Having driven a 3 series BMW in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland in 2011, I can tell to that I would never even consider driving anything larger there. We saw a few 7 series BMWs and S-Class MBs - all on the highways. And all moving [ um ] rapidly. - Ray Survived with only a bit of curb rash on 1 wheel ....
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the current 3 series is bigger than the original 5 series.
You are correct, sir. This is the nature of cars in North America these days. Bigger is considered better by the vast majority who buy drive cars, so here we are.
Those of us who prefer the older paradigm just need to select the next smaller (or maybe even the one beyond that) platform -- all nine of us.
I currently drive what was the European Accord for many years, the Acura TSX. It's a great car and a mere shadow of the current Accord, as it's sold (or more likely leased) here.
so, browsing around, I could live with this. Miles a touch high, but on the real cheap end for a 2014. And from looking at the listing, pretty well loaded with everything I could imagine needing! And I love the color combo.
White might be the best color for the W212, it really suits the lines of the car. Good interior color, too. That's the cheapest 14 I have seen, miles aren't bad for a 2 year old car, nice enough option list, but it does not have the adaptive LED lights as the seller claims. I also don't know about the option "AMG Performance Media", that's a new one to me.
so, browsing around, I could live with this. Miles a touch high, but on the real cheap end for a 2014. And from looking at the listing, pretty well loaded with everything I could imagine needing! And I love the color combo.
And since I brought up the Challenger yesterday, the car was captivating during the movie NIGHTCRAWLER which I watched last night. Here's the final chase scene:
It was about 50 degrees outside this morning, so I fired up the heated steering wheel on the Murano. Heated up so quick, I had to turn it off within a minute. I think I will enjoy that in the winter.
We picked up three Ford Fusions at the airport yesterday and two of us had to pull over when the cars started to buck and slip with the tach going crazy. The "check engine" light came on and we both had to sit for a few minutes and all was fine. Same thing happened four times for me, three for him until we got to the Hertz location at the Ford dealer. Obviously, those two vehicles can't be rented but since still under warranty, they're at the right place. Have never felt anything like that in my life and being on the Florida Turnpike at the time between Griffin Rd. and Pines Blvd., it was a bit scary to say the least. Odd that two out of three 2016 Fusions had this same issues and it just made me thankful I do not purchase Fords. Between this, the problems the Fiesta's are having with their door hinges and the crappy Focus auto tranny's from 2012, 2013 and 2014, does not speak well for Ford. I know my choice in vehicle, VW, doesn't have the best rep in it's reliability, but can not complain about mine. The one issue with the wire in the starter was an isolated incident and didn't happen that much. Was glad that they took the time to find the issue and fix it. Our Audi has been absolutely stellar with no issues at all. I know no company makes totally flawless vehicles but some seem to have more than others. Just hope we pick the right ones!
The Sandman
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)
The heated steering wheel is likely the single greatest invention in the history of mankind.
'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...)
I don't know why, but just for fun, I pulled up the Macan on my truecar app. They are showing $5k off. I'm quite suspicious of that, but also pretty damned intrigued at my Macan for about $56k. Huh.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I don't know why, but just for fun, I pulled up the Macan on my truecar app. They are showing $5k off. I'm quite suspicious of that, but also pretty damned intrigued at my Macan for about $56k. Huh.
What about Macan S?
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
We picked up three Ford Fusions at the airport yesterday and two of us had to pull over when the cars started to buck and slip with the tach going crazy. The "check engine" light came on and we both had to sit for a few minutes and all was fine. Same thing happened four times for me, three for him until we got to the Hertz location at the Ford dealer. Obviously, those two vehicles can't be rented but since still under warranty, they're at the right place. Have never felt anything like that in my life and being on the Florida Turnpike at the time between Griffin Rd. and Pines Blvd., it was a bit scary to say the least. Odd that two out of three 2016 Fusions had this same issues and it just made me thankful I do not purchase Fords. Between this, the problems the Fiesta's are having with their door hinges and the crappy Focus auto tranny's from 2012, 2013 and 2014, does not speak well for Ford. I know my choice in vehicle, VW, doesn't have the best rep in it's reliability, but can not complain about mine. The one issue with the wire in the starter was an isolated incident and didn't happen that much. Was glad that they took the time to find the issue and fix it. Our Audi has been absolutely stellar with no issues at all. I know no company makes totally flawless vehicles but some seem to have more than others. Just hope we pick the right ones!
