I vote with the cat people on rodents. Always have more than one cat (four currently, one of whom mostly lives out on the front porch). In the 23 years we've been in the house I have seen exactly two mice inside. One was alive when I spotted it but the cat fixed that in a hurry. The other was DOA.
Indy, the outdoors cat except on a really bad winter day) is an insanely good mouser. Problem is he'll decide we need a dead mouse and leave it on the porch for us. Occasionally a small rabbit.
Took the Miata up to Vermont this past weekend. A great deal of top down driving though just enough rain to discourage that on the way up. On the way back I remembered a little too late about the value of sunscreen. Used it but should have done a reapply along the way.
Also discovered that my thought that the Miata always felt like it was going faster than it actually was isn't entirely true as I learned from one of New Hampshire's finest. 65 in a 50. No ticket. Nice conversation about how the state car laws differ (you don't have to insure your car in New Hampshire!) and he tells me that just ahead the limit drops to 45 and for a while after that to 35. Nicest traffic stop I ever had.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I just noticed, my air pressure caps are green and have N2 on them. My pressure monitor said I had low pressure, so I added air (not even knowing about N2 at the time) So, I just looked it up, absolutely no harm done in adding regular air to Nitrogen filled tires.
Some people even think the whole nitrogen thing is a big scam!
Haha. I can't believe you guys are talking about the RX8s as if they are old. I feel like it wasn't that long ago I last tried one on for size. Right before I bought my GTI, actually.
GG, was it really that long ago? I can't say I remember you buying it, but I do seem to remember you talking about accepting the money they offered when the HP debacle happened. Am I remembering correctly?
I briefly toyed with the idea of an RX-8 back in 2008. The reviews said they were very good handling. But the lack of horsepower (225?) and so-so gas milage combined with a hefty price made me drop the idea.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I posted this over in CCBA earlier, but I know not everyone who frequents this board is over there as well.
I write this with a heavy heart.
Growing up, some of my closest friends were the kids of firefighters my dad worked with. We grow up, we grow apart, but that bond still exists. Facebook has allowed us to stay in touch.
Found out earlier this week that the son of one of these friends was involved in an auto accident. He was driving and had a female passenger. Sadly, alcohol and speed were factors; police are still investigating.
Both kids (I say kids, even though they are in their 20's) were seriously injured in the accident. The girl was pulled off life support on Wednesday, and last night I found out that my friend and her ex-husband have decided to do the same with their son. Both of them had elected to be organ donors, so others will benefit from this tragedy.
I don't have a lot of memories of Justin, but no parent should have to bury their kids.
Part of me grieves; another part is angry for the poor decisions they both made that night, and the consequences I'm sure they never figured they'd have to pay.
My friend recently retired after a career as an emergency dispatcher, so she's had plenty of exposure to this kind of incident. Doesn't make it any easier to deal with, however, when it's your own child.
She posted this on FB before making the decision to pull her son off support:
Those that know me - know that while I surely like my wine - I have ALWAYS been ADAMANT about not drinking and driving. This has been an absolute.
I have drilled this into my friends and family forever. Please - if you take anything away from this tragedy - please - Please -PLEASE realize that this happens, and lives are changed forever. You don't ever want to be where I am, where Noelle's family is or where Justin is right now. There is never a good outcome.
RIP Justin.
Sad.
I have a family member with whom I'll share this post.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Farmer, was out looking at cars with my son. He will be looking at a Mustang GT at some point. Might ruin him for good driving any of the other options!
Notice the "new" SHARE ON FACEBOOK option next to the LOL tab. That's what screwed up the formatting on IOS phones. FIX THE DARN PROBLEM ALREADY!
Probably won't be a quick fix unless other forum sites are also complaining to Vanilla. The home office had to shut down early today because of a gas leak (natural gas, not one of the long-term testers leaking). So if it's a programming issue on our end, there's no one around to whack at it. My guess is that it's on Vanilla though, but I don't know code.
Notice the "new" SHARE ON FACEBOOK option next to the LOL tab. That's what screwed up the formatting on IOS phones. FIX THE DARN PROBLEM ALREADY!
