It was an unusual transaction I must say. I was invited in, offered tea
If you find a nice car being sold privately it can be a great way to buy a car.
Some people just want to get a fair price for a car that they just don't need any more. Sounds like the Altima is a real gem.
btw I just read a review of the new Sentra in the newspaper. They didn't like it at all. Very slow, 0 to 60 in 9.5 seconds, no feel of the road, no support in the seats, rolls around corners, poor handling.
Does get good gas economy. Finished the article saying it is a good car if you just want basic transportation to get you from A to B economically, and that is all they could say that was good.
You can't let one negative comment get to you......if I did that I would have left about 200 times by now.
*driver, if it was only one negative comment, I would not have left. But if you go back over the last 4 or 5 months of posts on this forum, you will then know why I choose not to participate here - and it's the same individual.
Is your Lacrosse the 3.6? Mine is and moves along pretty good.
Yes, it is the LaCrosse CXS Touring with the 3.6. Although it is fast, it is not quick. The 155-hp Altima is tuned to give the illusion of speed on take-off but can't keep up with the V-6.
Driver, yes the seller was a very nice person. She kept meticulous service records and had all the supporting receipts including the mileage at the time each recommended service was done.
I was just reading my April print issue of Car & Driver and buried way in the back pages is a brief article on the vernacular salesmen use to describe potential customers. Here are a few of them:
1. Mop and Glow -- An extra-cost paint sealant or fabric protector of dubious value. 2. Laydown -- A customer who offers little resistance and pays full list price or more. Also known as an "ace." 3. Paperboy -- a buyer who comes in with an advertisement or printouts from the internet. Also known as a nerd. 4. Stroker -- a buyer who acts interested but has no means or intentions of buying a car. 5. F.D.R.S -- "Filthy Disease Ridden Swine. A buyer with horrible credit. Used as inter-salesmen code to name the type of loan as you qualify for our F.D.R.S. loan. Such customer is also referred to as a roach. 6. Third Baseman or Third-base Coach -- the "expert" a buyer brings to provide advice on the deal. Also known as the "lawyer." 7. Gold Balls -- A customer with excellent credit. The opposite of the F.D.R.S. 8. Lot lizard -- A salesperson who stalks customers as they pull into the dealer lot. 9. De-horsing -- taking away the keys and driving away the trade-in to "assess its value." This leaves the buyer with no means of leaving the dealership.
driver, if it was only one negative comment, I would not have left. But if you go back over the last 4 or 5 months of posts on this forum, you will then know why I choose not to participate here - and it's the same individual.
Mike, I have felt exactly as you do....I felt like taking a break when things heated up....this has happened several times and usually it is one person more than any other...though sometimes you do get hit with a group attacking you. I have had it happen many times.
I think it is just normal, you will never please everyone all the time. You just said what you felt about the post office, and you stated an opinion as you understood it. Even if you were wrong, and I don't think you were because you were making a general statement, there was no reason to be attacked. Like I said the last time I was attacked, I just stated what I remembered to be true....I don't intentionally lie or make up something that isn't true, I don't get anything out of that - I think we just say what we believe to be true, to the best of our ability. We all just do the best we can, as we would if talking to a friend over a coffee. People can have different opinions, and once in awhile someone may be wrong...it's no big deal, we are here for the fun and to learn something and often get an answer to something.
Get recharged and come back whenever you like...the sooner the better.
9. De-horsing -- taking away the keys and driving away the trade-in to "assess its value."
Very interesting.......thanks for sharing. I wonder if new car dealerships would use that jargon.......if I was in charge, I wouldn't let the salesmen use those terms. I think it would show through, hopefully salespeople have some respect for their customers.
10. Leaker -- Someone who stops by just to use the restroom.
I've done that, and I had to hear about all the features of a car I didn't want to buy (Saturn).........just because that is the kind of polite person I am :P
...if I was in charge, I wouldn't let the salesmen use those terms.
I agree. Some of them were downright derogatory like:
040, 149, ETC -- when the salesmen want to indicate a customer's race to another employee, they use the brand's paint color. I wonder if saleswomen use that lingo as well?
In its May issue Angus MacKenzie of Motor Trend disclosed a startling statistic: Although "luxury" or premium brands make up just 12% of global sales they contribute 50% of automakers global profits.
