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Then there was mounting and balancing.......
Granted 9.50-14s are kinda tough to find.
and, it was a stick shift!
showed it to my wife, who turned her nose up ("I don't want a station wagon"). Of course, she was in love with the X3!
moot point of course, since the 5 series was a euro only configuration, but I liked it!
Now, when they come out with the 2.0 in the X3, we might have something going.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yes and yes; we kept the majority of the anyiques, but we sold some because we just didn't have room for them. Here's a shot of the house- I usually work it into the Christmas picture I send to my gearhead friends:
Since your dad started his collection in the '40s and '50s, he had a wonderful chance to find some real treasures. It's not just the beauty of the furniture, it's the history behind it. I enjoy having pieces that come with a story about them.Since your dad started his collection in the '40s and '50s, he had a wonderful chance to find some real treasures. It's not just the beauty of the furniture, it's the history behind it. I enjoy having pieces that come with a story about them.
I know some of the stories, but not all of them- unfortunately. I do know he picked up some pieces for next to nothing.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
We are at our last night in Washington. Yesterday we managed to run into Claire's Chinese cousin and today we spent a couple of hours with the family at the Air and Space Museum and the two dads took the more adventurous kids on an F-18 simulator which was a load of fun.
The other family did things in the reverse order that we did and as a result on their way to the Lincoln Memorial saw the President going across to lay a wreath. We missed that. We did hit the Mall later and got the Lincoln Memorial up close. Holy smokes. Didn't get to give the WWII Memorial the time it deserves but it is very well done. It was almost dark when we got to the Wall and I looked up the only guy I personally knew who was killed in Vietnam. I was just coming into Boy Scouts at 11 when he was moving on at 14. Had discovered girls. He only got seven months out of high school and was gone.
We then walked up to the White House and at that point had walked enough for several days so we got a cab to where the car was (the driver confirmed jmonroe's theory of Washington driving) and are now back in the hotel.
We head home tomorrow. Riding over to Lewes, DE and take the ferry back home.
Gotta ask. Where did you park the car. I still have nightmares of trying to get around DC.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Oh yes, that is a cute red car out front.
Richard
I had a 2004 X3 and I loved that car....our daughter has it now and she really likes it too. But, your take your wife for a drive in a 528. It is a totally different experience, better than any car I have driven. It is so sophisticated, you just touch the shifter to put it in gear, cornering is unbelievable....perfectly flat no matter what speed, and the big difference......a great big wide hood to look over.
Both are great cars, but the 528 is just smoother and more refined. It's worth comparing, and that 4 cylinder turbo engine sounds like a real winner.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thank goodness today was a holiday. DC is a whole different place when the streets aren't full of cars. It was full of people but the traffic was fine.
Unfortunately, this is also Ford’s “be all you can be” Mustang and the GT500’s interior is, frankly, a letdown. While there are functional upgrades to the cabin, the layout, design and switchgear are basically the same. And while that may (barely) work for a $21,949 Mustang V6, said cheapness has no place in something purporting to be topflight. Oh, Ford makes much of the new SVT-designed Recaro front bucket seats, complete with side bolstering and thoroughly retro leather pleating. And the stereo is a suitably powerful Shaker 500 affair. But the additions can’t disguise the fact that the Mustang’s basic decor looks like it was designed by geriatric pencil pushers seconded from the now-defunct Crown Victoria program.
This car is close to $60k Cdn, probably over $50k US. Read the full article at;
2011 GT500 National Post
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My BIL, the doctor who can buy stuff faster than a speeding bullet, but forgot to consult his BIL (me) who knows more about Mustangs than Alan Mullaly.
He bought a new Shelby GT 500 in 2008. When we went for the first shakedown cruise, I gave it about 3,500 RPM and gently dumped the clutch. Looked in the rear view mirror and saw a single black mark 20 feet long. He didn't even get trac-loc (Ford's version of GMs Posi-Trac). That should have been base equipment for a supposed 500HP car costing $52k. What a letdown.
He later bought a 2006 Ford GT, used for $160,000. He also had a 2008 Vette, which I told him before driving the Shelby that the Vette would smoke the Shelby. He agrees now, although wondering why and how a 400HP Vette could so dominate a (supposed) 500 HP supercharged Shelby. His remedy (the only real remedy) of giving the Shelby to the wife was a wise choice.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Glad you read the review, it was posted mainly for you. I liked the way the reviewer said it the way it is.....didn't sugar coat the Shelby GT500 at all.
So, what's on your wish list for now?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm torn between the Mustang GT with A/T, Sync and Shaker 500 Hard to do under my $30k limit for a vehicle.
