There was discussion here a while back about RMDs - and when to start taking them For those interested, there have been 2 recent fundamental changes to the law. This is a link to a .gov site that explains them:
Any tax question, just ask the wife. As we speak, she's in her office at work for Turbo Tax. She's a lead now and gets the complicated returns. But she has mentioned they uped the age for the RMD's to 72 as I recalled. Good for me as I've still got some in my traditional IRA that hasn't been converted yet. On the new Jeep Compass, have driven a mess load of them at work and think they did a commendable job mixing the old Compass and the old Patriot into the new Compass. I enjoy driving them personally. But hey, maybe my standards are a bit lower then many others in here. I saw a demo with about 3100 miles on it going for $21,560 which wasn't that bad of a deal. Red over black cloth, a combo I could live with.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Funny enough, I just had a Jeep Compass for a week vacation in Florida. FWD, Limited, 15k miles. Drove it for about 400 miles.
I really like the looks of it, Uconnect is nice, and had a lot of nice features: heated steering wheel, heated seats, CarPlay, Leather, digital gauge screen. I have not driven much of the competition, but it wasn't a bad ride. My biggest gripe is that it's underpowered (for me), and the CVT and my driving style don't jive - as it always felt one step behind. This particular CVT imitates gear shifts, which I didn't like. Most people probably wouldn't notice though.
As I’ve shared before, my wife is awed with the Q5. It is the subtle details and overall refinement compared to what she’s driven in the past that has really impressed her. She says she’s spoiled now and there’s no going back.
It is the little details that count in the long run. Sometimes the little details show being cheated or slighted with many car makers, but with Audi, I think that's their strength. You usually realize you got more than originally figured.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
that happened to my wife when I let her test drive the Acura in 2012, and she got infatuated with it. Ended up spending more than intended at that time, and now she expects that level of nice!
Funny enough, I just had a Jeep Compass for a week vacation in Florida. FWD, Limited, 15k miles. Drove it for about 400 miles.
I really like the looks of it, Uconnect is nice, and had a lot of nice features: heated steering wheel, heated seats, CarPlay, Leather, digital gauge screen. I have not driven much of the competition, but it wasn't a bad ride. My biggest gripe is that it's underpowered (for me), and the CVT and my driving style don't jive - as it always felt one step behind. This particular CVT imitates gear shifts, which I didn't like. Most people probably wouldn't notice though.
They don’t have a CVT, so those weren’t imitation shifts you felt, they were real.
'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
Funny enough, I just had a Jeep Compass for a week vacation in Florida. FWD, Limited, 15k miles. Drove it for about 400 miles.
I really like the looks of it, Uconnect is nice, and had a lot of nice features: heated steering wheel, heated seats, CarPlay, Leather, digital gauge screen. I have not driven much of the competition, but it wasn't a bad ride. My biggest gripe is that it's underpowered (for me), and the CVT and my driving style don't jive - as it always felt one step behind. This particular CVT imitates gear shifts, which I didn't like. Most people probably wouldn't notice though.
They don’t have a CVT, so those weren’t imitation shifts you felt, they were real.
Right - it's the 9-speed, which to me was always hunting for the right gear when paired with the 4 banger.
The same transmission was also in the Cherokee with the V6, which was just fine.
I test drove the Trailhawk trim level. Gutless with the 2.4L, and the headrest couldn't be adjusted so that I was comfortable behind the wheel.
I'd prefer a Cherokee Trailhawk, myself. With either the V6 or 2.0T engine.
I just don't like the Cherokee. Not attractive, IMHO.
Looks like I popped back in just in time to defend a Cherokee! I'm going on 3 years (April 21st) with my 2017 Cherokee Trailhawk V6. I love the goofy little thing. I've managed to put it in the ditch once last winter (my fault) and drive it off the driveway twice this winter (new house crappy driveway). It climbs back out of the snow every time like a champ, I'm just glad it can't talk. I can say with certainty it is hands down the best car I've ever owned out of who knows how many I've owned (I lost count a few years ago). It just rolled over 30k miles and will run out of warranty on time not miles which is a first for me, its never had a single issue.
