*jumping up and down raising hand* I want the Focus SVT!!!! That is the ONE car I have always wanted to own. Came painfully close to buying one but hubby nixed it and bought the 04 Exploder instead. If I saw that car on a lot here in Alaska I'd be HARD pressed to walk away. I loved my ZX3 so I know I'd love the SVT even more. I do wish I had kept Zippy........
You guys are bad for my CCBS!!! :sick: I'm supposed to be cured ya know!
I do love my Pilot, but would absolutely love to have an SVT to drive in the summer......ya know, keep the miles off the Pilot.....
Yep. According to the ticket, he clocked me tailing me & using the exit or mileage markers.
The condo sounds nice (especially the underground heated garage), but after an apartment neighbor from heck, I prefer single-family residences.
I know, I know. This is a top (3rd) floor corner unit with giant windows, & views of the surrounding historic old town, & partial river views. It's in an old re-habbed mill bldg. I think, so has the huge windows, old brick walls, etc. The unit could look very "sexy" with some new hardwood floors, etc. The agent sent me an e-mail today saying the 80 y.o. owner "wants to sell" & make any reasonable offer. I had talked myself out of it 'cause I don't know if I can adapt to living in a (very nice) 60 unit condo bldg., schlepping everything up or down, heck it takes 5 min. to get to the garage, etc. (stairs or elevator).
OTOH: my back & joints are getting wrecked snow shoveling, doing yard work, etc. on my crappy house in the burbs.
Maybe it's like (when car or house or wife shopping, etc.), that line from the flick "risky business": "sometimes, you just gotta say, what the ........"
I feel the same way about my yr. 2000 5-series wagon. It's the lowest-performance (528i) 5-series for that year, but it seems like it always wants to run at Autobahn speeds.
I got the new Roundel issue, with reviews of the bmw 335d bi-turbo, & the 535d bi-turbo sedan & wagon. Sick, very sick. I can't afford the tickets I get now.......
IIRC it got dinked for having too tall of gearing (I think the comment was "if you can break the national speed limit in second, why do you need the other 4?") and lack of a limited slip (you actually want to put down power exiting a corner?) but got props for a great 6 speed shifter and clutch as well as general fun-to-drive-ness.
I threw my back out again, and am hobbling around like a little old man. I floated the idea of a car with better seats helping me out (the Accord doesn't really hit my lower back quite right) is the way to go.
She hasn't bought into that yet.
I might actually look at cross overs agian (X3, E35), for the seats, and the higher seating position.
Now I know why old folks like higher cars. Sliding in is way easier than plopping in and hoisting out!
I really need to get my wife to the car show this year (2 weeks from tonight is the opening day balck tie gala in Phila!).
ALthough we may need to wait until next year when we know what the college aid package is for my sons school of choice! nice fat merit scholorship cold go a long way toward paying for my new wheels! If he gets a full ride, it will even be something nice.
nice fat merit scholorship cold go a long way toward paying for my new wheels! If he gets a full ride, it will even be something nice.
My 13 year old asked, "If I get a full scholarship, can I take my college fund money and buy an Aston Martin Vantage?" I replied, "No, because if that happens I'M taking your college fund money and buying an Aston Martin Vantage."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I just had a neurostimulator implanted in my spine 2 weeks ago and have been suffering with spine issues for many years now, so I understand your pain. Really wish I had bought the Volvo 240 for the great seats it had, as the Civic's seats are just a tad low for ingress/egress, but I use my cane for such situations. But they are livable, which is why I bought the car in the 1st place. Was also pleasantly surprised at how good the seats were on the Mazda6. Very comfortable actually and always go inside to sit in them when we take the wife's 3s in for servicing. Car seats are very important for back pain sufferers and will agree that sliding over is the best compromise.
I agree with sandman46 that Volvo seats can be the best. The last Volvo I drove was the '99-'00 V70, but the best car seats I ever tried--almost bought one just for the seats.
BMW seats can vary from good--to excellent. The Base seats aren't bad, most models offer Sport seats, some offer Comfort. Would probably pay to check out bmw seat options if you can before buying.