His reference point is Audi who in 15 years moved from an obscure German brand to the Premium Club. As he asserts, that gives automakers with that caché, such as BMW the permission to charge unconscionable prices for a car that does not cost more in actual materials and labor to build than a Chevy.
He went to say that in the old days a luxury brand meant speed, the latest technology and safety enhancements, but the average car today has the same and in some cases even more technology. Which leads one to draw the conclusion how can American car makers become premium brands? Some colleges have tried that by simply increasing tuition and suddenly they were categorized as elite institutions.
There are tons of buyers out there ready to shell out big money to buy "premium brands" but the domestic automakers seem to be content at selling "average" products. And for the auto buyer who is willing to pay these outrageous prices....welcome to the premium club. The 12 percenter.
Audi an obscure brand 15 years ago - WHAT??? Perhaps if you take a view that if something doesn't happen in the USA, it does not exist then sure, Audi was an obscure brand. Over 20 years ago, Audi was scoring world championships in rally racing, second most popular motor sport in the world. Quattro was probably top five most recognized trade mark in automotive industry back then. But of course, if it doesn't go on oval, who cares right? If it's not popular in Manhattan or DC, it is "obscure". :sick:
such as BMW the permission to charge unconscionable prices for a car that does not cost more in actual materials
I will agree that it is possible that 12% of the cars make up 50% of the profit. But the companies who do that don't make cheap cars that make little profit...they have earned the right to make premium cars that people are willing to pay more for.
I had an acquaintance who bought a 1986 Audi and it was a very premium brand at the time. I don't think they were obscure and that was almost 30 years ago, not 15.
I think the content and engineering that make up a premium brand are far superior to what makes up a Chevrolet. If you drive them both you will notice a huge difference.
America can make a premium brand. Cadillac ATS and the CTS are premium brands and are in the same league as BMW etc., I don't know if they have developed their reputation yet, might need a few more years. Young people seem to feel exotic...as in foreign equates to better cars. Hard to overcome that image.
Sorry for the long post, but thought I would share!
My dad keeps a place in Maricopa for the family to enjoy. He is retired, but still lives the majority of time in Seattle. He keeps a 2004 maxima here which we all use when staying. My wife son and I come down every spring break, as you have to do I'd you live in Seattle.
Anyway he was here last month and did a bunch of house chores including having the struts, and shocks replaced. It has new tires and new brakes and ~ 58,000 miles. Great highway cruiser for seeing Arizona.
Friday we head up to kingman and there is this weird clanking/banging right behind the backseat headrest that sort of comes and goes, I did not think much of it. So this morning we are going to head back and we swing by the sister in law to say our good byes and it dawns on me to take a look at the new rear shocks...sure enough on the passenger side one of the 2 mounting studs at the top has snapped off and the other is severely cracked at its base. These studs are not serviceable, they are part of the shock tower, nor can you access them from above anyway.
I call the shop that did the repair and they don't even know where kingman is, let alone how I should get the car back to them...I figured we were only a few miles left till total failure, and I had no way to drive it back.
Thankfully my brother in law is super skilled and has a full shop in the garage. We pull the shock out, drilled the broken stud, used a tap and die and re-threaded the hole and fit a new stud, slightly bigger of course. They he busts out his welder and patched up the cracks on the other stud. We bolted her all back together, and had a super smooth and quiet drive home.
I am going to visit the repair shop tomorrow...expecting at least a gift card that will cover 4 new tires for dads xterra back in Seattle, he is a Nissan man!
The local place actually has a good reputation. Will let you all know what they offer
kyfdx....Ahhhhhh....I see. Your son is out of school for the spring/summer.
Is he living on the "good side" of the river? If so, my son still has some friends at Dave and Busters. He could probably pull some strings and get him a Summer job there.
Thank God for so few casualties at the Boston Marathon explosions. We are okay and pray that the injured will pull through their injuries. May those who lost their lives rest in peace.
We'll see how big the ripples are from this. My first thought was that there are grandmothers running in the race. I was waiting on the Bruins game to start, but it's been rescheduled. Hopefully the unexploded ordinance that was found will lead to the perps.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Thank God for so few casualties at the Boston Marathon explosions. We are okay and pray that the injured will pull through their injuries. May those who lost their lives rest in peace.
