Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

So happy with my commute. Takes maybe 90 seconds. Could be up to 5 mins if I stop for coffee, though.

sb55

nyccarguy said:

I’ve learned a lot from driving my base no option Tacoma SR for the past 5,500 miles. It actually drives better than the $42K + TRD Sport I had a few years ago. My commute is just terrible. There used to be light traffic in the AM and moderate traffic on the way home with some bad days sprinkled in. Now my 32 mile drive in takes an hour. That’s leaving before 6:30 AM. The ride home takes between 1 hour & 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half.

Your commute recap is giving me PTSD. I used to drive from Katonah to LIC. 55 miles each way and a bridge to cross. We were a manufacturer and hours were 7:30 - 4:00. Mornings were fairly consistent at 1 hr. 15 min., but even leaving at 4:00 the trip home was often 2+ hours. Now that I live in Vermont, I chuckle when I hear the locals get frustrated if they get stuck on Shelburne Rd. at "rush hour" and it takes and extra 5 minutes because of a few traffic lights.

stickguy

Move close to work!

I did that kind of commute for a couple of years. Sucked the life out of you. Could never do it today at my age.

au1994

nyccarguy said:

My biggest problem with the Wrangler is what to replace it with at the attractive $508 per month price point. My plan from the beginning was to try and get out of it sometime at the end of year 2. Month 24 of my 36 month lease will be at the end of March. Perfect time to sell/trade my bright blue, 4 door, 4WD convertible, with a power top. Besides the large property tax bill I received from my city I have no complaints.

What to replace it with? Another Wrangler 4xe with not so many options is certainly a possibility. There seems to be deals (right now, things could change by then) on Accords. A few brokers have Hybrid Touring Accords at $4K off which has them leasing around $450 per month including tax, I was browsing the lot of the Toyota dealer when my truck was in for service last week. I saw a white Camry SE AWD with heated seats & steering wheel that had a $32.5K sticker. With an upcoming redesign, there might be deals to be had on outgoing models.

I'm in the same boat. My 4xe is up next September and its going to be tough to replace it for the ~$400 payment I have. I'm really leaning to a truck this time and would be happy with whatever is leasing the best at the time...Taco, Frontier etc. The Titan is getting axed and I am already seeing some discounts there but as I have stated before, I would probably tire of a full-sized truck sooner than later. Possibly could go the SUV route with a 4Runner or Grand Cherokee as hopefully coming out of another Jeep I could score a deal there. The Maverick is always intriguing as well.

We're starting to look for my wife and execute the plan to move the X1 down to Jr. The 328i now has a intermittent burning smell from the A/C which I suspect is the compressor. Oh and he backed into someone leaving a service project about a month ago so there is a dent about the size of a football on the trunk.

She is interested in a lux or near lux SUV. Really likes the GV70 which I think is awful on the outside but wonderful on the inside. She also likes the Infiniti QX55 as it sort of reminds her of the X6 we had. XC60 is a top contender too. I'm suggesting the RDX get a look as well. The only thing leasing well in that category seems to be the Q5 which I would be fine with on a lease.

nyccarguy

au1994 said:

nyccarguy said:

My biggest problem with the Wrangler is what to replace it with at the attractive $508 per month price point. My plan from the beginning was to try and get out of it sometime at the end of year 2. Month 24 of my 36 month lease will be at the end of March. Perfect time to sell/trade my bright blue, 4 door, 4WD convertible, with a power top. Besides the large property tax bill I received from my city I have no complaints.

What to replace it with? Another Wrangler 4xe with not so many options is certainly a possibility. There seems to be deals (right now, things could change by then) on Accords. A few brokers have Hybrid Touring Accords at $4K off which has them leasing around $450 per month including tax, I was browsing the lot of the Toyota dealer when my truck was in for service last week. I saw a white Camry SE AWD with heated seats & steering wheel that had a $32.5K sticker. With an upcoming redesign, there might be deals to be had on outgoing models.

I'm in the same boat. My 4xe is up next September and its going to be tough to replace it for the ~$400 payment I have. I'm really leaning to a truck this time and would be happy with whatever is leasing the best at the time...Taco, Frontier etc. The Titan is getting axed and I am already seeing some discounts there but as I have stated before, I would probably tire of a full-sized truck sooner than later. Possibly could go the SUV route with a 4Runner or Grand Cherokee as hopefully coming out of another Jeep I could score a deal there. The Maverick is always intriguing as well.

We're starting to look for my wife and execute the plan to move the X1 down to Jr. The 328i now has a intermittent burning smell from the A/C which I suspect is the compressor. Oh and he backed into someone leaving a service project about a month ago so there is a dent about the size of a football on the trunk.

She is interested in a lux or near lux SUV. Really likes the GV70 which I think is awful on the outside but wonderful on the inside. She also likes the Infiniti QX55 as it sort of reminds her of the X6 we had. XC60 is a top contender too. I'm suggesting the RDX get a look as well. The only thing leasing well in that category seems to be the Q5 which I would be fine with on a lease.

Volvos (XC60s) seem to be leasing sort of well if you meet certain parameters like loyalty or conquest, are a Costco member and give them a chunk of money in the form of MSD and keep the mileage low. Bonus if you can find a DEMO or corporate car.

I've always been intrigued by some of the S60 deals out there. Sometimes they have FWD loaners with not too many options. Once I roll the upfronts in, add 15K per year, take away loyalty incentives, & MSD I lose interest.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Move close to work!

I did that kind of commute for a couple of years. Sucked the life out of you. Could never do it today at my age.

Can't see @nyccarguy moving to the Bronx.

stickguy

I know where he works!

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

I would not be at all surprised if the guy asking the question turns out to be a frequent contributor in the Cars and Conversation topic.

Sounds like an overly religious spell checker. You’d be surprised of some of the stuff mine does if I don’t proof read before posting.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

My biggest problem with the Wrangler is what to replace it with at the attractive $508 per month price point. My plan from the beginning was to try and get out of it sometime at the end of year 2. Month 24 of my 36 month lease will be at the end of March. Perfect time to sell/trade my bright blue, 4 door, 4WD convertible, with a power top. Besides the large property tax bill I received from my city I have no complaints.

What to replace it with? Another Wrangler 4xe with not so many options is certainly a possibility. There seems to be deals (right now, things could change by then) on Accords. A few brokers have Hybrid Touring Accords at $4K off which has them leasing around $450 per month including tax, I was browsing the lot of the Toyota dealer when my truck was in for service last week. I saw a white Camry SE AWD with heated seats & steering wheel that had a $32.5K sticker. With an upcoming redesign, there might be deals to be had on outgoing models.

Just curious, did you plan to switch out after 2 years? If so why get a 3 year lease.

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

I’ve learned a lot from driving my base no option Tacoma SR for the past 5,500 miles. It actually drives better than the $42K + TRD Sport I had a few years ago. My commute is just terrible. There used to be light traffic in the AM and moderate traffic on the way home with some bad days sprinkled in. Now my 32 mile drive in takes an hour. That’s leaving before 6:30 AM. The ride home takes between 1 hour & 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half.

————————————————
I always thought the biggest benefit of being the boss was coming in late and leaving early. If you practice that your commute’s will be a lot better.

jmonroe

pensfan83

My commute is via mass transit 2-3 days/week and across the hall the other days. I may be one of the few left who doesn't mind working outside of the home a couple days a week.

On a car related note over the holiday my BIL shared that his '17 A6 Prestige is burning oil at an astonishing rate; they advised the engine needs replaced at $28K. He didn't know specifics on what had failed, a quick Google search suggests piston rings, oil separator, blocked ventilation, etc. I suggested he look for a reputable indy shop in the Cincinnati metro area for a second opinion or if he doesn't want to do that source a used engine if he plans to keep it.

explorerx4

Small business owner only work 1/2 a day. Pick any 12 hours you want.

Sandman6472

Trip went well though we had rain down through Daytona on Sunday. Got the kid all settled in her new place which is really very nice. Spent turkey day with the kids in St. Cloud and it was great. Loaded the Rav4 pretty much and it was a very good driver. The "maintenance soon" light came on every time I started it was a real pain but besides that, drove very nicely and as pretty economical.

Turned it in a day early which was fine, after 5 days, they charge you the same as a week anyways. The wife liked it but said it's just too big for her needs. So, at this point, it's between the 2023 Hyundai Kona, 2024 Kia Seltos or the 2024 Buick Encore GX. She likes the Seltos also so think she'd get one. The extra few inches in height makes ingress/egress very easy and at our age, very helpful and necessary! She'll know something this weekend and figure by the 15th of December, she'll have something new. The dark horse is still the 2024 Audi A3 as she wants to try it. Just hope they still have that CPO 2023 gray over gray unit with just over 5K miles on it. Still would get the new car time frame as it hasn't been titles yet but not really sure as she hasn't driven it yet. Might be able to save a few thousand bucks if that's what she wants.