Probably won't be a quick fix unless other forum sites are also complaining to Vanilla. The home office had to shut down early today because of a gas leak (natural gas, not one of the long-term testers leaking). So if it's a programming issue on our end, there's no one around to whack at it. My guess is that it's on Vanilla though, but I don't know code.
Apologies.
I have the same problem on other forum sites - CCBA as an example.
What really worried me is that my phone did a full download of AVG and a reinstall while I was at a box store last evening. Then after that Edmunds didn't look right. I was worried there was something wrong in my phone that AVG did a download instead of just an update. Thought I might have had a malware attack on phone.
Notice the "new" SHARE ON FACEBOOK option next to the LOL tab. That's what screwed up the formatting on IOS phones. FIX THE DARN PROBLEM ALREADY!
Probably won't be a quick fix unless other forum sites are also complaining to Vanilla. The home office had to shut down early today because of a gas leak (natural gas, not one of the long-term testers leaking). So if it's a programming issue on our end, there's no one around to whack at it. My guess is that it's on Vanilla though, but I don't know code.
Apologies.
I have the same problem on other forum sites - CCBA as an example
Notice the "new" SHARE ON FACEBOOK option next to the LOL tab. That's what screwed up the formatting on IOS phones. FIX THE DARN PROBLEM ALREADY!
Probably won't be a quick fix unless other forum sites are also complaining to Vanilla. The home office had to shut down early today because of a gas leak (natural gas, not one of the long-term testers leaking). So if it's a programming issue on our end, there's no one around to whack at it. My guess is that it's on Vanilla though, but I don't know code.
Apologies.
I have the same problem on other forum sites - CCBA as an example.
You're not supposed to be on CCBA
I don't post on there for the most part. I do monitor the site - after all I've been a card carrying CCB for many years!
I have had more than one heart warming experiences like that. Kind of renews your faith in mankind! If you are guilty, just admit it and be polite. If your not guilty just be polite.
In my jurisdiction the police didn't really care what happened to tickets that they wrote for minor infractions (such as speeding) UNLESS the driver acted like a jackass- in which case they wanted input into how the case was disposed of. I always advised my friends to be polite and to do everything possible to put the officer at ease. You will NEVER win an argument on the side of the road.
so after doing some shopping today, I remember how much I love doing that. I have never understood why some people dread going to car dealers. It has to be the most incredible thing to spend time doing. especially when you are actually in the market, and are planning to buy something soon.
the fancy brands, also tend to be a more enjoyable experience!
My wife is shaking her head though, when I talk about the spreadsheet (whiteboard/matrix) I am doing for next summer, when we are going to visit every dealer and drive every car possible (excluding a few that make no sense). Gotta evaluate all the options before making a decision, right?
I think it is going to be the best summer since 9th grade. She wants to skip it, but is afraid of what I might bring home left to my own devices. She is hoping our daughter is home next summer to go with me, though she is my protege in this, and a bad influence! But she figures at least I will get something attractive that way.
I used to dread it but the dealers are a lot easier to deal with any more. I still want my numbers and other details by email so I have something in writing. And yeah, I'm going to shop their numbers - so just cut to the chase and give me good numbers to begin with. Easy peasey.
Today was the first track day for the 2er; I waited until now so that I could take it out on a track I knew really well- Putnam Park Road Course outside of Indianapolis. I have to say that I was extremely impressed; the ZF 8HP45 autobox is smarted than me- I just put the car in Sport+ mode and the transmission in Sport and didn't even fool with the paddles. Unlike my 318ti, which would give me a case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from all the point-bys I had to give, I only gave about five all day- and they were all to heavily modified cars on track rubber. If I wanted to I could see 130 or more on the front straight but I didn't want to overcook my brakes. NO limp mode; the temps hovered around 92 all day and the car didn't care.
It definitely needs a limited slip diff; I can't put down 100% of the power in a couple of spots because the lack of one. The Michelin Pilot Super Sports have held up pretty well; if I had some serious track rubber and the limited slip I would be hard to catch. I also had fun playing with the "M Laptimer app on my phone; you plug it into the USB port and control it through the iDrive interface. It lets you see how you did on each session, down to the steering angle. An M2 is supposed to be here tomorrow. I'm hoping to get a chance to share the track with it for a session or two.