The Sandman
That's putting it lightly. One of the real reasons I couldn't honestly consider spending Golf R money on a Focus RS. Also, Ford's 350 American Horses seem to only be about as strong as 290 German Horses.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I'd put my money on long term reliability on Ford over any VW or Audi. Just my opinion.
You do know that Ford has entered the array of modern engines and turbos in recent years? Funny the diehard Ford truck guys say they don't trust Ecoboost, but that their Ford Truck was very reliable and durable.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I don't know why, but just for fun, I pulled up the Macan on my truecar app. They are showing $5k off. I'm quite suspicious of that, but also pretty damned intrigued at my Macan for about $56k. Huh.
What about Macan S?
about $6k, I'm sure depending on options.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Anyone have any thoughts and/or opinions as to the 3,500+ pound S3 vs. the 3,200+ pound Golf R vs. the 3,100+ pound new 2017 Audi TT-S?
Real world prices puts the S3 around $45+K, the Golf R at around $39-40K loaded, and the TTS probably at $50K+ similar in pricing to an S4.
Another Scenario, pick up a base model Golf R for $36K, then spend about $4K upgrading the base sound system to above Fender Levels, and get wider lighter wheels/tires too. No adjustable suspension though
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Anyone have any thoughts and/or opinions as to the 3,500+ pound S3 vs. the 3,200+ pound Golf R vs. the 3,100+ pound new 2017 Audi TT-S?
Real world prices puts the S3 around $45+K, the Golf R at around $39-40K loaded, and the TTS probably at $50K+ similar in pricing to an S4.
Another Scenario, pick up a base model Golf R for $36K, then spend about $4K upgrading the base sound system to above Fender Levels, and get wider lighter wheels/tires too. No adjustable suspension though
Unless you strongly preferred the sedan body style over the hatchback, I'd go for the Golf R over the S3. From my wife's MK7 GTI to the S3, I didn't notice anything appreciably better in quality in the Audi. Nothing particularly wrong with it, just don't think the price premium is worth it.
The TTS? Gotta like the styling (which I do) and the exclusivity of it over the other cars to pony up the extra dough.
And since I brought up the Challenger yesterday, the car was captivating during the movie NIGHTCRAWLER which I watched last night. Here's the final chase scene:
Great movie- my son and I liked it a lot. Some of the OCD guys on one of the Challenger forums said the interior shots were from an SRT of a different year- but I didn't catch it.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Like the author notes, for collectors only. Can't really drive them.
That's why I didn't buy the one-owner 1967 Cougar XR-7 with less than 5k miles on it; on every drive it would be like dumping a bucket of $100 bills out the window...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Unless a car is truly rare, I see no sense in preserving it in amber. Mass produced cars of the sixties should be driven by owners and enjoyed by onlookers IMO. These aren't Rembrandts.
As I recall, Rembrandt was a realism type painter, so some of those Bill Mitchell designs in the 60's might have been good subjects for Rembrandt with paintings that looked very nice
Unless a car is truly rare, I see no sense in preserving it in amber. Mass produced cars of the sixties should be driven by owners and enjoyed by onlookers IMO. These aren't Rembrandts.
Including 1968 Datsun 411 Bluebird 4-door sedans, huh?
The current version of the Dodge Dart is a compact sedan based on a slightly enlarged Fiat Compact platform that debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 2012.[6] The Dart was Dodge's first compact sedan since 2005, when the Dodge Neon was discontinued as part of the end of the PL platform.
The Fiat Compact platform, on which the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is built, was enlarged 1.5 in (38 mm) in width and with a 3.7 in (94 mm) longer wheelbase and is now called the Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform. This modified platform, named PF and adapted to U.S. requirements, took about 18 months to design, with development costs of US$1 billion.
Right out of Wikipedia. I was once interested mildly in a 2012-16 Dodge Dart but moreso in the car the Dart's body is plopped on, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Looking back at the Giulietta's pictures, I don't like either car's look all that much. Sales of the Dodge Dart don't seem all that apalling ta me. Here's some numbers:
Sales in the United States
Total sales
2012 25,304 2013 83,388 2014 83,858 2015 87,392
Those aren't bad sales numbers overall. The Dart got a bad review from everyone's favorite car rating outfit - Consumer Reports, who blamed the car's designers for not doing a good job. And for poor sales. The car is just not what people want. Women want SUV's, where they "feel safer."