But, we will have at least one punch in December. Might just give the new 2024 Kona a test drive to see if I do like it. Not too crazy about the Encore GX but will give that a drive also. Funny thing about the Kia Seltos, when I showed it to her in the mall last year, she said it's too big for me! But now, it's on her short list and if it indeed does have a power rear lift gate, could actually end up on her side of the garage shortly. Doubt we'll have two punches like we did back in 2014 but never say never on things like this! Do know that we won't be getting the same vehicle though as that would be just too weird!

Sandman6472

Had my blood tests this morning and see my primary on Thursday. Hoping to be released back to work as by then, I'll have been off for a month. Physical therapy is helping and going once a week now. Think I'll still have to get an open MRI though which I'm not thrilled about. But as long as they can sedate me enough, we'll give it a go.

Still not decided on going down to two days a week so will keep the current schedule and see how that goes. Was thinking about a Monday/Friday schedule if I do go down a day or even a Monday/Thursday schedule could work. As it stands now, it's a Monday/Tuesday/Friday scenario. Our season is in full force right now so we're quite busy. He even mentioned some overtime but not going to push myself at first. Wouldn't be the prudent thing to do.

au1994

pensfan83 said:

My commute is via mass transit 2-3 days/week and across the hall the other days. I may be one of the few left who doesn't mind working outside of the home a couple days a week.

On a car related note over the holiday my BIL shared that his '17 A6 Prestige is burning oil at an astonishing rate; they advised the engine needs replaced at $28K. He didn't know specifics on what had failed, a quick Google search suggests piston rings, oil separator, blocked ventilation, etc. I suggested he look for a reputable indy shop in the Cincinnati metro area for a second opinion or if he doesn't want to do that source a used engine if he plans to keep it.

I don't mind 2 days a week. Its good to interact in person with people, especially those in leadership roles. What I don't like is any sort of mandate that it has to be a certain number of days per week or you have to be in on certain days. I manage my schedule accordingly as it makes no sense (to me) to drive 35 min to the office to sit on Teams calls all day.

RE: the Audi, I seem to recall hearing about that issue a few years ago being related to blocked ventilation. I guess it is far too late to go back to them for any hope of good will? If it was me, it would not have made it home from the diagnosis.

nyccarguy

jmonroe1 said:

nyccarguy said:

I’ve learned a lot from driving my base no option Tacoma SR for the past 5,500 miles. It actually drives better than the $42K + TRD Sport I had a few years ago. My commute is just terrible. There used to be light traffic in the AM and moderate traffic on the way home with some bad days sprinkled in. Now my 32 mile drive in takes an hour. That’s leaving before 6:30 AM. The ride home takes between 1 hour & 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half.

————————————————
I always thought the biggest benefit of being the boss was coming in late and leaving early. If you practice that your commute’s will be a lot better.

jmonroe

I must have overslept that day in"Taking Over the Family Plumbing Supply 101"

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Move close to work!

I did that kind of commute for a couple of years. Sucked the life out of you. Could never do it today at my age.

That unfortunately isn't going to happen. We may move in a few years to Long Island (more traffic) when my youngest who turns 12 tomorrow gets out of school. My wife said she wants to move to be closer to her Mom. My father in law (72? 73?) is the oldest living male in his family EVER, by a long shot. He's not well. In and out of the hospital for the last 2 years. He's sober now, but decades of alcohol abuse aren't kind to the aging body.

stickguy

I’d move mom to CT before I would do the LI to SB commute every day. That sounds hideous

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

jmonroe1 said:

nyccarguy said:

I’ve learned a lot from driving my base no option Tacoma SR for the past 5,500 miles. It actually drives better than the $42K + TRD Sport I had a few years ago. My commute is just terrible. There used to be light traffic in the AM and moderate traffic on the way home with some bad days sprinkled in. Now my 32 mile drive in takes an hour. That’s leaving before 6:30 AM. The ride home takes between 1 hour & 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half.

