Some interesting reading here on the subject of flushing your engine (motor oil, not coolant).
Basically, most engine flush compounds are primarily kerosene or number 2 diesel, with a few other chemicals thrown in.
Back in the day, 1960s and 1970s, old time mechanics such as my father would usually use varsol or kerosene, add from one pint up to a quart, run the engine at idle until it warmed up, then change the oil and filter.
I couldn’t stand having a car that used a lot of oil but I don’t think I’d try the flush trick unless it was a well worn car of low value. I’d kick myself if I ruined a nice one.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yep, I won't tell a soul. All I got was that $.25 raise until sometime later this year when we get another $1.00 due to some regulation, something I don't really get. Right now, it's our "season" so we're awfully busy moving iron. Like Wednesday, we had to take three vehicles that were old down to Hialeah, Miami, and drop them off with the new owner. Always have a screwdriver on hand to take our plates off when we deliver sold cars. Then, we trucked over to MIA to pick up a few vehicles to go back to West Palm Beach to get ready to be sold. Before Miami, we had to take new vehicles, Dodge Chargers, to the Audi dealer in West Palm. After lunch, we proceeded to PBI and took three vehicles down to a branch in Boca Raton and finished by driving back a bunch of turned in rentals at Boca Municipal airport. All in all, we got back to our office around five which was an early day. Many nights, we don't get back to base until 5:30, 6:15 and sometimes even 7:00 pm...just depends how far and how many trips they throw at us. And traffic on I-95 and the turnpike always seems to be bumper to bumper at the worst time. On days I work, I tell the wife to just eat without me as I'll either pick up something or snack on something in the fridge. After bringing lunch so much while I was a letter carrier, almost never bring a lunch now. Did two weeks ago, the first time in over a year. Just too lazy to get up & make something I guess. But, truth be told, this is by far the best job I've ever had! What could be more fun then driving newer vehicles using someone else's gas! And our boss is the nicest boss I've ever had! He has empathy and understanding...he gets it that most of us are older retirees who have a life. And in life, as we all know, sh-t happens...and he's very understanding with the occasional calling out. Doesn't make us feel guilty or play the boss card...just makes me try my best to show up when scheduled. Feel so lucky to have fallen into this gig, as I hated going to Hertz by then and was a month away from actually quitting at the end of 2019! This job saved me and can see myself here for awhile. Maybe not till I'm 85 like some of my co-workers, but as long as I still enjoy it. But, the plan is to go down to 2 days/week in due time and see how that goes. Not going to set an arbitrary date as I just don't know when that will be. Taking things one day at a time right now & enjoying each & every day. Hoping my health stays in check for 2023 and not to miss any day of work if possible.
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)
Epidemic of Hyundai's and Kia's being stolen in Cleveland area. "In Cuyahoga County alone, authorities say more than 800 such vehicles have been stolen over the last two months."
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Farmer, just curious, but where do you have to meet up in the morning for work? I assume you drive to some location and leave your car then get dropped back off at the end of the day.
Epidemic of Hyundai's and Kia's being stolen in Cleveland area. "In Cuyahoga County alone, authorities say more than 800 such vehicles have been stolen over the last two months."
my daughter's BF is from Milwaukee. he was telling us at Xmas that his brother had a Kia lease (not sure what model) that got stolen by some kids and used as a mobile hangout/drug house. managed to get it totaled when they found it, and he got a replacement unit (I am ballparking the exact details, but I think he got a different car not the same one back). about 2 days later, it got stolen too (or again). Not sure what happened after that, other than their insurer dropped (or tried to drop) them.
I once owned a 1959 Chevy that burned a quart of oil every 75 miles. In those days, you could buy "recycled oil" for really cheap. And back then, no one was much concerned about air pollution.
———————————————— When I was in the Navy going to aircraft electrical school in Jacksonville FL in the latter part of 1960 and early 1961 (a little over 6 months total) a friend and I bought a 1951 Chevy 2 door 6 cylinder stick from an old timer for 80 bucks. IIRC, it had about 70K miles on it but in those days that was well past its half-life. Other than burning about a quart of oil per 2 tanks of gas it ran fine. We never paid a dime for any repairs. FWIW, the guy did a points, plugs and wire harness change on it not too long before we bought it.
When we pulled into a station for gas we always had them check the oil and sure enough it was down about a pint since the last tank of gas. Being the poor sailors that we were we bought recycled oil for around 12 cents a quart every other fill up. It never burned anymore than that which was what the seller told us before we bought it.