Oh-& adjustable power lumbar can be so worth it.........
since no one else is buying, I think Jolie has the last purchase, I finally bought the convertible. I got a pretty good deal considering it's January. It had only one previous owner, an older man from the main line near Philly. I think I started posting about buying an MR2 Spyder when I joined Edmunds 4 years ago, so it was a long time coming.
It's a "97 Mazda Miata M Edition with 85k miles. The MR2's were just way too much money, with not much more benefit over the Miata. When I get it cleaned up to my standards I will finally put some pictures in my car space.
The kids were excited, they think it's a race car.I don't want to have to tell my 4 year old it's not really that fast, it's more about the driving experience. It's good to be driving a stick again.
Of course I picked it up on Saturday and by Sunday the temperature drops 20 degrees.
Congrats, I have been keeping an eye on Craigslist for something along those lines as well, but can't seem to find it or justify it at the same time yet. In other news, it looks like there will be a Litespeed Catalyst in my life soon, does that count?
since no one else is buying, I think Jolie has the last purchase, I finally bought the convertible.
Wow, if I had the last purchase that was over 6 months ago! I still find myself looking for excuses to drive the Pilot at times.........especially if the roads are bad, lol.
Congrats on the convertible!! I had a PT Cruiser convertible last summer for a couple days as a rental, was fun, but not my cup of tea. Not enough warm nice days in the summer to enjoy one and still be able to ride horses.
Sorry Michael, I thought you bought the Saturn in the spring.
I paid $4k, it was a little tough to spurge on something like an extra car but it is something I have wanted to get for at least 10 years. I think that as nice a shape it is in and relatively low miles I should have no problem getting my money out of it as long as I sell it at the right time of year.
My plan is to put about 3k to 4k miles on it a year and keep the mileage down on my Escape. I am currently putting 17k miles on it a year , so this should buy me an extra year at least.
The color is green with a tan top. It looks similar to this;
Sorry Michael, I thought you bought the Saturn in the spring.
No worries. The VUE now has close to 7K on the clock.
I think it's good for kids to have an dad/grandad who's a car nut.....
Of the three kids, only one has picked up the car bug. My son in CA - who inherited Barney last year - wants to trade him in on a used WRX. Seeing as how he's 18, has exactly 2 months of job history and no credit history, I'm not too worried that this will happen anytime in the near future.
I do believe you qualify for the latter. The VUE gets about 30 miles a day put on it commuting back and forth to my wife's work. We use it exclusively on the weekends - the L sits in the garage from Friday night to Monday morning.
Don't you put 30 miles on the Pilot just getting from your house to the main road?
:P
We've only taken one trip in the VUE so far - 1000 miles to Utah and back.
Perhaps later this year we'll take a road trip to AZ, but that's not a for sure thing.
My 2007 Honda CR-V will turn 10,000 miles today. Actually, the tires have 19,000 miles on them when I consider towing miles. I will have the Honda one year on March 30th.
The Honda has been a really good car even though I currrently have a broken windshield and "had" a broken fog light. It was almost $200 for the replacement.
I have ordered a car cover to put on the Honda for towing. I will pick it up on Tuesday in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. This cover protects the whole front grille, side fenders, hood and covers the front windshield. I also bought covers for the two side mirrors. The cover is made of black vinyl with a felt backing.
At Thanksgiving, I bought a Blue Ox 'Kargard' that fits in front of the Honda on the tow-bar but decided it was too cumbersome for me to handle. I have a weak disc in my back that I DO NOT want to aggravate When I had an episode last March, I was in the bed for 3 days and could barely move.
So, I sent the Kargard back and ordered the lighter (and hopefully easier) car cover.
Happy Travels! Mark
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Perhaps later this year we'll take a road trip to AZ, but that's not a for sure thing.
Is a job move to AZ still being considered or would that road trip just be for fun?
The job move is on hold for now ... we've still got one part-time kid (2nd year at CSU) at home and, given the depressed nature of the housing market, it's not likely that we'd be able to sell our house for a price we'd like.
We're thinking that the trip to AZ would be for "scouting" purposes, on top of a vacation. I lived in Phoenix for 3 years when in was in college in the 80's, and I haven't visited the state since 1990 or 1991, so I'm guessing there has been a ton of growth. I have some college buddies and relatives in the area that I'd like to catch up with.