The other contender is an F-150 Platinum with Sync, A/T and 5.0 or Ecoboost. (has to be used for $30k)
Thanks to you, driver for putting BMW in my ear, a used X3. To be under it will have to be very used and to have the fancy touch shifter, I may have to wait a couple years as well.
I know, I'm all over the map. Well, I have plenty of savings, but not much replacement money (as in retirement income), so I have to be judicious.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
The X3 might be good because it is fairly easy to get in and out of as you get a little older, like us. I was parked behind a Cadillac CTS today and I noticed it has a nice boxy exterior and the roofline seems pretty tall, compared to my 328 convertible. It looks like a design that was well thought out......a great looking unique exterior, that is pretty tall for the aging population that buys these cars.
Good luck in hunting down one of your choices. A 3 year old X3 would come in at around $30k and our daughter who bought my 4 year old X3 got a 3 year extended warranty for under $3000 and 100000 miles which is all reasonable. When the time comes it would be time well spent just taking a test drive. You might still like the idea of the Mustang or F-150, but at least you know you can eliminate one or two of them.
In the meantime, I know what you mean about retirement and savings. For people living on their savings this is a bad time to spend money unnecessarily, for people earning money, they might as well buy what they want, they won't make anything much by saving it. And, if there is inflation, which is a real possibility, they might as well buy what they want right now.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ingress/egress is a challenge my father-in-law. Earlier this year we met up at a local auto show, and each vehicle he sampled was too difficult to enter and exit, with one exception, a Subaru Forester. He's roughly 6'4" and the roof line is typically what creates the most serious obstacle, and then once he's inside he finds himself looking out the top of the windshield. Next year I'll have him try on an X3 for size. A crossover would be ideal so he doesn't have to bend down far.
Regarding the Journey, we ran into potential trouble while playing tourists in California last winter and trying to return home. Our designated travel date just happened to coincide with a major winter storm in the Sierras. We kept the radio station glued to weather updates as we approached the pass on I-80, and it became apparent we were likely going to need chains before long. We hit up four different stores in Sacramento and were told by each that with our tire size we were out of luck. That little factoid literary meant we could have been stranded in California.
So, what did we do? Speed, of course. At the time the storm was dumping rain, and a lot of it, so I kept one eye on my outside temp monitor and the other on the road. Rain turned to snow as we approached the summit and I started to slow, but didn't back off completely until the roads had cooled enough to accumulate snow. We crested just as the snow started to stick, and then coasted our way down to Reno just ahead of the storm. We drove another 8 hours with the storm in our rear-view mirror grateful for the fortunate timing and cursing Dodge for their lack of foresight
Inflation has an easy solution which is raising interest rates. Deflation is harder
to overcome as interest rates can't go any lower. I'm wondering why car prices
haven't gone the way of house prices. I believe they're heading that way,
however slowly, with auction prices going down forcing lower trade values. It
will work it's way up the system, but by the time there are real deals out there
all non-essential buying will have come to a halt.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
There are a few carmakers who actually cater to this problem as the population (with some cash) ages. The last edition of the Focus was made taller, but I am not so sure about the latest version. Corollas were made taller a few years ago to appeal to the aging people I suppose they were targeting. Most crossovers will work, and I think a lot older people get mini vans just because of the ease of getting in and out...along with all the room inside for us overweight North Americans.
I am surprised more companies don't build their cars a little taller. The Chrysler 300 would actually look a lot nicer, in my opinion, if it had a taller roofline and larger windows.
The Foresters are very popular for senior citizens, probably height is a major reason. The AWD and practicality of the engine are also major reasons. They should bring back those swivel seats like the old 57 - 59 Plymouths had.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Read more at
http://www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive/2011/11/king_size_luxury_sed- ans.html
Just reading it made me feel a bit persnickety. Grey Poupon anyone?
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Whoa! There's a blast from the past. Do you know if those swivel seats locked in place? I can just imagine how an unlocked swivel seat would handle today's crash test; probably better than those Chinese vehicle crash tests!
suicide doors. If you ever get to try them, you'll wonder why all cars don't
have them (except for the name).
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Interesting reviews....I would take the Jag just for the instrument panel. They weren't sold on the Equuus, but at almost half the price it didn't sound too bad.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I don't think they did, and one reason they got rid of them was that the person sitting in the back had to watch their leg as the corner of the seat swung around. The door had to be open all the way for the seat to turn which was also a problem.
There were lots of features these cars had that we have all but forgotten. Do you remember Buicks had an adjustable speedometer. It was really a mirror image of the real speedometer that was reversed. The mirror could be easily adjusted.
And, I came across this, offered as an option on 59 Plymouths. Plymouth claimed it gave you better vision over and more leg room under the steering wheel, but that was just a claim that wasn't proven. The square steering wheel;
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
About suicide doors, not sure why they don't make those. Maybe has to do with the body wouldn't be as strong without a centre pillar:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My aunt had a 59 similar wagon. It was like riding in a space ship.
We are back home now. Worn out but a great trip.
And both the RX-8 and Rolls Phantom have suicide rear doors...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I had a 57 Dodge in 1968 that had push buttons. I loved those things....good in snow, just press "drive" and then press "reverse"....easy.
I also like the look of those fins in the back, made me feel like a jet pilot.
Glad you had a good time on your trip.........sounds like you did a lot....I don't think I would have the energy to do all that especially with two youngsters!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Much nicer than the 59 Plymouth! I wonder how comfortable those seats are...they look pretty thin.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My research indicated the following disadvantages:
1. Due to human error, the doors didn't stay latched as well as conventional doors.
2. If the passenger exited the door on the street side and another car hit the door, it would crush the passenger. With conventional doors, only the door would be torn off from the hinge.
3. It was difficult for both front and rear passengers to exit the vehicle at the same time due to the lack of space between doors.
4. If a rear passenger tried to exit the vehicle as it slowly moved forward, the door would hit the passenger. (Don't blame me. That's what it said.)
The car manufacturers much preferred the names "coach doors", "flex doors", "alternative doors", etc. due to the negative conotation of the term "suicide doors".
Richard
I have noticed one positive aspect of these poor economic times. For years, it was difficult to get service people to show up, give estimates, begin projects, etc. We recently had three estimates done on our master bath redo. Each contractor came to do the estimate quickly. They also returned quickly with printed, detailed estimates plus possible start dates. We also received follow up telephone calls and emails asking if we had any questions.
Last week, I called our painter to get an estimate on painting the interior of the garage and painting the laundry room and half bath. He came to look the next day and even gave me a start date while he was here. When we recently had a new roof installed, I had no trouble finding companies who were eager to do the job. All of this is a first for me. For years, we called and called practically begging and pleading with service people to take on projects. In economics, you know what they say about supply and demand....works every time.
Richard
A push button radio was another fun thing with which to play.
Richard
Those are all good reasons for not having "coach doors". It would be awkward for front seat and rear seat passengers to exit at the same time.
In a 4 door it would be easier for me to exit the drivers seat, and get my tennis gear out of the back seat, without having to walk around a door. But, I guess no one considered that when they design cars.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
Good luck with the diet and exercise program. You're fortunate to get a wake up call....even though it isn't the best of news. We have friends and their son just died of a heart attack and he had no previous medical problems...he was 43 years old!
I am not being a wise guy about this, I should lose a few pounds myself, and do more exercise.
I like playing tennis but I don't really like doing actual exercises. However, I did get a great exercise DVD and a few weights. It takes 30 minutes a session, and I try to do it at least twice and if I can 3X a week. I find I have more strength, my tennis game improved a lot, and though it is a hassle doing it, I feel much better overall. Costs $20 for the DVD and about $80 for the weights and I just follow the pretty lady's instructions and I find it really helps me feel much better. I chose one of the most popular DVDs on Amazon that people liked, and that sells well.
I know, it's got a lady doing it, but I figure if she can do it I can do it too.
30 Minutes To Fitness: Weights Workout with Kelly Coffey-Meyer (2009)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I guess as you were leaving, we were arriving.
My favorite monument is the Lincoln.
I always look at the the first and last names on the Vietnam Memorial.
The momentos left there and seeing people making impressions of the names remind you that is not something just of the past.
DC drivers are very impatient and love to change lanes.
Last night on our way to Fedex field, I made up my mind to not get frustrated by it or caught up in it.
Not easy, but I wanted my passengers to be calm.
Last night on our way to Fedex field, I made up my mind to not get frustrated by it or caught up in it. Not easy, but I wanted my passengers to be calm.
I am making a real effort these days to stop at amber lights if at all possible, and to just stay calm no matter what other drivers are doing on the road around me. It is far more relaxing, and I doubt if I lose that much time. I highly recommend just giving it a try.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
How much do you trust the another driver at an intersection?
The rule is, they are supposed to stop.
Did not always happen that way.
I have seen busy intersections during times when the power is off. A lot of people assume that since they don't have a red light they must have the right of way. It can be pretty scary to watch.
Hard to imagine living like that for 11 days! A few hours of that is bad enough.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You and I must be in some kind of parallel universe. :confuse: I decided to make a conscious effort to do the same; as well as attempting to stay around the speed limit.
"They don't want to be changed", someone said to me one day when I was complaining about someones driving traits. They are going to do what they are going to do.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I am glad I am not the only one...others have discovered this attitude makes life more enjoyable. I am finding I enjoy driving more and I actually enjoy life more. Getting there is part of the fun and experience....the destination is a nice bonus. Getting upset with other drivers has a very negative affect on your own life, just driving along and letting the other drivers cut in front or zig zag along doesn't really affect your speed and driving that much....it's just a waste of energy spending it on getting angry.
"They don't want to be changed",
So true, it's almost the same rule about revenge...it hurts the person seeking revenge more than the perpetrator.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Man, you are an adventurous sort, huh? That is something I’d expect to hear from track guy Son #1. He’d relish any excuse to go fast.
GREAT story jmonroe.
Glad you liked it but I found out just yesterday that I may have left out the best part.
Both of my sons and their families were over the house yesterday to watch the Steelers game then to mooch a meal like they always do after that. The day started when Son #1 brought his 3 boys (5, 7 and 9) over to the house after Sunday School. His 7 and 9 year olds had a Cub Scout project. Not the Pine Wood Derby thing, that’s next. This was a new project to their pack, an airplane thingy. He wanted to use my power 6 inch belt stationary sander to help the kids get the bulk of the excess wood removed then they could hand sand the rest of the plane body themselves. Son #2 showed up just before the game with his family (6 year old son and daughter).
Anyway, we got to talking about the weather and how our tires were for the upcoming winter. I mentioned the tale I told about them finding the chains in my parent’s garage. They both said, “did you tell the guy that you never did show us how to put them on the car”. I said, “sorta, why”? They said don’t you remember that you said, “hey, I’m trying to find something down here. I don’t have time to play with chains now. Go upstairs and ask your Pap Pap to come down here and do that. I'm busy”. They did and about a minute later they were back down in the garage and said, “Pap Pap said he’s too old to do that now, you’re a lot younger. So you should do it”.
Those chains are in my garage today and my sons know it. I don’t know why I still have them but now I know I should have gotten rid of them because of this:
They said that since I still have those chains and never did show them how to put them on a car, now would be a good time to do it. Furthermore, didn’t I think that I owed it to my grandsons that the art of putting on chains shouldn’t die off with my generation. I told them it was better for it to die off than for me to croke giving the lesson.
This is what happens when you don’t get rid of old stuff.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I might get a little upset at nitwit drivers but I’m used to them and I used them as a teaching tool before my sons learned to drive.
When I see the dumb things that some of them do I just play a game with myself trying to guess when and what will be their next dumb move. A lot of the times I’m not disappointed. As my sons were about to drive I’d let them sit in the passenger seat to observe what was going on. I had them play the game too, just so they knew what to expect. I wanted them to point out what was going to happen under various situations.
The one thing that both of them remember more than anything else is when I told them that when they see a car with plates from another state they had to be especially mindful of quick lane changes so “DON’T COME HOME AND TELL ME YOU WERE SURPRISED”. When Son #1 was taking his drivers training, only to get a reduced insurance rate because I had already taught him and he already had his license, once when he went out for his “formal” training this came into play. His instructor questioned why he was laying back in the left lane and not moving a little faster since there wasn’t that much traffic and there was a green light ahead that had just turned green. My Son said, “I see that car over in the right lane with out of states plates so I’m giving him plenty of room. Because of the way he’s driving I think he’s about to make a quick left turn at this intersection coming up”. Sure enough, he guessed right. His instructor said, “I’m glad you listened to your Dad. That guy would have nailed my door”.
Sometimes, not always, they did listen to what I said.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I like that way of thinking...it's taking defensive driving one step further....actually anticipating what can go wrong.
A few valuable lessons I learned when I started driving were;
* Think of the stupidest thing the cars in front can do, and then be prepared, they will probably do it! That has saved me a few times.
*Don't park or drive near cars that are all banged up. That seems to help.
*Always be extra careful around rented trucks like U-Hauls, they are often driven by people who don't normally drive trucks.
These tips have helped me at some point in my life.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think you develop more patience as you get older, and I think you are one of the younger posters here. I used to get impatient when I was working, all these retired people were driving slow, even making right hand turns, or driving slowly on their way to the mall.
Now I am the retired (at least semi) person who has all day to get to the mall so it just doesn't bother me as much. I do get upset with absolute stupidity, or people who go abnormally slow......but like you, I have to make a conscious effort to say getting mad doesn't help. This too shall pass and they will be out of my way eventually.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That should make for an interesting review. Hope you don't fall in love with the Focus.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250