When we were about a week from getting out of school we sold the car for 95 bucks to a sailor that just started school a few weeks earlier and like us he decided to by a car rather than pay bus fare every time you wanted to go somewhere off the base. Buying the car actually paid for itself by doing that. I remember my friend and I joked that the new buyer paid for the oil so we really didn’t even pay any money for maintenance during our ownership. Now those were the good old days.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Seems the wife had to stop at Ft. Lauderdale Audi to get the oil topped off again tonight on her way home. The oil light came on and they put some more in. They can't find any oil leak and this happens like every 6 months or so, usually when we're on our way to Orlando. Weird. Besides that, the vehicle is running nicely at 74K and she's not thinking about trading it any time soon. If it behaves, no reason why we'll keep it for at least another three years. But, let it strand her once, and it'll be gone within a month as she won't trust it anymore.
Your wife should have the oil level checked periodically and add before the oil light comes on. Sadly VW/Audi 1.8 and 2.0 engines are known to consume oil between oil changes. Adding a quart of oil here and there is no big deal and certainly cheaper than an engine replacement or buying a new car.
Interesting, I just asked about that issue on the other board:
“ the only issue with our Audi is that it drinks some oil in between changes.”
Funny you mention that. Today while stopped for a coffee break in the Adirondacks we saw an frail elderly man and (I presume) his middle aged daughter trying to lift up the hood of their VW. We decided to help. She said her oil light had come on and when we checked there was nothing on the dipstick. We put some oil in for her and told her she should get it looked at.
Are VW products noted for drinking oil?
I think it is hit or miss. My 06 Passat 2.0T FSI was the worst. One quart of expensive synthetic every 6-800 mi. VW postured it was normal. I traded it before the warranty expired. The 16 Q5 2.0T no additions between changes and appears full on the information screen as it doesn’t have a dipstick. It has 57k. I change the oil at 5k intervals instead of 10k. The 18 Passat 2.0T at 34k seems to be using a qt every 3k. Not horrible but disappointing. I have an appointment this Saturday for an oil change. What’s a bit ironic is the 06 TL with 175k drips a bit of oil and makes a mess in the driveway always shows full on the dipstick even at the point the 5k oil change is needed.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
@Sandman6472 said:
Yep, I won't tell a soul. All I got was that $.25 raise until sometime later this year when we get another $1.00 due to some regulation, something I don't really get. Right now, it's our "season" so we're awfully busy moving iron. Like Wednesday, we had to take three vehicles that were old down to Hialeah, Miami, and drop them off with the new owner. Always have a screwdriver on hand to take our plates off when we deliver sold cars. Then, we trucked over to MIA to pick up a few vehicles to go back to West Palm Beach to get ready to be sold. Before Miami, we had to take new vehicles, Dodge Chargers, to the Audi dealer in West Palm. After lunch, we proceeded to PBI and took three vehicles down to a branch in Boca Raton and finished by driving back a bunch of turned in rentals at Boca Municipal airport. All in all, we got back to our office around five which was an early day. Many nights, we don't get back to base until 5:30, 6:15 and sometimes even 7:00 pm...just depends how far and how many trips they throw at us. And traffic on I-95 and the turnpike always seems to be bumper to bumper at the worst time. On days I work, I tell the wife to just eat without me as I'll either pick up something or snack on something in the fridge. After bringing lunch so much while I was a letter carrier, almost never bring a lunch now. Did two weeks ago, the first time in over a year. Just too lazy to get up & make something I guess.
But, truth be told, this is by far the best job I've ever had! What could be more fun then driving newer vehicles using someone else's gas! And our boss is the nicest boss I've ever had! He has empathy and understanding...he gets it that most of us are older retirees who have a life. And in life, as we all know, sh-t happens...and he's very understanding with the occasional calling out. Doesn't make us feel guilty or play the boss card...just makes me try my best to show up when scheduled. Feel so lucky to have fallen into this gig, as I hated going to Hertz by then and was a month away from actually quitting at the end of 2019! This job saved me and can see myself here for awhile. Maybe not till I'm 85 like some of my co-workers, but as long as I still enjoy it. But, the plan is to go down to 2 days/week in due time and see how that goes. Not going to set an arbitrary date as I just don't know when that will be. Taking things one day at a time right now & enjoying each & every day. Hoping my health stays in check for 2023 and not to miss any day of work if possible.