We'll see.
Moving on to a different topic:
When did tires become so freakin' expensive?
The L series needs new shoes (the original Firestones lasted 29K miles, and the current Coopers have almost 40K on them), so I've been making some calls this morning to see how much a new set will cost.
Holy mother-of-inflation, Batman!
The best price I got was $428 for a set of BF Goodrich Traction T/A's at Discount Tire - includes mounting and balancing.
Saturn dealer wanted $455 for some no-name brand (Fuzion?). Other local places went from $450 to - wait for it - $650. :surprise: :surprise:
Or am I just turning into an old fuddy-duddy, complaining about how everything was cheaper when I was a kid?
At the rate you clock up miles I think you mean 4yr/120k
Yup, pretty much, but I knew that when I bought it. I couldn't get any less on the years for the ESC, so took the 6 yr/120k for $960, covers pretty much everything that could break.
I run about 30-35k/year with trips to Anchorage (300 miles one way), trips to Fairbanks (100 miles one way), and wherever else I need to go, closest town is 12 miles away!
Roads were so bad this morning even the Honda was having a hard time keeping in a straight line! That's the first time I've seen the car struggle, but it was BAD, ice and then 3 inches of snow on top of it.......ugh!
Still love my Honda, can't imagine driving anything else.
The best price I got was $428 for a set of BF Goodrich Traction T/A's at Discount Tire - includes mounting and balancing.
I don't know those specific tires, but it's probably hard to get 4 name brand tires, inc. mounting and balancing, for less. 2 suggestions: 1. is there a Costco near you? Very good prices on Bridgestones & Michelins, & 2. at least check tire rack for prices, &/or to read owner reviews of whichever tires.
I tend to order from tire rack, or check local classifieds for slightly used ones.....I got a nice set of 4 Michelin snows a few years ago for about $125 I think, with about 95% tread left.....sold 'em a couple of years later for a bit more, as I recall.....
I don't know those specific tires, but it's probably hard to get 4 name brand tires, inc. mounting and balancing, for less. 2 suggestions: 1. is there a Costco near you? Very good prices on Bridgestones & Michelins, & 2. at least check tire rack for prices, &/or to read owner reviews of whichever tires.
Actually those are a brand name tire (owned by Michelin) and were very highly rated at Tire Rack. Also, Costco only carries BFGs and Michelins now, since they are the same company.
I would check prices online and have Discount Tire (or Sears) price match.
I use Tire Rack and one of their local recommended installers, who charges all of $10 per tire for mounting, balancing, and disposal of the old tire. In fact, I haven't purchased a tire from a local shop since 1992.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
That's what I meant--as they are a brand name tire the $428 inc. mounting and balancing, locally, doesn't sound bad.
You're right-costco only carries BFGs and Michelins now. In my area they have a $60 coupon now--$60 off for 4 tires. Costco includes mounting and balancing, & last I checked include a free road-hazard warranty. My ex-G/F used that a lot as she had a bad habit of wrecking tires (?!).
Of course, it's a moot point if you don't live near a costco, or want some other tires. But I like their no-B/S service, w/o games you sometimes get at NTW or Discount Tire.
Oh yeah, once I did get a local tire chain to match tire-rack prices, w/no problems, good idea to try at least.
I do have a Costco nearby .. though I am not a member. Also a Sam's Club, where I do have membership.
Current edition of C&D came in the mail last Friday .. the Tire Rack ad shows the Traction T/A's for $88 each, so I'm thinking that the $428 quote isn't too bad.
I did read the reviews of the Traction T/A on TireRack.com - pretty good all around tire, which is what I'm looking for. Quiet ride, decent in rain / snow. Not looking for ultra high performance.
On to a new topic:
The husband of one of my wife's closest friends should be considered for membership here. A few months ago he sold his Toyota Tacoma pickup (2WD, 2.7L 4 banger, prerunner package) and went w/o a car for a short time.
About 6 weeks ago he picked up a '97 Blazer (4WD, 96K miles on the clock, very clean condition) for about $5K. He didn't even make the first payment before selling it .. made $500 on the transaction.