————————————————
I always thought the biggest benefit of being the boss was coming in late and leaving early. If you practice that your commute’s will be a lot better.

jmonroe

I must have overslept that day in"Taking Over the Family Plumbing Supply 101"

————————————————
There’s proof that if you snooze you lose.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

My commute is 3.3 miles each way so I'm quite pleased. For the first 5 years I owned the Golf, I had a 58 mile commute three days a week which came out to 13K/year. I'd have had a lot less miles now if I'd of always had the 3.3 mile commute but hey, that's life. Still not at 75K, slightly under, and putting only about 3K miles/years now so really, replacing it is silly. But since I never say never, anything could happen once we get the other half into her next vehicle. Still haven't taken a Mini Cooper off my short list. Prefer the Countryman but can see myself in the model Mrs. Breld drives. Showed one to my wife on the drive home from St. Augustine and she seemed to like it. So we'll see really if I could live with one. But it would have to have the Harmon Kardon sound system no matter what.

sda

pensfan83 said:

My commute is via mass transit 2-3 days/week and across the hall the other days. I may be one of the few left who doesn't mind working outside of the home a couple days a week.

On a car related note over the holiday my BIL shared that his '17 A6 Prestige is burning oil at an astonishing rate; they advised the engine needs replaced at $28K. He didn't know specifics on what had failed, a quick Google search suggests piston rings, oil separator, blocked ventilation, etc. I suggested he look for a reputable indy shop in the Cincinnati metro area for a second opinion or if he doesn't want to do that source a used engine if he plans to keep it.

pensfan83 said:

My commute is via mass transit 2-3 days/week and across the hall the other days. I may be one of the few left who doesn't mind working outside of the home a couple days a week.

On a car related note over the holiday my BIL shared that his '17 A6 Prestige is burning oil at an astonishing rate; they advised the engine needs replaced at $28K. He didn't know specifics on what had failed, a quick Google search suggests piston rings, oil separator, blocked ventilation, etc. I suggested he look for a reputable indy shop in the Cincinnati metro area for a second opinion or if he doesn't want to do that source a used engine if he plans to keep it.

How many miles on the A6? Is it the 2.0T?

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Small business owner only work 1/2 a day. Pick any 12 hours you want.

Slacker.😝

pensfan83

au1994 said:

pensfan83 said:

My commute is via mass transit 2-3 days/week and across the hall the other days. I may be one of the few left who doesn't mind working outside of the home a couple days a week.

On a car related note over the holiday my BIL shared that his '17 A6 Prestige is burning oil at an astonishing rate; they advised the engine needs replaced at $28K. He didn't know specifics on what had failed, a quick Google search suggests piston rings, oil separator, blocked ventilation, etc. I suggested he look for a reputable indy shop in the Cincinnati metro area for a second opinion or if he doesn't want to do that source a used engine if he plans to keep it.

I don't mind 2 days a week. Its good to interact in person with people, especially those in leadership roles. What I don't like is any sort of mandate that it has to be a certain number of days per week or you have to be in on certain days. I manage my schedule accordingly as it makes no sense (to me) to drive 35 min to the office to sit on Teams calls all day.

RE: the Audi, I seem to recall hearing about that issue a few years ago being related to blocked ventilation. I guess it is far too late to go back to them for any hope of good will? If it was me, it would not have made it home from the diagnosis.

It isn't a mandate but ideally they want people in 3 days/week if possible. My current boss isn't based locally and he's very flexible when I can only go in 1 or 2. I also relocated buildings about a year ago and have a bigger space with actual windows.

On the Audi he bought it in February 2020 as a CPO so it's out of warranty, I don't know if he asked about any goodwill or not. They are letting it sit for the most part and are using their X5 and '21 Rubicon (gasser) for now while they figure out what they want to do. They prefer to do their own thing so any advice from me is moot.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Trip went well though we had rain down through Daytona on Sunday. Got the kid all settled in her new place which is really very nice. Spent turkey day with the kids in St. Cloud and it was great. Loaded the Rav4 pretty much and it was a very good driver. The "maintenance soon" light came on every time I started it was a real pain but besides that, drove very nicely and as pretty economical.

