Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

henryn

xwesx said:

henryn said:

xwesx said:

sda said:

Does Audi require a special tool to back the piston back into the caliper so you can fit the new pads.

No, I'm able to work with them the same way as any other car I've ever had with disc brakes.

Back when I had the 2008 Passat, you had to have a computer control device to turn off the electronic parking brake before you could work on the rear brakes. Which sounded like a good excuse to buy the device (a cable to interface to your notebook computer, with software), but I never did. I do have the tools (actually a set with different attachments for different makes and models) to screw / rotate the piston back into the caliper.

That's interesting. You're right; a lot of modern vehicles automatically set the parking brake when you turn it off and/or place the vehicle in 'park.' I actually do have the computer interface tool for the Q7 (RossTech VAG-COM), but that's another story.

Amazingly, the Q7 has a mechanical parking brake - the same foot-operated unit that pickups have used for decades.

As for tools to move the pistons back.... that's a thing? I just use a C-clamp: Set it over the piston or atop the brake pad itself (which is still in position), then slowly screw it down against the back of the caliper. Once the pad seats against the caliper body, pull off the clamp and the pad, and you're ready to go!

For some cars, especially on the rear brakes, you really need to use the right tool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOBcAWw8Mj4

I actually have the set of tools shown in that video (or basically the same set, with a different name on it). Only costs about $20 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-20733A-Brake-Caliper-Piece/dp/B000IB40L6/ref=asc_df_B000IB40L6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198073713294&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18148626791257861919&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027596&hvtargid=pla-357148964810&psc=1

sda

henryn said:

xwesx said:

sda said:

Does Audi require a special tool to back the piston back into the caliper so you can fit the new pads.

No, I'm able to work with them the same way as any other car I've ever had with disc brakes.

Back when I had the 2008 Passat, you had to have a computer control device to turn off the electronic parking brake before you could work on the rear brakes. Which sounded like a good excuse to buy the device (a cable to interface to your notebook computer, with software), but I never did. I do have the tools (actually a set with different attachments for different makes and models) to screw / rotate the piston back into the caliper.

That’s what I remembered needing that device from when I had the 2006 Passat 2.0t.

Sandman6472

For around $25K, I'd be all in for a Tesla or a Bolt truth be told. Just the idea of not needing to buy petrol is in itself wonderful. And with my current driving dynamics, I am the perfect candidate to own one. And think the wife would actually like it also once she got over the fear of feathering the accelerator to keep moving. But honestly, I think that I would jump on either one at that price point and not look back. Think it's also because there's really nothing out there in the marketplace that I've gotta have right now. I look constantly and come back to the same place and that's sitting right on my side of the garage. It does everything right for what I need it to do...period. And to buy new just to buy new is just not me, and think no matter how much money I had, just can't see spending it on stuff that I'm not that happy with. A new Tesla or Bolt with this new technology is pretty cool actually so just praying that there's no more drama with the Golf going forward and see where the marketplace takes me.
The wild card is still going to be the new VW products due by the end of the year. The GTI is something I really want to see and touch the new dash with it's mini shifter. Love the idea of no more handled emergency brake in the center area and the infotainment area. Much nicer looking than what I've got now with a cleaner look. But it's the new Taos which I really want to try. Hoping the ingress/egress is what the Tucson had so I can just slide in and out without falling into the front seat. For that one feature alone, it would be worth it to me. Been having more bad days than good lately so any help in this area will be quite welcomed. And another bonus would be if it's not that much bigger than my current ride. I'm a big fan of smaller vehicles as it's usually just me 90% of the time now.
Do like the pics of the new Honda Civic though. They've cleaned up the looks of that rear fascia that I really hated truth be told. It looks to be a bit more traditional, something I like and think many others will to. Hoping they redo the current dash a bit to and definitely reconfigure their awful infotainment system. I dislike Honda's attempt at this area almost as much as Toyota's which is way past bad...it's truly awful in every way. Wish manufacturers would realize that even a lot of us older folks want and require a decent sound system in our d d as we spend a considerable amount of time in there. Glad to see that most are now offering Sirius/XM as an option along with the Apple/Android hook-ups. Personally, at this age, I don't want to need "the guy" to come in and "fix" the sound system so it's tolerable. I want a good one from the get go with enough power to put that smile on my face as I go down the road. Charge a fair price for a great sound system and I'm there!
Bottom line, I'm finally ready to part with my Golf and thinking that 2022 might just be the year to finally, well, just do it already! I'm at the point that I'd go up to $30K but, it has to be the right vehicle with the right options. And for once, just once, would like to qualify for 0% financing and actually use it. Don't want to disturb the current portfolio much as I'm not sure how much longer I will be in the work place. At some point, I'm going to retire, again, but on my terms and time frame.