This.
I would add that I hope they find and severely punish the following: * the people who did it * the people who planned it * the people who financed it
Hi - sorry to have been so absent. I have to go through a load of posts but just wanted you to know I'm fine, getting better and may be allowed to totally resume life in a few months. They took me off the toxoplasmosis drugs and my platelets soared (still not in normal range but MUCH better.
Went to three concerts after not being able to go to them. All fabulous in very different ways - Leonard Cohen at Radio City, The Mavericks out in PA and Michael Nesmith in NJ. Each one wonderful; each one unique.
Last but most certainly not least daughter #2 is engaged (much to the chagrin of daughter #1). I love her fiance. Great kid.
More later. Life is good.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
My future son-in-law (Josh) is one very lucky man. Michelle is one really special kid. I've got 18 Yellow Roses playing in my head now.
We had such a great time with The Mavericks, which was the one show with a deaf sound man - even though the band overcame that) that we're going to see them again Friday at The House of Blues in Atlantic City.
Have the Desert Rose Band on the 27th and just got word of John Hiatt on August 5.
It is good to be back in the game.
Roadburner - you would have a good answer for me on this. The low point on my Mazda is that the headlights are lousy. What do you recommend for a just put it in replacement? Anyone else can chime in but roadburner's been giving me wonderful advice a number of times so don't feel left out. Heck, he's why I have my little "I want to own at least one BMW before I'm done fund.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
If one has never seen Leonard Cohen I highly recommend it. You would not expect the show he gives by listening to studio albums. Way beyond that. If you have the opportunity take it. He won't be around forever. He's 78 years old but has the heart, soul and body of a much younger man. He moves better than I do!
Hadn't seen the Mavericks in maybe 16 years. They get together, make an album and tour and then Raul Malo (probably the best voice in popular music in our time) goes out solo until he and the other guys get the itch.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Well...my dearly loved , aged Toro Wheelhorse riding mower needed rings. The old cunundrum....fix or replace? Probably could get another 5 years out of it by overhualing the motor, but who knows about the rest of the drivetrain or the mowing assembly?
First surprise.....good luck finding anyone who still carries Toro residential lawn tractors. Too bad. I love the brand, their longevity, their reliability.
2nd...buy from a big box store or a local dealer? Local dealers claim their products are better than similar products sold at big box stores. Unfortunately, they struggled to convince me of that. They claimed their service would be better. But, really couldn't identify a significant area in which there service may be better.
I was thoroughly prepared to pay a little more at a local dealer for a better product, better service etc. All I found were higher prices for similar riding mowers, and perhaps, maybe, better service.
Truth of the matter, the big box stores had better selections, knowledgeable customer service people, better prices, and sometimes, better service.
The different riding mowers are more similar than different...John Deere, Cub Cadet, Hisqvarna.
Ended up with a brand I had heard of but never considered....Husqvarna. It's a 46" cut. 22HP motor. Automatic with foot accelerator and reverse pedal control. It even has cruise control....none of which existed on my old Toro, which I paid more for, 14 years ago.
Ended up with a brand I had heard of but never considered....Husqvarna.
Husqvarna has always had a good reputation. For the longest time they were strictly a brand for the pros. AFAIK, they still make high quality products and distribute selectively - thus keeping reputation and price high.
I've had my John Deere LX 178 riding mower for almost 20 years now. It's liquid cooled V-Twin Kawaskai engine rated 15 hp with hydro drive, sporting a 38" cut of destruction has served me well on my previouly 1/2 acre, and now 1/4 acre lots.
I don't know if quality or reliability has suffered since Deere has gone commercial... selling to the Lowes and Home Depot, instead of their local dealerships. But, I haven't had any trouble out of mine. I've had many people say why a riding mower on my smaller lot, but I just hate the idea of giving it up. Actually look forward to cutting the grass. :shades:
Also congrats on selling your B.M.W. People look for those well taken care of autos from private sellers. Which by the way, you rarely see anymore. Where have all the private sellers gone? Most on Craigslist are dealers. Ads in newspaper have shrunk from 3 pages to a quarter of a page the past 5-10 years. :sick:
jipster...it actually came down to a Deere and the Husqvarna. Warranty for the Husq was 3 years and Deere 2 years. That's the only reasons I chose one over the other. I know people who have had John Deere's for 20 years.