Now let's see what's happened since I was here last.....we sold our house last summer and bought a smaller house last fall. Naturally right after we sold the big house our son got out of the Navy and came home. I do understand why though, his sister was not doing well and we didn't expect her to live to see Christmas. However, Vertex was able to release a new medication for cystic fibrosis called Trikafta early and she has a second chance at life. So we have 6 people living in a 3 bedroom home....its uh, cozy but temporary since our son and his gf will be moving out in April.
My little guy started playing hockey.....a hockey gear bag does not fit easily in the back of a Cherokee just an FYI. However, we won't be buying anything bigger since we bought a new travel trailer so we can have some camping adventures with the little guy and the rest of the clan.
So the stable sits at the following:
2001 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 139k purchased 4/2014 2015 Ford Focus SE HB 49k purchased 7/2015 2016 Ford Fusion SE 90k purchased 10/2016 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk purchased 4/2017 2020 Pioneer 290BH travel trailer purchased 1/2020
My daughter is eyeballing a Jeep for herself so there might be a shake up this week.....
I personally like our A3, hasn't been in to the dealer except for having the oil level topped off a couple of times. Wife likes it but she'd be happy with anything that always works! But yes, it gives a lot of detail to the little stuff. And I'd have no issues using it as my d d. Looks like that 2017 gray unit I liked is gone, but really, don't want two of the same vehicles to be honest. Well, it's about 6 am and time to get out of here for work. No work yesterday on our n/s day so should be a smaller check in two weeks from now. But, I was willing to go in. Hope y'all have a great day!!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Wow, @akangl , long time no see! Good to see your post, please don't be a stranger. I either did not know or had somehow forgotten your daughter's struggles. That new medication is truly miraculous from what I had read recently. Best of luck to her and to you and your family.
There was discussion here a while back about RMDs - and when to start taking them For those interested, there have been 2 recent fundamental changes to the law.
By the time I get to that age, I hope to have done a lot of Roth conversions so that there's not much left in the conventional IRA/401k accounts.
If you've been saving diligently, it will be almost impossible to convert that much. But, it's a good goal. I'm in the midst of crunching numbers each year, to see how much we can convert before collecting SS, which will put us in a higher tax bracket. It's hard to put a dent in it, when the stock market has been rising like this. (good problem to have)
Headed out to test drive a 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk for the kid, see if she will let go of the cursed 2015 Focus. I highly doubt it but I would love to see her in a small SUV for safety although I do have to give that little Focus credit, it can take a hit or 2.
So i was at the chevy dealer to get my trans fluid changed on the equinox (I'd rather let other folks deal with fluids when I can). I popped into the showroom to look at a loaded up Colorado that caught my eye. They had an ADM sticker on it, not for the price of the truck, but for their nice little adds of, get this, $595 for door edge guards!! $595 for “fabric protection”; $595 for a stupid pinstripe sticker nobody asked for; and another $40 for “nitro fill” because, ya know, you’re gonna race in a Colorado. Thought maybe it was just this truck, but, nope, it was on most vehicles in the showroom. I quickly retreated to the service waiting area. This was Freehold Chevy, bought up by the Lester Glenn group not long ago. In case anyone is curious.
'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
I thought the 5-speed was the exploding one, but I'm not sure. Those and the Corolla of that generation are one of those where the automatic is far more reliable.
The Oxmoron Dealer Group in Louisville does the same.
Oxmoor CDJR is actually where I sold the Tahoe. I was very pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the transaction went, although I didn't browse the showroom or look at any window stickers on their inventory.
Thought maybe it was just this truck, but, nope, it was on most vehicles in the showroom
Burns used to do that on most of the Buicks. When I bought my 2012 LaCrosse from them I started off negotiations explaining I was working off of GM's sticker price not theirs with the Add-Ons.
They were fine with it. To add insult to injury I had them remove the pin stripe and edge guards!
I've noticed that on the few cars I saw there recently that practice is over.