He's now planning on buying an '01 or '02 Chevy S-10 ZR2 from his son-in-law in CA. The truck is 4WD and has about 75K on it. The daughter and SIL have 3 cars with payments, so Dad his "helping" them out by taking the S-10 off their hands.
If all goes well, he'll fly out to CA and drive it back to CO in the next week or two.
Just wondering if anyone is living in a condo or apt--either with uncovered outdoor parking--or with underground garage parking? Problems: hard to do even simple car maint. tasks, like fill your tires with air w/a compressor, use a battery charger, etc.
I guess you give up putzing around with your own car in your own driveway, duh. And: sometimes no storage for even a 2nd set of summer or winter tires.......
But you also don't have to: Shovel Snow from a long driveway, Raking/blowing leaves from a 1/2 acre yard, saving your bad back, bursitis, etc. I'm finding --when your place--is wrecking your body--with the yardwork & snow demands--maybe it's time to make some trade-offs--(ya think??).
michaell: your buddy buying & selling cars sounds like he knows what he's doing....or at least enjoying it!
Yeah, apt complex, two spots are mine, one is covered and one is not. Working on your car is discouraged, but that's OK with me as it has been years since I have been able to find the time anyway. If I wanted, I would be able to fill my tires or charge my battery, as there is power at my covered spot. Major engine work is the kind of stuff they don't want to see going on in the parking lot...
You're right, the worst part is there is no storage for car-related "stuff", but luckily I am in the SF Bay Area, so I don't need a second set of rims with snow tires on them.
Actually, the worst part is that I am limited to two cars, I have had as many as five at once in years past. I could get another now, but it would lead to endless juggling through the visitor parking spots or finding street parking outside the complex. I just don't want the hassle, although I would do it if something rare that I really wanted came along.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
your buddy buying & selling cars sounds like he knows what he's doing
Not always.
Several years ago, he and his wife had bought a new Hyundai Elantra GT. They kept it for about 4-6 weeks, decided they didn't like it, and traded it in on a Santa Fe. This was in the spring of '04. He told me they didn't lose any money on the trade value of the Elantra, but I'm not 100% sure of that.
Anyway, fast forward to the summer of '06 - the newly restyled Santa Fe comes out, and he loves it. So much so that they traded in the '04 Santa Fe for the '06 .. and takes a bath on the trade in value.
Well, duh.
Now, what's funny is that both the '04 and the '06 are FWD. A few weeks ago, the wife drives out to work in crummy weather and decides that the FWD just isn't cutting it in the Colorado winter.
They start looking for an AWD SUV .. looked at and drove both the CRV and the RAV4.
They ultimately decide that, since they are remodeling their kitchen, a new car probably isn't in the budget.
Don't know about New England, but here in CO there are some housing communities that take care of all the external issues - landscaping, snow removal, etc. - and yet you still have a house with a yard and a garage.
Seems like the best of both worlds.
Problem is, they start at $500K and go up .... oh well.
Thanks to people who responded to my condo-buying issue.....
here in CO there are some housing communities that take care of all the external issues - landscaping, snow removal, etc. - and yet you still have a house with a yard and a garage......Problem is, they start at $500K and go up
Yep, there's a really nice condo complex in my (expensive) town like that. One unit FS at $500K, taxes $4800, condo fees $400/mo (yikes!). I'd almost pay the $500K, but the $400/mo would be a killer.
Most of the condos in the North Shore Seaport town I'm looking in--have one or 2 uncovered parking spaces--most of them are 150 y.o. converted bldgs. Even some SF houses there don't even have a private parking space, as it's a 300 y.o. town with tiny lots & I guess people parked their horses at the local stable maybe (??).
Whatever the-trade offs, I'm at that "fed up" point--with having my back wrecked shoveling snow, taking care of my 1/2 acre yard, etc. Living "in-town"--where I could walk to restaurants, etc., I could make do w/one set of tires, snows year 'round, or whatever.......
Yep, there's a really nice condo complex in my (expensive) town like that. One unit FS at $500K, taxes $4800, condo fees $400/mo (yikes!).
Here in the far reaches of Chicagoland in my neck of the woods, condos are going for $140-180k for 2br/2ba/2garage. Our small association charges fees of $150/mo which are fairly low as Mrs.jlawrence runs the association and is a tough negotiator on all the expenses. That includes insurance, garbage, lawn care, snow removal, and payments to a reserve to cover roofs and siding.
However, if you have a need for space for 3+ cars or like to store stuff on the lawns, you are out of luck.
Seems like everyone is CCB-free right now; even I am coming up on 2 years with the Forester.
I'm at 7 months with the Mazdaspeed; now I'm thinking -just thinking- about replacing the 1999 Wrangler I picked up in 2002. I don't really need a 4X4 and an AWD, and couple of really nice sports cars(one a quasi-exotic) have popped up within a few miles my home. Affordable, even. To purchase, anyway... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Put two of them on my Civic in November. Bridgestone makes the tire and they seem to be o.k. tires. Have Traction T/A's on the wife's Mazda 3s and they are excellent tires especially in the wet stuff. Sears price matched the local Mazda dealer and we paid $89.00 per tire. The tire size was 205/55/16.
Comments
You guys are bad for my CCBS!!! :sick: I'm supposed to be cured ya know!
I do love my Pilot, but would absolutely love to have an SVT to drive in the summer......ya know, keep the miles off the Pilot.....
Consider yourself enabled.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Use your brother at the junkyard to find fun stuff.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yep. According to the ticket, he clocked me tailing me & using the exit or mileage markers.
The condo sounds nice (especially the underground heated garage), but after an apartment neighbor from heck, I prefer single-family residences.
I know, I know. This is a top (3rd) floor corner unit with giant windows, & views of the surrounding historic old town, & partial river views. It's in an old re-habbed mill bldg. I think, so has the huge windows, old brick walls, etc. The unit could look very "sexy" with some new hardwood floors, etc. The agent sent me an e-mail today saying the 80 y.o. owner "wants to sell" & make any reasonable offer.
I had talked myself out of it 'cause I don't know if I can adapt to living in a (very nice) 60 unit condo bldg., schlepping everything up or down, heck it takes 5 min. to get to the garage, etc. (stairs or elevator).
OTOH: my back & joints are getting wrecked snow shoveling, doing yard work, etc. on my crappy house in the burbs.
Maybe it's like (when car or house or wife shopping, etc.), that line from the flick "risky business": "sometimes, you just gotta say, what the ........"
I got the new Roundel issue, with reviews of the bmw 335d bi-turbo, & the 535d bi-turbo sedan & wagon. Sick, very sick. I can't afford the tickets I get now.......
I would but he quit working there about a year ago. Got married and is working at Taco Bell now........don't ask, its a long story.
I am going to look for a small car next summer, something cheap, maybe an older Civic or Accord. Just for a run around, save some miles on the Pilot.
Help me choose
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'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
Wait.. no, it isn't.. this isn't my board...
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Wooooohooooo!! :P
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She hasn't bought into that yet.
I might actually look at cross overs agian (X3, E35), for the seats, and the higher seating position.
Now I know why old folks like higher cars. Sliding in is way easier than plopping in and hoisting out!
I really need to get my wife to the car show this year (2 weeks from tonight is the opening day balck tie gala in Phila!).
ALthough we may need to wait until next year when we know what the college aid package is for my sons school of choice! nice fat merit scholorship cold go a long way toward paying for my new wheels! If he gets a full ride, it will even be something nice.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My 13 year old asked, "If I get a full scholarship, can I take my college fund money and buy an Aston Martin Vantage?"
I replied, "No, because if that happens I'M taking your college fund money and buying an Aston Martin Vantage."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Car seats are very important for back pain sufferers and will agree that sliding over is the best compromise.
The Sandman :sick:
BMW seats can vary from good--to excellent. The Base seats aren't bad, most models offer Sport seats, some offer Comfort. Would probably pay to check out bmw seat options if you can before buying.
Oh-& adjustable power lumbar can be so worth it.........
It's a "97 Mazda Miata M Edition with 85k miles. The MR2's were just way too much money, with not much more benefit over the Miata. When I get it cleaned up to my standards I will finally put some pictures in my car space.
The kids were excited, they think it's a race car.I don't want to have to tell my 4 year old it's not really that fast, it's more about the driving experience. It's good to be driving a stick again.
Of course I picked it up on Saturday and by Sunday the temperature drops 20 degrees.