From up there they can see better where they're going, eh, and if they can't they can use the huge SUV utility to just plow over any of those pesky Chevy Spark's and Mitsubishi Mirage's that might dare to get in their way. Am I right? It's a safety concern. It goes against a car enthusiast's thinking - it really plows head-on into mine.
Ahh, what do ya do? Time ta go check on that 2016 Scion iA 6-speed MT in Stealth shade selling brand new for only $14,395. See if it's still sitting there. At least. And the beat goes on.
Fool for the City! Still getting settled in to the rectangular white rental house with the detached 3-car garage on the south end a town. Putting pictures up in my den, couldn't leave this little pup outta da mix, car nuts.
Yeah, 1,035 sq.ft in the 3-car garage! This is no palace but the Mrs. and I are happy ta have it. Congrats again on the Murano. Nissan has some very talented designers on their team.
I live in one of Seattle's many new subdivisions in the city. Developers tore down one house and built three in its place - we are stuck with a one car garage and no other parking except street. Driveway is shared with the two other homes and they each have easements for my part of the shared courtyard.
I'll give you one guess as to who gets the garage. Hint: It isn't me.
I should be happy - most new construction in the city doesn't even include a garage. Just a parking pad, if you're lucky.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I live in one of Seattle's many new subdivisions in the city. Developers tore down one house and built three in its place - we are stuck with a one car garage and no other parking except street. Driveway is shared with the two other homes and they each have easements for my part of the shared courtyard.
I'll give you one guess as to who gets the garage. Hint: It isn't me.
I should be happy - most new construction in the city doesn't even include a garage. Just a parking pad, if you're lucky.
And my birth town just continues ta grow and grow - especially traffic, but, people are moving to Everett, Shoreline, Bothell, Kirkland - they're even considering Tacoma because it's more affordable ta live there. But if they work in Seattle that's gonna hurt for a commute. Yikes - I'd consider Everett as I've lived there before, if I worked in Seattle or Snohomish County somewhere. We last lived in Burlington when I worked at Boeing's Everett Plant - that was a 45-mile commute that took about 1 hr.15 minutes in the morning (minimum) and closer 1 hr.45 minutes ta get back home up north in Skagit County. That's so we could get more "house for our money." Don't know if we'd ever move back to Washington state - I'm planning on going another 5 years and then retire - hopefully in southern Arizona.
Yeah, 28, you sound like you're right down in "the mix", close quarters. Sounds like you have it right - you should just be cool with having a garage...nearby. Even if you can't use it.
I have never seen that Scion model before. Not bad, but the front end would take some getting used to. My son takes his road test in two weeks, he will be driving my daughters old car. (2003 Sonota.) That makes 4 cars here, and two large motorcycles. Two car attached, but plenty of street parking for the kids cars.
2012 Mustang Premium, 2013 Lincoln MKX Elite, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Seattle is becoming a truly difficult place for driving and parking (100 unit building? 20 spaces will do), and it often isn't much better for walking. That 90 minute commute sounds about right in terms of (relatively - even places like Kent and Renton are getting up there now) affordable housing for most people under 40 who are averse to a shoebox condo, dense tract townhouse, or who haven't received significant parental help. It is becoming SF north. If one doesn't work in the city, I can't imagine why one would live there. I also have no doubt that certain areas are also ground zero for real-estate based money laundering, but of course, we shouldn't question the origin of gold. Not a place to retire, unless one is of the lucky group who bought million dollar houses for 100K 35 years ago.
Funny thing - Seattle was first on the list to receive the funds that eventually built MARTA, but the visionary leaders turned it down. Now there's a relatively small (with very slow and hilariously expensive expansion) light rail line with no parking near most stations, a cool World's Fair monorail, a streetcar that stops at a few places, and many awesome buses.
Funny the color of that Scion is "stealth" - nothing stealthy about those eyes and that mouth
I live in one of Seattle's many new subdivisions in the city. Developers tore down one house and built three in its place - we are stuck with a one car garage and no other parking except street. Driveway is shared with the two other homes and they each have easements for my part of the shared courtyard.
I'll give you one guess as to who gets the garage. Hint: It isn't me.
I should be happy - most new construction in the city doesn't even include a garage. Just a parking pad, if you're lucky.
And my birth town just continues ta grow and grow - especially traffic, but, people are moving to Everett, Shoreline, Bothell, Kirkland - they're even considering Tacoma because it's more affordable ta live there. But if they work in Seattle that's gonna hurt for a commute. Yikes - I'd consider Everett as I've lived there before, if I worked in Seattle or Snohomish County somewhere. We last lived in Burlington when I worked at Boeing's Everett Plant - that was a 45-mile commute that took about 1 hr.15 minutes in the morning (minimum) and closer 1 hr.45 minutes ta get back home up north in Skagit County. That's so we could get more "house for our money." Don't know if we'd ever move back to Washington state - I'm planning on going another 5 years and then retire - hopefully in southern Arizona.
Yeah, 28, you sound like you're right down in "the mix", close quarters. Sounds like you have it right - you should just be cool with having a garage...nearby. Even if you can't use it.
Ahh, what do ya do? Time ta go check on that 2016 Scion iA 6-speed MT in Stealth shade selling brand new for only $14,395. See if it's still sitting there. At least. And the beat goes on.
Gotta wonder how cheap they will go after Scion "closes its doors."
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We both work in downtown Seattle and made the decision that a 1.5 hour commute was not workable with each of us working 70+ hours a week. All of our friends live within a couple miles of us as well.
We are "lucky" (still paid way more than I ever fathomed I would for a house) in that we bought in Ballard just before the cost of buying went in a vertical line upwards - just going through a refinance now to drop our interest rate and the house has gone up 30% in value since we bought, which was a year and a half ago. I only agreed to buy at the time we did to arrest the cost of living a bit - our rent had been going up in West Seattle so quickly that I refused to accept that kind of unpredictability.
Keeping this slightly automotive related, I rode by e-Bike to work today because the weather is so nice. Averaged 22 mph on the bike trail and it took me 25 minutes. When I drive it takes 40 minutes to go slightly less distance sitting in traffic...
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Also, I agree with @fintail - I fully expect that the house market here is going to burst again and I'm going to be left in a lurch. Every "expert" says that it is supported by the jobs market, lack of inventory, and population increase and that this is how it is going to be.
Seems ridiculous.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Comments
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Most companies in Europe will consider the 6cyl 5er size "L", where a 4cyl is "P" for premium, usually marginally cheaper.
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
and Switzerland in 2011, I can tell to that I would never
even consider driving anything larger there.
We saw a few 7 series BMWs and S-Class MBs - all on
the highways. And all moving [ um ] rapidly.
- Ray
Survived with only a bit of curb rash on 1 wheel ....
You are correct, sir. This is the nature of cars in North America these days. Bigger is considered better by the vast majority who
buydrive cars, so here we are.Those of us who prefer the older paradigm just need to select the next smaller (or maybe even the one beyond that) platform -- all nine of us.
I currently drive what was the European Accord for many years, the Acura TSX. It's a great car and a mere shadow of the current Accord, as it's sold (or more likely leased) here.
0-60 in 5.1 seconds
"So the R/T looks, goes, and stops much as it has all along, and it delivers an entertaining driving experience."
"And as with other Challengers with the Super Track Pak, the performance steering is sharp and communicative."
It was noted in the article that a Scat Pack (6.4L V8) was tested along with it that hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2014-mercedes~benz-e~class-4dr_sedan_e350_4matic-used-14836882.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
http://www.infinitiusa.com/sedan/q50/models-specs.html
[ Heated front seats extra... sigh ]
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/news/a28733/new-e39-m5-e46-m3-for-sale/
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Odd that two out of three 2016 Fusions had this same issues and it just made me thankful I do not purchase Fords. Between this, the problems the Fiesta's are having with their door hinges and the crappy Focus auto tranny's from 2012, 2013 and 2014, does not speak well for Ford.
I know my choice in vehicle, VW, doesn't have the best rep in it's reliability, but can not complain about mine. The one issue with the wire in the starter was an isolated incident and didn't happen that much. Was glad that they took the time to find the issue and fix it. Our Audi has been absolutely stellar with no issues at all. I know no company makes totally flawless vehicles but some seem to have more than others. Just hope we pick the right ones!
The Sandman
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)
'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...)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
To be fair, that's a notorious dealership.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Real world prices puts the S3 around $45+K, the Golf R at around $39-40K loaded, and the TTS probably at $50K+ similar in pricing to an S4.
