Went for a hike today and was surprised to find this Bel Air in the parking lot (at the end of a gravel road). The stickers on it were related to caving and bats, but I saw a group there rappelling from one of the cliffs, so I suspect this was one of them.
I was hangry after the hike, so decided to head towards the nearest McDank, which was not on the way back to my house. There is also an Arby’s at that exit, so I made an executive decision to go there… when did they start serving hamburgers? Skipped my usual brisket sandwich and got a chicken bacon sandwich combo with curly fries. It was over $12(!), and was decent enough, but I can’t imagine trying to feed an entire family on a road trip. That’s about 3x my normal McD tab, but I use their app and deals, and usually bring my own soda water. (The McD app is also not great for families on road trips, because you can only redeem one freebie or deal per order per account.)
$9 DC fast charger stop because I drove further out from home. My favorite car wash (Unrivaled in Springhurst) was closed, so I went to Moby’s Auto Spa and my car is somewhat cleaner, but not clean.
As a veteran of road trips a work we never go to McDonald’s. Other than the bargain meals everything else is expensive. Arby’s is price competitive and a notch higher quality IMO. 12 bucks for a meal is downright cheap these days. We aim to get in at under $20. And you can’t even blame tariffs.
BTW, I love that 57’. A buddy had a 55’ back in high school.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Went for a hike today and was surprised to find this Bel Air in the parking lot (at the end of a gravel road). The stickers on it were related to caving and bats, but I saw a group there rappelling from one of the cliffs, so I suspect this was one of them.
I was hangry after the hike, so decided to head towards the nearest McDank, which was not on the way back to my house. There is also an Arby’s at that exit, so I made an executive decision to go there… when did they start serving hamburgers? Skipped my usual brisket sandwich and got a chicken bacon sandwich combo with curly fries. It was over $12(!), and was decent enough, but I can’t imagine trying to feed an entire family on a road trip. That’s about 3x my normal McD tab, but I use their app and deals, and usually bring my own soda water. (The McD app is also not great for families on road trips, because you can only redeem one freebie or deal per order per account.)
$9 DC fast charger stop because I drove further out from home. My favorite car wash (Unrivaled in Springhurst) was closed, so I went to Moby’s Auto Spa and my car is somewhat cleaner, but not clean.
I drove through Arby's last week and ordered 2 classic roast beef. The girl said she would tell me the total at the window. When I got there, she said it would be $12.28. I told her, "Never mind."
Wait. You ordered something (prices are posted, aren’t they?) that someone went to the trouble to make and then didn’t pay for it?
I've been going to the same Arby's for years. Every time it has been $6 plus tax. Mind your own business.
Arby's: My wife and I ate at one in Piqua, OH, about a year ago. Tasteless. The only good thing left at Arby's are the curly fries. (in bbq sauce!)
Yes - RAV4 platform. Our neighbor at the shore has one. It looks nice, but I've never driven one. I have plenty of seat time in all but Gen 1 RAVs (My Mom has had 3) and I was never impressed but it didn't necessarily do anything wrong.
By comparison I think my Mom's current CX-50 drives nicer... but I'm in the minority. My Mom isn't thrilled with it and my Wife drove the other day and made sure to text me that she thought it was quote "A piece of XXXX".
What do I know? Well.. I know one thing, I don't think I'm chasing a lease for Mom's next one. It's going to be a Toyota.
We had Jersey Mike’s for lunch last week. 2 regular sized subs (which was too big for my wife to finish so we could reasonably split one) and 1 little bag of chips and a fountain drink to share was about $28.
5 guys never was cheap. Helps though that we always got the junior sized burger (single patty).
We had Jersey Mike’s for lunch last week. 2 regular sized subs (which was too big for my wife to finish so we could reasonably split one) and 1 little bag of chips and a fountain drink to share was about $28.
5 guys never was cheap. Helps though that we always got the junior sized burger (single patty).
Jersey Mike's is pricey, but it's a ton of food. My wife gets the MINI. We'd split a regular, but our tastes are too opposite to do that. When my son and I go, we split a Large.
@kyfdx said:
Jersey Mike's is pricey, but it's a ton of food. My wife gets the MINI. We'd split a regular, but our tastes are too opposite to do that. When my son and I go, we split a Large.
A couple of weeks ago I ordered hoagies from a local shop to take with us on a boat/ beach day with our neighbors.