In other news, it looks like there will be a Litespeed Catalyst in my life soon, does that count?
Wow, if I had the last purchase that was over 6 months ago! I still find myself looking for excuses to drive the Pilot at times.........especially if the roads are bad, lol.
Congrats on the convertible!! I had a PT Cruiser convertible last summer for a couple days as a rental, was fun, but not my cup of tea. Not enough warm nice days in the summer to enjoy one and still be able to ride horses.
I believe our 2008 VUE, purchased 10 August 2007 qualifies as the most recent purchase by anyone on this board.
That's right!! My Pilot was purchased July 13, 2007, so you are certainly the most recent purchase! Wow, for a change its not me!
Sounds exciting--what did you pay for the Miata? Color? Must be stock? I think it's good for kids to have an dad/grandad who's a car nut.....
I paid $4k, it was a little tough to spurge on something like an extra car but it is something I have wanted to get for at least 10 years. I think that as nice a shape it is in and relatively low miles I should have no problem getting my money out of it as long as I sell it at the right time of year.
My plan is to put about 3k to 4k miles on it a year and keep the mileage down on my Escape. I am currently putting 17k miles on it a year , so this should buy me an extra year at least.
The color is green with a tan top. It looks similar to this;
No worries. The VUE now has close to 7K on the clock.
I think it's good for kids to have an dad/grandad who's a car nut.....
Of the three kids, only one has picked up the car bug. My son in CA - who inherited Barney last year - wants to trade him in on a used WRX. Seeing as how he's 18, has exactly 2 months of job history and no credit history, I'm not too worried that this will happen anytime in the near future.
That's it?? :P The Pilot will turn 15k tomorrow..........hard to believe I've put that many miles on it!
Glad I bought the 6 yr/120k ESC from Honda!
At the rate you clock up miles I think you mean 4yr/120k.
That's it?? The Pilot will turn 15k tomorrow.
There's rural, and then there's rural.
I do believe you qualify for the latter. The VUE gets about 30 miles a day put on it commuting back and forth to my wife's work. We use it exclusively on the weekends - the L sits in the garage from Friday night to Monday morning.
Don't you put 30 miles on the Pilot just getting from your house to the main road?
:P
We've only taken one trip in the VUE so far - 1000 miles to Utah and back.
Perhaps later this year we'll take a road trip to AZ, but that's not a for sure thing.
Is a job move to AZ still being considered or would that road trip just be for fun?
The Honda has been a really good car even though I currrently have a broken windshield and "had" a broken fog light. It was almost $200 for the replacement.
I have ordered a car cover to put on the Honda for towing. I will pick it up on Tuesday in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. This cover protects the whole front grille, side fenders, hood and covers the front windshield. I also bought covers for the two side mirrors. The cover is made of black vinyl with a felt backing.
At Thanksgiving, I bought a Blue Ox 'Kargard' that fits in front of the Honda on the tow-bar but decided it was too cumbersome for me to handle. I have a weak disc in my back that I DO NOT want to aggravate When I had an episode last March, I was in the bed for 3 days and could barely move.
So, I sent the Kargard back and ordered the lighter (and hopefully easier) car cover.
Happy Travels!
Mark
Is a job move to AZ still being considered or would that road trip just be for fun?
The job move is on hold for now ... we've still got one part-time kid (2nd year at CSU) at home and, given the depressed nature of the housing market, it's not likely that we'd be able to sell our house for a price we'd like.
We're thinking that the trip to AZ would be for "scouting" purposes, on top of a vacation. I lived in Phoenix for 3 years when in was in college in the 80's, and I haven't visited the state since 1990 or 1991, so I'm guessing there has been a ton of growth. I have some college buddies and relatives in the area that I'd like to catch up with.
We'll see.
Moving on to a different topic:
When did tires become so freakin' expensive?
The L series needs new shoes (the original Firestones lasted 29K miles, and the current Coopers have almost 40K on them), so I've been making some calls this morning to see how much a new set will cost.
Holy mother-of-inflation, Batman!
The best price I got was $428 for a set of BF Goodrich Traction T/A's at Discount Tire - includes mounting and balancing.
Saturn dealer wanted $455 for some no-name brand (Fuzion?). Other local places went from $450 to - wait for it - $650. :surprise: :surprise:
Or am I just turning into an old fuddy-duddy, complaining about how everything was cheaper when I was a kid?
"Petroleum is a material ingredient in 60% of the products used to make tires," Motley Fool
Now toss in some inflation (har har) and transportation costs and be glad you aren't replacing dubs.
Yeah, OK, I can see that.
be glad you aren't replacing dubs.
Funny, I thought about doing a wheel and tire package from Tire Rack and upgrading to 17" all around.
I can't even imagine how much 20" or 22" tires would run.
Yup, pretty much, but I knew that when I bought it. I couldn't get any less on the years for the ESC, so took the 6 yr/120k for $960, covers pretty much everything that could break.
I run about 30-35k/year with trips to Anchorage (300 miles one way), trips to Fairbanks (100 miles one way), and wherever else I need to go, closest town is 12 miles away!
Roads were so bad this morning even the Honda was having a hard time keeping in a straight line! That's the first time I've seen the car struggle, but it was BAD, ice and then 3 inches of snow on top of it.......ugh!
Still love my Honda, can't imagine driving anything else.
I don't know those specific tires, but it's probably hard to get 4 name brand tires, inc. mounting and balancing, for less. 2 suggestions: 1. is there a Costco near you? Very good prices on Bridgestones & Michelins, & 2. at least check tire rack for prices, &/or to read owner reviews of whichever tires.
I tend to order from tire rack, or check local classifieds for slightly used ones.....I got a nice set of 4 Michelin snows a few years ago for about $125 I think, with about 95% tread left.....sold 'em a couple of years later for a bit more, as I recall.....
Actually those are a brand name tire (owned by Michelin) and were very highly rated at Tire Rack. Also, Costco only carries BFGs and Michelins now, since they are the same company.
I would check prices online and have Discount Tire (or Sears) price match.
I use Tire Rack and one of their local recommended installers, who charges all of $10 per tire for mounting, balancing, and disposal of the old tire. In fact, I haven't purchased a tire from a local shop since 1992.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
That's what I meant--as they are a brand name tire the $428 inc. mounting and balancing, locally, doesn't sound bad.
You're right-costco only carries BFGs and Michelins now. In my area they have a $60 coupon now--$60 off for 4 tires. Costco includes mounting and balancing, & last I checked include a free road-hazard warranty. My ex-G/F used that a lot as she had a bad habit of wrecking tires (?!).
Of course, it's a moot point if you don't live near a costco, or want some other tires. But I like their no-B/S service, w/o games you sometimes get at NTW or Discount Tire.
Oh yeah, once I did get a local tire chain to match tire-rack prices, w/no problems, good idea to try at least.
Just my 2cents.......
I do have a Costco nearby .. though I am not a member. Also a Sam's Club, where I do have membership.
Current edition of C&D came in the mail last Friday .. the Tire Rack ad shows the Traction T/A's for $88 each, so I'm thinking that the $428 quote isn't too bad.
I did read the reviews of the Traction T/A on TireRack.com - pretty good all around tire, which is what I'm looking for. Quiet ride, decent in rain / snow. Not looking for ultra high performance.
On to a new topic:
The husband of one of my wife's closest friends should be considered for membership here. A few months ago he sold his Toyota Tacoma pickup (2WD, 2.7L 4 banger, prerunner package) and went w/o a car for a short time.
About 6 weeks ago he picked up a '97 Blazer (4WD, 96K miles on the clock, very clean condition) for about $5K. He didn't even make the first payment before selling it .. made $500 on the transaction.
He's now planning on buying an '01 or '02 Chevy S-10 ZR2 from his son-in-law in CA. The truck is 4WD and has about 75K on it. The daughter and SIL have 3 cars with payments, so Dad his "helping" them out by taking the S-10 off their hands.
If all goes well, he'll fly out to CA and drive it back to CO in the next week or two.
I guess you give up putzing around with your own car in your own driveway, duh. And: sometimes no storage for even a 2nd set of summer or winter tires.......