Florida minimum wage is currently $11/hr and goes up to $12/hr on Sept 30,2023
Seems the wife had to stop at Ft. Lauderdale Audi to get the oil topped off again tonight on her way home. The oil light came on and they put some more in. They can't find any oil leak and this happens like every 6 months or so, usually when we're on our way to Orlando. Weird. Besides that, the vehicle is running nicely at 74K and she's not thinking about trading it any time soon. If it behaves, no reason why we'll keep it for at least another three years. But, let it strand her once, and it'll be gone within a month as she won't trust it anymore.
Your wife should have the oil level checked periodically and add before the oil light comes on. Sadly VW/Audi 1.8 and 2.0 engines are known to consume oil between oil changes. Adding a quart of oil here and there is no big deal and certainly cheaper than an engine replacement or buying a new car.
Interesting, I just asked about that issue on the other board:
“ the only issue with our Audi is that it drinks some oil in between changes.”
Funny you mention that. Today while stopped for a coffee break in the Adirondacks we saw an frail elderly man and (I presume) his middle aged daughter trying to lift up the hood of their VW. We decided to help. She said her oil light had come on and when we checked there was nothing on the dipstick. We put some oil in for her and told her she should get it looked at.
Are VW products noted for drinking oil?
I think that European cars have always had a tendency to consume oil. Some of my BMWs have used oil but others have not. In the case of the people that you helped, I'd bet that she had never pulled the dipstick since she bought the car. Automotive ignorance is not bliss...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Farmer, just curious, but where do you have to meet up in the morning for work? I assume you drive to some location and leave your car then get dropped back off at the end of the day.
We go to one of the two secure lots we have near the airport where we use our key card to gain access. Our cars are the least likely in the world to get stolen behind high fences, DHS security and helicopter patrols from the National Guard next door.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yep, I won't tell a soul. All I got was that $.25 raise until sometime later this year when we get another $1.00 due to some regulation, something I don't really get. Right now, it's our "season" so we're awfully busy moving iron. Like Wednesday, we had to take three vehicles that were old down to Hialeah, Miami, and drop them off with the new owner. Always have a screwdriver on hand to take our plates off when we deliver sold cars. Then, we trucked over to MIA to pick up a few vehicles to go back to West Palm Beach to get ready to be sold. Before Miami, we had to take new vehicles, Dodge Chargers, to the Audi dealer in West Palm. After lunch, we proceeded to PBI and took three vehicles down to a branch in Boca Raton and finished by driving back a bunch of turned in rentals at Boca Municipal airport. All in all, we got back to our office around five which was an early day. Many nights, we don't get back to base until 5:30, 6:15 and sometimes even 7:00 pm...just depends how far and how many trips they throw at us. And traffic on I-95 and the turnpike always seems to be bumper to bumper at the worst time. On days I work, I tell the wife to just eat without me as I'll either pick up something or snack on something in the fridge. After bringing lunch so much while I was a letter carrier, almost never bring a lunch now. Did two weeks ago, the first time in over a year. Just too lazy to get up & make something I guess.
But, truth be told, this is by far the best job I've ever had! What could be more fun then driving newer vehicles using someone else's gas! And our boss is the nicest boss I've ever had! He has empathy and understanding...he gets it that most of us are older retirees who have a life. And in life, as we all know, sh-t happens...and he's very understanding with the occasional calling out. Doesn't make us feel guilty or play the boss card...just makes me try my best to show up when scheduled. Feel so lucky to have fallen into this gig, as I hated going to Hertz by then and was a month away from actually quitting at the end of 2019! This job saved me and can see myself here for awhile. Maybe not till I'm 85 like some of my co-workers, but as long as I still enjoy it. But, the plan is to go down to 2 days/week in due time and see how that goes. Not going to set an arbitrary date as I just don't know when that will be. Taking things one day at a time right now & enjoying each & every day. Hoping my health stays in check for 2023 and not to miss any day of work if possible.
Florida minimum wage is currently $11/hr and goes up to $12/hr on Sept 30,2023
Here, McDonalds pays $15/hr
Minimum wage just went up to $13.65/hr here in Colorado. We just bumped all our employees to $14/hr.
Fast food places are advertising at $15-18/hr - and still are chronically understaffed.
Farmer, just curious, but where do you have to meet up in the morning for work? I assume you drive to some location and leave your car then get dropped back off at the end of the day.