Turned it in a day early which was fine, after 5 days, they charge you the same as a week anyways. The wife liked it but said it's just too big for her needs. So, at this point, it's between the 2023 Hyundai Kona, 2024 Kia Seltos or the 2024 Buick Encore GX. She likes the Seltos also so think she'd get one. The extra few inches in height makes ingress/egress very easy and at our age, very helpful and necessary! She'll know something this weekend and figure by the 15th of December, she'll have something new. The dark horse is still the 2024 Audi A3 as she wants to try it. Just hope they still have that CPO 2023 gray over gray unit with just over 5K miles on it. Still would get the new car time frame as it hasn't been titles yet but not really sure as she hasn't driven it yet. Might be able to save a few thousand bucks if that's what she wants.

But, we will have at least one punch in December. Might just give the new 2024 Kona a test drive to see if I do like it. Not too crazy about the Encore GX but will give that a drive also. Doubt we'll have two punches like we did back in 2014 but never say never on things like this!

Sandy, is the car market down by you still as bad as I hear? My BIL’s grandson went to buy a Honda Accord near St. Cloud recently and there was $8k in additional deal fees and add-ons. Is that just Honda dealers or is it bad all over?

Sandman6472

Remember as a kid, my dad had to commute the 32 or so miles into New York City as we had a showroom at 1515 Broadway as I recall. At first he'd catch the train at the Scarborough station, but after a bit, he just drove himself in. Always complained about the long commute and he never ate dinner with us as he'd get home after 7. Once Genesco bought out our little family operation, he had to go to Ridgefield New Jersey which was a bit longer of a drive. They even looked at homes in Alpine and Tenafly in late 1967 but nothing ever came of that. So we stayed in Briarcliff Manor until he decided to retire in early 1969. And the rest is history...our move to South Florida where I still am today. Next step will be somewhere in Central Florida close to Orlando I'm guessing. Daytona might work as I doubt our pharmacist daughter will stay in St. Augustine more then four years. I'd like to be within an hour from both girls if possible, a little closer would be even better!

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Had my blood tests this morning and see my primary on Thursday. Hoping to be released back to work as by then, I'll have been off for a month. Physical therapy is helping and going once a week now. Think I'll still have to get an open MRI though which I'm not thrilled about. But as long as they can sedate me enough, we'll give it a go.

Still not decided on going down to two days a week so will keep the current schedule and see how that goes. Was thinking about a Monday/Friday schedule if I do go down a day or even a Monday/Thursday schedule could work. As it stands now, it's a Monday/Tuesday/Friday scenario. Our season is in full force right now so we're quite busy. He even mentioned some overtime but not going to push myself at first. Wouldn't be the prudent thing to do.

MRIs aren’t that bad, I fell asleep in one once. Unless you’re claustrophobic, that is.

Do they actually pay you guys overtime down there? Here we get straight pay no matter how long a day or even on holidays. You’d think the company would figure that paying OT wouldn’t leave them short on Thanksgiving or Christmas. That’s one of the few things the company is really cheap about.

They got hoisted by their on petard recently. They weren’t keeping track and two of the guys who always volunteered for extra work went over the 30 hour average which requires them to provide full health coverage. They would have noticed that if they were paying OT.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Trip went well though we had rain down through Daytona on Sunday. Got the kid all settled in her new place which is really very nice. Spent turkey day with the kids in St. Cloud and it was great. Loaded the Rav4 pretty much and it was a very good driver. The "maintenance soon" light came on every time I started it was a real pain but besides that, drove very nicely and as pretty economical.

Turned it in a day early which was fine, after 5 days, they charge you the same as a week anyways. The wife liked it but said it's just too big for her needs. So, at this point, it's between the 2023 Hyundai Kona, 2024 Kia Seltos or the 2024 Buick Encore GX. She likes the Seltos also so think she'd get one. The extra few inches in height makes ingress/egress very easy and at our age, very helpful and necessary! She'll know something this weekend and figure by the 15th of December, she'll have something new. The dark horse is still the 2024 Audi A3 as she wants to try it. Just hope they still have that CPO 2023 gray over gray unit with just over 5K miles on it. Still would get the new car time frame as it hasn't been titles yet but not really sure as she hasn't driven it yet. Might be able to save a few thousand bucks if that's what she wants.

But, we will have at least one punch in December. Might just give the new 2024 Kona a test drive to see if I do like it. Not too crazy about the Encore GX but will give that a drive also. Doubt we'll have two punches like we did back in 2014 but never say never on things like this!

Sandy, is the car market down by you still as bad as I hear? My BIL’s grandson went to buy a Honda Accord near St. Cloud recently and there was $8k in additional deal fees and add-ons. Is that just Honda dealers or is it bad all over?