There were 4 adults and 6 kids… I may have over ordered a bit. I got six total. We did some damage but had a good bit left
Stick, I got the SE with the upgraded seats and do like the color as it's mostly grey with some black & red thrown in. Plenty of power for me but my only complaint is with the lower profile 40 series rubber, I feel every undulation in the road. And not that that's a bad thing, but...not what I've been used to. Still, it was the best I could find out there to give me that same sh-t eating grin that the 2015 gave me. I am enjoying it and glad I finally made the plunge. Sure, the sticker shock did surprise me but I've been out of the market for almost 11 years so not surprised.
Drove a couple of Hyundai Venue's at work this weekend and it's basically a true economy car. Since it's now Hyundai's entry level vehicle, one shouldn't expect the works. My daughter is on her second Accent, which used to be the entry vehicle, and she's very happy. It fits her needs perfectly and always works when needed. She can afford a much more expensive vehicle but to her, like my wife, a vehicle is just an appliance with wheels to get her from point A to point B. They are not car lovers like those of us in here are, so they get what they like. I almost bought a top of the line Accent before they stopped production but I knew I'd miss the "fun factor" I get from my Golf's. And sure, this time I spent a lot more then I thought I would, but since I expect this one to last until I'm 80 in ten years, didn't mind paying a bit more.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
We had some neighbors over yesterday and one of them is quite a car enthusiast. He just took delivery of a Lotus Emira a couple months ago so he offered to take me for a ride.
It's just nothing I've ever paid attention to, but it was striking. I should have taken some pictures to share, but it was a dark green that looked black in his garage but once it was in the sunlight you could see the dark shade of green. Beautiful. Very exotic looking. I fit pretty well in it and the ride was more compliant than I would have expected. He did get it up close to 100 mph on a back road near our neighborhood, and you could tell the handling was superb.
We had some neighbors over yesterday and one of them is quite a car enthusiast. He just took delivery of a Lotus Emira a couple months ago so he offered to take me for a ride.
It's just nothing I've ever paid attention to, but it was striking. I should have taken some pictures to share, but it was a dark green that looked black in his garage but once it was in the sunlight you could see the dark shade of green. Beautiful. Very exotic looking. I fit pretty well in it and the ride was more compliant than I would have expected. He did get it up close to 100 mph on a back road near our neighborhood, and you could tell the handling was superb.
I had Jersey Mike's yesterday at the casino; regular sub and fountain drink: ~$17.50. For me, of course, it was free; on the casino. And everything is more expensive there as they expect you to use points.
Did I win at the tables, was the meal really "free?" Why, what a rude question!
(Yes, I won a small bit. And am accumulating more points for free stuff)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
On another note, I have this hankering for a 5-series. One of the local dealerships has a really well equipped CPO 2023 530e. A couple years ago I had a loaner 5-series (honestly can't remember if it was a 530i or 540i) and it made me appreciate the G30 body style.
I realized I've had an E39, E60 and an F10. Seems I should continue that trend with a G30.
Of course they also have an 840i gran coupe in tanzanite blue that is soon to become available. Yeah, I know I had one already, but that was one that I gave up too quickly.
Brunch with the family yesterday... $125 (w/tip). Wife and I each had a cocktail kids had soda and a juice.
Fast food isn't quite a value anymore unless you really work the apps and deals. You want sticker shock? Go price out Five Guys.
I second that. Especially food wise. My best friend owns a couple of kosher style delis in CT & Westchester. He only serves top quality food and has always charged for it. He gives you a lot of food. It’s always consistently excellent. His restaurants have a reputation of being expensive. Now I know what It costs me to eat at one of his places with my family of 5. Going out to a place like Cheesecake Factory or The Yard House is no cheaper and you are supporting a small business in town.
Chic Fil A is very well run. My kids freakin LOVE it. The food is good too. If I get out of there for under $80 I consider it a win. My wife and one or 2 (maybe all 3) have the app and usually something is paid for with points. As a business owner I’m always looking at things like that from that side of the equation. Their overhead is crazy. The rent. The payroll for all the team member plus the managers. Business insurance . The upkeep. I recently ate at a Chic Fil A in MD that had multiple Corollas as delivery vehicles (6 or 7).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Brunch with the family yesterday... $125 (w/tip). Wife and I each had a cocktail kids had soda and a juice.
Fast food isn't quite a value anymore unless you really work the apps and deals. You want sticker shock? Go price out Five Guys.
I second that. Especially food wise. My best friend owns a couple of kosher style delis in CT & Westchester. He only serves top quality food and has always charged for it. He gives you a lot of food. It’s always consistently excellent. His restaurants have a reputation of being expensive. Now I know what It costs me to eat at one of his places with my family of 5. Going out to a place like Cheesecake Factory or The Yard House is no cheaper and you are supporting a small business in town.
Chic Fil A is very well run. My kids freakin LOVE it. The food is good too. If I get out of there for under $80 I consider it a win. My wife and one or 2 (maybe all 3) have the app and usually something is paid for with points. As a business owner I’m always looking at things like that from that side of the equation. Their overhead is crazy. The rent. The payroll for all the team member plus the managers. Business insurance . The upkeep. I recently ate at a Chic Fil A in MD that had multiple Corollas as delivery vehicles (6 or 7).
The Chic Fil A near my house has a bunch of delivery vehicles too. They are all those tiny Ford vans. I never realized the demand for delivery was that high .. especially in a rural town like ours
@Stickguy it’s not Deptford location you are probably thinking but Mantua near RT55.
We also try and eat local where possible. Very rarely go to any of the national eat in chains (Appebees, etc)
We've gotten into the habit of indulging in restaurant delivery, usually through Uber Eats. The final "bill" with often higher menu prices, service fees and a driver tip is definitely crazy.
We've gotten into the habit of indulging in restaurant delivery, usually through Uber Eats. The final "bill" with often higher menu prices, service fees and a driver tip is definitely crazy.
You are correct, the Uber Eats/Doordash fees are very high....I always try and order w/ the restaurant directly if I can.
Lunch today, Subway 6" meal deal, 6" sub, two chocolated chip cookies and unlimited soda pop: $7.50 w/tax. My diet would cause RFK jr. to go apoplectic.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Went for a hike today and was surprised to find this Bel Air in the parking lot (at the end of a gravel road). The stickers on it were related to caving and bats, but I saw a group there rappelling from one of the cliffs, so I suspect this was one of them.
I was hangry after the hike, so decided to head towards the nearest McDank, which was not on the way back to my house. There is also an Arby’s at that exit, so I made an executive decision to go there… when did they start serving hamburgers? Skipped my usual brisket sandwich and got a chicken bacon sandwich combo with curly fries. It was over $12(!), and was decent enough, but I can’t imagine trying to feed an entire family on a road trip. That’s about 3x my normal McD tab, but I use their app and deals, and usually bring my own soda water. (The McD app is also not great for families on road trips, because you can only redeem one freebie or deal per order per account.)
$9 DC fast charger stop because I drove further out from home. My favorite car wash (Unrivaled in Springhurst) was closed, so I went to Moby’s Auto Spa and my car is somewhat cleaner, but not clean.
As a veteran of road trips a work we never go to McDonald’s. Other than the bargain meals everything else is expensive. Arby’s is price competitive and a notch higher quality IMO. 12 bucks for a meal is downright cheap these days. We aim to get in at under $20. And you can’t even blame tariffs.
BTW, I love that 57’. A buddy had a 55’ back in high school.
———————————————— The ‘55 and ‘57 are the valuable ones. FWIW, my first car was a used ‘56 with a straight 6 that I got from an uncle in 1961 when I was in the Navy. That car made me not want another 6 but just before I was discharged in ‘63 the same uncle, who could no longer driver, gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse for his ‘62 straight 6 with less than 2K miles. I kept that until I got my first new car, a ‘66 Bonneville 389 cubic inch V8.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@nyccarguy - I like CFA's food, but the service and the "my pleasure" schtick strikes me as fake. I agree on the overhead. I know when my local Cuban place moved from its original "hole in the wall" location to a larger location on the main thoroughfare, the rent went from something like $3k to over $10k. And that's before buying food or alcohol, utilities, insurance, paying their staff, etc.
@breld - the food delivery apps are very convenient. I use them a lot when I'm traveling, usually on the first night I arrive somewhere when I'm tired and don't feel like leaving the hotel. My department is 100% remote, but does quarterly luncheons and other special events via Teams. They send out a $30 gift card for those, which is pretty nice.
Brunch with the family yesterday... $125 (w/tip). Wife and I each had a cocktail kids had soda and a juice.
Fast food isn't quite a value anymore unless you really work the apps and deals. You want sticker shock? Go price out Five Guys.
———————————————— You got that right.
About a year ago we went to Five Guys, got 2 double burgers, 2 small fries and 2 small Cokes (those are self serve with free refills, although neither of us got refills) and the price was just under 40 bucks. That’ll be the last time I go there and to top it off, a Dave’s Double at Wendy’s is better IMO.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Stick, I got the SE with the upgraded seats and do like the color as it's mostly grey with some black & red thrown in. Plenty of power for me but my only complaint is with the lower profile 40 series rubber, I feel every undulation in the road. And not that that's a bad thing, but...not what I've been used to. Still, it was the best I could find out there to give me that same sh-t eating grin that the 2015 gave me. I am enjoying it and glad I finally made the plunge. Sure, the sticker shock did surprise me but I've been out of the market for almost 11 years so not surprised.
Drove a couple of Hyundai Venue's at work this weekend and it's basically a true economy car. Since it's now Hyundai's entry level vehicle, one shouldn't expect the works. My daughter is on her second Accent, which used to be the entry vehicle, and she's very happy. It fits her needs perfectly and always works when needed. She can afford a much more expensive vehicle but to her, like my wife, a vehicle is just an appliance with wheels to get her from point A to point B. They are not car lovers like those of us in here are, so they get what they like. I almost bought a top of the line Accent before they stopped production but I knew I'd miss the "fun factor" I get from my Golf's. And sure, this time I spent a lot more then I thought I would, but since I expect this one to last until I'm 80 in ten years, didn't mind paying a bit more.
To quote a BMW advertisement from long ago (when BMWs were handsome and few people bought them to wear): "That unfamiliar sensation you are experiencing when driving a BMW is called the road."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
On another note, I have this hankering for a 5-series. One of the local dealerships has a really well equipped CPO 2023 530e. A couple years ago I had a loaner 5-series (honestly can't remember if it was a 530i or 540i) and it made me appreciate the G30 body style.
I realized I've had an E39, E60 and an F10. Seems I should continue that trend with a G30.
Of course they also have an 840i gran coupe in tanzanite blue that is soon to become available. Yeah, I know I had one already, but that was one that I gave up too quickly.
Several years ago my dealer had a 2021 530e that was equipped with almost every available option- B&O audio, comfort seats, M Sport, Drivers Assistance Professional, Surround view parking- you name it, it had it. I would have been tempted if it hadn't been almost a second slower 0-60 and in the quarter mile than my F22 M235i. As always, YMMV.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@tjc78 said:
You are correct, the Uber Eats/Doordash fees are very high....I always try and order w/ the restaurant directly if I can.
Locally here in town, 100% of the time I pick up. The only time I get food delivered, is when two of my kids who don’t who aren’t old enough to drive yet or home by themselves, and I am almost certain that there’s nothing in the house for them to eat for lunch and my wife and I are both working. And usually the delivery is from my friend’s restaurant.
Once maybe every two months, I will get food delivered at work from Uber eats, because I work in a bad neighborhood and the food choice are terrible, but I work not too far from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, which has amazing Italian food, so I’ll either order from this one restaurant that I know is phenomenal, or I will get chipotle delivered. But even then, from the Italian restaurant, and it’s a very nice Italian restaurant and entrée for me, my mom, and my dad, plus the delivery fee tax tip. It ends up being almost $80. It’s ridiculously expensive.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Brunch with the family yesterday... $125 (w/tip). Wife and I each had a cocktail kids had soda and a juice.
Fast food isn't quite a value anymore unless you really work the apps and deals. You want sticker shock? Go price out Five Guys.
———————————————— You got that right.
About a year ago we went to Five Guys, got 2 double burgers, 2 small fries and 2 small Cokes (those are self serve with free refills, although neither of us got refills) and the price was just under 40 bucks. That’ll be the last time I go there and to top it off, a Dave’s Double at Wendy’s is better IMO.
jmonroe
We get the singles and split the fries because they give you an insane amount. The burgers are not as good on the West Coast IMHO. We do go to McD’s on road trips because — the coffee. Always excellent and pretty cheap.
Have only been to CFA a few times and it was just o k. I disagree with most of their social issues so don't feel like spending any money there. There are so many other places that treat everyone the same that I prefer to frequent. Discrimination of any kind is awful in my eyes and try to do all I can to make the hate go away! Life is too good & too short to hate others because of their skin color, religion or sexual preference! Unacceptable in 2025!!!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@tjc78 - I seriously thought about either connecting my generator to the mains ground or buying a "cheater plug" (that bonds the neutral and ground) to see how many MPGs the Ariya would get using a generator, but the noise and the fumes would probably annoy my neighbors. The EVSE will not charge if no ground is detected.
ETA: both plug-in vehicles I've had would deny takeoff (the ability to shift out of park) if there were a charging cord plugged in. Maybe AI or Photoshop, or maybe a hack to enable turning an F-150 Lightning EV into a BMW i3 REX.
"Ford's New EV Platform Will Spawn a $30,000 Mid-Size Electric Truck Ford is launching a new electric platform aimed at reducing costs, which will introduce a family of affordable vehicles starting with a new pickup truck. By Caleb MillerPublished: Aug 11, 2025
...Ford confirmed that the platform uses a 400-volt electrical architecture. While this will mean slower charging speeds than EVs with 800-volt systems, Ford said it was the "right choice" due to the vehicle's size and the goal of a low starting price. The pickup will also be capable of over-the-air updates and will feature BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free driving-assist system.
The five-seat truck will start at around $30,000, Ford said, and that low cost is thanks to the Universal EV platform. Ford claims that the platform has 20 percent fewer parts versus a typical vehicle and 25 percent fewer fasteners. One key factor in minimizing complexity is the new truck's wiring harness, which Ford says is 4000 feet shorter and around 22 pounds lighter than the unit used in the Mustang Mach-E.
Another way Ford will keep costs down is by using lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which the automaker says also save space and weight. The battery pack will form a structural sub-assembly that also serves as the vehicle's floor. The truck should also be fairly quick, with Ford targeting a zero-to-60-mph time on par with the Mustang EcoBoost, which we've tested at 4.5 seconds to 60 mph.
...Production will start in 2027, so the truck will likely arrive for the 2028 model year....
...The new electric truck will see Ford invest almost $2 billion into the Louisville factory, securing 2200 hourly jobs. Ford acknowledged that the figure represents 600 fewer hourly jobs than what Louisville currently supports..."
So it isn't coming out until the 2028 model year, but they're announcing it now? My guess is that the "around 30k" price will actually be more like 32,900 + 2k destination = $35k real msrp for the base model. But the model with popular options will be 40k.
As we know, the Maverick launched with an msrp of 21k, but now is 30k+.
@benjaminh - $35k was my initial thought when they said "around $30k." Probably also an unimpressive range on the base model. I wonder how the dimensions will compare to the Maverick.
I was playing around with A Better Route Planner, and I'd really want one of the extra long range EVs like a Lucid or Silverado with the largest battery if I took one on a long road trip. It makes a huge difference in time spent charging.
We haven’t found range to be an issue — the Blazer EV is around 300 miles. But we aren’t people who drive hundreds of miles without stopping. Just like with an ICE vehicle it’s a factor in your choice for sure.
From a long-time automotive industry insider, who refers to the Ford CEO as: Jim “I’m a genius, just ask me” Farley... "So, when is this EV ”wonder truck” due to be produced? Farley & Co. is saying 2027, which means, given Ford’s track record of fumbling product introductions and the radical transformation of its assembly processes to pull this vehicle off, figure sometime in 2028. And $30,000? It’s a nice target, but don’t count on that figure for a second."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
From a long-time automotive industry insider, who refers to the Ford CEO as: Jim “I’m a genius, just ask me” Farley... "So, when is this EV ”wonder truck” due to be produced? Farley & Co. is saying 2027, which means, given Ford’s track record of fumbling product introductions and the radical transformation of its assembly processes to pull this vehicle off, figure sometime in 2028. And $30,000? It’s a nice target, but don’t count on that figure for a second."
Or take it with a handful of salt like everything else in the auto industry when it comes to starting prices, gas mileage, and EV ranges. $30K is the starting MSRP before the (by the time this thing rolls out) $1,995 destination fee for a 2WD model equipped with a short range battery and zero options. Try finding one on your local Ford dealer's lot with an MSRP of less than $40K.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My in laws have two of them (one at their place in Ohio and one here). It’s totally fine.
BTW, I love that 57’. A buddy had a 55’ back in high school.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Arby's: My wife and I ate at one in Piqua, OH, about a year ago. Tasteless. The only good thing left at Arby's are the curly fries. (in bbq sauce!)
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2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Brunch with the family yesterday... $125 (w/tip). Wife and I each had a cocktail kids had soda and a juice.
Fast food isn't quite a value anymore unless you really work the apps and deals. You want sticker shock? Go price out Five Guys.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
By comparison I think my Mom's current CX-50 drives nicer... but I'm in the minority. My Mom isn't thrilled with it and my Wife drove the other day and made sure to text me that she thought it was quote "A piece of XXXX".
What do I know? Well.. I know one thing, I don't think I'm chasing a lease for Mom's next one. It's going to be a Toyota.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
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My daughter lives her CX 50 hybrid. I have not driven it, but it’s nice to ride in!
If we needed a mid sized CUV now and did not see a need to go expensive luxury or Euro the RAV hybrid would get a serious look.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
We had Jersey Mike’s for lunch last week. 2 regular sized subs (which was too big for my wife to finish so we could reasonably split one) and 1 little bag of chips and a fountain drink to share was about $28.
5 guys never was cheap. Helps though that we always got the junior sized burger (single patty).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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A couple of weeks ago I ordered hoagies from a local shop to take with us on a boat/ beach day with our neighbors.
There were 4 adults and 6 kids… I may have over ordered a bit. I got six total. We did some damage but had a good bit left
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Drove a couple of Hyundai Venue's at work this weekend and it's basically a true economy car. Since it's now Hyundai's entry level vehicle, one shouldn't expect the works. My daughter is on her second Accent, which used to be the entry vehicle, and she's very happy. It fits her needs perfectly and always works when needed. She can afford a much more expensive vehicle but to her, like my wife, a vehicle is just an appliance with wheels to get her from point A to point B. They are not car lovers like those of us in here are, so they get what they like. I almost bought a top of the line Accent before they stopped production but I knew I'd miss the "fun factor" I get from my Golf's. And sure, this time I spent a lot more then I thought I would, but since I expect this one to last until I'm 80 in ten years, didn't mind paying a bit more.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
It's just nothing I've ever paid attention to, but it was striking. I should have taken some pictures to share, but it was a dark green that looked black in his garage but once it was in the sunlight you could see the dark shade of green. Beautiful. Very exotic looking. I fit pretty well in it and the ride was more compliant than I would have expected. He did get it up close to 100 mph on a back road near our neighborhood, and you could tell the handling was superb.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Did I win at the tables, was the meal really "free?" Why, what a rude question!
(Yes, I won a small bit. And am accumulating more points for free stuff)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I realized I've had an E39, E60 and an F10. Seems I should continue that trend with a G30.
Of course they also have an 840i gran coupe in tanzanite blue that is soon to become available. Yeah, I know I had one already, but that was one that I gave up too quickly.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I second that. Especially food wise. My best friend owns a couple of kosher style delis in CT & Westchester. He only serves top quality food and has always charged for it. He gives you a lot of food. It’s always consistently excellent. His restaurants have a reputation of being expensive. Now I know what It costs me to eat at one of his places with my family of 5. Going out to a place like Cheesecake Factory or The Yard House is no cheaper and you are supporting a small business in town.
Chic Fil A is very well run. My kids freakin LOVE it. The food is good too. If I get out of there for under $80 I consider it a win. My wife and one or 2 (maybe all 3) have the app and usually something is paid for with points. As a business owner I’m always looking at things like that from that side of the equation. Their overhead is crazy. The rent. The payroll for all the team member plus the managers. Business insurance . The upkeep. I recently ate at a Chic Fil A in MD that had multiple Corollas as delivery vehicles (6 or 7).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The Chic Fil A near my house has a bunch of delivery vehicles too. They are all those tiny Ford vans. I never realized the demand for delivery was that high .. especially in a rural town like ours
@Stickguy it’s not Deptford location you are probably thinking but Mantua near RT55.
We also try and eat local where possible. Very rarely go to any of the national eat in chains (Appebees, etc)
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
@tjc78
And many of them have separate entrances for door dash, uber eats… as well.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
My diet would cause RFK jr. to go apoplectic.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Uh, didnt JFK Jr die in a plane accident?
RFK Jr, I think you meant.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
That’s what they want you to think…
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
The ‘55 and ‘57 are the valuable ones. FWIW, my first car was a used ‘56 with a straight 6 that I got from an uncle in 1961 when I was in the Navy. That car made me not want another 6 but just before I was discharged in ‘63 the same uncle, who could no longer driver, gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse for his ‘62 straight 6 with less than 2K miles. I kept that until I got my first new car, a ‘66 Bonneville 389 cubic inch V8.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@breld - the food delivery apps are very convenient. I use them a lot when I'm traveling, usually on the first night I arrive somewhere when I'm tired and don't feel like leaving the hotel. My department is 100% remote, but does quarterly luncheons and other special events via Teams. They send out a $30 gift card for those, which is pretty nice.
Night one of a business trip was always take out for me, unless I was with others and they wanted to go out.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
You got that right.
About a year ago we went to Five Guys, got 2 double burgers, 2 small fries and 2 small Cokes (those are self serve with free refills, although neither of us got refills) and the price was just under 40 bucks. That’ll be the last time I go there and to top it off, a Dave’s Double at Wendy’s is better IMO.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Muchas merci.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
"That unfamiliar sensation you are experiencing when driving a BMW is called the road."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
As always, YMMV.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Locally here in town, 100% of the time I pick up. The only time I get food delivered, is when two of my kids who don’t who aren’t old enough to drive yet or home by themselves, and I am almost certain that there’s nothing in the house for them to eat for lunch and my wife and I are both working. And usually the delivery is from my friend’s restaurant.
Once maybe every two months, I will get food delivered at work from Uber eats, because I work in a bad neighborhood and the food choice are terrible, but I work not too far from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, which has amazing Italian food, so I’ll either order from this one restaurant that I know is phenomenal, or I will get chipotle delivered. But even then, from the Italian restaurant, and it’s a very nice Italian restaurant and entrée for me, my mom, and my dad, plus the delivery fee tax tip. It ends up being almost $80. It’s ridiculously expensive.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
We do go to McD’s on road trips because — the coffee. Always excellent and pretty cheap.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
And Texas has Whataburger.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Whenever I’m on the west coast it’s one of my first stops.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Dude cracked the code!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
ETA: both plug-in vehicles I've had would deny takeoff (the ability to shift out of park) if there were a charging cord plugged in. Maybe AI or Photoshop, or maybe a hack to enable turning an F-150 Lightning EV into a BMW i3 REX.
"Ford's New EV Platform Will Spawn a $30,000 Mid-Size Electric Truck
Ford is launching a new electric platform aimed at reducing costs, which will introduce a family of affordable vehicles starting with a new pickup truck.
By Caleb MillerPublished: Aug 11, 2025
...Ford confirmed that the platform uses a 400-volt electrical architecture. While this will mean slower charging speeds than EVs with 800-volt systems, Ford said it was the "right choice" due to the vehicle's size and the goal of a low starting price. The pickup will also be capable of over-the-air updates and will feature BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free driving-assist system.
The five-seat truck will start at around $30,000, Ford said, and that low cost is thanks to the Universal EV platform. Ford claims that the platform has 20 percent fewer parts versus a typical vehicle and 25 percent fewer fasteners. One key factor in minimizing complexity is the new truck's wiring harness, which Ford says is 4000 feet shorter and around 22 pounds lighter than the unit used in the Mustang Mach-E.
Another way Ford will keep costs down is by using lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which the automaker says also save space and weight. The battery pack will form a structural sub-assembly that also serves as the vehicle's floor. The truck should also be fairly quick, with Ford targeting a zero-to-60-mph time on par with the Mustang EcoBoost, which we've tested at 4.5 seconds to 60 mph.
...Production will start in 2027, so the truck will likely arrive for the 2028 model year....
...The new electric truck will see Ford invest almost $2 billion into the Louisville factory, securing 2200 hourly jobs. Ford acknowledged that the figure represents 600 fewer hourly jobs than what Louisville currently supports..."
So it isn't coming out until the 2028 model year, but they're announcing it now? My guess is that the "around 30k" price will actually be more like 32,900 + 2k destination = $35k real msrp for the base model. But the model with popular options will be 40k.
As we know, the Maverick launched with an msrp of 21k, but now is 30k+.
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2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I was playing around with A Better Route Planner, and I'd really want one of the extra long range EVs like a Lucid or Silverado with the largest battery if I took one on a long road trip. It makes a huge difference in time spent charging.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
From a long-time automotive industry insider, who refers to the Ford CEO as: Jim “I’m a genius, just ask me” Farley... "So, when is this EV ”wonder truck” due to be produced? Farley & Co. is saying 2027, which means, given Ford’s track record of fumbling product introductions and the radical transformation of its assembly processes to pull this vehicle off, figure sometime in 2028. And $30,000? It’s a nice target, but don’t count on that figure for a second."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6