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You are fortunate.......that doesn't happen too often any more. Florida can bring people together. At home my BIL and SIL live about 150 miles away and we see them 2 or 3 times a year. Here we can see them 2 or 3 times a week.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I can relate to that.
When we had our house built in SC at the end of ‘92 we had a 12 x 12 deck put on just outside of the breakfast nook area of the kitchen. That would be good enough for most folks but nooo the monroe’s had to have something bigger because we had a bigger deck before we moved there. So, I get out my hammer and saw and commence to add on a 14 foot by 48 foot deck that L’s onto the original. It went from our first floor bedroom on one end of the house to the kitchen on the other end. You add up the square footage my calculator doesn’t go that high. I did this project during the early part of the summer of ’94, by myself, the kids were out of school working in the Burgh (yeah, I was nuts). The back yard faced West. All I remember is that I kept hammering and Mrs. jmonroe kept bringing out the iced tea. I don’t remember taking too many pee pee breaks but I sure changed a LOT of T shirts.
The good part of this was when we were selling the house in ’97. The listing agent took one look at that deck and she said, “the house will sell itself but this deck is icing on the cake. I’m going to list it saying PARTY SIZE DECK” and she did, with pictures.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I bet you do that just to jerk me around, huh? :mad:
Oh yes, Happy Valentines Day every one.
Thanks, I already left some roses on the kitchen counter for you know who. You guys that didn't, better.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I'm covered...
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One plan is to bring down the 2008 335 and leave it here, get a new 2013 for home in November. The thing I am not so sure about is an older car, especially a bmw sitting around for a few months and repairs and even oil changes would be difficult. Nearest BMW dealer is about an hour away.
I am leaning toward a Fusion. But, my wife would prefer a VW...possibly Jetta. I have to do some preliminary work to see if either of those could work. We will go out this afternoon to see how much we can accomplish. There is also a Honda dealer that certifies there used cars for 10 years or 100000 miles and that could be good - would consider an Accord or CRX. All 3 dealers are on the same stretch of road in the same town about 20 miles from here.
We'll see how they do, but, have to be back in time to go out for Valentine's Day dinner.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Wow! Last year my cousin and I (plus some other help) did a 20x20 or so around his pool. We sweated our butts off and it wasn't even that hot. What a PITA that deck was forming out the curve around the pool.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
In terms of reliability the Fusion would probably be a better choice. I think they make a "sport" edtion of the Fusion. That may be the ticket, a little firmer suspension and probably bigger wheels/tires. If you could find a one or two year old one that wouldn't be too bad on the budget.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Gee, thanks.
However, I don't think you'd like to be here at the moment. Highs in the 30's and 40's with lots of snow still on the ground. The sun is out, mind you - not a cloud in the sky.
And, you visited the nice part of Wyoming. My experiences are decidedly different, having only ever visited Cheyenne and Laramie. Barren, wind-swept and brown - nothing particularly endearing about either place.
Summer here, as you've noted, is a different story - temps in the 80's and 90's for the most part, and not humid at all. The maximum temp ever recorded in Denver was 105.
I'm OK trading that for not having to shovel snow in the winter. My arms and back hurt for a week after our last round of storms. And, the two snowiest months are still to come - March & April.
I agree completely. She likes Euro cars....although I made a strong case against buying a VW because they aren't Euro any more....basically Mexo.
Also reliability is a factor for me. I don't want to be spending quality vacation time getting a car fixed all the time. A one or two year old Fusion sounds good. She would like a 6 speed manual, so I am hoping we can try one that she will like.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Shame on you. Reliability has nothing to do with it being built in Mexico. The Fusion, which has great reliability is built in .... Mexico. :shades:
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I bought a Bronco with a snow plow the beginning of 2012. Haven't had more
than an inch of snow here since. Last year I bought an electric snow thrower.
