, am going to push her away from a CVT on her next purchase unless it's a new Civic. I am starting to really like them the more I drive them at work. Think she'll go for the Elantra though as that's what she really wanted back in 2009, and we both like the new "mini Sonata" that the '17 Elantra has become. She's probably at 80K right now on her '09 Versa SL hatch and she said she'll go to 100K if it behaves. The first time it strands her, we'll be off to the dealers. Thinking that the Miami Auto Show in November might be the place to go to show her the styling that's out there so she can come up with a short list.
Since she's fitting the bill, want her to see what's out there so she can get what she wants. She drives a lot for work, gets mileage, so want her to be happy, safe & comfortable. Hey, she'll always be "my baby" no matter how old she is!

The Sandman

murphydog

roadburner said:

I clocked this puppy in today; a 2016 X5 with BMW Individual paint and just about every M Performance accessory in the catalog: aero kit, CF trim, Power Kit, exhaust, wheels- you name it-

Wow - while I know this is not for everybody, I like this SUV! Currently have an X3 with the M Sport package, and it is perfect for us, but if we were graduating this is what I would look at.

murphydog

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

brian125

murphydog said:

roadburner said:

I clocked this puppy in today; a 2016 X5 with BMW Individual paint and just about every M Performance accessory in the catalog: aero kit, CF trim, Power Kit, exhaust, wheels- you name it-

Wow - while I know this is not for everybody, I like this SUV! Currently have an X3 with the M Sport package, and it is perfect for us, but if we were graduating this is what I would look at.

The new X5 is BMW best one yet. I'm on my 3rd one. I have rave reviews for my X5. My 2012 was not that trilled with. If you get a chance go test drive a 50i or the X5m with M performance and all the trimmings. It will keep you up at night thinking about it. ..

Michaell

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Those look nice. Should open up your potential buyer pool.

snakeweasel

andres3 said:

cdnpinhead said:

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

If you try that in the Rockies with an 8-mile 6% downgrade you'll burn your brakes out before you get to the bottom. I can often smell people from the flatlands coming down a pass.

Why not just let it ride with no brakes. Too much traffic?

Because two things 1.) high speeds and 2.) sharp mountain turns. The two don't mix.

oldfarmer50

oldfarmer50 said:

dino001 said:

Some people can't be helped, even

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Looks sharp to me.

oldfarmer50

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

OK let's try this again.

That looks really sharp. Maybe you should keep it.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

Michaell said:

Both the MINI and the Subaru have paddles; to my knowledge, neither my daughter or my have ever used them.

I have, occasionally, just for the fun of it.

My E-GT has the shifter that I can move into "manual" mode, the move it backwards or forwards to change gears. Again, not something that gets used all that often.

However, I am seriously considering a stick shift for my next car, when the lease is up in a few months.

A manual is not in my future until I retire and move away from traffic congestion.

Planning on moving to the desert?

Nope just away from a big city with lots of traffic.

Be careful what you wish for.......think it over carefully. 18 years ago we moved about 15 minutes out of town, we were on 100 acres, thought it would be quiet and restful, and it is in some ways - but, there could be a whole other set of problems you may not have thought of. I will list at random;
*If unexpected visitors come you may travel for miles to get food items
*Plan grocery trips carefully, a long ways if you forget something
*Keep a cooler in the car in warm weather, to bring home frozen and refrigerated items
*As you get older you may want to live closer to hospitals and doctors
*Quiet country can get noisy with frogs and/or crickets at night
*There was a drag strip about 5 miles away....sound carries at night
*People tend to drive by and throw all kinds of things out of their car...onto your property.
A big one is they like to drop off old tires and sofas

Just some things to think about. I prefer to be in civilization. Oh, and a big one is we can go for a walk in the evening with the dog, it is hard to walk around when it is dark out in the country.

driver100

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Now that is a huge improvement........looks really sharp!

ab348

driver100 said:

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Now that is a huge improvement........looks really sharp!

Totally agree - those chrome wheels look incredible against that body color.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

Michaell said:

Both the MINI and the Subaru have paddles; to my knowledge, neither my daughter or my have ever used them.