In other news, my son had a slow day at the BMW dealer, not a lot of cars in service and only a few PDIs- so he washed and detailed his own car. And of course he got paid while he was doing it. He sent me this picture. Nice work if you can get it...
I'm not going to feed the GTI reliability comments, because I'm sure it is simply from my comment in CCBA about my car having some boost issues at 3000 miles.
I'll also point out that my Dad has driven Audi vehicles my entire life, including an Audi Allroad 6spd with the twin-turbo engine that needed an entire new block because it threw a rod. European Audi and VW vehicles aren't perfect either and to expect otherwise is going to leave someone very disappointed.
A sample size of one does not reflect an entire model or brand.
I realize a sample size of one isn't reflective, but I see a trend. As with the 4 VW TDI's with the poor finish on the rear of the exhaust muffler (therefore, all of the Golf Wagon TDI's that dealership had that day). Doesn't make the car less reliable, but it is a fit and finish quality control issue I haven't seen on the VIN's that start with a W (or TR now). There may not be a significant difference, the differences might be very minor, but a difference is a difference. I doubt a manufacturer would want to admit they get 99% of the quality but it saves them more than 1% on labor.
I have no doubt Audi will (or already has) made vehicles in Mexico. I hope to push them in the right direction with quality control by speaking the truth and not being bashful about it when they do. I hope they do improve to where differences are completely imperceptible. Certainly, I think time/experience has been mentioned as a factor, and I think that is probably true. Someone in Ingolstadt, Germany welding tailpipes to mufflers for the last 20 years or more will probably be more of a craftsmen and artisan than a welder in Mexico that has only been doing it a few years. Perhaps experience is the only difference. I think perhaps pride in ones own work is also a factor.
I can say the Sportwagen hasn't seen the dealer for a warranty issue yet, so that's a great sign of good quality.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
On a brighter note, I thought I'd give a report on the new Audi now that I'm just about halfway to my first 5 mile oil change.
Third, averaging 24 MPG.
Does anyone know what personalized plates cost in CA?
First why did you buy a car that needs an oil change every 5 miles?
Second since you are half way to your fir 5 mile oil change you have only driven 2.5 miles, so how do you know you're getting 24 MPG?
Now seriously: the CA DMV website should answer your questions regarding personalized plates.
The first oil change is to occur at 5K miles and is paid for by Audi. Subsequent oil changes are scheduled at 10K mile intervals (15K, 25K, 35K, and so on). However, with spirited driving and use, including grueling daily driving which constitutes "severe" use, I think many would argue changing the oil every 5K is a wise move. But the recommended interval by Audi after the first oil change is 10,000 miles. Keep in mind that recommendation is coming from a company that is only on the hook for warranty repairs the first 50,000 miles.
The computer tells me my short and long term fuel economy numbers.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Well until someone on the 'Net can produce warranty stats that show, beyond statistical error, that there are significantly more claims made on Mexico-produced cars (over time) than on American or European versions of the same model car, then it's all just speculative talk isn't it?
I'd imagine any brand-new factory is going to have some production issues in the early stages of coming up to speed.
Didn't one of Mike's MBs come from the factory with some equipment missing? My wife's PT which was built in Mexico had some glitches which could have been poor quality control or transit damage. Who knows.
I'm not sure it's fair to slam all cars from a particular country but I don't necessarily think it's racist either. If it were then the Italians who build Fiats would have the biggest gripe.
Just a note, I don't think I've slammed all cars from a particular country, just noting that they might be lacking some quality control measures in newer factories due to lack of training or other factors (experience).
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Andre, my son drove an A3 today, and was really impressed. But he has a serious desire to try out a TT too. Apparently has always lusted after those too!
this dealer had a whole bunch (8 at least) S3s set aside in an garage area. Salesguy said they had extra, and were looking to blow them out this month now. So deals to be had!
Farmer, was out looking at cars with my son. He will be looking at a Mustang GT at some point. Might ruin him for good driving any of the other options!
Farmer, was out looking at cars with my son. He will be looking at a Mustang GT at some point. Might ruin him for good driving any of the other options!
