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  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,205
    qbrozen said:

    I miss the days when the C denoted the v8. Made it easier.

    qbrozen said:

    I miss the days when the C denoted the v8. Made it easier.

    I think the C just tells you it's not the M which it replaced in 2005.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    sda said:

    I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up a rental while our Pilot is being repaired. A fully loaded Chrysler 300C, vented seats, rear window shade, panoramic sunroof, etc. It is the 3.6 V6, which is powerful in its own right. Wonder what the HEMI would be like. Overall I am impressed by the build quality and how it rides/drives. It has close to 30k, has typical rental battle scars, needs a good cleaning but seems to be rattle free.


    One guy I know is considering the Chrysler 300 since he will be buying a new car soon. He is also thinking about a BMW 535, Mercedes E300, Jaguar, Lincoln...the large new one. I was surprised when he had the Chryco 300 on his list, that design has been around for a very long time. I had one for a short time as a rental this summer and the steering would all of a sudden cut out, and I had to take it back.

    I thought it was something right out of the 80s, a big plush floating barge with slow awkward steering and not great handling. There are so many cars that have been developed since that design came out....I wouldn't even have it on my list.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,964
    Speaking of the 300, has anyone noticed how much the overall shape of the new Continental pretty much copies it?

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    driver100 said:

    Mike and PF Flyer, appreciate your comments on speed bumps. I'll just go over them slowly and in the middle until we get them ripped out. I don't mind the little rise in the road kind that you slow down for, but these kind that are an actual bump don't only seem hard on the car...but they are hard on me. Besides, it makes our community seem like an industrial area rather than our home.

    I'll add this, speed bumps seem harder on some cars than others. The rear suspension on my Versa really bottoms out if I hit a speed bump going too fast. Never had any issue with the front end, but can get a nice bang from the rear.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737

    qbrozen said:

    I miss the days when the C denoted the v8. Made it easier.

    qbrozen said:

    I miss the days when the C denoted the v8. Made it easier.

    I think the C just tells you it's not the M which it replaced in 2005.

    When it first came out, it either said 300 on the back or 300C, which was V6 vs V8. Not sure when they stopped doing that. I thought on the new ones, 300S was the V6 and 300C the v8, but that is apparently not a correct assumption.

    '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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593

    Someone is going to take a serious bath on that chromed Bentley. That paint/wrap job just knocked 20% off the value!

    Along with a depreciation curve that mimics the arc of a kamikaze pilot's last 30 seconds.
    Does the person who buys that car actually even care about that?

    That makes it even more of a status feature.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    tjc78 said:

    Speaking of the 300, has anyone noticed how much the overall shape of the new Continental pretty much copies it?

    So does a 2001 Bentley:


    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    I am surprised Edmunds and U.S. News give the Chryco 300 4 out of 5 stars.

    This part was very telling, and the transmission is what I noticed too:
    The transmission might cause some annoyances, too, as some find that it lags when shifting. There are a lot of good things to say about the Chrysler 300, but overall, it's outperformed by well-rounded, well-reviewed, and lower-priced competitors like the Chevy Impala and Buick LaCrosse. Those cars and several others in the class are worth a look.

    U.S. News ranks it number 8 of 11 large size cars. Though not many points difference between the top and bottom cars. The order if interested, 1. Impala, 2 LaCross 2 Chev SS (never heard of it), 2 Avalon, 5 Maxima, 6 Cadenza 6 Avalon hybrid, 8 Chryco 300 9 Charger 10 Azera and 11 Taurus....that is another one that I don't get. They said it lost points because of its old style interior.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    As driver mentioned, the styling on the Chrysler 300 has not changed dramatically in many, many years. I'm not saying it is not a fairly good looking automobile - in fact it is one of my favorite cars for styling. However, IMHO, I think it's time for Fiat/Chrysler to smooth out the lines on the 300 model.