I have, occasionally, just for the fun of it.

My E-GT has the shifter that I can move into "manual" mode, the move it backwards or forwards to change gears. Again, not something that gets used all that often.

However, I am seriously considering a stick shift for my next car, when the lease is up in a few months.

A manual is not in my future until I retire and move away from traffic congestion.

Planning on moving to the desert?

Nope just away from a big city with lots of traffic.

Be careful what you wish for.......think it over carefully. 18 years ago we moved about 15 minutes out of town, we were on 100 acres, thought it would be quiet and restful, and it is in some ways - but, there could be a whole other set of problems you may not have thought of. I will list at random;
*If unexpected visitors come you may travel for miles to get food items
*Plan grocery trips carefully, a long ways if you forget something
*Keep a cooler in the car in warm weather, to bring home frozen and refrigerated items
*As you get older you may want to live closer to hospitals and doctors
*Quiet country can get noisy with frogs and/or crickets at night
*There was a drag strip about 5 miles away....sound carries at night
*People tend to drive by and throw all kinds of things out of their car...onto your property.
A big one is they like to drop off old tires and sofas

Just some things to think about. I prefer to be in civilization. Oh, and a big one is we can go for a walk in the evening with the dog, it is hard to walk around when it is dark out in the country.

I am not talking about moving out of town just to a much less populated area. I live in a metropolitan area of over 10 million people and traffic can get a bit of an issue. An example, the last time I was in Nashville, TN my father asked me when I was going to leave the next morning which was a week day. I said that I wanted to beat rush hour traffic so I was thinking between 7:30 and 8:00 am. His next door neighbor who was visiting mentioned that that was right in the middle of rush hour and my dad responding that I wasn't concerned about Nashville's rush hour, I was concerned about Chicago's rush hour. Nashville's rush hour is a walk in the park compared to Chicago's.

So no not out of town, just away from a big city to a much smaller town. Tampa would even qualify (even though I would prefer smaller).

driver100

roadburner said:

I clocked this puppy in today; a 2016 X5 with BMW Individual paint and just about every M Performance accessory in the catalog: aero kit, CF trim, Power Kit, exhaust, wheels- you name it-

X5 looks great! I like the styling and they made it with very large windows......I give them a lot of credit for getting it right.

But, I also like MBs M350

stever

Yeah, nice choice on the Empis.

nelsonf

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Much better! Good luck with the sale!

nelsonf

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

For some reason the car still has wheel mounted shift paddles and launch control- features that might be used by 0.005% of G12 owners(Alpina B7 owners excepted).

I have tried paddle shifters once to see how well they work, going down a steep hill. I like a manual gear shift, but, the paddles do nothing for me, and are actually difficult to use as I have to think do I want a - or a + in this situation. Then, I think, is it worth ruining my transmission if I do the wrong thing!

Don't think you will ruin the transmission or the engine. Using the paddle shifters with either an automatic or DCT the computers keep you from doing stuff that will hurt the engine or transmission. Such things as not allowing an up shift if the engine speed isn't high enough to make the shift.

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

The only real danger with down shifting for going down hills, even steep ones, is red lining your engine. As long as your engine speed is below the limits of the engine you really won't have an issue with wear on the engine or transmission.

On the other had the more you use your brakes the hotter they get, the hotter they get the less effective they are. Go down a long enough steep hill using just your brakes you just might end up without brakes.

The infamous "money shift".

nyccarguy

@brian125 - you got a 2016 X5? Did you register your "punch" over on CCBA?

graphicguy

OldFarmer....I could see where that sale was going as soon as you said the salesperson pulled out the 4-square sheet. Keeping silent had to be killing you.

But, sometimes you can't save people from themselves.

Murphy...THAT's a cool looking car. I'm sure you'll get plenty of bites.

RB....I've always liked all of BMW's SUVs. If I were in the market, now being an empty nester, I could probably be talked in to an X1 or X3. X5 is a bit on the big side for me.

Still have a car buying itch. I just can't land on something I really want.

nyccarguy

I'm going to load up the car and head out after work today. Stamford, CT to Harrisonburg, VA today. On to Charlottle, NC tomorrow and then to Disney on Tuesday. I'll try to check in if I can!

Mr_Shiftright

nelsonf said:

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Much better! Good luck with the sale!

Do those headrests detach? If so, take 'em off and put them in the trunk.

ab348

nyccarguy said:

I'm going to load up the car and head out after work today. Stamford, CT to Harrisonburg, VA today. On to Charlottle, NC tomorrow and then to Disney on Tuesday. I'll try to check in if I can!

Have a great and safe trip! I hope the car's A/C is up to the task.

jmonroe

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

I'm late again to the party.

If it means anything, I like the new chrome wheels too. The red ones made the car look like a kids toy collection.

Are you sure you still want to sell it?

jmonroe

driver100

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

Michaell said:

Both the MINI and the Subaru have paddles; to my knowledge, neither my daughter or my have ever used them.

I have, occasionally, just for the fun of it.

My E-GT has the shifter that I can move into "manual" mode, the move it backwards or forwards to change gears. Again, not something that gets used all that often.

However, I am seriously considering a stick shift for my next car, when the lease is up in a few months.

A manual is not in my future until I retire and move away from traffic congestion.

Planning on moving to the desert?

Nope just away from a big city with lots of traffic.

Be careful what you wish for.......think it over carefully. 18 years ago we moved about 15 minutes out of town, we were on 100 acres, thought it would be quiet and restful, and it is in some ways - but, there could be a whole other set of problems you may not have thought of. I will list at random;
*If unexpected visitors come you may travel for miles to get food items
*Plan grocery trips carefully, a long ways if you forget something
*Keep a cooler in the car in warm weather, to bring home frozen and refrigerated items
*As you get older you may want to live closer to hospitals and doctors
*Quiet country can get noisy with frogs and/or crickets at night
*There was a drag strip about 5 miles away....sound carries at night
*People tend to drive by and throw all kinds of things out of their car...onto your property.
A big one is they like to drop off old tires and sofas

Just some things to think about. I prefer to be in civilization. Oh, and a big one is we can go for a walk in the evening with the dog, it is hard to walk around when it is dark out in the country.

I am not talking about moving out of town just to a much less populated area.

So no not out of town, just away from a big city to a much smaller town. Tampa would even qualify (even though I would prefer smaller).

In that case there are lots of nice small towns in Florida....much smaller than Tampa. Tampa is pretty busy with lots of gridlock. If you don't have to be right on the coast then go a little inland where prices are 1/3rd to 1/2 the price of a similar home that is near the water.....and flood insurance will be a fraction of the cost.

driver100

JM
If it means anything, I like the new chrome wheels too. The red ones made the car look like a kids toy collection.

It actually looks like a totally different car!

jmonroe

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

For some reason the car still has wheel mounted shift paddles and launch control- features that might be used by 0.005% of G12 owners(Alpina B7 owners excepted).

I have tried paddle shifters once to see how well they work, going down a steep hill. I like a manual gear shift, but, the paddles do nothing for me, and are actually difficult to use as I have to think do I want a - or a + in this situation. Then, I think, is it worth ruining my transmission if I do the wrong thing!

Don't think you will ruin the transmission or the engine. Using the paddle shifters with either an automatic or DCT the computers keep you from doing stuff that will hurt the engine or transmission. Such things as not allowing an up shift if the engine speed isn't high enough to make the shift.

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

Major correction, brakes are waaaaay less expensive than transmissions.

I have never been one who has to test a cars limit and I haven't changed to this day. However, even if I wanted to, the cars today won't allow you to hurt them. I guess that is a good thing.

It looks I passed up my chance to do those kinds of things. Who ever said "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today", must have been a car guy, huh?

jmonroe

Sandman6472

Wheels always make the vehicle and the right ones make it even better. Think you've hit a home run here and know it will sell. But, why not keep it for yourself and enjoy it for awhile? It will sell whenever you want it to. Like the headrests also..

The Sandman

isellhondas

jmonroe said:

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

I'm late again to the party.

If it means anything, I like the new chrome wheels too. The red ones made the car look like a kids toy collection.

Are you sure you still want to sell it?

jmonroe

That is one NICE looking Ghia!

oldfarmer50

Graphicguy said:

"OldFarmer....I could see where that sale was going as soon as you said the salesperson pulled out the 4-square sheet. Keeping silent had to be killing you.

But, sometimes you can't save people from themselves."

That's what did it for me as well. I said to myself "a 4 square? Am I in 1980!?" If I had been the buyer I would have walked without saying a word. As it was I must have suggested they think about it more than a dozen times.

jmonroe

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Hey, you're probably at the VW meet and it's none of our business how much you are asking for the Ghia but if you get a chance and happen to see the guy that brought the girls to the last meet, post some more pics. If he brought new girls we'll cast our vote if the new crop is better than the last.

One more thing, if you see the girls, let us know how much they're going for this time around. We never did get the previous quote.

jmonroe

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

Michaell said:

Both the MINI and the Subaru have paddles; to my knowledge, neither my daughter or my have ever used them.

I have, occasionally, just for the fun of it.

My E-GT has the shifter that I can move into "manual" mode, the move it backwards or forwards to change gears. Again, not something that gets used all that often.

However, I am seriously considering a stick shift for my next car, when the lease is up in a few months.

A manual is not in my future until I retire and move away from traffic congestion.

Planning on moving to the desert?

Nope just away from a big city with lots of traffic.

Be careful what you wish for.......think it over carefully. 18 years ago we moved about 15 minutes out of town, we were on 100 acres, thought it would be quiet and restful, and it is in some ways - but, there could be a whole other set of problems you may not have thought of. I will list at random;
*If unexpected visitors come you may travel for miles to get food items
*Plan grocery trips carefully, a long ways if you forget something
*Keep a cooler in the car in warm weather, to bring home frozen and refrigerated items
*As you get older you may want to live closer to hospitals and doctors
*Quiet country can get noisy with frogs and/or crickets at night
*There was a drag strip about 5 miles away....sound carries at night
*People tend to drive by and throw all kinds of things out of their car...onto your property.
A big one is they like to drop off old tires and sofas

Just some things to think about. I prefer to be in civilization. Oh, and a big one is we can go for a walk in the evening with the dog, it is hard to walk around when it is dark out in the country.

I am not talking about moving out of town just to a much less populated area.

So no not out of town, just away from a big city to a much smaller town. Tampa would even qualify (even though I would prefer smaller).

In that case there are lots of nice small towns in Florida....much smaller than Tampa. Tampa is pretty busy with lots of gridlock. If you don't have to be right on the coast then go a little inland where prices are 1/3rd to 1/2 the price of a similar home that is near the water.....and flood insurance will be a fraction of the cost.

I just used Tampa as an example because it's on your profile and the metro area has less than half the population of the Chicago metro area and Chicago has around 4 times the population density of Tampa. Since our daughter and son-in-law moved to Orlando we have thought somewhere in central Florida would do. We have also considered Tennessee, the Carolinas, Nevada, Belize and the Philippines.

snakeweasel

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

For some reason the car still has wheel mounted shift paddles and launch control- features that might be used by 0.005% of G12 owners(Alpina B7 owners excepted).

I have tried paddle shifters once to see how well they work, going down a steep hill. I like a manual gear shift, but, the paddles do nothing for me, and are actually difficult to use as I have to think do I want a - or a + in this situation. Then, I think, is it worth ruining my transmission if I do the wrong thing!

Don't think you will ruin the transmission or the engine. Using the paddle shifters with either an automatic or DCT the computers keep you from doing stuff that will hurt the engine or transmission. Such things as not allowing an up shift if the engine speed isn't high enough to make the shift.

I once "THINK" I read that if you were going down a steep hill, it is better to just use your brakes rather than shifting into a lower gear. Their thinking was, people like to use the lower gear to slow the vehicle down, but, the extra wear on the transmission isn't worth the cost of using the brakes....which may wear out brakes sooner, but, brakes are relatively less expensive to replace.

Major correction, brakes are waaaaay less expensive than transmissions.

I have never been one who has to test a cars limit and I haven't changed to this day. However, even if I wanted to, the cars today won't allow you to hurt them. I guess that is a good thing.

It looks I passed up my chance to do those kinds of things. Who ever said "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today", must have been a car guy, huh?

jmonroe

Yes brakes are waaaaay less expensive but on those long descents down steep mountain roads those brakes will heat up and if they fade you may be replacing the whole car.

murphydog

jmonroe said:

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Hey, you're probably at the VW meet and it's none of our business how much you are asking for the Ghia but if you get a chance and happen to see the guy that brought the girls to the last meet, post some more pics. If he brought new girls we'll cast our vote if the new crop is better than the last.

One more thing, if you see the girls, let us know how much they're going for this time around. We never did get the previous quote.

jmonroe

Ha! Funny thing, no bikini clad helpers at the VW show, I think that is a Ferrari thing? Anyway we have dropped the Ghia to 17,500, but likely will go as low as $15K.

I just don't have it in me to keep it - I much prefer newer cars. I am however convinced that my next car will be a convertible.

jmonroe

murphydog said:

jmonroe said:

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Hey, you're probably at the VW meet and it's none of our business how much you are asking for the Ghia but if you get a chance and happen to see the guy that brought the girls to the last meet, post some more pics. If he brought new girls we'll cast our vote if the new crop is better than the last.

One more thing, if you see the girls, let us know how much they're going for this time around. We never did get the previous quote.

jmonroe

Ha! Funny thing, no bikini clad helpers at the VW show, I think that is a Ferrari thing? Anyway we have dropped the Ghia to 17,500, but likely will go as low as $15K.

I just don't have it in me to keep it - I much prefer newer cars. I am however convinced that my next car will be a convertible.

Sorry to hear you haven't sold it yet. I would have guessed that with the new wheels and this being convertible season, you would have had success this time around.

Before you go dumping it, @oldfarmer50 might want it but you gotta keep an eye on that guy.

Good luck.

jmonroe

stever

I'd send my BIL over to look it over but he doesn't drive. The wheels really make it. (If you missed the last ad, here it is again).

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

murphydog said:

jmonroe said:

murphydog said:

Ghia update -

I finally ditched the red wheels - long story as I tried to get chrome VW wheels, but there is a production issue, so I went with Empi's instead, I think they look great. Going to the 35th annual PNW VW meet tomorrow, and I am going to wheel and deal! Hopefully I can share a sales story soon.

Hey, you're probably at the VW meet and it's none of our business how much you are asking for the Ghia but if you get a chance and happen to see the guy that brought the girls to the last meet, post some more pics. If he brought new girls we'll cast our vote if the new crop is better than the last.

One more thing, if you see the girls, let us know how much they're going for this time around. We never did get the previous quote.

jmonroe

Ha! Funny thing, no bikini clad helpers at the VW show, I think that is a Ferrari thing? Anyway we have dropped the Ghia to 17,500, but likely will go as low as $15K.

I just don't have it in me to keep it - I much prefer newer cars. I am however convinced that my next car will be a convertible.

Sorry to hear you haven't sold it yet. I would have guessed that with the new wheels and this being convertible season, you would have had success this time around.

Before you go dumping it, @oldfarmer50 might want it but you gotta keep an eye on that guy.

Good luck.

jmonroe

Actually, I'd love a convertible. $15,000+ is out of my price range but I'd be happy to tool around in that VW with the top down.

Is it low milage?

oldfarmer50

stever said:

I'd send my BIL over to look it over but he doesn't drive. The wheels really make it. (If you missed the last ad, here it is again).

I can't imagine with all the expense put into that car for restoration he's having trouble selling it at that price.

stever

I know, just a labor of love.

Hey, you gotta spend your money on something. I'm guessing a lot of potential Ghia buyers figure they can get an older Miata for $5k and it'll be easier to flip when they tire of it.