We go to one of the two secure lots we have near the airport where we use our key card to gain access. Our cars are the least likely in the world to get stolen behind high fences, DHS security and helicopter patrols from the National Guard next door.
it would be a bit of a hassle since that is about 1/2 hour from me. depending on exactly where it is. Maybe 25. Though I guess for a 2 day a week job, would not matter.
not a bad gig I guess getting 20 hours/week (so about $300 gross) as a post-retirement get out of the house job and make some pocket money!
Yep, I won't tell a soul. All I got was that $.25 raise until sometime later this year when we get another $1.00 due to some regulation, something I don't really get. Right now, it's our "season" so we're awfully busy moving iron. Like Wednesday, we had to take three vehicles that were old down to Hialeah, Miami, and drop them off with the new owner. Always have a screwdriver on hand to take our plates off when we deliver sold cars. Then, we trucked over to MIA to pick up a few vehicles to go back to West Palm Beach to get ready to be sold. Before Miami, we had to take new vehicles, Dodge Chargers, to the Audi dealer in West Palm. After lunch, we proceeded to PBI and took three vehicles down to a branch in Boca Raton and finished by driving back a bunch of turned in rentals at Boca Municipal airport. All in all, we got back to our office around five which was an early day. Many nights, we don't get back to base until 5:30, 6:15 and sometimes even 7:00 pm...just depends how far and how many trips they throw at us. And traffic on I-95 and the turnpike always seems to be bumper to bumper at the worst time. On days I work, I tell the wife to just eat without me as I'll either pick up something or snack on something in the fridge. After bringing lunch so much while I was a letter carrier, almost never bring a lunch now. Did two weeks ago, the first time in over a year. Just too lazy to get up & make something I guess.
But, truth be told, this is by far the best job I've ever had! What could be more fun then driving newer vehicles using someone else's gas! And our boss is the nicest boss I've ever had! He has empathy and understanding...he gets it that most of us are older retirees who have a life. And in life, as we all know, sh-t happens...and he's very understanding with the occasional calling out. Doesn't make us feel guilty or play the boss card...just makes me try my best to show up when scheduled. Feel so lucky to have fallen into this gig, as I hated going to Hertz by then and was a month away from actually quitting at the end of 2019! This job saved me and can see myself here for awhile. Maybe not till I'm 85 like some of my co-workers, but as long as I still enjoy it. But, the plan is to go down to 2 days/week in due time and see how that goes. Not going to set an arbitrary date as I just don't know when that will be. Taking things one day at a time right now & enjoying each & every day. Hoping my health stays in check for 2023 and not to miss any day of work if possible.
Florida minimum wage is currently $11/hr and goes up to $12/hr on Sept 30,2023
Here, McDonalds pays $15/hr
Minimum wage just went up to $13.65/hr here in Colorado. We just bumped all our employees to $14/hr.
Fast food places are advertising at $15-18/hr - and still are chronically understaffed.
I worked at a BK in a mall (when those were still hopping places!) in HS and when home from college sometimes. I think one shift now behind the fryer might kill me.
I learned real quick that the best place to be at that place was leaning on a cash register taking money all shift! At least my arms did not come out looking sandblasted.
A friend of mine had a Passat. Pretty sure it was a V6, it drank oil like a sailor. VW claimed normal although he had to add a little almost with every fill up.
@oldfarmer50 Since they had trouble getting the hood open, I'll guess they've never checked the oil. One data point: I'm putting about 6K/yr on the GTI, and it's never needed oil between annual changes.
we saw an frail elderly man and (I presume) his middle aged daughter
As a future frail elderly man, I'd like to assume that is his 2nd wife..
I worked at McDonald's one summer, and I made $2.10/hr.
Amazon has a warehouse, and an airplane freight hub, here. If you can tolerate physical labor, you can start at $22/hr with full benefits. Somebody my age might last about 15 minutes...
Farmer, just curious, but where do you have to meet up in the morning for work? I assume you drive to some location and leave your car then get dropped back off at the end of the day.
We go to one of the two secure lots we have near the airport where we use our key card to gain access. Our cars are the least likely in the world to get stolen behind high fences, DHS security and helicopter patrols from the National Guard next door.
it would be a bit of a hassle since that is about 1/2 hour from me. depending on exactly where it is. Maybe 25. Though I guess for a 2 day a week job, would not matter.
not a bad gig I guess getting 20 hours/week (so about $300 gross) as a post-retirement get out of the house job and make some pocket money!
We have a number of people who commute that far. Average driver makes about $15k. Nice down payment on a car. You also get a 3% match on a 401k and profit sharing which can be as high as 10% of gross.
Minimum in upstate NY is now $14.20 and the company bumped that to $14.50 but as mentioned, everywhere is offering $16-$18 for burger flippers. If you are in it to make a bundle, this ain’t the job for you.
On the other hand, what other job has guys willing to drive 50 miles one way into work and stay employed until they are in their 80s? I know people making 6 figures who aren’t that enthusiastic about their jobs.
I’m not really trying to recruit you but like Sandy, just sharing how pleased I am to have found a fun retirement gig.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@oldfarmer50 Since they had trouble getting the hood open, I'll guess they've never checked the oil. One data point: I'm putting about 6K/yr on the GTI, and it's never needed oil between annual changes.
we saw an frail elderly man and (I presume) his middle aged daughter
As a future frail elderly man, I'd like to assume that is his 2nd wife..
LOL, for the condition he was in I’d have to call him ambitious if it was. They had the hood open but couldn’t find the prop in the dark. From the condition of the little oil in there I’d say they hadn’t checked it in at least 6k miles.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I worked at McDonald's one summer, and I made $2.10/hr.
Amazon has a warehouse, and an airplane freight hub, here. If you can tolerate physical labor, you can start at $22/hr with full benefits. Somebody my age might last about 15 minutes...
Yeah, my first job was at Howard Johnson’s as a dishwasher for $1.65. Steam blasting you in the face in an unairconditioned kitchen. Usually about 120 degrees with people constantly screaming to work faster.
These days I wouldn’t make it through the interview without passing out.
One of our younger guys (late 50s) left to drive for Amazon at about $24/hr.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I really am old, since I now would consider late 50's "younger"!
you don't have to sell me on your gig as a nice part time job to keep busy and make some pocket change after early retiring. Just not quite ready to make that move (well, I would love to, but the wife won't let me unless she can do it too....) I couldn't deal with something like an Amazon warehouse job (or humping packages driving one of their trucks).
I've been thinking about buy a pickup truck again and have looked at a few. Not sure there are going to be any big discounts on 22's even with the 23's out now. Prices on the 23's have gone up noticeably, so the line is probably going to be 'But your saving big by avoiding the 23 price increase".
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I've been thinking about buy a pickup truck again and have looked at a few. Not sure there are going to be any big discounts on 22's even with the 23's out now. Prices on the 23's have gone up noticeably, so the line is probably going to be 'But your saving big by avoiding the 23 price increase".
There seem to be some decent deals available on Ram pickups...
I am taking my Maverick in next Friday for an oil change. I will scope out the selection of F150s. maybe take one for a test drive just to see if I want to upgrade to a "real" truck. That would take care of the problem about being too tight in the garage for both cars and a snow blower, because there is zero chance an F150 would ever fit in there.
I have a neighbor with an Infiniti QX80, that has crossbars. She backs in her garage, and every time I see her doing it, I cringe, because the clearance looks to be about a 1/2 inch.
Pumping gas for $2.50/hr at my local country store/gas station. Best job ever. Well, maybe not in February...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
@kyfdx said:
I have a neighbor with an Infiniti QX80, that has crossbars. She backs in her garage, and every time I see her doing it, I cringe, because the clearance looks to be about a 1/2 inch.
I still haven’t put the Ram into the garage yet. It will “fit” but I need to move my work bench and raise the storage shelf.
A friend of mine had a Passat. Pretty sure it was a V6, it drank oil like a sailor. VW claimed normal although he had to add a little almost with every fill up.
Speaking of oil consumption, this is from the fintail's owner's manual:
I check the oil (and coolant, and brake fluid) every time I drive the car.
My grandpa had the rental car transporter gig for several years after he retired - gave him season tickets/horse track money, kept him active, and maybe most importantly, kept him out of my grandma's hair I think he finally retired for good when he was 74/75.
If I am lucky enough to make it that far and we still have cars/society still exists then etc, I'd be into it - extra money, interesting driving different cars, sounds pretty ideal.
Farmer, just curious, but where do you have to meet up in the morning for work? I assume you drive to some location and leave your car then get dropped back off at the end of the day.
We go to one of the two secure lots we have near the airport where we use our key card to gain access. Our cars are the least likely in the world to get stolen behind high fences, DHS security and helicopter patrols from the National Guard next door.
it would be a bit of a hassle since that is about 1/2 hour from me. depending on exactly where it is. Maybe 25. Though I guess for a 2 day a week job, would not matter.
not a bad gig I guess getting 20 hours/week (so about $300 gross) as a post-retirement get out of the house job and make some pocket money!
We have a number of people who commute that far. Average driver makes about $15k. Nice down payment on a car. You also get a 3% match on a 401k and profit sharing which can be as high as 10% of gross.
Minimum in upstate NY is now $14.20 and the company bumped that to $14.50 but as mentioned, everywhere is offering $16-$18 for burger flippers. If you are in it to make a bundle, this ain’t the job for you.
On the other hand, what other job has guys willing to drive 50 miles one way into work and stay employed until they are in their 80s? I know people making 6 figures who aren’t that enthusiastic about their jobs.
I’m not really trying to recruit you but like Sandy, just sharing how pleased I am to have found a fun retirement gig.
I really am old, since I now would consider late 50's "younger"!
you don't have to sell me on your gig as a nice part time job to keep busy and make some pocket change after early retiring. Just not quite ready to make that move (well, I would love to, but the wife won't let me unless she can do it too....) I couldn't deal with something like an Amazon warehouse job (or humping packages driving one of their trucks).
We have a bunch of female drivers. They get treated like royalty.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
my wife might find something part time to have a "hobby", but I can guarantee it would not be a job driving cars. She would, however, be fantastic at sleeping in the van!
I am taking my Maverick in next Friday for an oil change. I will scope out the selection of F150s. maybe take one for a test drive just to see if I want to upgrade to a "real" truck. That would take care of the problem about being too tight in the garage for both cars and a snow blower, because there is zero chance an F150 would ever fit in there.
maybe they will trade me even up for the Mav!
———————————————— If you throw in the snow blower there’s a chance they won’t broom you out of the show room instantly. jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Won’t need the blower. The barge truck would take up half the driveway. Just park behind the wife’s car and use the truck to blast out the bottom of the driveway.
My first regular paid job was working in a gas station. I worked 72 hours a week (6 p.m. to 6 a.m., 6 nights a week). Gross pay before taxes was $45, which works out to $0.625 per hour. But the work really wasn’t bad at all, I mostly just read books and sat around. I did have to clean out the restrooms and wash down the driveway early before everyone showed up in the morning.
This was in a small town in East Texas, population around 3,000 at that time. The other gas stations closed around 6 p.m., the only convenience store closed at 9 p.m. After that, the only things open were the station I ran and a truck stop / café about 5 miles south of town. This was the summer I was 14, starting high school that fall. It’s hard to imagine anyone putting a 14 year old into that position in this day and age, but no one thought anything of it at that time. It truly was a “different time”.
As for a bad job, I did have one truly bad job a few years later. This was at a plant where they made chain link fence. They had this giant machine that made the Collie dogs that went on top of the fence posts. You poured melted aluminum into this contraption, and it closed up with a bang and when it opened back up you had 6 halves of the Collie dogs. But that machine spat out molten aluminum when it closed, small particles extremely hot moving at great speed. You pushed the button and jumped back as fast as you could, hoping to be missed by the flying particles. I lasted less than an hour on that job.
I've been thinking about buy a pickup truck again and have looked at a few. Not sure there are going to be any big discounts on 22's even with the 23's out now. Prices on the 23's have gone up noticeably, so the line is probably going to be 'But your saving big by avoiding the 23 price increase".
Let me know if you run into any deals. The dealerships around here still don't have any stock to speak of.
There seem to be some decent deals available on Ram pickups...
Explorer isn’t buying a Dodge…. It’s the Blue Oval or nothing!
I have owned Chevrolet and Ford, no problem with either. I do prefer the Ecoboost V6 over the Chevrolet 5.3, but not enough to keep me from purchasing another Chevrolet.
The last time I looked at a Dodge truck, you couldn't get a power seat without a console. And we're talking a really big, massive console that greatly impinged on the leg room. If there are deals to be had on Dodge trucks, I will have to look into the seating situation. A Dodge with the nice soft ride and the Hemi wouldn't be a bad choice ...
Won’t need the blower. The barge truck would take up half the driveway. Just park behind the wife’s car and use the truck to blast out the bottom of the driveway.
———————————————— Now you’re thinking like a true pickup truck owner.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
My first regular paid job was working in a gas station. I worked 72 hours a week (6 p.m. to 6 a.m., 6 nights a week). Gross pay before taxes was $45, which works out to $0.625 per hour. But the work really wasn’t bad at all, I mostly just read books and sat around. I did have to clean out the restrooms and wash down the driveway early before everyone showed up in the morning.
This was in a small town in East Texas, population around 3,000 at that time. The other gas stations closed around 6 p.m., the only convenience store closed at 9 p.m. After that, the only things open were the station I ran and a truck stop / café about 5 miles south of town. This was the summer I was 14, starting high school that fall. It’s hard to imagine anyone putting a 14 year old into that position in this day and age, but no one thought anything of it at that time. It truly was a “different time”.
As for a bad job, I did have one truly bad job a few years later. This was at a plant where they made chain link fence. They had this giant machine that made the Collie dogs that went on top of the fence posts. You poured melted aluminum into this contraption, and it closed up with a bang and when it opened back up you had 6 halves of the Collie dogs. But that machine spat out molten aluminum when it closed, small particles extremely hot moving at great speed. You pushed the button and jumped back as fast as you could, hoping to be missed by the flying particles. I lasted less than an hour on that job.
———————————————— Yikes. How many Collie dog particle burns can you count on your arms today? Hopefully, nowhere else.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Comments
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But, truth be told, this is by far the best job I've ever had! What could be more fun then driving newer vehicles using someone else's gas! And our boss is the nicest boss I've ever had! He has empathy and understanding...he gets it that most of us are older retirees who have a life. And in life, as we all know, sh-t happens...and he's very understanding with the occasional calling out. Doesn't make us feel guilty or play the boss card...just makes me try my best to show up when scheduled. Feel so lucky to have fallen into this gig, as I hated going to Hertz by then and was a month away from actually quitting at the end of 2019! This job saved me and can see myself here for awhile. Maybe not till I'm 85 like some of my co-workers, but as long as I still enjoy it. But, the plan is to go down to 2 days/week in due time and see how that goes. Not going to set an arbitrary date as I just don't know when that will be. Taking things one day at a time right now & enjoying each & every day. Hoping my health stays in check for 2023 and not to miss any day of work if possible.
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)
"In Cuyahoga County alone, authorities say more than 800 such vehicles have been stolen over the last two months."
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
When I was in the Navy going to aircraft electrical school in Jacksonville FL in the latter part of 1960 and early 1961 (a little over 6 months total) a friend and I bought a 1951 Chevy 2 door 6 cylinder stick from an old timer for 80 bucks. IIRC, it had about 70K miles on it but in those days that was well past its half-life. Other than burning about a quart of oil per 2 tanks of gas it ran fine. We never paid a dime for any repairs. FWIW, the guy did a points, plugs and wire harness change on it not too long before we bought it.
When we pulled into a station for gas we always had them check the oil and sure enough it was down about a pint since the last tank of gas. Being the poor sailors that we were we bought recycled oil for around 12 cents a quart every other fill up. It never burned anymore than that which was what the seller told us before we bought it.
When we were about a week from
getting out of school we sold the car for 95 bucks to a sailor that just started school a few weeks earlier and like us he decided to by a car rather than pay bus fare every time you wanted to go somewhere off the base. Buying the car actually paid for itself by doing that. I remember my friend and I joked that the new buyer paid for the oil so we really didn’t even pay any money for maintenance during our ownership. Now those were the good old days.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Florida minimum wage is currently $11/hr and goes up to $12/hr on Sept 30,2023
Here, McDonalds pays $15/hr
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
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
Florida minimum wage is currently $11/hr and goes up to $12/hr on Sept 30,2023
Here, McDonalds pays $15/hr
Minimum wage just went up to $13.65/hr here in Colorado. We just bumped all our employees to $14/hr.
Fast food places are advertising at $15-18/hr - and still are chronically understaffed.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
not a bad gig I guess getting 20 hours/week (so about $300 gross) as a post-retirement get out of the house job and make some pocket money!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Fast food places are advertising at $15-18/hr - and still are chronically understaffed.
I worked at a BK in a mall (when those were still hopping places!) in HS and when home from college sometimes. I think one shift now behind the fryer might kill me.
I learned real quick that the best place to be at that place was leaning on a cash register taking money all shift! At least my arms did not come out looking sandblasted.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
A friend of mine had a Passat. Pretty sure it was a V6, it drank oil like a sailor. VW claimed normal although he had to add a little almost with every fill up.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Same here, I just don’t understand it. Thats a fair wage for the work.
My parents were in a BK for lunch before the holidays that had 2 people working. They locked the doors while they were there and were going to close.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
One data point: I'm putting about 6K/yr on the GTI, and it's never needed oil between annual changes.
we saw an frail elderly man and (I presume) his middle aged daughter
As a future frail elderly man, I'd like to assume that is his 2nd wife..
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Amazon has a warehouse, and an airplane freight hub, here. If you can tolerate physical labor, you can start at $22/hr with full benefits. Somebody my age might last about 15 minutes...
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Minimum in upstate NY is now $14.20 and the company bumped that to $14.50 but as mentioned, everywhere is offering $16-$18 for burger flippers. If you are in it to make a bundle, this ain’t the job for you.
On the other hand, what other job has guys willing to drive 50 miles one way into work and stay employed until they are in their 80s? I know people making 6 figures who aren’t that enthusiastic about their jobs.
I’m not really trying to recruit you but like Sandy, just sharing how pleased I am to have found a fun retirement gig.
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
These days I wouldn’t make it through the interview without passing out.
One of our younger guys (late 50s) left to drive for Amazon at about $24/hr.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
you don't have to sell me on your gig as a nice part time job to keep busy and make some pocket change after early retiring. Just not quite ready to make that move (well, I would love to, but the wife won't let me unless she can do it too....) I couldn't deal with something like an Amazon warehouse job (or humping packages driving one of their trucks).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Not sure there are going to be any big discounts on 22's even with the 23's out now.
Prices on the 23's have gone up noticeably, so the line is probably going to be 'But your saving big by avoiding the 23 price increase".
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
maybe they will trade me even up for the Mav!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Explorer isn’t buying a Dodge…. It’s the Blue Oval or nothing!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Explorer isn’t buying a Dodge…. It’s the Blue Oval or nothing!
Oh, I know…
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I still haven’t put the Ram into the garage yet. It will “fit” but I need to move my work bench and raise the storage shelf.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I check the oil (and coolant, and brake fluid) every time I drive the car.
If I am lucky enough to make it that far and we still have cars/society still exists then etc, I'd be into it - extra money, interesting driving different cars, sounds pretty ideal.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Driving a bunch of different cars. I couldn’t think of something my wife would like to do less
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
If you throw in the snow blower there’s a chance they won’t broom you out of the show room instantly.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Don’t know if you don’t ask.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Won’t need the blower. The barge truck would take up half the driveway. Just park behind the wife’s car and use the truck to blast out the bottom of the driveway.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
This was in a small town in East Texas, population around 3,000 at that time. The other gas stations closed around 6 p.m., the only convenience store closed at 9 p.m. After that, the only things open were the station I ran and a truck stop / café about 5 miles south of town. This was the summer I was 14, starting high school that fall. It’s hard to imagine anyone putting a 14 year old into that position in this day and age, but no one thought anything of it at that time. It truly was a “different time”.
As for a bad job, I did have one truly bad job a few years later. This was at a plant where they made chain link fence. They had this giant machine that made the Collie dogs that went on top of the fence posts. You poured melted aluminum into this contraption, and it closed up with a bang and when it opened back up you had 6 halves of the Collie dogs. But that machine spat out molten aluminum when it closed, small particles extremely hot moving at great speed. You pushed the button and jumped back as fast as you could, hoping to be missed by the flying particles. I lasted less than an hour on that job.
Explorer isn’t buying a Dodge…. It’s the Blue Oval or nothing!
I have owned Chevrolet and Ford, no problem with either. I do prefer the Ecoboost V6 over the Chevrolet 5.3, but not enough to keep me from purchasing another Chevrolet.
The last time I looked at a Dodge truck, you couldn't get a power seat without a console. And we're talking a really big, massive console that greatly impinged on the leg room. If there are deals to be had on Dodge trucks, I will have to look into the seating situation. A Dodge with the nice soft ride and the Hemi wouldn't be a bad choice ...
Now you’re thinking like a true pickup truck owner.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Yikes. How many Collie dog particle burns can you count on your arms today? Hopefully, nowhere else.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige