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Edmunds Member Spotlight - Meet Qbrozen!

Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
Qbrozen credits his father for much of his mechanical knowledge: "My father has been a mechanic for over 40 years. He's worked on everything from army aircraft to kids' dirt bikes. A seriously gifted man. I think the most important thing I learned from him (and I'm still learning) is to not be intimidated by a repair. Get in there and get your hands dirty!"

We are very grateful that Qbrozen has helped countless members dealing with mechanical issues by sharing his knowledge and expertise in Edmunds Forums.

What was your first car?
My first vehicle was a '79 CJ7 with the inline 6, 3-speed manual tranny, manual brakes, manual steering, and 33" x 12.5" tires! I swear I will teach my son on such a vehicle! The effort that it took to drive that jeep is astounding. I loved it! Everything else since that has been a piece of cake in comparison. And it was absolutely bulletproof ... just not phone-pole proof, as I found out.

Of all the cars you've owned, which was your favorite and why?
I've never been able to figure this out, so I'll just go with my current love, my '08 135i. It is silly quick, handles great, looks good, and its comfortable. My '98 S70 T5 is still in the running, though.

If you were a car which car would you be and why?
Ummm... how about a Unimog? Awkwardly tall, not particularly attractive, not particularly athletic, but very functional and resourceful.

If you could invite 3 cars over for dinner which would you have?
The last Saab 9-5 because that poor orphan would be in need of a meal and probably a place to crash. A new Ferrari California and Porsche Panamera, both for the same reason: they are underappreciated cars that I personally find sexy. They need love.

What do you like and dislike about today's auto industry?
I very much dislike the size and weight of the majority of today's car. I appreciate, however, the direction they are now being forced to go with reduced weight and smaller, forced-induction engines. I loves me a turbo!

What is the highest mileage you've ever put on a car?
The most miles I've ever personally put on a car was 85k miles on my '98 S70 T5 (bought with 30k and sold with 115k). However, the highest miles on any car I've ever owned was 169k on an '85 300Z. I think I bought that with around 162k.

How often do you log into Edmunds Forums?
During the weekdays, typically every couple of hours. I follow a huge number of threads and don't want to get too backed up.

Which forums do you frequent and why?
Besides Edmunds? There is 1addicts.com, Bimmerfest, Swedespeed, N54tech, and the occasional trip through SCCAforums and BMWCCA. Why? Cars are my passion, obviously, and I can't get enough. And, unfortunately, I don't have actual in-person contacts who are similarly minded, so my fix is through the internet. Hi, I'm Rob, and I'm a car addict.

Congratulations, Qbrozen! Edmunds is very happy to enable your addiction!
:-)

Comments

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    I definitely spend too much time here! :P

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited September 2012
    You can come to my house anytime you want to get away from it all.

    (Bring your tools.) :shades:
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    I wouldn't count on it. I offer to bring my car up and I'm in the same county (if you want to be a spotlighted member you might want to move to Ocean County, NJ - and certainly the east coast has a lock on this....)
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, both of y'all come and you can walk across "the bridge". I'll even run shuttle.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    Hey, that works!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    Hey, Q! Another car to flip!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Too late; it's "off" the market.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    Oh, darn!

    Just as well. Not generally the market he operates in...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    darn, I missed it. Assuming it was a forbidden post? Someone trying to sell a car here? Kind of appropriate. ;)

    What is the time limit for a car to be considered a "flip" anyway? I would think I probably keep mine a bit too long to qualify. :blush:

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    Yeah, maybe a long term curbstoner?

    Indeed someone trying to sell a car here. Would have been OK but it was a Camry and we knew you wouldn't approve.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,856
    Nice writeup! Everyone lets not forget all the help Q gives in the RWTIV's thread.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    Hey Q....cool.....featured member.....very cool!
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    Hey, ya know, if you can't be appreciated at home, might as well look for validation online. :P

    I see Edmunds has really stepped up their swag quality!
    image

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    You're welcome!

    I don't even have either of those items, so that should prove you're very special. :blush:
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Hey, where's MY nifty Ferrari red coffee mug accented in brushed silver? :cry:
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    Gee, I didn't get the coffee mug.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Some people are over-caffeinated.

    Just saying. :P
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    Could be.... Not like I don't have enough such things....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,147
    Hey, fezo, you were a prime inspiration for the Edmunds featured member category, so consider yourself a pioneer. I mean, dude... you were the first, by unanimous vote! Isn't that better than a mug? Methinks.
    (every featured member thereafter has, also, BTW, been nominated and met with no objections, only a chorus of "all in favor say 'ayes'")
    [and I don't have a fleece OR a mug, so there - your SFTSFL participation dues will increase accordingly. :))

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,147
    Mr. Rosen, so happy to see you here in this spotlight! You are one of those members who (quietly) attracts attention - you are always polite, and you give a LOT to these forums. Kudos!

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    Aw, thanks. But its Brosen. hahaha.

    Sorry, fez. I was concerned posting that pic would makes waves. ;)

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    your SFTSFL participation dues will increase Oh, no! They could double!

    Unanimous? That IS worth more than a coffee mug!

    I have to say your choices (commenting on the last two - how can I argue with the first one?) have been excellent.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,147
    Oops - my bad, typo... kinda like the "q" in your user ID, eh? :)

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    What? It's not a g? Took me a while to learn that one....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    And this site taught me to use cap Q on all other sites. ;)

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    hmmmm... so maybe we can use time spent here as a deductible education expense?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    you mean you haven't yet? :P

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • oldtrojan66oldtrojan66 Member Posts: 1
    I have an 04 VW beetle. The dash lights indicating heater temperature, fan, and air position will be dark most of the time. They come on from road vibration, it seems, but if I turn the temp knob they go out again. I have been told this is a $400 board. Any thoughts? Thanks for the help and Happy Trails!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,441
    It's a VW, so sounds normal to me!

    seriously, you might want to check around some specialist sites, because sometimes there is a known failure point that can be fixed. maybe resoldering the board or some such. Or a much cheaper replacement.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    yup, VW.

    Anyway, since they are intermittent, it could be either cracks in the board or just bad connections. Personally, I'd take it apart, clean up the connections and inspect it for cracks.

    There are also plenty of online places that will repair boards like this. I'd search around and see if you can find one that will repair this board specifically.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    Nice write up, Q... and that's some impressive swag! I can see why fezo was forlorn about missing out on a coffee mug like that. Shoot, if you put on the fleece and have that mug in hand (with a little steam emanating from the lid, of course), I have to imagine that a troop of minions would pop out of the woodwork to lay out a red carpet at your feet!

    I laughed out loud when I read the Unimog comment. Heck; I'm still chuckling about it. :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    Thanks. :)

    That fleece is getting alot of use. It has been serving as my fall jacket because it is much heavier than a normal fleece. It has some sort of extra lining on the inside, and its has lots of pockets.

    Also, just to add something here for the fun of it, I thought I would share my car list that I had to put together to keep track. It was just too much to remember off the top of my head whenever someone asked. I think I may have posted most of this around here somewhere, but now I've uploaded the complete sheet for easy viewing.

    They are in order of when acquired. The pink highlight are my wife's cars that we have purchased/leased post wedding date (she had a Galant when we met, and that lease couldn't be over fast enough for me).

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Wow, glad to see another believer in brand loyalty. :D

    (Funny, all my cars seem to wind up being project cars.)
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    bah. brand loyalty is so boring. My FIL has had nothing but Grand Marquis for the past 30 years. I couldn't imagine going through life that way. The way I see it, there are still several brands I want to own before I die.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    I hope you, Fezo and others got through the hurricane with minimal damage and disruption.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    edited November 2012
    Thanks. I lost a few sections of stockade fence and a couple of trees. I spent all day yesterday cleaning up and only got less than half of the front yard done. The back yard alone will take a few days.

    The most annoying part right now is being cut off from the outside world. I am typing this as I sit in my dad's living room. He never lost power or cable. I've been running our generator on and off for the past 4 days with no end in sight. That only gives us heat, water, and a couple of lamps, though.

    My workplace (which is near philly) reopened yesterday, but there isn't a damned thing I can do about it. The schools in my town are closed all week, so, for the most part, we're trapped at home with 2 toddlers.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,441
    Hmm, I thought you worked the other direction, toward the shore.

    What area outside philly?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    I work in Hamilton (next door to Trenton)

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,441
    Ah. I think of that as Princeton area, not associated with Philly. But that must just come from being down here about 8 miles from center city!

    nice straight shot down 195 at least.

    I take the train out of hamilton when I need to go up into NYC.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I think of that as Princeton area, not associated with Philly.

    I was thinking the same thing. I used to travel to Moorestown & Maple Shade a lot and I think of that as greater Philly.

    We had a small branch office in Princeton that I traveled to on occasion.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    We lost some pretty good sized limbs but no trees. Power was out for two and a half days. Biggest issue there is I might have to get the doc to give me an extra insulin pen to get me through. The food in the fridge is history.

    That said, we're all OK here and not even dealing with the crazy gas issues in these parts.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,441
    I have a client that is based out of the financial district (water street) so needless to say they are a mess.

    Was on a call today and the big boss said it might get noisy, since he had been on a gas line for more than an hour (something around that) and was down to only 20th in line.

    I guess that is better than having your town still under water.

    But, glad to know that you survived in one piece!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    Well, I only said it was NEAR philly, not part of it. haha.

    So just got my power back a couple of hours ago. Woohoo! A total of about 6 days and 2 hours without it. And it was desperately needed. My 6-year-old was at the end of his patience.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2012
    Good to hear - that's a long dry spell.

    Got gas? (petrol, not natural). Guess you had enough around to run the generator.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    edited November 2012
    I took a trip just this morning out west to the Fort Dix area to fill up all of my containers. We were much more willing to do that than sit in these ridiculous lines that have been forming around here. I have 14 gallons of tanks and that lasted us about 2.5 days. I would run the generator through the night, using 5 gallons, and 2 hours each midday, using 1 gallon.

    Today, the governor instituted the old '70s gas crisis trick. License plates ending in an odd number can get gas on odd days and even days for even numbers. Not sure how long that's going to go on for.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,441
    come down my way. All the stations are open, and no lines at any of them.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2012
    Fezo too and the stations near him were pretty close to where Sandy came ashore. Strange.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,441
    the eye pretty much went through us. turns out, the best thing was to be where the storm came on sure. You just did not want to be 50 miles north.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

This discussion has been closed.