stickguy

the new Civic interior, and infotainment setup, is very nice. But well above your length cut-off.

The Taos could definitely hit all your buttons.

Sandman6472

Got called about what I always thought was my dream job, a shuttle driver at a local car dealership. Found it on Indeed.com like I did with my current gig at Enterprise. Sent my resume over just to see, and got a call the other day. They called Monday afternoon but I missed the call and they left no message. Got another call Tuesday morning and this time, a voicemail was left. Called later in the day and instead of me going in for an interview today, we did it over the phone. A good thing in one respect as they wouldn't see me walking with my cane, something that has made me lose out on a few jobs in the past, though I could never be sure. But people's body language an what they're looking at does speak volumes.
Turns out, they're looking for an additional 3 drivers and had already hired two. They want 3 days/week to start and sounded great until hearing that they also wanted me on Wednesdays, and I work that day. The interviewer didn't want to compromise with me on that day so had to thankfully decline their offer. Felt bad about it but, deep down, I just can not work 5 or 6 days a week, my body just won't allow it. And I know that. For the short term, maybe, but in time, don't think I could keep up working so many day. My wife totally agreed and do understand. After working yesterday and the day before, I was literally beat today. Woke up early with a high pain score, then took my meds. This as about 5:15 or so. Next thing I know, it's 10 am and I'm still hurting and in a fog. Crawled out of bed and had a bite to eat and then vegged on my recliner for a few hours, I was just so worn out and still in pain. And lately, I've been having more bad than good days.
Honestly, no matter how much I want to, taking on another part time gig is just not the right thing to do right now. Think I would've jumped on it if it were for just a couple of days but he was pretty stuck on those 3 days. Luckily, I didn't trash his voicemail and am thinking about calling him back in a few days, and ask about starting out at those two days and see what happens. By then, depending on how the new guys work out, he might decide to give it a try.
So, we'll just have to see what happens. Am lucky that the location is real close to the house, so driving there is not an issue. Could be fun as I do generally know the tri-county area pretty well, being an ex- mailman and all. As usual, it's all about timing and think if this gig had turned up back in 2019 or so, I would've jumped on it with no questions asked whatsoever. But, still loving my Enterprise job so much that don't think I could leave it quite yet, for me, it's the perfect job! And also, do I really want to deal with the public in such a confined area? So, like I said, will give him a holler in the next week or two, and see where we're at. It could just work out for me and better to be safe then sorry.

andres3

kyfdx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

kyfdx said:

You made me look.

The Carvana offer on the GTI is now $1500 more than I paid for it. 14 months and 8000 miles ago. 🤯

This is insanity. Who’s buying these cars?

Well, in this case.... Carvana.

Maybe their plan is to corner the market, buy up all the used cars hoarding them, and then have a complete and utter Monopoly so that you have to pay $30,000 to get a 100,000 mile Chevy Spark.

stickguy

Sandy, wouldn't that just be driving a van of some sort taking people around? Doesn't sound like as much fun as driving different cars every day!

definitely sounds like 2 jobs is too much for you. Just have to pick one if you want to keep doing something.

andres3

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Too much power?

https://www.powernationtv.com/post/dodge-challenger-hellcat-driver-flips-pickup-truck-leaving-cars-and-coffee?utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Challenger+Hellcat+Driver+Flips+Pickup+Leaving+Cars+%26+Coffee

This happened in Colorado at a C&C meet. Several different camera angles captured this. Hellcat Challenger, so 700+ HP. Roads were cold, so maybe a bit slick, but still a stupid move.

Cold is a readily apparent condition; so yeah, all stupidity. I've yet to encounter ice or snow on a 100+ degree ambient temperature day. If someone encounters that, I might let personal responsibility slide a bit.

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

Initial impressions on moving from the 2016 Town and Country to the 2019 Pacifica.

1) It feels peppier. I’m guessing this is mainly due to the 9 speed transmission, as the engine is very similar.

2) It is quieter inside. A noticeable difference. When I was younger I would not have noticed or cared, but I do now.

3) The stereo sounds quite a bit better. I had upgraded the speakers in the T&C, so it would get louder and pump more bass, but it still sounded like you were inside a box. Probably because you were inside a box? The stereo in the Pacifica sounds more like you’re in a car, not an empty box.

4) The seats, seating arrangement, interior space are all quite similar. I wish the driver’s seat would go a little farther back, and a little lower, but I had exactly the same complaint about the T&C. Not bad, but could be better, for me at least.

5) I am going to have to rework the brakes. The pedal goes down a little too far before engaging, and then feels just a little mushy. The front pads look like they have been replaced, and the rotors are scored. Rear pads look original, but maybe 3/4 gone. I ordered new rotors and pads from Amazon. Total cost about $250, no big deal. I do believe in having good brakes and tires.

The Pacifica is liked by most of us in the rental biz, both as drivers and passengers. Personally, I like it better than the Toyota Sienna although I don’t know if it has the long term reliability.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

The Wichita Car Mafia must be coordinating - Elliott Alvis, 100PercentJake, and Hoovie all dropped new YouTube videos within a few minutes of each other.

I agree on Hoovie's video - in what sane world could one buy a CPO Land Rover with 3-ish years of warranty remaining, burn through a year of the precious warranty, and then theoretically be able to sell it for more than they paid?

I thought I heard Hoovie wrong when he said that. Knowing how fast Land Rovers depreciate, it’s down right incredible.

Sandman6472

I drove a Sienna again on Wednesday and liked it, but always have liked them. Handle nicely and accelerate at a nice clip. But the Pacifica is just a different animal and seems a bit smaller though not by that much. Don't think I'd like either as my d d to be honest though, prefer the Dodge Caravan for that gig myself. Am hopeful that our new group ill get into one of those but the only drawback will mean our team will only be a lead and 4 other drivers. Works for me and I wouldn't mind being the lead if I had to be. Could definitely work with the right team with me.
Big reason I didn't take the shuttle driver position at the dealership, sometimes those customers can be a bit over the top for me. And did not want to deal with folks who were on the other side, sometimes it gets a bit tedious. In a good group right now and the big boss is pretty cool to work with. I'm pretty easy to work with as long as ya don't get "stupid" with me cause if ya do, am usually outta there real quick like!

Sandman6472

Weather is still pretty nice so far and no intense heat as of yet. Got our power bill yesterday and use this year as compared to 2020 is just about the same. As long as it stays around $100/month, not too bad. But we're coming into our hottest time of year so that'll increase a bit. The new FPL bill format shows last years info for comparison sake which I do appreciate. Our H2O bill is usually around the $60/month amount no matter what. Luckily our sprinkler system works out of a well, so no city water needed.
We have 3 of us left on our AT&T cell phone bill and we're now at about $129/month, give or take. The kid gives me a check each January 1st to cover her share and hoping she'll just take over the whole bill at some point. Sticking with AT&T for the time being as we've had no issues at all and the wife needs excellent wifi service in her office, the house, so we're good there.Would love to switch on over to T-Mobile as they're a bit cheaper but for now, we're fine. I use the most data and we always have rollover each month. Use it mostly while sitting in the van going to the next place but never go above 5 gigs/month no matter what. But don't waste it either. Do turn off the wifi if not on any specific site during the day so not much waste there.
Hoping for a quiet hurricane season which kicks in June 1st, give or take. One must when living in the south. We've always lived under our means and try and keep waste to a real minimum but saw that as a kid and have shown our kids the same going forward. Waste is just something I dislike immensely, just hate it.

andres3

5.5 months with the '15 S4 and have driven the heck out of it now that my 100% commute is back 5 days a week. A CPO warranty on this car would have been worth $0.00 in about 5,000 miles at this point.

The worst thing to happen since I bought the S4 is gas being as high as $4.49/gallon for 91.

Sandman6472

Almost $4.50/gallon of high test is bat [non-permissible content removed] crazy! But I see it's in Southern California, so do get that. Finally got some regular on Wednesday after not going for the past 3 weeks and paid $2.79 for regular 87 octane. And that was on the low side for our area just northwest of Ft. Lauderdale. Was happy to get that price and just lucky I drive so little now. When on an n/s day, find it easier just to stay around the house, always something to do and let's be honest here, when one goes out, one is going to spend $ on stuff, necessary or not. Now with tax season being extended a bit longer, again due to the covid, our schedules are so out of whack. Since I was n/s today, got a late start this morning so pushed everything back a few hours for me. And since the pantry and fridge are bare, stopped by to get a chicken sandwich at KFC. Delicious and quite affordable, definitely giving Popeye's some real competition. Never got to Publix, the supermarket, to shop like I had on my errand list today. By getting up a couple hours late, my n/s list was shot to hell, so best I just picked up a bite to eat. Was definitely worth it!
Can see the price of everyday items going up in a lot of categories. And again, seems that the covid is really hitting us with both barrels no matter where one lives. I, for one, will be so happy when it's all over and we get back to a "new normal" as I've been calling it and have seen a few articles on this so called "new normal". From what I can take from what I've read is that we just better hold on to this wild ride!!!

xwesx

henryn said:

For some cars, especially on the rear brakes, you really need to use the right tool.

I actually have the set of tools shown in that video (or basically the same set, with a different name on it). Only costs about $20 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-20733A-Brake-Caliper-Piece/dp/B000IB40L6/ref=asc_df_B000IB40L6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198073713294&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18148626791257861919&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027596&hvtargid=pla-357148964810&psc=1

Very interesting! This does the same thing as the c-clamp, but I'll definitely keep this in mind should I come across a vehicle where that method simply doesn't work.

Sandman6472

Insomnia is coming back it seems. Been up & down all night but such is life. Looks like one of my co-workers in our group is taking today off. Since we're so "not busy", they're letting folks use some of their PTO time so he texted me early last evening that he's taking today off & going out of town for a few days, Indiana or Kentucky I think. Whatever, looks like I'm going to be the lead driver today unless they stick us with another crew. Since we're in the midst of increasing the number of workers in each vehicle, thinking they just might pt us two with another group that's down one or a couple of drivers. Makes sense really as it can be difficult to find work for just the two of us. But our boss is excellent at the logistics of here. They know already in their computers who currently have vehicles and from which branch. They also know how many reservations are supposed to start today. The real unknowns are the walk-ups, those that need a vehicle since the dealership is giving them a loaner wile their vehicle is in the shop for repairs. Add to that unknown the few that try to see if they can extend their contract a bit, something I'm sure that happens. And the last unknown variable are those folks that have a fender bender and need a replacement vehicle today. And those are the folks that are probably on the bottom of the totum pole, so to speak. Hopefully the number of returns today and tomorrow will be enough in number to cover those last minute folks. And am sure if not today, tomorrow will have more vehicles sitting to be rented.
All a game of logistics really. The chip shortage and not having those excess vehicles in our holding lots are the couple of things that are unknown that the company has to work with. And am figuring that Enterprise is not the only rental company in this situation. At the end of the day though, as long as folks can be patient and possibly wait a day for wheels, it should all work out positively for everyone. One good thing for us, when we take the Accent in to be repaired later this month, we're not going to need a rental to use in those 3 to 4 days it'll take to fix the damage. As long as they can get their hands on drivers side rear stop light/turn signal part to be installed, we should be fine. They need to replace that unit but the rest is just repainting & buffing out the left rear quarter panel. I'm figuring it'll be a 4 day job but they can have the vehicle till that Tuesday after Memorial Day as we won't need to use it. But prefer to have it back by that Friday so we can take it to Orlando for the holiday 3-day weekend, would rather not drive the Golf up as I know the wife will want a vehicle to use and won't drive mine. But if we have to take mine, she can probably use the our other kids Chevy Cruise to go places. It really is a nice riding vehicle truth be told, just wish they still made the hatchback version! I usually can't keep up with them so I'll either stay at the hotel or at my daughters house. A win/win for everyone.