I mean, seriously, does anyone want pinstripes anymore? I know they were a thing for quite awhile, but it's long over. My 04 Grand Marquis had painted stripes from the factory, but that was a Florida Special.
The Oxmoron Dealer Group in Louisville does the same.
Oxmoor CDJR is actually where I sold the Tahoe. I was very pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the transaction went, although I didn't browse the showroom or look at any window stickers on their inventory.
To be fair I have never actively shopped that dealer group, but the one visit to their Hyundai dealer (service on the wife's Elantra) left me feeling like I needed a shower. At least they got the dealer back in NC to cover subpar work... a serp belt shouldn't be slipping 2 months after it's changed!
The big thing around here is paint protection. Huffman likes to hard sell something for 895 but you can opt in or out. The former Swope dealers (now owned by Terry's bigger corporation) advertise all their vehicles with a 599 add on for "permaplate."
Pinstripes work well on some cars, but one must discriminate. Pinstripes on a Colorado?! Not so much. They looked great on my burgundy 2013 Passat, but I don't think I would be able to say the same had the car been a different color.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Pinstripes work well on some cars, but one must discriminate. Pinstripes on a Colorado?! Not so much. They looked great on my burgundy 2013 Passat, but I don't think I would be able to say the same had the car been a different color.
i"m not so much hating on the pinstripe. I'm hating on a $600 pinstripe!
'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
i"m not so much hating on the pinstripe. I'm hating on a $600 pinstripe!
I'm with you on that! I have some dealer experiences where they are fully understanding about the add ons (enough customers don't question the charge that they don't care about the ones who do), and a couple where they told me to go suck an egg. I guess the latter type still gets enough sales that they don't mind a few slipping through their fingers. I think it's a poor mentality, but then it is not my business to run.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Well put me down for a punch.....the kid decided to let the Focus go (thank goodness). 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is joining the stable. Really nice car, I'm surprised. However, nothing makes me happier than my Cherokee.
They don’t have a CVT, so those weren’t imitation shifts you felt, they were real.
Right - it's the 9-speed, which to me was always hunting for the right gear when paired with the 4 banger.
The same transmission was also in the Cherokee with the V6, which was just fine.
I stand corrected. I knew the original Compasses had CVT transmissions that were grenades, and assumed this one had a CVT too. I guess in a way it's a compliment, because the shifts were very smooth, but it felt like a CVT imitating shift points because they weren't very crisp.
Have a white pinstripe on my Golf and it looks good actually. Small enough that it doesn't get in the way of the creases on the sides of it. I think it dresses the vehicle up a bit...and nothing wrong with that. I like the new Jeep Compass, though a bit too big for my needs. But I almost decided to pull the trigger on that red demo a few weeks back, the 2020 one I saw at the local Jeep store. I was smitten for a few days before I came back to my senses. Now, just best that I wait till VW decides what to do about the 2020 Golf SE. If it's gonna come over here, I'll definitely wait to see how I like it. And if it don't, then I'll figure out Plan B.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Well put me down for a punch.....the kid decided to let the Focus go (thank goodness). 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is joining the stable. Really nice car, I'm surprised. However, nothing makes me happier than my Cherokee.
Well that didn't take long! Farewell, trusty Focus, you protected thy occupants well!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Well put me down for a punch.....the kid decided to let the Focus go (thank goodness). 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is joining the stable. Really nice car, I'm surprised. However, nothing makes me happier than my Cherokee.
Well that didn't take long! Farewell, trusty Focus, you protected thy occupants well!
That it did, but was starting to nickel and dime the kid. I don't blame her for moving on. She wants to go places that the Focus can't go and the Jeep fits the bill. The Focus will always hold a spot in my heart because it did keep my kids safe.
Sandy, I googled a few articles about the new Golf. Still not clear if they are bringing the normal models over at all, or just the GTI and R (definitely overkill for you!). new interior does look nice though. Maybe you should just try out a GTI. At least you would get a good feel for the car, styling and interior. Heck, maybe you would get hooked on the extra HP and big wheels! Not really all that expensive either.
not sure when they are showing up stateside though either.