The other one I looked at was Cub Cadet. The Husqvarna had a motor they spec'd made by Briggs, while the Cub had a Kohler. Don't know if Kohler motors are good or not. I know from experience that Briggs makes good mower motors, though (plus, it has a V-Twin....what's not to like).
I think the bunch in here really take good care of their cars. So, anyone buying rides privately from any of us would be getting true "cream puffs".
NYC....Honda used to make lawn tractors, but someone said they don't sell them in the U.S. any more. Their push mowers are very well regarded.
I am glad someone around here got some new wheels!
Have a friend, his gas mower broke down. The dealer told him his mower wasn't worth fixing......would give him a new one for a good price. Bought the new one, left the old one at the dealers. Went back 2 weeks later to buy something else, and saw his old mower for sale for $60!
He asked, they gave some excuse about it taking more time to fix than it was worth, and the owner spent a lot of his own time fixing it up. :sick:
I was trying to think of topics we haven't covered yet and thought I would add this one. Our Florida Bar BQ looks like it is on it's last legs, it has a thick layer of unremoveable burn't cinders, and the bowl and tank look like they could rust through at any time. The unit came with the house, so no big deal.
I am not too keen on using propane tanks, you run out of fuel when having a big dinner, and they always look like they could rust through at any time....also, one broken valve and you could have quite an explosion. Not as much of a problem if you bought the tank and have some idea of what it has been through.
So, I was checking out this George Foreman Grill on amazon. 572 reviews and 4 1/2 stars is very impressive. George Foreman Grill
I know it doesn't replace the flavor of food cooked on a real charcoal barbeque. But, it is quick and easy to use, easier to clean, can be used indoors or outdoors, and people really like it.
If I could figure out how to copy/paste from my tablet
Lightly hold your finger, on tablet screen, at the beginning of the sentence you want to copy. A little copy/paste index should pop up where you have your finger. Space it out to what you want to copy. Obvioulsy hit copy. It disappears, then lightly hold finger on tablet area where you want to insert wording, "paste" pops up, tap paste. :shades:
Now, let's talk about the $2 per post you guys have been charging me. :mad:
robr2...I know that Honda used to make their own tractors that they sold in the U.S. While I was tractor shopping, someone, somewhere told me that Honda still makes lawn tractors, but they don't sell them in the U.S. anymore.
I still have a trusty Toro self propelled mower that has served me well for a decade. No reason to send it out to pasture. I know it has a Briggs motor. Change the oil once/year and the spark plug/airfilter once every 2 years, it's never failed me. Starts on the first pull, every time.
Got a real education shopping for mowers. Toro also makes LawnBoy. Didn't know that. Husqvarna makes their Craftsman mowers for Sears. Deere still makes their own, except they have Briggs make the motors for them (under the Deere brand name), and some other company make their transmissions All Deere makes these days is the frame. MTD pretty much makes the rest...Cub Cadet, TroyBuilt, Ariens and probably one or two more I'm forgetting.
My "old" Toro was pretty basic. It had a key electric start, but that just about covered the "convenience features". Even choosing a mowing speed was a constant bout with stopping the tractor, putting it in another gear, and then continuing on.
The Husq has a hydrostatic trans. Push the pedal and it goes. Push the reverse pedal and it goes into reverse. I now have headlights (trying to figure out how to do something with the tractor at night so I can use them). I don't have to use a wrench to change seating positions (like the Toro). I can adjust the seat with a simple lever. I have cruise control, now.
I'm now going to be the lawn tractor envy of the neighborhood. :P :surprise:
also, one broken valve and you could have quite an explosion.
You've been watching too many movies.
The pressure inside the propane tank would not permit any internal explosion.,.. I think. The flame would just spew out the crack till all propane is burned up. Plus, I'm pretty sure whatever companies fills the tanks is required to test the thing for possible leaks.
We've got the 8 hamburger George Foreman indoor grill. It is one lean mean grilling machine. It's got a downward slope to drain away all that delicious artery clogging fat.