There's how you send feet of snow everywhere but your home...buy a snow plow or snow blower.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Who says I’m not. :surprise:
If you heard a few of the comments my fellow workers made when Mrs. jmonroe’s XG350 blew up and she got the Subie you’d sure think I was. It went something like, “Damn, I wanna be a consultant too when I grow up. Rather than spend 3 grand to drop an engine in his wife’s car he spends around 30 grand for a new car.” There was a time I wouldn’t have dreamt about doing something like that but that’s what I wanted to do now. No kids to feed, clothe and educate makes a big difference. Just have a wife that eats like a bird (I’m going to ignore her mall trips for now to help make my point). Yeah, I can handle it today. Anyway, the car was 7 years old. Heck, Subaru was practically giving it away with their 1.9% interest rate (I’m practicing the ‘driver’ philosophy of economics).
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Sounds good! I don't know if you would want to live here all year round, but 8 or 9 months here and a condo in Maine or Vermont might be good, if you don't have to go back to Canada.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
We did have winter this year - it was held yesterday.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
It's false economy to drop a $3000 engine into a 7 year old car. Sure it will go for awhile, but it will be unreliable, and won't be worth much at trade in time. Better to get the new car, no hassles, and it will last at least 10 years and now with the Driver rule of economics...only cost $3000 a year to drive pro rated any way.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Reliability isn't an issue with the Jetta being made in Mexico. The issue is the reliability of Jettas themselves. By the way, according to the salesman we talked to today just part of the Fusion was made in Mexico, most in USA, some in Canada. The issue is my wife likes European cars, the way they handle, the way they look, and the overall design, interior and exterior.
We looked at a few dealers to get preliminary information. First stop the VW dealer. Sat in a Jetta, kind of small, not great vision to the outside...kind of sinking down below the instrument panel, can't see fenders. Looked at a Golf, made in Europe, heavier steel, doors close with a clunk, much better quality materials on the interior. Much better quality than the made in Mexico (no offense) Jetta, but, really small...especially without a trunk.
Then he showed us a Passat. For a few $1000 more it is a big leap forward. Made in Tennessee. Beautiful tasteful interior. Bigger engine and lots of room...I can see why these are selling really well. A Jetta comparably equiped might be $18k, this would be $21 or $22, and you would be getting a much better car.
Next went to see the Fusion. They had a nice one in the showroom. Almost $29k MSRP with sun roof, leather, black with white stitching that I like, for under $24k. I like it, it just feels right. But, I can see my wife has no interest in a non-European car. She wants a standard transmission too.
This is a possible but I don't think she would go for it. I like it, but she's the one who will be driving it.
We stop at the Honda dealer next, wanted to see about their 10 year/100k mile warranty on used cars. Turns out it is 10 years from the year of the car, and only covers drive train and electrical. We tried sitting in an Accord. $31k for one with a few extras. She asked about manuals and they had 3 on the lot. The one we sat in was $24k. He said he only sold one in his career. The salesman had played for the NY Jets. Pretty impressive. The Honda was the most solid and probably the best engineered, but it does nothing for me.
I was surprised, 2 of the dealers made it a point we should meet the manager, don't know what that is all about. The first manager was very enthusiastic, the second couldn't care less.
We are leaning toward bringing the BMW down and getting a new one back home. I know she won't be satisfied with these cars but she loves her bimmer. I will check to see how much a standard Audi goes for.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And you are worried about a Jetta's reliability?
IMHO if you can afford a new BMW for back home just do it. There is no reason saving a few thousand on a car neither of you like. OTOH you could always pick up a CPO BMW and keep that down in FL. It would be cheaper than new, but only a little more than new Fusion/Accord/Jetta.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
That's the way it seems to be going...I appreciate you confirming my thoughts. I know my wife is very particular, wants standard, prefers European cars, appreciates steering, handling and general build quality.
(I know, more particular about her cars than her husbands ha ha).
I would be perfectly happy with the Fusion, and that Sport model has superior handling and suspension. But, if for any reason it doesn't work out I'll hear about it until we get her a new BMW any way, so it will just cost more in the long run.
The Accord and the Passat are nice, but they don't get me too excited, and they sure don't do much for her, so they are not going to work.
At least we learned a lot in a few hours today.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I am trying to convince my daughter (a sophomore right now) to look at colleges in NC, so I can just follow her down and become a local.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Being a nice guy I took my wife into NYC today - so I could go to the hospital. Doctor appointment and an MRI on my liver. Swell. You would be amazed how long half a minute lasts when they tell you to not breathe.
We are indeed closing in on actually doing the transplant. Friday will be my last chemo day. More test to come but now I have to start doing all the things I should have done way earlier - give my wife all the keys to finances and such. Really I should be able to do things from the hospital for the most part.
The last bone marrow test I had came in very positive. Well, other than the fact that I still need the transplant.... The results indicate I should do very well in handling the transplant along with the fact, in the doctor's words, "you're young." Haven't heard that in a long time!
driver - if it isn't too small try a Golf (or better yet a GTI). Still made in Germany. Of course it will still have the reliability of a Volkswagen. If what you want is the BMW and obviously you aren't worrying about the cost of one by all means get it. No sense in getting less than what you want. A Fusion is a perfectly nice car but if you are used to BMWs I'm betting after a short time you'll be noticing that the Fusion isn't the same thing at all. I do share your concern about leaving the BMW sitting. I have a solution - when you are going back to Canada fly me down and I'll drive the BMW up to New Jersey and make sure it gets driven frequently. When you are ready to come back down I'll drive it back down for you and you can fly me back. No need for thanks. Anything for a friend....
New Jerseyphiles. Actually there is a lot I like about New Jersey. I did make the mistake of locating two hours from family among other reasons to be close to the ocean. I have found I don't go more often than I did when I lived up in teh hills and I miss the hills. All of my real friends are either up there or have moved out of state. However, once I was down here I met my wife whose family moved around a lot and she wanted to stay in one place and I'd take that deal all over again. Now her family is more scattered and the town here got too built up so at one point we will move but don't know where for sure. Part of me wants warm but part of me would move back in NW Jersey - further up than where I grew up - where you can still get a place on a few acres.
That will do for now.....
As to NW, I have a friend that lives in Ringwood. backs up to some preserve area (I think it involves a reservoir? and there is a small mountain back there).
Bears walking though the yard, all that stuff. And about 20 minutes from the TZ bridge.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Ringwood is just up the road from where I grew up. My mom taught at the high school than includes Ringwood as part of its district. That property probably backs up to the Wanaque reservoir which is a really pretty place. Used to be if you went up there during a drought you could see some of the houses that got flooded when they created the reservoir.
Way back when I was in high school the drinking age was 12 in NJ but 18 in NY. There was a place just over the border where the 18 year old NJ kids wet to drink (not me, thanks). You ahd to go through those twisty roads around the reservoir. One of my classmates did that and misjudged on the trip back and ran into a tree which was the end of him. If you ever saw those roads you would not believe someone would do that.
At least today's MRI was an open one. I can't imagine doing all that breath holding while in that damned tube!
BTDT. Meh.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
and man, this board must glow in the dark with all the radiation going down!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Why not buy one in the US? It'll be cheaper than in Canada.
The Passat has a lot going for it. It would be near the top of the list if we were getting a new car. I still like the Fusion, even though the doors aren't as solid and the engineering probably isn't up to the same standards. The Fusion is more cosmetic than substance in my opinion, it looks like a lot of car for the money, but I don't know if the engineering and quality are really there.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What a great plan...I give you a lot of points for creativity. I do think what you said about not being satisfied with the Fusion makes sense. Leaving a 2008 BMW with about 35k miles on it here would make a pretty nice Florida car. And it is a standard transmission and basically she loves the car. Might conside a 3 year extended warranty though.
Good luck on Friday!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The car for Florida is kind of a secondary car which will be used 3 or 4 months of the year at most, so the newer car should stay in Canada. It is very difficult to buy a BMW in the US and take it back to Canada. For one thing, they won't honor the warranty in Canada, since BMW Canada didn't make any money on the deal. Next, the car will have to be modified a bit to meet different emission standards etc. Then there are issues with insurance.
We can bring a car to Florida and keep Canadian plates and insurance on it. Or we can buy a car here and leave it here. But, it is not easy to take a car across the border and to use in Canada. Oh yes, also, customs fees etc.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I don't pretend to know the laws, just suggesting you check into all your options.
As for your "Florida" car. 3 Series 'Vert w/ manual. Get it in a light color! If money isn't the issue don't even mess around with anything else.
There is one thing I've noticed over the years. People "like what they like"
I'm a big car fan and think I will always be
You (and many others on here) are loyal BMW fans
Richard likes big
Fezo likes convertibles (and whatever he can try to get from Richard)
Stick likes small cars.
JMonroe now hates Hyundai. etc, etc.....
Life is too short to drive something you hate when there isn't anything (i.e. moola) holding you back.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
But I have a good reason (just in case any lurker decides to start pinging on me about this when they read that comment).
FWIW, I think I killed another Hyundai sale last week. This was totally out of the blue too. I was buying something at Lowe’s for the bath redo last week and I overheard someone saying they were considering a new Sonata. I don’t usually get into someone else’s conversation but since I’m wound up tight about this subject, I told my tale. Just as others that have heard it, the guy was shocked. When he heard that I got a Subie as the replacement for the XG350 he said, “OK, I’ll put that on my list. They’re in the same price range”.
How are the rest of you guys doing with this?
Just had a thought. If Subaru is listening to this, since you might get a sale, I want to renegotiate my interest rate. I’d like to get the 0.9 % that ‘tyguy’ got vs. the 1.9 % that I got, deal? :surprise:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I told your tale recently. The person was very shocked. They weren't car shopping, but Hyundai came up in conversation when they noticed I didn't have the Genny any longer.
Speaking of the Genny. They are pretty scarce in my neck of the woods and on Saturday night while enjoying dinner in Philly an identical twin to mine pulls up in front of the restaurant. My Fiance pointed it out and said she missed it. I asked "why?" her response..........
"The heated seat warmed up faster" I can't make that up!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
That's awesome. I wouldn't be afraid of buying a product that might have problems - I bought a Jeep afterall and had a VW before. :P
However, I refuse to buy a product from a company that doesn't honor its policies and treats the customer badly.
You mean like not honoring a receipt for a return of a watch?
(just had to throw that in here - ducking and running now)
I suggest (as tcj has) to leave her car in Canada. Drive your new 535 (how's that workin out for you BTW?) to and from FLA. There are going to be some insane incentives & lease deals on the current cop of tin top drop top 3ers. Why don't you lease (10,000 miles/year) a 3 series convertible for 3 years & see how it goes leaving the car in FLA when you are gone? Put the car on a trickle charger or have a neighbor start it up once a week. What do you have to loose? If you see the car is having problems sitting for long periods of time, then turn it in at the end of the lease. If you end up loving it (like I know you will), then you can buy out the lease or lease a new one. I understand what you are trying to do, but you are trying to make a compromise with A LOT ($20,000) of money.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
You'd probably be riding a bicycle to work. There's not one car company out there where at least one person doesn't feel they were screwed over on warranty work.
Technically Hyundai honored thier policy on warranty work. Jmonroe had a "discrepency" in his log book... not Hyundai's fault he made a mistake.
Wise words! I believe you are absolutely right. My wife will never like driving anything other than a European car. No matter what, a car is a fair amount of money, and as you said life is short, so you might as well go the extra distance and get what you like if possible.
I find, if you take short cuts you won't like it and it will cost you more in the long run to get rid of the one you don't want and then try to get what you do want.
If we bring her car down it is a 2008 sedan, sunroof and it is white with a white interior, same colors as the 5er. Manual, we know it is in good shape, and we even have someone willing to take it for a spin when we aren't here.
If y
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
NYC, that is really worth considering, and we hadn't thought about doing that at all. Just to be clear, her 2008 is a 4 door, I traded in the convertible, and we would only want a sedan in Florida....too warm and around here you need the protection of a sedan.
That might work, there are some very good points. I do have a few questions you and others could give your thoughts about;
*What if one of us had helalth problems and we couldn't come down for a year or two or ever again....at least if you own it you can sell it when you want.
* I would say if we were here for 4 months that would be quite a bit, and we might do 4000 miles a year....is it worth paying for a 4 year bumper to bumper warranty for 16k miles of driving over 4 years?
* That being said, there are some parts to the plan I do like. It might cost $5000 a year to lease but we know we have an excellent car.
*When the lease is up the buy out price should be excellent. It will be almost like a new car. By then it will be a used car and might be easy to take back to Canada and it would become the 2nd car back home. By then her car back home will have 70,000 miles and can be sold and we will start all over again.
Lots to think about, but that is a good idea, worth considering.
My thoughts on the 535. It is an excellent car on the highway and for carrying people in the back seat. It is a great car for travelling down to Florida. And, it is so comfortable. But, there are things I miss about the 3 Series. The 3 had more fell of the road, that is much better handling and steering, it was easier in city traffic and for parking. The 5er reminds me of a Cadillac, but with some bmw characteristics. One good thing is my wife thinks it is larger than what she likes to drive, so she doesn't ask to use it too often. That's good for me...like I said to her, sharing my car is like sharing my toothbrush....it's a very personal item. Besides, I hate changing the mirrors and the seats.....I know its supposed to set according to whos key opens it but that doesn't seem to work out.
Overall, I like the 5er, but I would try a 3 to compare next time.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Bun warmers that heat up very quickly is one of them.
and it has a really good stereo, especially when I put in some CDs. Apparently I got the premium stereo, which has a center channel speaker, and dolby surround sound. One day I will even play with all those setting.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Not their fault there was a discrepency in his log book, but that is the kind of thing these companies use to get out of covering their warranties. Any one with common sense, could see the guy did his oil changes beyond the companies policies, and the oil tested fine.
It's the same as the lady with the TV on Clark Howard. She paid $125 for a warranty on a 40 inch TV. Then she paid $125 to renew it 6 years later. Then the TV broke. The box store guys came to fix it and because she installed it herself over the fireplace they said they weren't responsible.
His answer, don't buy warranties from box stores because they will get out of it any way they can, and take the TV down and call them to come back.
Same in this case, they didn't honor it not because he made a mistake in the log book, they didn't honor it because they found that loophole. It just wasn't the right thing to do.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I was wondering where you had been. That's funny! I am afraid that a BOSS 302 is exactly what she wouldn't want. She likes superior steering and handling, tasteful interior and exterior, quality workmanship, but not macho type cars. Good try though....A for effort.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
They are very scarce in my area and always have been. I rarely see one and when I do I’m pretty sure they are the same ones that I’ve seen before.
They are a dime a dozen in the Delray Beach area that my brother lives in. My SIL has one of them and she’s on her second.
‘driver’ how are they in your area. I’m pretty sure the reason they are more popular in Florida is because you don’t need AWD down there which the Genny doesn’t offer.
"The heated seat warmed up faster" I can't make that up!
I believe you.
After two tries the dealer finally fixed the driver’s seat heater (of course the passenger seat didn’t have a problem). The car was with them for 2 days each time (had to replace two different seat heater modules. At least that was what they told me) but I was provided a loaner. However, it was still an inconvenience. It’s been a week since it was “fixed” so maybe they did fix it this time. When I got an email satisfaction survey request I put my two cents worth in about that.
FWIW, if your fiancé likes the speed of the seat heater in the Genny compared to your Buick she’d really like the Subie. It’s a good bit faster than the Genny. You can take that from me and the bun warmer expert in our house.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I do seem to remember on the Genny forum there were others who had heated seat issues.
Driver, if you need two cars in Florida wouldn't just be cheaper to drive them both down there? How often are you going? Is it a once a year for a few months thing or back and forth as your schedule allows?
This would certainly be the cheapest option, but has other drawbacks as well.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Also, for heaters, I seem to recall that some cars have a heated back for the driver, but just bottom cushion for the passenger. maybe related to the sensors for the passenger shut off function?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.