    Fiat/Chrysler does a great job marketing the Jeep line, but I never see ads or TV commercials advertising the Chrysler 300 line. I have seen ads for the Chrysler 200 line. I wonder if they are thinking of eliminating the Chrysler 300 in the near future. They have a great opportunity here of increasing sales with a major redesign of the 300. One of my neighbors here in my building bought one a year ago. I've driven in it and found it to be more than I expected in terms of comfort and interior design. Materials also were nice.

    What keeps their company going is the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 200, and their Jeep line. I don't see many Challengers out on the road, though. Many Law Enforcement departments (State, County and City) have gone to the Dodge Charger for their cars. Florida uses them almost exclusively on the Turnpike System and Interstates. Palm Beach, Broward and Miami/Dade Counties also have a ton of them. Even my own city is beefing up its motor pool with Chargers.

    I don't know how their truck and SUV divisions are doing in comparison to GMC, Ford and GM, however I see fewer and fewer Dodge trucks and SUV's on the road. I hope they succeed and compete well with the other homemade brands here in the U.S. - they have slimmed down their offerings and seem to be building plants.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    sda said:

    oldfarmer, how many miles on your PT? We were in Columbus visiting our daughter yesterday and I drove it to put gas in it for her. She has 109.5K miles. It does make some funny noises, but her enormous apartment complex has huge double speed-bumps about every five freakin' feet it seems.

    She hates the car (image-wise, and wants to unload it if it needs a battery, air in a tire, or bulb burns out, LOL), but it has new tires, new front brakes, and I had a timing belt put on it, and also a free brake booster, put on it all in the past twelve months. I am compelled to eke it out this year, LOL.

    It sounds like you may be shopping for another Cruze, hatchback this time? :)
    I thought @uplanderguy likes Studebaker's. There has to be one of those lying around somewhere. :o

    If he needs help finding one our poster buddy @driver100 is a good "looker-upper". :(

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,869
    My sister and B-I-L bought a 300C shortly after they came out. It's the creamy white that was called "Cool Vanilla". They don't drive it in the winter, and I think it's still a nice-looking, comfy automobile. It has tortoise-shell-like handles on the inside door panels, which I always thought was a distinctive thing.

    Whenever they did the slight facelift of the 300, like the current car, I don't like it as much. Seems like my sister's has a teeny bit more brightwork on it. I know it has a side molding which I like on such a slab-sided car.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,364
    My ex drives a 300 with a Hemi. First or second year of production, and she still has it. The one time I rode in it it was very comfy, and quick. Had over 90,000 miles then, so likely way over 100K now.

    Still looks in great condition.

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    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,582
    I was just looking at the Chrysler site. The 300 C is one of their upper level trims, and comes very thoroughly equipped for just under $39k. Discounts are common, bet you could bet it around $34k or so. A lot of car for the money, though depreciation is steep. Buy a 2 year old one for around $20-22k.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    driver100 said:

    Someone is going to take a serious bath on that chromed Bentley. That paint/wrap job just knocked 20% off the value!

    Along with a depreciation curve that mimics the arc of a kamikaze pilot's last 30 seconds.
    Does the person who buys that car actually even care about that?

    That makes it even more of a status feature.
    Yeah I guess when you have a faucet in your basement with a 6" standpipe that squirts money whenever you need it, then such trivialities as depreciation are of little concern.

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    Michaell said:

    My ex drives a 300 with a Hemi. First or second year of production, and she still has it. The one time I rode in it it was very comfy, and quick. Had over 90,000 miles then, so likely way over 100K now.

    Still looks in great condition.

    She didn't let you ride in it until it had 90k miles on it? Guess you don't go out together much. :p

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    jmonroe said:

    sda said:

    oldfarmer, how many miles on your PT? We were in Columbus visiting our daughter yesterday and I drove it to put gas in it for her. She has 109.5K miles. It does make some funny noises, but her enormous apartment complex has huge double speed-bumps about every five freakin' feet it seems.