I have a Craftsman I bought 3 years ago - now I recall that Husqvarna is the manufacturer. I got the Hydrastatic transmission as well.
As for the lights, I often mow the lawn in the early evening and at times dusk comes on sooner than I expected. It's never really dark when I finish but I use the lights - if you have the feature, you might as well use it!
hey jipster, we have the Char-Broil Red grill with infra-red heating. It's unique design eliminates those embarassing flare ups in which the fire department is called. Also, this design (no direct contact from flame to food) allows for easier clean up and addition of wood chips for flavor.
We grilled out maybe 8-10 times during the entire grilling season, and went thru one tank.
We use our grill heavily and go through 2-3 tanks a season. The grill we have is a fairly large four burner unit.
Driver, I would stick with propane. It's safe and if your tank is getting sorry looking just exchange it at Home Depot/Lowes/Walgreens for a new one. I just did one at Lowes and it was $18 or so. Yes, it's cheaper to just have your tank filled but I like having the refurbished tanks all the time. I also have two tanks, so I have one on the grill and a full one as backup.
Speaking of grills, my 4 year old rusty Kenmore is on its last season. I've already replaced several parts inside it (due to rust) and now the mounts for the burners are rusting. Next year I'm buying a Weber Genesis. Yes, $800 for a grill is expensive but you get what you pay for.
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He is a freshman at UC..
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If you find a nice car being sold privately it can be a great way to buy a car.
Some people just want to get a fair price for a car that they just don't need any more. Sounds like the Altima is a real gem.
btw I just read a review of the new Sentra in the newspaper. They didn't like it at all. Very slow, 0 to 60 in 9.5 seconds, no feel of the road, no support in the seats, rolls around corners, poor handling.
Does get good gas economy. Finished the article saying it is a good car if you just want basic transportation to get you from A to B economically, and that is all they could say that was good.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You must be out there. It is about time you got back here. We are going to want to find out about the new car coming soon.
You can't let one negative comment get to you......if I did that I would have left about 200 times by now.
Always remember, you can't please all the people all of the time.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
SFTSF is like the Mafia.... "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!"
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
*driver, if it was only one negative comment, I would not have left. But if you go back over the last 4 or 5 months of posts on this forum, you will then know why I choose not to participate here - and it's the same individual.
I need more than a break from here!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Yes, it is the LaCrosse CXS Touring with the 3.6. Although it is fast, it is not quick. The 155-hp Altima is tuned to give the illusion of speed on take-off but can't keep up with the V-6.
Driver, yes the seller was a very nice person. She kept meticulous service records and had all the supporting receipts including the mileage at the time each recommended service was done.
1. Mop and Glow -- An extra-cost paint sealant or fabric protector of dubious value.
2. Laydown -- A customer who offers little resistance and pays full list price or more. Also known as an "ace."
3. Paperboy -- a buyer who comes in with an advertisement or printouts from the internet. Also known as a nerd.
4. Stroker -- a buyer who acts interested but has no means or intentions of buying a car.
5. F.D.R.S -- "Filthy Disease Ridden Swine. A buyer with horrible credit. Used as inter-salesmen code to name the type of loan as you qualify for our F.D.R.S. loan. Such customer is also referred to as a roach.
6. Third Baseman or Third-base Coach -- the "expert" a buyer brings to provide advice on the deal. Also known as the "lawyer."
7. Gold Balls -- A customer with excellent credit. The opposite of the F.D.R.S.
8. Lot lizard -- A salesperson who stalks customers as they pull into the dealer lot.
9. De-horsing -- taking away the keys and driving away the trade-in to "assess its value." This leaves the buyer with no means of leaving the dealership.
Thanks for letting me know..........glad he is still around.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mike, I have felt exactly as you do....I felt like taking a break when things heated up....this has happened several times and usually it is one person more than any other...though sometimes you do get hit with a group attacking you. I have had it happen many times.
I think it is just normal, you will never please everyone all the time. You just said what you felt about the post office, and you stated an opinion as you understood it. Even if you were wrong, and I don't think you were because you were making a general statement, there was no reason to be attacked. Like I said the last time I was attacked, I just stated what I remembered to be true....I don't intentionally lie or make up something that isn't true, I don't get anything out of that - I think we just say what we believe to be true, to the best of our ability. We all just do the best we can, as we would if talking to a friend over a coffee. People can have different opinions, and once in awhile someone may be wrong...it's no big deal, we are here for the fun and to learn something and often get an answer to something.