Another Scenario, pick up a base model Golf R for $36K, then spend about $4K upgrading the base sound system to above Fender Levels, and get wider lighter wheels/tires too. No adjustable suspension though
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The TTS? Gotta like the styling (which I do) and the exclusivity of it over the other cars to pony up the extra dough.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Including 1968 Datsun 411 Bluebird 4-door sedans, huh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
The Fiat Compact platform, on which the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is built, was enlarged 1.5 in (38 mm) in width and with a 3.7 in (94 mm) longer wheelbase and is now called the Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform. This modified platform, named PF and adapted to U.S. requirements, took about 18 months to design, with development costs of US$1 billion.
Right out of Wikipedia. I was once interested mildly in a 2012-16 Dodge Dart but moreso in the car the Dart's body is plopped on, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Looking back at the Giulietta's pictures, I don't like either car's look all that much. Sales of the Dodge Dart don't seem all that apalling ta me. Here's some numbers:
Sales in the United States
Total sales
2012 25,304
2013 83,388
2014 83,858
2015 87,392
Those aren't bad sales numbers overall. The Dart got a bad review from everyone's favorite car rating outfit - Consumer Reports, who blamed the car's designers for not doing a good job. And for poor sales. The car is just not what people want. Women want SUV's, where they "feel safer."
From up there they can see better where they're going, eh, and if they can't they can use the huge SUV utility to just plow over any of those pesky Chevy Spark's and Mitsubishi Mirage's that might dare to get in their way.
Am I right? It's a safety concern. It goes against a car enthusiast's thinking - it really plows head-on into mine.
Ahh, what do ya do? Time ta go check on that 2016 Scion iA 6-speed MT in Stealth shade selling brand new for only $14,395. See if it's still sitting there. At least. And the beat goes on.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Fool for the City! Still getting settled in to the rectangular white rental house with the detached 3-car garage on the south end a town. Putting pictures up in my den, couldn't leave this little pup outta da mix, car nuts.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
the next house, I am going to do a much better job with making sure the parking situation works.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I'll give you one guess as to who gets the garage. Hint: It isn't me.
I should be happy - most new construction in the city doesn't even include a garage. Just a parking pad, if you're lucky.
I'll give you one guess as to who gets the garage. Hint: It isn't me.
I should be happy - most new construction in the city doesn't even include a garage. Just a parking pad, if you're lucky.
And my birth town just continues ta grow and grow - especially traffic, but, people are moving to Everett, Shoreline, Bothell, Kirkland - they're even considering Tacoma because it's more affordable ta live there. But if they work in Seattle that's gonna hurt for a commute. Yikes - I'd consider Everett as I've lived there before, if I worked in Seattle or Snohomish County somewhere. We last lived in Burlington when I worked at Boeing's Everett Plant - that was a 45-mile commute that took about 1 hr.15 minutes in the morning (minimum) and closer 1 hr.45 minutes ta get back home up north in Skagit County. That's so we could get more "house for our money." Don't know if we'd ever move back to Washington state - I'm planning on going another 5 years and then retire - hopefully in southern Arizona.
Yeah, 28, you sound like you're right down in "the mix", close quarters. Sounds like you have it right - you should just be cool with having a garage...nearby. Even if you can't use it.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Funny thing - Seattle was first on the list to receive the funds that eventually built MARTA, but the visionary leaders turned it down. Now there's a relatively small (with very slow and hilariously expensive expansion) light rail line with no parking near most stations, a cool World's Fair monorail, a streetcar that stops at a few places, and many awesome buses.
Funny the color of that Scion is "stealth" - nothing stealthy about those eyes and that mouth
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We are "lucky" (still paid way more than I ever fathomed I would for a house) in that we bought in Ballard just before the cost of buying went in a vertical line upwards - just going through a refinance now to drop our interest rate and the house has gone up 30% in value since we bought, which was a year and a half ago. I only agreed to buy at the time we did to arrest the cost of living a bit - our rent had been going up in West Seattle so quickly that I refused to accept that kind of unpredictability.
Keeping this slightly automotive related, I rode by e-Bike to work today because the weather is so nice. Averaged 22 mph on the bike trail and it took me 25 minutes. When I drive it takes 40 minutes to go slightly less distance sitting in traffic...
Seems ridiculous.