    She hates the car (image-wise, and wants to unload it if it needs a battery, air in a tire, or bulb burns out, LOL), but it has new tires, new front brakes, and I had a timing belt put on it, and also a free brake booster, put on it all in the past twelve months. I am compelled to eke it out this year, LOL.

    It sounds like you may be shopping for another Cruze, hatchback this time? :)
    I thought @uplanderguy likes Studebaker's. There has to be one of those lying around somewhere. :o

    If he needs help finding one our poster buddy @driver100 is a good "looker-upper". :(

    jmonroe
    Thanks for volunteering me good buddy.

    Are you taking that job at your son's new establishment? Those waxing skills will be put to good use.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    OK, it's over Son #1 won't be going to the slammer. Being this was Son #1 you guys should have guessed that it had something to do with cars, though. Actually @driver100 wasn't too far off when he said something like "waxing cars".

    Here it goes or should I say here it went:

    Since the Spring is not too far off my Son was thinking of buying one of those do it yourself car washes. There is one not too far from him for sale, but he was going to put a twist on that. He was thinking about, weather permitting, he'd hire some ladies to wash the car for you, at an option price of course, clad in as skimpy as the law allowed, bikini/tong bathing suits.

    After he got to thinking more about it he could see that this very seasonable endeavor would not work. Maybe if he lived where Mike lives he'd still be considering it but not anymore. For all I know they might already exist around Mike's place.

    Now, since the car wash is out, he is thinking about flipping houses and he even has one in mind but he has to do more homework before he decides on that.

    I'm shaking my head about that too but not to the point it hurts. If nothing else his mother no longer has to be scraped off the ceiling.

    Sorry @oldfarmer50, no pictures unless you want to see updated kitchens/bathrooms and maybe some saw dust and 2X4's as the work proceeds.

    Just thought you guys would want to know.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,357
    hard to flip houses if you are working a real FT job/career. Hard to make money most places actually, even if you aren't doing anything else. Need the right expensive and appreciating market to make it work. Otherwise, just not enough profit potential. Might do OK if you can get into the foreclosure auction scene. Some of them can go pretty cheap, but huge risk on derelict properties. Can be fun though, if you got the skills to do most work yourself. Might be a great pre-retirement gig.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,287
    The TV weather presenters/alarmists finally got one right today as we are getting pounded by a nasty blizzard. I don't know when it started because the deck was clear when I went to bed last night but when I got up the AM the house was shaking due to the wind and there was already a lot of snow down. Right now it appears there is 18" to 24" but the blowing and drifting makes it hard to tell. The entire province is pretty much shut down and certainly the Halifax area is totally closed. It is still snowing and is supposed to continue throughout most of the night, though the wind has decreased very slightly.

    This happens once every few years and really isn't anything to get too worked up about - you can't go anywhere anyway so unless you need a hospital or whatever it's best just to ride it out and then count on a few hours work the next day to dig out. But there are always idiots who decide they need to go to get fast food or booze or whatever that then do something really stupid and get themselves in trouble. As long as the power stays on most of the time we're good.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    edited February 2017

    fintail said:

    No ABS on a 2009 car? Is it disconnected, or did these not have it? I can find ABS on a 1981 MB.

    Speaking of all of the nannies and gadgets reminds me of my dad. For a time, he hated all of it, seeing it as something more to break (he was older and liked old cars). For some time he liked to have an old car in the household, for him to drive. A favorite was an almost zero-option 68 Fairlane that he commuted in for awhile in the mid 90s. A 60 Ford wagon was also in the fleet, but it needed more tinkering - the Fairlane was very reliable. However, he eventually changed - in 1998 he impulse-bought an expensive Town and Country, and quickly became a fan of the toys.



    To keep this car related we were driving the PT with no ABS, no traction/stability control, no AWD and regular all season tires. No problem.

    It was offered as an option that year but since my wife doesn't drive in the winter we didn't think we needed it.