Get recharged and come back whenever you like...the sooner the better.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Very interesting.......thanks for sharing. I wonder if new car dealerships would use that jargon.......if I was in charge, I wouldn't let the salesmen use those terms. I think it would show through, hopefully salespeople have some respect for their customers.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I've done that, and I had to hear about all the features of a car I didn't want to buy (Saturn).........just because that is the kind of polite person I am :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I agree. Some of them were downright derogatory like:
040, 149, ETC -- when the salesmen want to indicate a customer's race to another employee, they use the brand's paint color. I wonder if saleswomen use that lingo as well?
His reference point is Audi who in 15 years moved from an obscure German brand to the Premium Club. As he asserts, that gives automakers with that caché, such as BMW the permission to charge unconscionable prices for a car that does not cost more in actual materials and labor to build than a Chevy.
He went to say that in the old days a luxury brand meant speed, the latest technology and safety enhancements, but the average car today has the same and in some cases even more technology. Which leads one to draw the conclusion how can American car makers become premium brands? Some colleges have tried that by simply increasing tuition and suddenly they were categorized as elite institutions.
There are tons of buyers out there ready to shell out big money to buy "premium brands" but the domestic automakers seem to be content at selling "average" products. And for the auto buyer who is willing to pay these outrageous prices....welcome to the premium club. The 12 percenter.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I will agree that it is possible that 12% of the cars make up 50% of the profit. But the companies who do that don't make cheap cars that make little profit...they have earned the right to make premium cars that people are willing to pay more for.
I had an acquaintance who bought a 1986 Audi and it was a very premium brand at the time. I don't think they were obscure and that was almost 30 years ago, not 15.
I think the content and engineering that make up a premium brand are far superior to what makes up a Chevrolet. If you drive them both you will notice a huge difference.
America can make a premium brand. Cadillac ATS and the CTS are premium brands and are in the same league as BMW etc., I don't know if they have developed their reputation yet, might need a few more years. Young people seem to feel exotic...as in foreign equates to better cars. Hard to overcome that image.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My dad keeps a place in Maricopa for the family to enjoy. He is retired, but still lives the majority of time in Seattle. He keeps a 2004 maxima here which we all use when staying. My wife son and I come down every spring break, as you have to do I'd you live in Seattle.
Anyway he was here last month and did a bunch of house chores including having the struts, and shocks replaced. It has new tires and new brakes and ~ 58,000 miles. Great highway cruiser for seeing Arizona.
Friday we head up to kingman and there is this weird clanking/banging right behind the backseat headrest that sort of comes and goes, I did not think much of it. So this morning we are going to head back and we swing by the sister in law to say our good byes and it dawns on me to take a look at the new rear shocks...sure enough on the passenger side one of the 2 mounting studs at the top has snapped off and the other is severely cracked at its base. These studs are not serviceable, they are part of the shock tower, nor can you access them from above anyway.
I call the shop that did the repair and they don't even know where kingman is, let alone how I should get the car back to them...I figured we were only a few miles left till total failure, and I had no way to drive it back.
Thankfully my brother in law is super skilled and has a full shop in the garage. We pull the shock out, drilled the broken stud, used a tap and die and re-threaded the hole and fit a new stud, slightly bigger of course. They he busts out his welder and patched up the cracks on the other stud. We bolted her all back together, and had a super smooth and quiet drive home.
I am going to visit the repair shop tomorrow...expecting at least a gift card that will cover 4 new tires for dads xterra back in Seattle, he is a Nissan man!
The local place actually has a good reputation. Will let you all know what they offer
Hope they offer you something....and don't just say, you shouldn't have done any work to it yourself, warranty is voided!
If they are decent they will know they were in the wrong. My guess is they will come through, but, I know it can go the other way too.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Is he living on the "good side" of the river? If so, my son still has some friends at Dave and Busters. He could probably pull some strings and get him a Summer job there.
I also heard Kings Island is still hiring.
My first thought was that there are grandmothers running in the race.