Comments
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
On the new Jeep Compass, have driven a mess load of them at work and think they did a commendable job mixing the old Compass and the old Patriot into the new Compass. I enjoy driving them personally. But hey, maybe my standards are a bit lower then many others in here. I saw a demo with about 3100 miles on it going for $21,560 which wasn't that bad of a deal. Red over black cloth, a combo I could live with.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I really like the looks of it, Uconnect is nice, and had a lot of nice features: heated steering wheel, heated seats, CarPlay, Leather, digital gauge screen. I have not driven much of the competition, but it wasn't a bad ride. My biggest gripe is that it's underpowered (for me), and the CVT and my driving style don't jive - as it always felt one step behind. This particular CVT imitates gear shifts, which I didn't like. Most people probably wouldn't notice though.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
The same transmission was also in the Cherokee with the V6, which was just fine.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Now let's see what's happened since I was here last.....we sold our house last summer and bought a smaller house last fall. Naturally right after we sold the big house our son got out of the Navy and came home. I do understand why though, his sister was not doing well and we didn't expect her to live to see Christmas. However, Vertex was able to release a new medication for cystic fibrosis called Trikafta early and she has a second chance at life. So we have 6 people living in a 3 bedroom home....its uh, cozy but temporary since our son and his gf will be moving out in April.
My little guy started playing hockey.....a hockey gear bag does not fit easily in the back of a Cherokee just an FYI. However, we won't be buying anything bigger since we bought a new travel trailer so we can have some camping adventures with the little guy and the rest of the clan.
So the stable sits at the following:
2001 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 139k purchased 4/2014
2015 Ford Focus SE HB 49k purchased 7/2015
2016 Ford Fusion SE 90k purchased 10/2016
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk purchased 4/2017
2020 Pioneer 290BH travel trailer purchased 1/2020
My daughter is eyeballing a Jeep for herself so there might be a shake up this week.....
Well, it's about 6 am and time to get out of here for work. No work yesterday on our n/s day so should be a smaller check in two weeks from now. But, I was willing to go in.
Hope y'all have a great day!!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/rvs/7077714127.html
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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Comments?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
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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
'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
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/60486/honda/civic/i-have-cash-for-new-civic-should-i-buy-an-old-one-instead#latest
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
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Edit: here it is!
Burns used to do that on most of the Buicks. When I bought my 2012 LaCrosse from them I started off negotiations explaining I was working off of GM's sticker price not theirs with the Add-Ons.
They were fine with it. To add insult to injury I had them remove the pin stripe and edge guards!
I've noticed that on the few cars I saw there recently that practice is over.
I mean, seriously, does anyone want pinstripes anymore? I know they were a thing for quite awhile, but it's long over. My 04 Grand Marquis had painted stripes from the factory, but that was a Florida Special.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
The big thing around here is paint protection. Huffman likes to hard sell something for 895 but you can opt in or out. The former Swope dealers (now owned by Terry's bigger corporation) advertise all their vehicles with a 599 add on for "permaplate."
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/60484/porsche/macan/should-i-repair-the-bodywork-before-selling#latest
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25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Local dealer had red; I asked for black, which they did a dealer trade for. Sadly, the black one showed up with pinstriping on it.
I drove home in the red one.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I stand corrected. I knew the original Compasses had CVT transmissions that were grenades, and assumed this one had a CVT too. I guess in a way it's a compliment, because the shifts were very smooth, but it felt like a CVT imitating shift points because they weren't very crisp.
I like the new Jeep Compass, though a bit too big for my needs. But I almost decided to pull the trigger on that red demo a few weeks back, the 2020 one I saw at the local Jeep store. I was smitten for a few days before I came back to my senses. Now, just best that I wait till VW decides what to do about the 2020 Golf SE. If it's gonna come over here, I'll definitely wait to see how I like it. And if it don't, then I'll figure out Plan B.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
not sure when they are showing up stateside though either.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.