————————————————
From everything I’ve heard, up until a year ago, it's the same old snake pit its ever been.

Would be nice to hear @Sandman6472 say otherwise.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

After so many closed MRI's over the years, I'm very claustrophobic now. I did a couple open ones but had to be sedated. I did a sit down one a few years back for my lower spine in Ft. Lauderdale. Thinking they want another one to see why I'm getting this BPPV vertigo so often...twice every year since early 2021. Guess after my recent hospital visit, I just don't want to be jabbed or put into any machine at this point.

Yes, if we go over 40 hours, we get paid overtime, but that don't happen too often. The couple of weeks before I got sick, my team worked over 40 both weeks but I was not able to join in due to health issues. And now, they've hired enough folks that I'm no longer asked to work weekends either, something I never minded. But we'll see how it goes once I go back...hopefully this Friday!

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Had my blood tests this morning and see my primary on Thursday. Hoping to be released back to work as by then, I'll have been off for a month. Physical therapy is helping and going once a week now. Think I'll still have to get an open MRI though which I'm not thrilled about. But as long as they can sedate me enough, we'll give it a go.

Still not decided on going down to two days a week so will keep the current schedule and see how that goes. Was thinking about a Monday/Friday schedule if I do go down a day or even a Monday/Thursday schedule could work. As it stands now, it's a Monday/Tuesday/Friday scenario. Our season is in full force right now so we're quite busy. He even mentioned some overtime but not going to push myself at first. Wouldn't be the prudent thing to do.

MRIs aren’t that bad, I fell asleep in one once. Unless you’re claustrophobic, that is.

Do they actually pay you guys overtime down there? Here we get straight pay no matter how long a day or even on holidays. You’d think the company would figure that paying OT wouldn’t leave them short on Thanksgiving or Christmas. That’s one of the few things the company is really cheap about.

They got hoisted by their on petard recently. They weren’t keeping track and two of the guys who always volunteered for extra work went over the 30 hour average which requires them to provide full health coverage. They would have noticed that if they were paying OT.

————————————————
For how long do they have to pay full health coverage?

jmonroe

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

My commute is via mass transit 2-3 days/week and across the hall the other days. I may be one of the few left who doesn't mind working outside of the home a couple days a week.

On a car related note over the holiday my BIL shared that his '17 A6 Prestige is burning oil at an astonishing rate; they advised the engine needs replaced at $28K. He didn't know specifics on what had failed, a quick Google search suggests piston rings, oil separator, blocked ventilation, etc. I suggested he look for a reputable indy shop in the Cincinnati metro area for a second opinion or if he doesn't want to do that source a used engine if he plans to keep it.

How many miles on that? He has the 2.0T or the 3.0 SC?

xwesx

@nyccarguy Bleh. That's a big chunk of the day lost to not-so-interesting driving!

nyccarguy

au1994 said:

pensfan83 said:

My commute is via mass transit 2-3 days/week and across the hall the other days. I may be one of the few left who doesn't mind working outside of the home a couple days a week.

On a car related note over the holiday my BIL shared that his '17 A6 Prestige is burning oil at an astonishing rate; they advised the engine needs replaced at $28K. He didn't know specifics on what had failed, a quick Google search suggests piston rings, oil separator, blocked ventilation, etc. I suggested he look for a reputable indy shop in the Cincinnati metro area for a second opinion or if he doesn't want to do that source a used engine if he plans to keep it.

I don't mind 2 days a week. Its good to interact in person with people, especially those in leadership roles. What I don't like is any sort of mandate that it has to be a certain number of days per week or you have to be in on certain days. I manage my schedule accordingly as it makes no sense (to me) to drive 35 min to the office to sit on Teams calls all day.

RE: the Audi, I seem to recall hearing about that issue a few years ago being related to blocked ventilation. I guess it is far too late to go back to them for any hope of good will? If it was me, it would not have made it home from the diagnosis.

That's obviously not my world, but from a management standpoint I feel like I would be fine with people making and keeping their own schedule as long as they are productive and get their work done. Think about it. Someone can check and answer emails when they are fresh in the AM while drinking their coffee and having breakfast. Maybe they have a quick lunch, but don't take their whole hour. They are happier that they aren't sitting in traffic or spending hundreds of dollars a month on a train ticket and parking at the train station.

oldfarmer50

sb55 said:

nyccarguy said:

I’ve learned a lot from driving my base no option Tacoma SR for the past 5,500 miles. It actually drives better than the $42K + TRD Sport I had a few years ago. My commute is just terrible. There used to be light traffic in the AM and moderate traffic on the way home with some bad days sprinkled in. Now my 32 mile drive in takes an hour. That’s leaving before 6:30 AM. The ride home takes between 1 hour & 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half.

Your commute recap is giving me PTSD. I used to drive from Katonah to LIC. 55 miles each way and a bridge to cross. We were a manufacturer and hours were 7:30 - 4:00. Mornings were fairly consistent at 1 hr. 15 min., but even leaving at 4:00 the trip home was often 2+ hours. Now that I live in Vermont, I chuckle when I hear the locals get frustrated if they get stuck on Shelburne Rd. at "rush hour" and it takes and extra 5 minutes because of a few traffic lights.

Shelburne rd. Is congested by VT. standards. When heading to the airport we get off rt. 7 at Marsett rd. And sneak in the back way

qbrozen

@nyccarguy said:
Volvos (XC60s) seem to be leasing sort of well if you meet certain parameters like loyalty or conquest, are a Costco member and give them a chunk of money in the form of MSD and keep the mileage low. Bonus if you can find a DEMO or corporate car.

I've always been intrigued by some of the S60 deals out there. Sometimes they have FWD loaners with not too many options. Once I roll the upfronts in, add 15K per year, take away loyalty incentives, & MSD I lose interest.

Happens to me just about every time on Volvos. “An XC40 for $270/mo? Sign me up!”

Change from 7500 to 10k miles. Add in taxes and stupid high fees. Take away MSDs. Take away educating firefighting first responding on weekends money. Now it is >$400/mo. Meh.

pensfan83

@nyccarguy said:
How many miles on that? He has the 2.0T or the 3.0 SC?

75K and it's the 3.0

kyfdx

pensfan83 said:

@nyccarguy said:

How many miles on that? He has the 2.0T or the 3.0 SC?

75K and it's the 3.0

I'm more interested in why they don't listen to your advice?

stickguy

That’s why I recommended my son not take out a 5 year loan on a 3 YO off lease hot rod Audi.

tjc78

Volvos haven’t leased well since I got my XC in 2020. As has been said too many variables for a good deal.

@nyccarguy
Do you have a parking lot at your store? If you leased an EV and could charge at work that may be something??

I was up your way today in Manhattan. Took the truck which meant finding a lot and not a garage. Thankfully Spothero came to the rescue. Found a lot only 6 blocks or so from where I needed to be. Two weeks ago I took the Path train in from Jersey City. It’s a war zone there with construction and parking lots fill up… it was less stressful just driving into Manhattan

28firefighter

I take public transit 2-3 days a week to my office in downtown Seattle. I drive 15 mins to a park and ride (which is free) and then work gives me a free transit pass. Less stressful, faster, and free vs paying $350 a month to park.

In 2024 a new light rail station will open near my house and I’ll drive 5 mins to a park and ride.

stickguy

I usually took the train up from Hamilton. Less hassle with driving and parking closer to the city. Might have cost more in total but not sure figuring everything In.

Last time I was thinking of going further up was going to park at Secaucus junction. I think there is more parking there and easier to get to off the turnpike.

Sandman6472

Just so glad I live so close to work. Makes things a lot easier as that commute when I worked for Hertz was awful, some nights taking me almost an hour to get home. And with the increase in traffic now that season is here, got to be just too much to be honest. It's just funny how things work out...both my current & last job were put in front of me when I was thinking I needed a change. Both in December so maybe a higher power is listening to me when I talk to it. Hertz was a good gig at first & it gave me a schedule which I so wanted. But I stayed too long & started hating my job those last couple of months. That's why I jumped so quickly when Enterprise said they wanted me. It just checked all my boxes with the short commute being the first one. I know if I was still at Hertz, I'd have a different vehicle as those 13K miles/year added up.

And this last four weeks having been home has made me realize how much I do like my Enterprise gig. Work with some nice folks and the hours aren't bad at all. Sure, I wish it paid more but I can live with my current hourly rate. Figure I'll do it another couple of years as I'm not sure of our timeline for moving quite yet. I'm thinking by December of 2025, we could be either gone or very close. I know that our house will sell quickly as we're in a very good family area with great schools, on a cul-de-sac. A 4/2 which needs work unfortunately...and we just don't want to do it. So am happy taking a bit less to get out as it is. Think we'll do the new oven/stove combo sooner then later as I want to enjoy it also. But a kitchen gut is out of the question as well as the master bath gut. Let the new owners do their own vision of what they want.

Deciding where to go could be an issue. Unfortunately, we're staying in Florida, which means it'll be either in the Orlando or Daytona area. Think we could get by with a 3/2 as I don't really need an office. But that second bedroom is a must as with my spinal issues, I've basically moved into one of the other bedrooms to sleep most nights. The constant spinal pain keeps me up many nights so insomnia is something I deal with on a regular basis. Since I hate to keep my wife up with all the in & out I do, usually start out in the master but end up in my office which has a queen bed. Wish it wasn't this way but it is what it is & we're dealing with it. I'm tired most of the time from not getting enough sleep & try to let my wife get the restful sleep she does need. It sucks to get older with health issues truthfully so I try to be as considerate as possible as my wife works a lot of hours & her job can be stressful while my job is anything but! So deciding where to end up will be quite a challenge I fear. And it'll have to be up to an hour away from our girls, that's my limit. Closer would be so much better and my goal.

nyccarguy

@pensfan83 said:

@nyccarguy said:
How many miles on that? He has the 2.0T or the 3.0 SC?

75K and it's the 3.0

That’s horrible. Unless they never did ANY maintenance at all, there is no reason any modern car much less an Audi that cost upwards of $50K new should need an engine replacement at 75K miles. Dreadful.

nyccarguy

@tjc78 said:
Volvos haven’t leased well since I got my XC in 2020. As has been said too many variables for a good deal.

@nyccarguy
Do you have a parking lot at your store? If you leased an EV and could charge at work that may be something??

I was up your way today in Manhattan. Took the truck which meant finding a lot and not a garage. Thankfully Spothero came to the rescue. Found a lot only 6 blocks or so from where I needed to be. Two weeks ago I took the Path train in from Jersey City. It’s a war zone there with construction and parking lots fill up… it was less stressful just driving into Manhattan

Unfortunately no. I have had to park on the street for the past few years. Supposedly they are opening up parking for us at the new building they put up next door.

explorerx4

Last time I parked on the street in NYC, it was free.
Maybe because where I was parking?
It was several years ago.

sb55

oldfarmer50 said:

sb55 said:

nyccarguy said:

I’ve learned a lot from driving my base no option Tacoma SR for the past 5,500 miles. It actually drives better than the $42K + TRD Sport I had a few years ago. My commute is just terrible. There used to be light traffic in the AM and moderate traffic on the way home with some bad days sprinkled in. Now my 32 mile drive in takes an hour. That’s leaving before 6:30 AM. The ride home takes between 1 hour & 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half.

Your commute recap is giving me PTSD. I used to drive from Katonah to LIC. 55 miles each way and a bridge to cross. We were a manufacturer and hours were 7:30 - 4:00. Mornings were fairly consistent at 1 hr. 15 min., but even leaving at 4:00 the trip home was often 2+ hours. Now that I live in Vermont, I chuckle when I hear the locals get frustrated if they get stuck on Shelburne Rd. at "rush hour" and it takes and extra 5 minutes because of a few traffic lights.

Shelburne rd. Is congested by VT. standards. When heading to the airport we get off rt. 7 at Marsett rd. And sneak in the back way

I've done Spear St. all the way from Shelburne Museum up to UVM. But a lot of people know that way too.

oldfarmer50

I like to take Spear st. from Farrisburgh so I can see the covered bridge.

qbrozen

Sigh. Getting a little concerned about the Xterra title. They still haven't received it after 35 days. I requested a status update yesterday morn, but no reply yet. I had painted the bumper/grille guard and I cleaned the interior, but then stopped because I don't want to wind up totally fixing a vehicle that they have to take back. I did order all the parts, though, before I remembered to hold off. Fingers crossed. I don't want to have to give it back.

stickguy

This was from an auction? I didn’t realize they sold cars without titles. But that certainly does seem like a hassle.

qbrozen

Yes. It is more common to see them without titles than with. They have 30 days after sale to produce it.

corvette

The Shelburne Museum sounds interesting, I've added it to my list of places to visit.