    Remember, the PT was based on a 1990s designed Neon platform. But it was "cute" so wifey got it.
    The '95 Neon I had came with ABS. It was the high-end "Sport" Trim-line, which came with fog lights, 6-speaker stereo, cute rainbow infused interior cloth upholstery, and ABS brakes. I will say, all of those upper end "Sport" trim features were the only things to never break or fail on the car! :open_mouth:

    Unless you consider a Serpentine belt magically snapping prematurely which resulted in loss of power everything; no power steering or power brakes if I remember correctly. The car made it home to Sacramento from Reno, NV though!
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,364
    driver100 said:

    Michaell said:

    My ex drives a 300 with a Hemi. First or second year of production, and she still has it. The one time I rode in it it was very comfy, and quick. Had over 90,000 miles then, so likely way over 100K now.

    Still looks in great condition.

    She didn't let you ride in it until it had 90k miles on it? Guess you don't go out together much. :p
    She's in California; I'm in Colorado.

    When I come visit my mom and son, more often than not I have a rental. We rarely see each other.

    The one occasion was for my son's HS graduation.

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    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    Michaell said:

    She's in California; I'm in Colorado.

    I think Mr. Driver missed the "ex" piece. For once, I'll leave it at that.

    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ab348 said:

    The TV weather presenters/alarmists finally got one right today as we are getting pounded by a nasty blizzard. I don't know when it started because the deck was clear when I went to bed last night but when I got up the AM the house was shaking due to the wind and there was already a lot of snow down. Right now it appears there is 18" to 24" but the blowing and drifting makes it hard to tell. The entire province is pretty much shut down and certainly the Halifax area is totally closed. It is still snowing and is supposed to continue throughout most of the night, though the wind has decreased very slightly.

    This happens once every few years and really isn't anything to get too worked up about - you can't go anywhere anyway so unless you need a hospital or whatever it's best just to ride it out and then count on a few hours work the next day to dig out. But there are always idiots who decide they need to go to get fast food or booze or whatever that then do something really stupid and get themselves in trouble. As long as the power stays on most of the time we're good.

    As long as you have food in the house you don't have too much to worry about. So, sit back and enjoy it if you can.

    Around the Burgh we didn't get any snow but quite a bit of wind. It was bad enough that a tree that has been the home of some Bald Eagles in a section of the city blew over and now these locally famous eagles don't have a home anymore and an egg that was in their nest is gone.

    They caught all of this on a camera that was installed a few years ago to watch these famous eagles.

    Don't be surprised if you see it on the national evening news if you haven't seen it already.

    Let us know when you have dug yourself out so we don't have to send a search party.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,287
    jmonroe said:



    Let us know when you have dug yourself out so we don't have to send a search party.

    I went out just before nightfall to clear off the deck and break a path to the driveway. The winds drifted it badly in places. Seems about 18" or so in most areas but as you can see from the pic below there was about a 30" drift in the driveway up by the ATS. It appears to have morphed into a wagonback version which actually would be rather handy. There is about 18" on the street but I have no idea when or how the city will get a plow in here. Of course once they do there is more digging to be done. My guy showed up with his snowblower just as I shoveled a path to the garage man-door and did a rough and ready job of getting the driveway blown out. He said he'd be back in the morning to deal with the (hopefully) plowed-in driveway bottom.


    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    Anyone seen live footage of the Oroville,CA dam spilling over? Never underestimate mother nature.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,869
    edited February 2017
    oldfarmer, the timing belt was done for right about $800 by an independent garage I found that had good reviews on Angie's List and wasn't afraid of the job when I called them. They did the water pump too while they were in there. The Mopar dealer wanted $1,500! Being that I'd only owned GM's up until that time, I've never experienced a car needing a timing belt replacement, but I know that's an Asian car thing too.

    I did it at about 100K miles; owner's manual says 102K (huh? LOL).
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    Since the Spring is not too far off my Son was thinking of buying one of those do it yourself car washes. There is one not too far from him for sale, but he was going to put a twist on that. He was thinking about, weather permitting, he'd hire some ladies to wash the car for you,


    I think it has been done before....even haircuts. But, not enough customers and after the novelty wears off...well, it loses it's appeal. It will also put off a lot of other potential customers. We have an American Car Wash nearby and they are good. Some people get a $40 pass that allows you as many washes as you may want in a month.

    I think the car wash business is a bit of a gamble, as more and more dealers do it for free. Maybe rebuilding homes, but, you gotta know what you are doing...not for the faint hearted. Those TV guys always tear down a wall and find a million termites or cockroaches running around....that they never counted on.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    edited February 2017
    driver100 said:

    Michaell said:

    My ex drives a 300 with a Hemi. First or second year of production, and she still has it. The one time I rode in it it was very comfy, and quick. Had over 90,000 miles then, so likely way over 100K now.

    Still looks in great condition.

    She didn't let you ride in it until it had 90k miles on it? Guess you don't go out together much. :p
    Sorry, yeh I did miss the ex part=thanks cdnpinhead. . Kind of got rushed and replied too quickly. I think I saw ex, thought wife...and just remembered the wife part. Makes sense now, at least your post does, not mine.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    ab348 said:

    jmonroe said:



    Let us know when you have dug yourself out so we don't have to send a search party.

    I went out just before nightfall to clear off the deck and break a path to the driveway. The winds drifted it badly in places. Seems about 18" or so in most areas but as you can see from the pic below there was about a 30" drift in the driveway up by the ATS. It appears to have morphed into a wagonback version which actually would be rather handy. There is about 18" on the street but I have no idea when or how the city will get a plow in here. Of course once they do there is more digging to be done. My guy showed up with his snowblower just as I shoveled a path to the garage man-door and did a rough and ready job of getting the driveway blown out. He said he'd be back in the morning to deal with the (hopefully) plowed-in driveway bottom.


    Get on a flight to Tampa....78 today!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,419
    About 55 and sunny in Seattle today, a week ago we had snow. I like both.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,357
    snazzy. do good work.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,827
    Looks awesome!
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    fintail said:

    It's not just you. The Subaru ads definitely deserve a little mocking, as they so shamelessly pander to the snowflake and flamboyant outdoorsy set. And the funniest thing is that it works - funny because I assume that demographic is fairly cynical about advertising. It's definitely a lifestyle brand, at least in Seattle, Portland, Boulder, etc, where the brand must sell the most per capita (along with NH/VT and AK, I suppose). The cars have plenty of merit, but emotional stuff is the direction. These along with Prius are also the cars that seem most likely to be plastered with bumper stickers - probably a big choice among vegans and crossfit devotees who always have to tell everyone what is on their mind.

    Also amusing in the impressions it can make. A co-worker of mine complained that she was cut-off by a Subaru, and said "isn't Subaru supposed to be about love"? Nope, I told her, it's a profit driven multinational corporation like all automakers. Subaru just knows the image that some buyers want to present to the world.

    I am not a "tree hugger", I'm more of a middle of the road on matters of conservation. Moderation in all things, including moderation. And I am not a big believer in 4 wheel drive, or all wheel drive. Never have been, probably never will be. And .. I've never owned a Subaru, nor even considered owning one.

    But ... I do like and respect the way they support animal rescue. I have volunteered with and worked with a number of animal rescue outfits down through the decades, and I've never seen a company that did more to walk-the-walk than Subaru. For that, they have my respect.

    End of story.

    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ab348 said:

    jmonroe said:



    Let us know when you have dug yourself out so we don't have to send a search party.

    I went out just before nightfall to clear off the deck and break a path to the driveway. The winds drifted it badly in places. Seems about 18" or so in most areas but as you can see from the pic below there was about a 30" drift in the driveway up by the ATS. It appears to have morphed into a wagonback version which actually would be rather handy. There is about 18" on the street but I have no idea when or how the city will get a plow in here. Of course once they do there is more digging to be done. My guy showed up with his snowblower just as I shoveled a path to the garage man-door and did a rough and ready job of getting the driveway blown out. He said he'd be back in the morning to deal with the (hopefully) plowed-in driveway bottom.


    Looks like that would make a nice post card... IF you could get rid of the snow. :D

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    henryn said:

    fintail said:

    It's not just you. The Subaru ads definitely deserve a little mocking, as they so shamelessly pander to the snowflake and flamboyant outdoorsy set. And the funniest thing is that it works - funny because I assume that demographic is fairly cynical about advertising. It's definitely a lifestyle brand, at least in Seattle, Portland, Boulder, etc, where the brand must sell the most per capita (along with NH/VT and AK, I suppose). The cars have plenty of merit, but emotional stuff is the direction. These along with Prius are also the cars that seem most likely to be plastered with bumper stickers - probably a big choice among vegans and crossfit devotees who always have to tell everyone what is on their mind.

    Also amusing in the impressions it can make. A co-worker of mine complained that she was cut-off by a Subaru, and said "isn't Subaru supposed to be about love"? Nope, I told her, it's a profit driven multinational corporation like all automakers. Subaru just knows the image that some buyers want to present to the world.

    I am not a "tree hugger", I'm more of a middle of the road on matters of conservation. Moderation in all things, including moderation. And I am not a big believer in 4 wheel drive, or all wheel drive. Never have been, probably never will be. And .. I've never owned a Subaru, nor even considered owning one.

    But ... I do like and respect the way they support animal rescue. I have volunteered with and worked with a number of animal rescue outfits down through the decades, and I've never seen a company that did more to walk-the-walk than Subaru. For that, they have my respect.

    End of story.

    You are right about Subaru doing the "walk-the-walk" for animals.

    When we got Mrs. j's '12 Subie Legacy, Subaru was doing their annual donation promotion for animals. They were very serious about what animal charity we wanted the promotional $200 donation to go to. I originally thought it was a gimmick but was pleased to find out I was wrong.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,205
    driver100 said:

    sda said:

    I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up a rental while our Pilot is being repaired. A fully loaded Chrysler 300C, vented seats, rear window shade, panoramic sunroof, etc. It is the 3.6 V6, which is powerful in its own right. Wonder what the HEMI would be like. Overall I am impressed by the build quality and how it rides/drives. It has close to 30k, has typical rental battle scars, needs a good cleaning but seems to be rattle free.


    One guy I know is considering the Chrysler 300 since he will be buying a new car soon. He is also thinking about a BMW 535, Mercedes E300, Jaguar, Lincoln...the large new one. I was surprised when he had the Chryco 300 on his list, that design has been around for a very long time. I had one for a short time as a rental this summer and the steering would all of a sudden cut out, and I had to take it back.

    I thought it was something right out of the 80s, a big plush floating barge with slow awkward steering and not great handling. There are so many cars that have been developed since that design came out....I wouldn't even have it on my list.

    Wasn't the 300 built on Mercedes underpinnings? Don't be too harsh on your car's cousin.

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,357
    yeah, the platform was an older style E class one (based largely on it, not sure exactly how close it was though). So I guess whatever the E was riding on back in the early 2000 range?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,205
    jmonroe said:

    OK, it's over Son #1 won't be going to the slammer. Being this was Son #1 you guys should have guessed that it had something to do with cars, though. Actually @driver100 wasn't too far off when he said something like "waxing cars".

    Here it goes or should I say here it went:

    Since the Spring is not too far off my Son was thinking of buying one of those do it yourself car washes. There is one not too far from him for sale, but he was going to put a twist on that. He was thinking about, weather permitting, he'd hire some ladies to wash the car for you, at an option price of course, clad in as skimpy as the law allowed, bikini/tong bathing suits.

    After he got to thinking more about it he could see that this very seasonable endeavor would not work. Maybe if he lived where Mike lives he'd still be considering it but not anymore. For all I know they might already exist around Mike's place.

    Now, since the car wash is out, he is thinking about flipping houses and he even has one in mind but he has to do more homework before he decides on that.

    I'm shaking my head about that too but not to the point it hurts. If nothing else his mother no longer has to be scraped off the ceiling.

    Sorry @oldfarmer50, no pictures unless you want to see updated kitchens/bathrooms and maybe some saw dust and 2X4's as the work proceeds.

    Just thought you guys would want to know.

    jmonroe

    Why not buy the car wash sans the girls? I use to work at one in college and the owner built it into a multi-location business. When you say do it yourself is this the kind where you actually work the hose or is just an automatic thing where you put money in the machine and drive it through? There are some new brushless washes near me where you don't have to deal with any people just drive in and the machines circle around your car. Seems like something a person could own with very little labor expense.

    On house flipping be careful of where you do it. I've read that the real sucessful flips are done only where real estate values are rapidly rising. So Florida or Texas might be good but old rust belt cities not so much. Was talking to a couple who tried flipping in my area and are still paying off the loses.

    As for the pictures, you could have at least slipped into a thong and posted a few selfies after leading us on like that.



    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,205
    edited February 2017
    andres3 said:

    Anyone seen live footage of the Oroville,CA dam spilling over? Never underestimate mother nature.

    Isn't your governor still claiming CA is in a severe drought? That must be dust coming over the damn.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    murphy....nice job on the remodel. I like it. You've got some skills.

    Went with a couple of friends for dinner last night. He and his wife just bought an Avalon. Not something that's my cup of tea. But, I'm not sure why someone would buy a Lexus given they can buy an Avalon that seems every bit as nice as any Lexus I've ever been in.

    Didn't drive it, but I'll assume it's like most Toyotas.....big on smooth ride. He kicked it down a couple of times.....it's got some speed to it, which was suprising. He said he got $7K off MSRP. Of course, I had to come home and look up the MSRP. For a totally loaded Limited, which is what his was, the number is around $43K. If he isn't "fudging" about the $7K discount, that's a very nice car for $36K.

    I'm almost tempted to test drive one.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    If it's an automated car wash, the initial investment is steep, just for the equipment. Maintenance is high, and the land they sit on has to be in a high traffic area, which means relatively high bucks for real estate.

    Plus, you're at the mercy of weather. You get a year with a lot of cold, or snow, or rain, etc....you're going to be looking to outlay a lot of cash, with no income coming in, sometimes for a long period of time.

    I know the chains (Mike's Car Wash, Mr Clean Car Wasth, etc) make it work because they have economies of scale.

    I have a "guy" that does hand washes and details. He's very good. But, he's in a single bay garage that he owns, and his business comes from word of mouth. On a good day, he can hand wash and/or detail about 10 cars. A wash is $40. A wash and wax is $125. A full detail where the leather is cleaned and treated, carpets shampoo, Q-tips get the dust out of the vents, etc...will run $175 and up (more for trucks and SUVs). Hard way to make a living.

    But, he can only work about 100-150 days out of the year. Tough business, regardless of the way you wash the vehicles.

    That doesn't include those little "accidents' where wheels might have scuffs, and the car wash has to take the blame because it can't be proven it was already that way when brought in ($250 wheel eats up the profit for an entire day).


    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,501
    @graphicguy - that Avalon is definitely more of a Lexus Lite than your standard issue Toyota.  The Lexus ES is the Avalon's platform twin.  

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,070

    andres3 said:

    Anyone seen live footage of the Oroville,CA dam spilling over? Never underestimate mother nature.

    Isn't you governor still claiming CA is in a severe drought? That must be dust coming over the damn.
    California is still in a drought. This winters rain is a great start to ending it. It will take another two or three winters like this one to replenish the watersheds. For examp,e, Lake Cachuma, the source for most of Santa Barbara County's water, is currently at 14% capacity -- up from 9% this summer.
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  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,364
    suydam said:

    andres3 said:

    Anyone seen live footage of the Oroville,CA dam spilling over? Never underestimate mother nature.

    Isn't you governor still claiming CA is in a severe drought? That must be dust coming over the damn.
    California is still in a drought. This winters rain is a great start to ending it. It will take another two or three winters like this one to replenish the watersheds. For examp,e, Lake Cachuma, the source for most of Santa Barbara County's water, is currently at 14% capacity -- up from 9% this summer.
    And Lake Casitas, where my dad used to fish when I was a kid, is at < 40% capacity.

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  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    I follow an atmospheric sciences professor at the University of Washington - He is saying the drought in California is effectively over - this is from last month http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2017/01/californias-drought-it-over.html

    FWIW I find his blog to be refreshing compared to the typical news report on weather and what not.

    This is today's update, more heavy rain on the way http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2017_02_01_archive.html
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    nyccarguy said:

    @graphicguy - that Avalon is definitely more of a Lexus Lite than your standard issue Toyota.  The Lexus ES is the Avalon's platform twin.  

    Bradd....having just come from the Cincinnati Auto Show, I can see where the ES and Avalon are made of the same genes. I looked at the Lexus at the show, but not the Avalon. Truth told, I'm more impressed with the Avalon (again, not having driven either). The Avalon seemed to have more room. Throw in the price delta, and if you weren't concerned about badging, I think I'd have no issue with the Avalon. Again, not sure if my friend was totally accurate about his pricing. But, if he was, that's a helluva deal.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    When I moved down to CA (Torrance) in Dec of '77 there was much talk of drought, and Lake Shasta was way way down. It rained steadily for the next three months, and that was the end of that. I've been waiting for the same thing to happen this time, and it looks like it has. One less thing for the hand-wringers to obsess over, not that they'll stop, of course.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,070
    That was a several years drought -- I lived there at that time. And like this one, it takes several wet years to replenish the aquifers, lakes, and watersheds.
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  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,205
    edited February 2017
    P

    If it's an automated car wash, the initial investment is steep, just for the equipment. Maintenance is high, and the land they sit on has to be in a high traffic area, which means relatively high bucks for real estate.

    Plus, you're at the mercy of weather. You get a year with a lot of cold, or snow, or rain, etc....you're going to be looking to outlay a lot of cash, with no income coming in, sometimes for a long period of time.

    I know the chains (Mike's Car Wash, Mr Clean Car Wasth, etc) make it work because they have economies of scale.

    I have a "guy" that does hand washes and details. He's very good. But, he's in a single bay garage that he owns, and his business comes from word of mouth. On a good day, he can hand wash and/or detail about 10 cars. A wash is $40. A wash and wax is $125. A full detail where the leather is cleaned and treated, carpets shampoo, Q-tips get the dust out of the vents, etc...will run $175 and up (more for trucks and SUVs). Hard way to make a living.

    But, he can only work about 100-150 days out of the year. Tough business, regardless of the way you wash the vehicles.

    That doesn't include those little "accidents' where wheels might have scuffs, and the car wash has to take the blame because it can't be proven it was already that way when brought in ($250 wheel eats up the profit for an entire day).


    A guy I know does details for car lots and gets about $30 a car. He says it takes about an hour so I don't know if it involves much more than vacuuming the French fries off the floor and cleaning foot prints off the ceiling. He says trades from families with kids or dogs are the worst.

    I avoid those places with brushes because they can do a number on your paint. The one I use has no brushes, no rails to scratch your rims. You pull in on a flat floor and the sprayers move around your car. Doesn't clean quite as well as a brush system but less chance of damage. Friend at work had $1000 in damage done to her 350Z when a brush ripped of her rear wiper and beat dents into the trunk with it.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

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