But you also don't have to: Shovel Snow from a long driveway, Raking/blowing leaves from a 1/2 acre yard, saving your bad back, bursitis, etc. I'm finding --when your place--is wrecking your body--with the yardwork & snow demands--maybe it's time to make some trade-offs--(ya think??).
michaell: your buddy buying & selling cars sounds like he knows what he's doing....or at least enjoying it!
You're right, the worst part is there is no storage for car-related "stuff", but luckily I am in the SF Bay Area, so I don't need a second set of rims with snow tires on them.
Actually, the worst part is that I am limited to two cars, I have had as many as five at once in years past. I could get another now, but it would lead to endless juggling through the visitor parking spots or finding street parking outside the complex. I just don't want the hassle, although I would do it if something rare that I really wanted came along.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Not always.
Several years ago, he and his wife had bought a new Hyundai Elantra GT. They kept it for about 4-6 weeks, decided they didn't like it, and traded it in on a Santa Fe. This was in the spring of '04. He told me they didn't lose any money on the trade value of the Elantra, but I'm not 100% sure of that.
Anyway, fast forward to the summer of '06 - the newly restyled Santa Fe comes out, and he loves it. So much so that they traded in the '04 Santa Fe for the '06 .. and takes a bath on the trade in value.
Well, duh.
Now, what's funny is that both the '04 and the '06 are FWD. A few weeks ago, the wife drives out to work in crummy weather and decides that the FWD just isn't cutting it in the Colorado winter.
They start looking for an AWD SUV .. looked at and drove both the CRV and the RAV4.
They ultimately decide that, since they are remodeling their kitchen, a new car probably isn't in the budget.
Don't know about New England, but here in CO there are some housing communities that take care of all the external issues - landscaping, snow removal, etc. - and yet you still have a house with a yard and a garage.
Seems like the best of both worlds.
Problem is, they start at $500K and go up .... oh well.
And enjoying every minute of it - weekends free of lawn mowing, leaf raking, snow shoveling. What is not to like?
It DOES keep me from buying a third car as I have two cars in the garage and the other two parking spaces are in front of the garage.
here in CO there are some housing communities that take care of all the external issues - landscaping, snow removal, etc. - and yet you still have a house with a yard and a garage......Problem is, they start at $500K and go up
Yep, there's a really nice condo complex in my (expensive) town like that. One unit FS at $500K, taxes $4800, condo fees $400/mo (yikes!). I'd almost pay the $500K, but the $400/mo would be a killer.
Most of the condos in the North Shore Seaport town I'm looking in--have one or 2 uncovered parking spaces--most of them are 150 y.o. converted bldgs. Even some SF houses there don't even have a private parking space, as it's a 300 y.o. town with tiny lots & I guess people parked their horses at the local stable maybe (??).
Whatever the-trade offs, I'm at that "fed up" point--with having my back wrecked shoveling snow, taking care of my 1/2 acre yard, etc. Living "in-town"--where I could walk to restaurants, etc., I could make do w/one set of tires, snows year 'round, or whatever.......
Here in the far reaches of Chicagoland in my neck of the woods, condos are going for $140-180k for 2br/2ba/2garage. Our small association charges fees of $150/mo which are fairly low as Mrs.jlawrence runs the association and is a tough negotiator on all the expenses. That includes insurance, garbage, lawn care, snow removal, and payments to a reserve to cover roofs and siding.
However, if you have a need for space for 3+ cars or like to store stuff on the lawns, you are out of luck.
HOWEVER...(
These lease deals on Pilots are getting too tempting. Can someone remind me that leasing is a stupid idea for a CCBA member one last time?
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Wife's lease expires in under 10 months.... So, naturally, I've been shopping for about a year, already..
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I'm at 7 months with the Mazdaspeed; now I'm thinking -just thinking- about replacing the 1999 Wrangler I picked up in 2002. I don't really need a 4X4 and an AWD, and couple of really nice sports cars(one a quasi-exotic) have popped up within a few miles my home. Affordable, even. To purchase, anyway... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Well, it turns out that the truck has a few more miles on it than originally thought. Well, more than a few .. more like 35K.
Yep, 110K on it.
So, he's not buying it.
Has been car-pooling lately but is on the prowl for something in the $5K range.
We'll see what he ends up with.
Side note: I get the new tires installed onto the L-series on Monday.
The Sandman