If he's looking at V-8s he should check out Camaros too. The 2016 SS tops the MustangGT in most specs.
so, speaking of my pet peeve, every A3 at the Audi dealer seemed to have the $600 18" wheel package (which I admit looked nice, and my son liked). part of this is 225/40 tires, so very little sidewall. So I went off a bit on my "get off my lawn" rant about it.
that led to a nice discussion with the saleguy about the absolute need for the wheel/tire protection package, because with our bombed out roads, you will need it. Close to guaranteed.
while we were waiting in the showroom when we arrived, I overheard the manager talking to 2 guys, obviously about tires. later the salesguy told me that the customer had bought an S5, did not pay for the protection package, and 4 months later was back with a busted rim (and this guy lived in Philly, where the roads are really bad). so the damage was on his dime (or probably closer to 7,000 dimes), and the manager was clearly telling the guy "not my problem and we aren't paying".
the other thing that that I found silly was the way they option. There was an S3 on the floor, with base sport seats, which were fantastic. Looking in the brochure, those seats were also the optional seats for the A3. But per the salesguy, you will never see them on in in stock car (or very rarely). Yet they all get skinny tires, which really are primarily style.
Oh, the brown interior? smashing! probably also rare.
anyway, pretty sure that were I to get one of these (and after riding in it, I think we would fit fine up front, and I even fit OK in the back seat), I would need to custom order to get 17" wheels and sport seats, and the right color combo. I assume that is doable on an Audi. Maybe even need to pick it up in Germany! or wherever these are assembled.
Notice the "new" SHARE ON FACEBOOK option next to the LOL tab. That's what screwed up the formatting on IOS phones. FIX THE DARN PROBLEM ALREADY!
Probably won't be a quick fix unless other forum sites are also complaining to Vanilla. The home office had to shut down early today because of a gas leak (natural gas, not one of the long-term testers leaking). So if it's a programming issue on our end, there's no one around to whack at it. My guess is that it's on Vanilla though, but I don't know code.
Apologies.
I have the same problem on other forum sites - CCBA as an example.
Notice the "new" SHARE ON FACEBOOK option next to the LOL tab. That's what screwed up the formatting on IOS phones. FIX THE DARN PROBLEM ALREADY!
Probably won't be a quick fix unless other forum sites are also complaining to Vanilla. The home office had to shut down early today because of a gas leak (natural gas, not one of the long-term testers leaking). So if it's a programming issue on our end, there's no one around to whack at it. My guess is that it's on Vanilla though, but I don't know code.
Apologies.
I have the same problem on other forum sites - CCBA as an example.
You're not supposed to be on CCBA
I don't post on there for the most part. I do monitor the site - after all I've been a card carrying CCB for many years! 
On a brighter note, I thought I'd give a report on the new Audi now that I'm just about halfway to my first 5 mile oil change.
Third, averaging 24 MPG.
Does anyone know what personalized plates cost in CA?
First why did you buy a car that needs an oil change every 5 miles?
Second since you are half way to your fir 5 mile oil change you have only driven 2.5 miles, so how do you know you're getting 24 MPG?
Now seriously: the CA DMV website should answer your questions regarding personalized plates.
The first oil change is to occur at 5K miles and is paid for by Audi. Subsequent oil changes are scheduled at 10K mile intervals (15K, 25K, 35K, and so on). However, with spirited driving and use, including grueling daily driving which constitutes "severe" use, I think many would argue changing the oil every 5K is a wise move. But the recommended interval by Audi after the first oil change is 10,000 miles. Keep in mind that recommendation is coming from a company that is only on the hook for warranty repairs the first 50,000 miles.
The computer tells me my short and long term fuel economy numbers.
Your Audi monitors the quality of the oil, if it needs to be done before 10k miles, it will let you know. Otherwise, you are wasting money.
The old school said to change oil more frequently for longer engine life. That was true then, but not today.
Get good quality synthetic and don't change oil before it has to be changed. Check it out...google it!
A Canadian man who thought he was giving a charitable donation to a homeless man was slapped with a $175 ticket when the panhandler turned out to be an undercover police officer.
Dane Rusk, 25, had just left a Safeway grocery store in Regina, Saskatchewan, Wednesday morning when he spotted what looked like a homeless person holding up a cardboard sign.
"I instantly felt sorry for him," Rusk told ABC News.
Rusk then drove up to the man, who waved at him, and reached his hand out of the car window after unbuckling his seat belt.