qbrozen

Sandman6472 said:

Got called about what I always thought was my dream job, a shuttle driver at a local car dealership. Found it on Indeed.com like I did with my current gig at Enterprise. Sent my resume over just to see, and got a call the other day. They called Monday afternoon but I missed the call and they left no message. Got another call Tuesday morning and this time, a voicemail was left. Called later in the day and instead of me going in for an interview today, we did it over the phone. A good thing in one respect as they wouldn't see me walking with my cane, something that has made me lose out on a few jobs in the past, though I could never be sure. But people's body language an what they're looking at does speak volumes.
Turns out, they're looking for an additional 3 drivers and had already hired two. They want 3 days/week to start and sounded great until hearing that they also wanted me on Wednesdays, and I work that day. The interviewer didn't want to compromise with me on that day so had to thankfully decline their offer. Felt bad about it but, deep down, I just can not work 5 or 6 days a week, my body just won't allow it. And I know that. For the short term, maybe, but in time, don't think I could keep up working so many day. My wife totally agreed and do understand. After working yesterday and the day before, I was literally beat today. Woke up early with a high pain score, then took my meds. This as about 5:15 or so. Next thing I know, it's 10 am and I'm still hurting and in a fog. Crawled out of bed and had a bite to eat and then vegged on my recliner for a few hours, I was just so worn out and still in pain. And lately, I've been having more bad than good days.
Honestly, no matter how much I want to, taking on another part time gig is just not the right thing to do right now. Think I would've jumped on it if it were for just a couple of days but he was pretty stuck on those 3 days. Luckily, I didn't trash his voicemail and am thinking about calling him back in a few days, and ask about starting out at those two days and see what happens. By then, depending on how the new guys work out, he might decide to give it a try.
So, we'll just have to see what happens. Am lucky that the location is real close to the house, so driving there is not an issue. Could be fun as I do generally know the tri-county area pretty well, being an ex- mailman and all. As usual, it's all about timing and think if this gig had turned up back in 2019 or so, I would've jumped on it with no questions asked whatsoever. But, still loving my Enterprise job so much that don't think I could leave it quite yet, for me, it's the perfect job! And also, do I really want to deal with the public in such a confined area? So, like I said, will give him a holler in the next week or two, and see where we're at. It could just work out for me and better to be safe then sorry.

I always imagined driving for a dealership would wind up involving many other duties that would require one to be rather spry. “Go find this car for Mr Jones and bring it to the front door. Chop chop.” Or “Grab 5 Mustangs from the back and line them up at the curb and clean them off, too.” So just make sure you are real clear on the possible duties.

explorerx4

@qbrozen,
You are getting lot boy and shuttle driver confused or combining them.
Shuttle drivers are usually older guys and that's all they do.

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

@qbrozen,
You are getting lot boy and shuttle driver confused or combining them.
Shuttle drivers are usually older guys and that's all they do.

No, I get it. And a dealership would never ask you to do something you don't want to do, right?

stickguy

Sandy, just curious, but why won’t your wife drive the golf? Must be very similar to the A3 (certainly more what shes used to than an Accent or Cruz)

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

In unrelated news, wife and I booked our first vacation sans child in nearly 3 years. We're off to Los Cabos in June to an all-inclusive for 5 nights.

And yes, that's two vacations in two months for her.

Funny you mention that, the GF was showing me all-inclusives last night in both Cabo and Jamaica….all around $1,600 for 2 including airfare. Wonder how long I can procrastinate or proclaim reasons for my inability to go.

She reminded me how she acted as a chauffeur while I was going half blind and how she let me use her vehicle when I was shopping for my new stead. To top it all off, she pulled the old “think of how good it would be for us to get away after the last 18 months?” Seems I’m losing this round.

graphicguy

First fill up in the TLX this a.m. PUG was $3.06 at Costco.

sda

graphicguy said:

28firefighter said:

In unrelated news, wife and I booked our first vacation sans child in nearly 3 years. We're off to Los Cabos in June to an all-inclusive for 5 nights.

And yes, that's two vacations in two months for her.

Funny you mention that, the GF was showing me all-inclusives last night in both Cabo and Jamaica….all around $1,600 for 2 including airfare. Wonder how long I can procrastinate or proclaim reasons for my inability to go.

She reminded me how she acted as a chauffeur while I was going half blind and how she let me use her vehicle when I was shopping for my new stead. To top it all off, she pulled the old “think of how good it would be for us to get away after the last 18 months?” Seems I’m losing this round.

Sounds like you will need to make her happy.

corvette

That seems really inexpensive for Cabo. I had always thought Cancun was the go-to for inexpensive stays south of the border, and Cabo was more upscale, but haven't really researched it that much.

henryn

xwesx said:

henryn said:

For some cars, especially on the rear brakes, you really need to use the right tool.

I actually have the set of tools shown in that video (or basically the same set, with a different name on it). Only costs about $20 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-20733A-Brake-Caliper-Piece/dp/B000IB40L6/ref=asc_df_B000IB40L6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198073713294&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18148626791257861919&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027596&hvtargid=pla-357148964810&psc=1

Very interesting! This does the same thing as the c-clamp, but I'll definitely keep this in mind should I come across a vehicle where that method simply doesn't work.

You're missing an important detail here. The specialty tool "ROTATES" the piston as it pushes it back into the caliper. The c-clamp pushes straight back. If your car needs the piston to be rotated as it is pushed back, you can definitely damage things using a c-clamp.

I have no idea if your car requires that, but I would seriously recommend that you look it up before you tackle that brake job.

28firefighter

corvette said:

That seems really inexpensive for Cabo. I had always thought Cancun was the go-to for inexpensive stays south of the border, and Cabo was more upscale, but haven't really researched it that much.

+1. We paid about $400/ticket for flights (though covered one with points) on Delta from Seattle to Cabo. The resort is about $3k all-in including taxes, fees, gratuities, and airport transfers. That was using a membership referral rate from my wife's aunt/uncle. Granted, we're going 5 star, adults-only, etc.

28firefighter

So, I've discovered another potential leasehack on Pacifica Hybrid Touring L. Comes with everything we would want for about $45k MSRP.

If I could order at a similar discount like we did the Jeep, factoring in the $7500 tax credit being passed on by ally and $1000 IDL from Chrysler, I think we could be at like $367 DAS and $367 a month.

Then flip the outback for 4k profit...hmmmm.

tifighter

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

So, I've discovered another potential leasehack on Pacifica Hybrid Touring L. Comes with everything we would want for about $45k MSRP.

If I could order at a similar discount like we did the Jeep, factoring in the $7500 tax credit being passed on by ally and $1000 IDL from Chrysler, I think we could be at like $367 DAS and $367 a month.

Then flip the outback for 4k profit...hmmmm.

have you driven one yet?

28firefighter

I love the Pacifica generally - but no, not the Hybrid yet.

In any case, moot point. Wife gave it the quick "absolutely not."

stickguy

I don’t even bother to check the RDX. It would never get approved. Even if we wanted to switch to a leased passport!

oldfarmer50

kyfdx said:

Spotted this in front of my local coffee shop, on my walk.

Nice to look at but from what I’ve seen, impossible to get in and out of.

oldfarmer50

“ ML: thanks, hopefully I can get it going. New part arrived yesterday but I'm so damned busy I don't know when I can throw it in.”

I thought you sent it to the dealer to get sorted out?

I’m getting too invested in this saga. It’s like waiting for Weird Beard to paint another part of that 59’ Dodge.

corvette

tifighter said:

If you put the little arrow on the right side of the ground prong, you'd have an official Amazon brand electrical outlet.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

I love the Pacifica generally - but no, not the Hybrid yet.

In any case, moot point. Wife gave it the quick "absolutely not."

*groan*

Wives can be so impractical sometimes!

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Got called about what I always thought was my dream job, a shuttle driver at a local car dealership. Found it on Indeed.com like I did with my current gig at Enterprise. Sent my resume over just to see, and got a call the other day. They called Monday afternoon but I missed the call and they left no message. Got another call Tuesday morning and this time, a voicemail was left. Called later in the day and instead of me going in for an interview today, we did it over the phone. A good thing in one respect as they wouldn't see me walking with my cane, something that has made me lose out on a few jobs in the past, though I could never be sure. But people's body language an what they're looking at does speak volumes.
Turns out, they're looking for an additional 3 drivers and had already hired two. They want 3 days/week to start and sounded great until hearing that they also wanted me on Wednesdays, and I work that day. The interviewer didn't want to compromise with me on that day so had to thankfully decline their offer. Felt bad about it but, deep down, I just can not work 5 or 6 days a week, my body just won't allow it. And I know that. For the short term, maybe, but in time, don't think I could keep up working so many day. My wife totally agreed and do understand. After working yesterday and the day before, I was literally beat today. Woke up early with a high pain score, then took my meds. This as about 5:15 or so. Next thing I know, it's 10 am and I'm still hurting and in a fog. Crawled out of bed and had a bite to eat and then vegged on my recliner for a few hours, I was just so worn out and still in pain. And lately, I've been having more bad than good days.
Honestly, no matter how much I want to, taking on another part time gig is just not the right thing to do right now. Think I would've jumped on it if it were for just a couple of days but he was pretty stuck on those 3 days. Luckily, I didn't trash his voicemail and am thinking about calling him back in a few days, and ask about starting out at those two days and see what happens. By then, depending on how the new guys work out, he might decide to give it a try.
So, we'll just have to see what happens. Am lucky that the location is real close to the house, so driving there is not an issue. Could be fun as I do generally know the tri-county area pretty well, being an ex- mailman and all. As usual, it's all about timing and think if this gig had turned up back in 2019 or so, I would've jumped on it with no questions asked whatsoever. But, still loving my Enterprise job so much that don't think I could leave it quite yet, for me, it's the perfect job! And also, do I really want to deal with the public in such a confined area? So, like I said, will give him a holler in the next week or two, and see where we're at. It could just work out for me and better to be safe then sorry.

Sandy, we just met a new driver who previously worked for Enterprise down in your area. He said he started doing customer shuttling of some sort. He actually preferred that to straight driving because of the tips.

Maybe the company has something like that for you too. Couldn’t hurt to ask.

sda

oldfarmer50 said:

“ ML: thanks, hopefully I can get it going. New part arrived yesterday but I'm so damned busy I don't know when I can throw it in.”

I thought you sent it to the dealer to get sorted out?

I’m getting too invested in this saga. It’s like waiting for Weird Beard to paint another part of that 59’ Dodge.

It'll be interesting if Weird Beard can put the Dodge back together. He seems to have a practical sense about him.

au1994

graphicguy said:

28firefighter said:

In unrelated news, wife and I booked our first vacation sans child in nearly 3 years. We're off to Los Cabos in June to an all-inclusive for 5 nights.

And yes, that's two vacations in two months for her.

Funny you mention that, the GF was showing me all-inclusives last night in both Cabo and Jamaica….all around $1,600 for 2 including airfare. Wonder how long I can procrastinate or proclaim reasons for my inability to go.

She reminded me how she acted as a chauffeur while I was going half blind and how she let me use her vehicle when I was shopping for my new stead. To top it all off, she pulled the old “think of how good it would be for us to get away after the last 18 months?” Seems I’m losing this round.

You and me both. My wife keeps mentioning (tropical) vacation spots and I keep reminding her of the lake house and hour and a half away. Much side eye ensues...

So I suspect I will end up sipping umbrella drinks before the year is out.

kyfdx

corvette said:

That seems really inexpensive for Cabo. I had always thought Cancun was the go-to for inexpensive stays south of the border, and Cabo was more upscale, but haven't really researched it that much.

Vacation Express is running non-stop charters out of CVG for Cabo.. starting this summer. That's why the cost is coming down.

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

“ ML: thanks, hopefully I can get it going. New part arrived yesterday but I'm so damned busy I don't know when I can throw it in.”

I thought you sent it to the dealer to get sorted out?

I’m getting too invested in this saga. It’s like waiting for Weird Beard to paint another part of that 59’ Dodge.

I think you asked me that before. I’m too cheap. I keep thinking “let me check just one more thing.” This is what keeps me up at night. 2 things I constantly think about: cars and money.

sda

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

“ ML: thanks, hopefully I can get it going. New part arrived yesterday but I'm so damned busy I don't know when I can throw it in.”

I thought you sent it to the dealer to get sorted out?

I’m getting too invested in this saga. It’s like waiting for Weird Beard to paint another part of that 59’ Dodge.

I think you asked me that before. I’m too cheap. I keep thinking “let me check just one more thing.” This is what keeps me up at night. 2 things I constantly think about: cars and money.

I don't think your recent experience with the 'preferred' garage to address some items on your Charger helped much $$$.

tifighter

28firefighter said:

I love the Pacifica generally - but no, not the Hybrid yet.

In any case, moot point. Wife gave it the quick "absolutely not."

Too bad. I had a Pacifica rental for a week and was pretty impressed with it. Plug in would be even better.

qbrozen

sda said:

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

“ ML: thanks, hopefully I can get it going. New part arrived yesterday but I'm so damned busy I don't know when I can throw it in.”

I thought you sent it to the dealer to get sorted out?

I’m getting too invested in this saga. It’s like waiting for Weird Beard to paint another part of that 59’ Dodge.

I think you asked me that before. I’m too cheap. I keep thinking “let me check just one more thing.” This is what keeps me up at night. 2 things I constantly think about: cars and money.

I don't think your recent experience with the 'preferred' garage to address some items on your Charger helped much $$$.

Yes, that's exactly what I told the wife. "Look! I brought that one to "the guy" and they screwed it up and charged us a fortune."

qbrozen

So the F&I lady emailed me today. “Hey, so I just need to collect that payment we made for you.”
Awwww. Oh well. So much for that lovely gift.

corvette

Hoovie's latest ride is a 2008 135i with no sport package. Has a hitch, though, I guess for a bike rack?

ab348

qbrozen said:

So the F&I lady emailed me today. “Hey, so I just need to collect that payment we made for you.”
Awwww. Oh well. So much for that lovely gift.

“Payment? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

kyfdx

corvette said:

Hoovie's latest ride is a 2008 135i with no sport package. Has a hitch, though, I guess for a bike rack?

Non M-Sport 135s are really hard to find.. and, nobody wants them.

stickguy

but, easy enough to upgrade. What does it need? some sport seats, and probably time for aftermarket suspension upgrades, and there you go.

explorerx4

New turbos are already on the list. Once it makes full boost, the engine will probably blow up.

corvette

explorerx4 said:

New turbos are already on the list. Once it makes full boost, the engine will probably blow up.

Sounds like that is the plan. Get it fixed, then hammer it on the track until "kaboom." I am pretty sure the light up steering wheel was not a factory option.