I was waiting on the Bruins game to start, but it's been rescheduled.
Hopefully the unexploded ordinance that was found will lead to the perps.
This.
I would add that I hope they find and severely punish the following:
* the people who did it
* the people who planned it
* the people who financed it
Went to three concerts after not being able to go to them. All fabulous in very different ways - Leonard Cohen at Radio City, The Mavericks out in PA and Michael Nesmith in NJ. Each one wonderful; each one unique.
Last but most certainly not least daughter #2 is engaged (much to the chagrin of daughter #1). I love her fiance. Great kid.
More later. Life is good.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Ditto
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
We had such a great time with The Mavericks, which was the one show with a deaf sound man - even though the band overcame that) that we're going to see them again Friday at The House of Blues in Atlantic City.
Have the Desert Rose Band on the 27th and just got word of John Hiatt on August 5.
It is good to be back in the game.
Roadburner - you would have a good answer for me on this. The low point on my Mazda is that the headlights are lousy. What do you recommend for a just put it in replacement? Anyone else can chime in but roadburner's been giving me wonderful advice a number of times so don't feel left out. Heck, he's why I have my little "I want to own at least one BMW before I'm done fund.
If one has never seen Leonard Cohen I highly recommend it. You would not expect the show he gives by listening to studio albums. Way beyond that. If you have the opportunity take it. He won't be around forever. He's 78 years old but has the heart, soul and body of a much younger man. He moves better than I do!
Hadn't seen the Mavericks in maybe 16 years. They get together, make an album and tour and then Raul Malo (probably the best voice in popular music in our time) goes out solo until he and the other guys get the itch.
First surprise.....good luck finding anyone who still carries Toro residential lawn tractors. Too bad. I love the brand, their longevity, their reliability.
2nd...buy from a big box store or a local dealer? Local dealers claim their products are better than similar products sold at big box stores. Unfortunately, they struggled to convince me of that. They claimed their service would be better. But, really couldn't identify a significant area in which there service may be better.
I was thoroughly prepared to pay a little more at a local dealer for a better product, better service etc. All I found were higher prices for similar riding mowers, and perhaps, maybe, better service.
Truth of the matter, the big box stores had better selections, knowledgeable customer service people, better prices, and sometimes, better service.
The different riding mowers are more similar than different...John Deere, Cub Cadet, Hisqvarna.
Ended up with a brand I had heard of but never considered....Husqvarna. It's a 46" cut. 22HP motor. Automatic with foot accelerator and reverse pedal control. It even has cruise control....none of which existed on my old Toro, which I paid more for, 14 years ago.
Interesting experience.
Husqvarna has always had a good reputation. For the longest time they were strictly a brand for the pros. AFAIK, they still make high quality products and distribute selectively - thus keeping reputation and price high.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I've had my John Deere LX 178 riding mower for almost 20 years now. It's liquid cooled V-Twin Kawaskai engine rated 15 hp with hydro drive, sporting a 38" cut of destruction has served me well on my previouly 1/2 acre, and now 1/4 acre lots.
I don't know if quality or reliability has suffered since Deere has gone commercial... selling to the Lowes and Home Depot, instead of their local dealerships. But, I haven't had any trouble out of mine. I've had many people say why a riding mower on my smaller lot, but I just hate the idea of giving it up. Actually look forward to cutting the grass. :shades:
Also congrats on selling your B.M.W. People look for those well taken care of autos from private sellers. Which by the way, you rarely see anymore. Where have all the private sellers gone? Most on Craigslist are dealers. Ads in newspaper have shrunk from 3 pages to a quarter of a page the past 5-10 years. :sick:
I'm pretty sure Husqvarna mowers are now using Honda engines.. but, that might not be the whole line..
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The other one I looked at was Cub Cadet. The Husqvarna had a motor they spec'd made by Briggs, while the Cub had a Kohler. Don't know if Kohler motors are good or not. I know from experience that Briggs makes good mower motors, though (plus, it has a V-Twin....what's not to like).
I think the bunch in here really take good care of their cars. So, anyone buying rides privately from any of us would be getting true "cream puffs".
NYC....Honda used to make lawn tractors, but someone said they don't sell them in the U.S. any more. Their push mowers are very well regarded.