Rusk dropped $3 on the sidewalk, and the man replied, "Oh, thanks," according to Rusk. He then put his seat belt back on as he rolled into first gear and drove away, Rusk said.
About half a block up the road, a police officer from the Regina Police Service pulled Rusk over and slapped him with a $175 ticket for not wearing a seat belt, although he was wearing one at the time, Rusk said. That's when Rusk was informed that the homeless man was actually an undercover cop.
The officer Rusk encountered was wearing his badge around his neck and holding a sign that said, "I'm not broke. I'm not hungry. Have a great day!" Rusk said he did not read the sign before throwing money out the window.
"I took off my seat belt to give money to a guy who I thought was homeless," Rusk said, calling the situation "crazy."
Rusk said he plans to contest the ticket in court.
driver....interesting story. In this case, I'm having a hard time understanding how the "criminal" didn't see the badge, nor the sign? But, if you're going to roll with the "I thought he was homeless" defense, best of luck to him.
so, speaking of my pet peeve, every A3 at the Audi dealer seemed to have the $600 18" wheel package (which I admit looked nice, and my son liked). part of this is 225/40 tires, so very little sidewall. So I went off a bit on my "get off my lawn" rant about it.
that led to a nice discussion with the saleguy about the absolute need for the wheel/tire protection package, because with our bombed out roads, you will need it. Close to guaranteed.
while we were waiting in the showroom when we arrived, I overheard the manager talking to 2 guys, obviously about tires. later the salesguy told me that the customer had bought an S5, did not pay for the protection package, and 4 months later was back with a busted rim (and this guy lived in Philly, where the roads are really bad). so the damage was on his dime (or probably closer to 7,000 dimes), and the manager was clearly telling the guy "not my problem and we aren't paying".
the other thing that that I found silly was the way they option. There was an S3 on the floor, with base sport seats, which were fantastic. Looking in the brochure, those seats were also the optional seats for the A3. But per the salesguy, you will never see them on in in stock car (or very rarely). Yet they all get skinny tires, which really are primarily style.
Oh, the brown interior? smashing! probably also rare.
anyway, pretty sure that were I to get one of these (and after riding in it, I think we would fit fine up front, and I even fit OK in the back seat), I would need to custom order to get 17" wheels and sport seats, and the right color combo. I assume that is doable on an Audi. Maybe even need to pick it up in Germany! or wherever these are assembled.
when I got my A4 2014, has black optic package: 19 inch summer tires; in cleveland, mega potholes too; bought tire/wheel protection from Penske-- have not used; but put on 17 inch winter so that has prevent issues
the dealers as others mentioned before: not a lot of colors and mostly black interiors
On a brighter note, I thought I'd give a report on the new Audi now that I'm just about halfway to my first 5 mile oil change.
Third, averaging 24 MPG.
Does anyone know what personalized plates cost in CA?
First why did you buy a car that needs an oil change every 5 miles?
Second since you are half way to your fir 5 mile oil change you have only driven 2.5 miles, so how do you know you're getting 24 MPG?
Now seriously: the CA DMV website should answer your questions regarding personalized plates.
The first oil change is to occur at 5K miles and is paid for by Audi. Subsequent oil changes are scheduled at 10K mile intervals (15K, 25K, 35K, and so on). However, with spirited driving and use, including grueling daily driving which constitutes "severe" use, I think many would argue changing the oil every 5K is a wise move. But the recommended interval by Audi after the first oil change is 10,000 miles. Keep in mind that recommendation is coming from a company that is only on the hook for warranty repairs the first 50,000 miles.
The computer tells me my short and long term fuel economy numbers.
I am just pulling your leg since you posted that you were "about halfway to my first 5 mile oil change" not "5K mile oil change". That would put you at two and a half miles.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
driver....interesting story. In this case, I'm having a hard time understanding how the "criminal" didn't see the badge, nor the sign? But, if you're going to roll with the "I thought he was homeless" defense, best of luck to him.
GG, He thought the sign was the sign a real homeless person would have. He didn't have time to read it.
The badge wasn't shown until he stopped and removed his seat belt.
I think it is entrapment. Also, possible he was never wearing the seatbelt, and that is why the cop gave him the ticket. But, he claims he was and he unbuckled it to get the change.
driver....interesting story. In this case, I'm having a hard time understanding how the "criminal" didn't see the badge, nor the sign? But, if you're going to roll with the "I thought he was homeless" defense, best of luck to him.
Tell me what do you think when you see someone on the side of the road holding a cardboard sign?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@coldinohio, we're all fluent in chat typo. If they bug you, you have four hours to edit your post and fix 'em. Just hover over the top right side of your post and click on the cog that shows up.
The Regina mess reminds of my sister's wreck a couple of months ago. She's impatient and a lousy driver to boot (I was with her on one of her early wrecks when I was 10 or so, and she plowed into my rental minivan parked in her driveway about ten years ago - we've all lost count of her crashes over her 50 year career, but it must be over two dozen).
Anyway, she drove her new Crosstrek to the grocery store, hopped in to leave and neglected to notice the light pole in front of her.
The pole was a bit off to the side but she was on the end of the row and didn't realize that the pole was surrounded by a nice big block of concrete to protect it. She put it in drive and plowed right in the concrete with the right side of the car.
Nothing unusual there - but, she has a habit of driving off and putting her seatbelt on as she leaves a parking lot or whatever.
Yep, smashed her head good this time.
Not sure if she hit it quite hard enough to knock any sense into her though.
She is all upset. A truck had thrown a rock and hit the Pilot's windshield dead center, and crack! Looks like I will be making a call to USAA!
Was the rock from the road or was it something from the load on the truck? In Ohio the trucks that carry materials for construction work like to put a sign on the back saying they're not responsible for rocks thrown from the road. But what they are trying to do is fake out people who having car/windshield damage from rocks dropped from the truck.
I had noticed that in Columbus around The Ohio State campus dump trucks would stop before getting on the freeway and brush rocks from the bed's ledges and the frame parts under the truck. Apparently the police were very active about the trucks that dribble rocks and damage cars.
I made a claim once on a truck as the rock appeared to come from up high and above, but they said it was probably from the road and kicked up so they denied my claim. Insurance really has a poor track record with me in my lifetime. IF I ever go postal, it'll be at an auto insurance company headquarters.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Car/pollice story.....a dozen years ago, Mazda released the RX8 with a rotary engine. The RX had been out of the market for quite some time until then, so the car was highly anticipated to those of us who were fans of rotary engines (which I was). I had a mid '80s RX7 that I dearly loved and missed.
I had followed the development, and the release dates for the RX8 very closely.
Anyway, I bought the first RX8 that the nearest Mazda dealer had sold. Dealer said I bought the first one in Cincinati and surrounding areas. As best as they could tell, I had bought the first one in the entire state.
Paid full tilt MSRP for it, too.
Anyway, if you remember them, they were pretty radical looking. And, anyone who's ever owned one knows what a high reving rotary sounds like (and boy, did they love to be reved). The RX8 was as distinctive as anything else on the road.
Fast forward a few days after delivery, on a sunny, warm, dry, Saturday. Windows were down and sunroof wide open. Well, I'm tooling down a local 4 lane and have some clear road ahead of me. I start winding it out in every gear, hitting 9K RPM before every upshift.
Sure enough, lights come on behind me. I was having so much fun I didn't even see him.
He comes up to the car. My hands are at 2 and 4 on the steering wheel, as I'm "dead nuts" caught. No way around it.
I don't even argue. I apologize to him. Tell him I just got the car and wanted to see what it would do.
He leans his head into my open window and surveys the interior.
He says...."wow, I heard the RXs were being re-instorduced. This is the first one I've seen in the flesh. Is it fun?"
ME: Couldn't you tell?
HIM: Well, just kind of watch your speed a little bit. I just wanted to see inside.
With that, not even a warning ticket. He let me carry on with my business.
Haven't had a run in with the law yet in the TTS, but I did get a thumbs up from a guy on a motorized sportbike that was checking out my ride on the streets.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Single young man; no reason he shouldn't get the TT if that's what he wants. It's a helluva car! Worth the price premium in my view.
Don't let him see that Car & Driver review recently posted here about the '17 S3's improvements over the '16 S3 (basically Audi improving everything that matters to a real driver). I'm sure there are deals to be had on the outgoing '16! If he drives the TT would be interesting to see if he notices the improved dynamics, transmission/engine/suspension tuning, and lighter weight. Also, I think the interior is better in the TT, but that doesn't mean the S3 is a slouch.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
So question to all the members here, does my TTS qualify as a hot hatch punch? It has a hatch opening in the back, but when I think HOT HATCH (which I love) I think of Golf R, GTI, WRX/STI, to me, the TTS is a 2-door sport coupe first, but I have noticed the use of the slanted rear hatch in Audi's design.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Comments
Indy, the outdoors cat except on a really bad winter day) is an insanely good mouser. Problem is he'll decide we need a dead mouse and leave it on the porch for us. Occasionally a small rabbit.
Took the Miata up to Vermont this past weekend. A great deal of top down driving though just enough rain to discourage that on the way up. On the way back I remembered a little too late about the value of sunscreen. Used it but should have done a reapply along the way.
Also discovered that my thought that the Miata always felt like it was going faster than it actually was isn't entirely true as I learned from one of New Hampshire's finest. 65 in a 50. No ticket. Nice conversation about how the state car laws differ (you don't have to insure your car in New Hampshire!) and he tells me that just ahead the limit drops to 45 and for a while after that to 35. Nicest traffic stop I ever had.
+1 for my iPhone.
I'm not the only one having problems when I'm on the Android.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2021 Genesis G90
My pressure monitor said I had low pressure, so I added air (not even knowing about N2 at the time)
So, I just looked it up, absolutely no harm done in adding regular air to Nitrogen filled tires.
Some people even think the whole nitrogen thing is a big scam!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2021 Genesis G90
But's it's a lot easier on my old HP XP Mediacenter OS laptop despite its age.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2021 Genesis G90
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have a family member with whom I'll share this post.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2021 Genesis G90
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Apologies.
2021 Genesis G90
2021 Genesis G90
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
You're not supposed to be on CCBA
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2021 Genesis G90
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
the fancy brands, also tend to be a more enjoyable experience!
My wife is shaking her head though, when I talk about the spreadsheet (whiteboard/matrix) I am doing for next summer, when we are going to visit every dealer and drive every car possible (excluding a few that make no sense). Gotta evaluate all the options before making a decision, right?
I think it is going to be the best summer since 9th grade. She wants to skip it, but is afraid of what I might bring home left to my own devices. She is hoping our daughter is home next summer to go with me, though she is my protege in this, and a bad influence! But she figures at least I will get something attractive that way.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It definitely needs a limited slip diff; I can't put down 100% of the power in a couple of spots because the lack of one. The Michelin Pilot Super Sports have held up pretty well; if I had some serious track rubber and the limited slip I would be hard to catch. I also had fun playing with the "M Laptimer app on my phone; you plug it into the USB port and control it through the iDrive interface. It lets you see how you did on each session, down to the steering angle. An M2 is supposed to be here tomorrow. I'm hoping to get a chance to share the track with it for a session or two.
In other news, my son had a slow day at the BMW dealer, not a lot of cars in service and only a few PDIs- so he washed and detailed his own car. And of course he got paid while he was doing it. He sent me this picture.
Nice work if you can get it...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I have no doubt Audi will (or already has) made vehicles in Mexico. I hope to push them in the right direction with quality control by speaking the truth and not being bashful about it when they do. I hope they do improve to where differences are completely imperceptible. Certainly, I think time/experience has been mentioned as a factor, and I think that is probably true. Someone in Ingolstadt, Germany welding tailpipes to mufflers for the last 20 years or more will probably be more of a craftsmen and artisan than a welder in Mexico that has only been doing it a few years. Perhaps experience is the only difference. I think perhaps pride in ones own work is also a factor.
I can say the Sportwagen hasn't seen the dealer for a warranty issue yet, so that's a great sign of good quality.
The computer tells me my short and long term fuel economy numbers.
this dealer had a whole bunch (8 at least) S3s set aside in an garage area. Salesguy said they had extra, and were looking to blow them out this month now. So deals to be had!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If he's into turboed 4s read this:
http://www.motortrend.com/news/comparison-2016-chevrolet-camaro-rs-vs-2016-ford-mustang-ecoboost/
But if he's set on a GT my local Ford dealer has some 2015s still hanging around. At almost 2 years old they should be discounted.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
that led to a nice discussion with the saleguy about the absolute need for the wheel/tire protection package, because with our bombed out roads, you will need it. Close to guaranteed.
while we were waiting in the showroom when we arrived, I overheard the manager talking to 2 guys, obviously about tires. later the salesguy told me that the customer had bought an S5, did not pay for the protection package, and 4 months later was back with a busted rim (and this guy lived in Philly, where the roads are really bad). so the damage was on his dime (or probably closer to 7,000 dimes), and the manager was clearly telling the guy "not my problem and we aren't paying".
the other thing that that I found silly was the way they option. There was an S3 on the floor, with base sport seats, which were fantastic. Looking in the brochure, those seats were also the optional seats for the A3. But per the salesguy, you will never see them on in in stock car (or very rarely). Yet they all get skinny tires, which really are primarily style.
Oh, the brown interior? smashing! probably also rare.
anyway, pretty sure that were I to get one of these (and after riding in it, I think we would fit fine up front, and I even fit OK in the back seat), I would need to custom order to get 17" wheels and sport seats, and the right color combo. I assume that is doable on an Audi. Maybe even need to pick it up in Germany! or wherever these are assembled.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Lifetime membership - you have earned it!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The old school said to change oil more frequently for longer engine life. That was true then, but not today.
Get good quality synthetic and don't change oil before it has to be changed. Check it out...google it!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A Canadian man who thought he was giving a charitable donation to a homeless man was slapped with a $175 ticket when the panhandler turned out to be an undercover police officer.
Dane Rusk, 25, had just left a Safeway grocery store in Regina, Saskatchewan, Wednesday morning when he spotted what looked like a homeless person holding up a cardboard sign.
"I instantly felt sorry for him," Rusk told ABC News.
Rusk then drove up to the man, who waved at him, and reached his hand out of the car window after unbuckling his seat belt.
Rusk dropped $3 on the sidewalk, and the man replied, "Oh, thanks," according to Rusk. He then put his seat belt back on as he rolled into first gear and drove away, Rusk said.
About half a block up the road, a police officer from the Regina Police Service pulled Rusk over and slapped him with a $175 ticket for not wearing a seat belt, although he was wearing one at the time, Rusk said. That's when Rusk was informed that the homeless man was actually an undercover cop.
The officer Rusk encountered was wearing his badge around his neck and holding a sign that said, "I'm not broke. I'm not hungry. Have a great day!" Rusk said he did not read the sign before throwing money out the window.
"I took off my seat belt to give money to a guy who I thought was homeless," Rusk said, calling the situation "crazy."
Rusk said he plans to contest the ticket in court.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
the dealers as others mentioned before: not a lot of colors and mostly black interiors
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The badge wasn't shown until he stopped and removed his seat belt.
I think it is entrapment. Also, possible he was never wearing the seatbelt, and that is why the cop gave him the ticket. But, he claims he was and he unbuckled it to get the change.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
The Regina mess reminds of my sister's wreck a couple of months ago. She's impatient and a lousy driver to boot (I was with her on one of her early wrecks when I was 10 or so, and she plowed into my rental minivan parked in her driveway about ten years ago - we've all lost count of her crashes over her 50 year career, but it must be over two dozen).
Anyway, she drove her new Crosstrek to the grocery store, hopped in to leave and neglected to notice the light pole in front of her.
The pole was a bit off to the side but she was on the end of the row and didn't realize that the pole was surrounded by a nice big block of concrete to protect it. She put it in drive and plowed right in the concrete with the right side of the car.
Nothing unusual there - but, she has a habit of driving off and putting her seatbelt on as she leaves a parking lot or whatever.
Yep, smashed her head good this time.
Not sure if she hit it quite hard enough to knock any sense into her though.
Don't let him see that Car & Driver review recently posted here about the '17 S3's improvements over the '16 S3 (basically Audi improving everything that matters to a real driver). I'm sure there are deals to be had on the outgoing '16! If he drives the TT would be interesting to see if he notices the improved dynamics, transmission/engine/suspension tuning, and lighter weight. Also, I think the interior is better in the TT, but that doesn't mean the S3 is a slouch.