According to their website they use Briggs, Kohler and Kawasawki.
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The one I just bought uses a 22HP Briggs V-Twin.
I am glad someone around here got some new wheels!
Have a friend, his gas mower broke down.
The dealer told him his mower wasn't worth fixing......would give him a new one for a good price.
Bought the new one, left the old one at the dealers.
Went back 2 weeks later to buy something else, and saw his old mower for sale for $60!
He asked, they gave some excuse about it taking more time to fix than it was worth, and the owner spent a lot of his own time fixing it up. :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ah yes, I was looking at tractors - didn't even bother looking at walk behinds. Does Honda even make tractor motors? I'd be surprised if they didn't.
I am not too keen on using propane tanks, you run out of fuel when having a big dinner, and they always look like they could rust through at any time....also, one broken valve and you could have quite an explosion.
Not as much of a problem if you bought the tank and have some idea of what it has been through.
So, I was checking out this George Foreman Grill on amazon. 572 reviews and 4 1/2 stars is very impressive.
George Foreman Grill
I know it doesn't replace the flavor of food cooked on a real charcoal barbeque. But, it is quick and easy to use, easier to clean, can be used indoors or outdoors, and people really like it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Lightly hold your finger, on tablet screen, at the beginning of the sentence you want to copy. A little copy/paste index should pop up where you have your finger. Space it out to what you want to copy. Obvioulsy hit copy. It disappears, then lightly hold finger on tablet area where you want to insert wording, "paste" pops up, tap paste. :shades:
Now, let's talk about the $2 per post you guys have been charging me. :mad:
I still have a trusty Toro self propelled mower that has served me well for a decade. No reason to send it out to pasture. I know it has a Briggs motor. Change the oil once/year and the spark plug/airfilter once every 2 years, it's never failed me. Starts on the first pull, every time.
Got a real education shopping for mowers. Toro also makes LawnBoy. Didn't know that. Husqvarna makes their Craftsman mowers for Sears. Deere still makes their own, except they have Briggs make the motors for them (under the Deere brand name), and some other company make their transmissions All Deere makes these days is the frame. MTD pretty much makes the rest...Cub Cadet, TroyBuilt, Ariens and probably one or two more I'm forgetting.
My "old" Toro was pretty basic. It had a key electric start, but that just about covered the "convenience features". Even choosing a mowing speed was a constant bout with stopping the tractor, putting it in another gear, and then continuing on.
The Husq has a hydrostatic trans. Push the pedal and it goes. Push the reverse pedal and it goes into reverse. I now have headlights (trying to figure out how to do something with the tractor at night so I can use them). I don't have to use a wrench to change seating positions (like the Toro). I can adjust the seat with a simple lever. I have cruise control, now.
I'm now going to be the lawn tractor envy of the neighborhood.
You've been watching too many movies.
The pressure inside the propane tank would not permit any internal explosion.,.. I think. The flame would just spew out the crack till all propane is burned up. Plus, I'm pretty sure whatever companies fills the tanks is required to test the thing for possible leaks.
We've got the 8 hamburger George Foreman indoor grill. It is one lean mean grilling machine. It's got a downward slope to drain away all that delicious artery clogging fat.
A grill is meant to be used outdoors complete with fire, alcohol and an overabundance of tools.
I have a Craftsman I bought 3 years ago - now I recall that Husqvarna is the manufacturer. I got the Hydrastatic transmission as well.
As for the lights, I often mow the lawn in the early evening and at times dusk comes on sooner than I expected. It's never really dark when I finish but I use the lights - if you have the feature, you might as well use it!
We grilled out maybe 8-10 times during the entire grilling season, and went thru one tank.
Driver, I would stick with propane. It's safe and if your tank is getting sorry looking just exchange it at Home Depot/Lowes/Walgreens for a new one. I just did one at Lowes and it was $18 or so. Yes, it's cheaper to just have your tank filled but I like having the refurbished tanks all the time. I also have two tanks, so I have one on the grill and a full one as backup.
Speaking of grills, my 4 year old rusty Kenmore is on its last season. I've already replaced several parts inside it (due to rust) and now the mounts for the burners are rusting. Next year I'm buying a Weber Genesis. Yes, $800 for a grill is expensive but you get what you pay for.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart