Options

Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

1238623872389239123923158

Comments

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,979
    nyccarguy said:

    tjc78 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Too far from the beach for me.
    This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
    There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
    Yes, that’s a nice area. We are generally in Sea Isle City since our place is five minutes from there.

    One of the best purchases we’ve ever done. Kids love the campground area and being so close to the beach. If we don’t feel like the beach there are two pools and giant lake a two minute golf cart ride away.

    It’s not cheap, but we get our use out of it.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,073

    nyccarguy said:

    tjc78 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Too far from the beach for me.
    This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
    There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
    You don't need an ocean to have a beach, Beaches can be found on lakes and on rivers,


    Only people who don’t live near the ocean say that.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    tjc78 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    tjc78 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Too far from the beach for me.
    This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
    There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
    You don't need an ocean to have a beach, Beaches can be found on lakes and on rivers,


    Not the same.
    How so?

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    suydam said:

    nyccarguy said:

    tjc78 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Too far from the beach for me.
    This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
    There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
    You don't need an ocean to have a beach, Beaches can be found on lakes and on rivers,


    Only people who don’t live near the ocean say that.
    It's the same except that it's salt and shark free.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,743
    @snakeweasel,
    I don't think stickguy has ever been to a big lake.
    A couple of years ago, I went body surfing in Lake Michigan.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592

    @snakeweasel,
    I don't think stickguy has ever been to a big lake.
    A couple of years ago, I went body surfing in Lake Michigan.

    I remember the first time I saw the ocean, I wasn't impressed to me it looked just like being on one of the Great Lakes.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    I have been to lakes. No issue if the beach is nice, but in my experience they tend to be rockier. Maybe down south they are nicer!

    Not Michigan, but still pretty big

    http://www.visitsacandaga.com/

    Even bigger I think

    https://www.lakechamplainregion.com/

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,225
    stickguy said:

    I have been to lakes. No issue if the beach is nice, but in my experience they tend to be rockier. Maybe down south they are nicer!

    Not Michigan, but still pretty big

    http://www.visitsacandaga.com/

    Even bigger I think

    https://www.lakechamplainregion.com/

    The first one is actually a flood control reservoir. The Hudson River runs in and out of it.

    Lake Champlain is beautiful particularly from the Vermont side.

    No sharks in either one.😃

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,349

    qbrozen said:

    As long as you like hurricanes. ;b

    . . . and humidity.

    Yeah, but you don’t have to shovel humidity.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,349

    Well had my fun for today. Our dryer started to make some squeaking noises the other day so this morning I took it apart and inspected the darn thing, and everything but the felt seal on the front looked good. So off I went to the appliance parts store to get one but they didn't have one so they ordered it and it should arrive Tuesday. So got back home put the dryer back together and wait a few days for a long strip of felt to be delivered.

    You should have ordered two. If you have a matching washer you’ll need it next week.☹️

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,743
    There's a nice sandy beach on the north side of the Mackinac bridge.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    jmonroe1 said:

    Well had my fun for today. Our dryer started to make some squeaking noises the other day so this morning I took it apart and inspected the darn thing, and everything but the felt seal on the front looked good. So off I went to the appliance parts store to get one but they didn't have one so they ordered it and it should arrive Tuesday. So got back home put the dryer back together and wait a few days for a long strip of felt to be delivered.

    You should have ordered two. If you have a matching washer you’ll need it next week.☹️

    jmonroe
    I'm pretty sure washing machines don't use felt seals.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    What are you looking for IF you did have another home........or, if you could move somewhere else?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,347
    edited December 2020
    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    I don't hate most people, but If I was forced to live in a townhouse or condo I'd pick one with at least ten stories- so when I inevitably decided to jump off the roof I would be certain the fall would kill me.

    We live on a small farm less than 25 minutes outside of Louisville(I rent the tillable acreage to an adjoining landowner). We are less than 5 minutes away from several groceries and restaurants. It's perfect for me and my wife. If I don't want to cut the grass more often than every 10-12 days I don't have any annoying old coots asking me if my mower is broken. If my son and I want to watch a BD on the main HTS at 12:00 am at near Reference SPL Level there's no one to complain. Ditto for working on one of the cars and leaving it on jack stands for a day or two. We have a "stealth" entrance so we almost never get any unwanted visitors.

    I subscribe to the belief that if you can't take a leak in your front yard then your neighbors live too close.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,225
    edited December 2020
    “ I subscribe to the belief that if you can't take a leak in your front yard then your neighbors live too close.”

    I’ve never tried that but I suppose it could be done. 😂

    I think we have similar acreage and I agree that the freedom of action is pretty nice. As I age and have less need for all that land, living in a no maintenance environment gets more attractive. No way I could have four cars in a condo though.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    I could probably deal with a condo, depending on the development and unit (end with a 2 car garage). But don't think we would ever do an actual Condo (layout, or dealing with the association).

    ideal is like a neighborhood across the street from us. Age 55+, but not a planned community with the clubhouse, etc. smaller range single houses with a little bit of yard around them. 2 car garages. Not huge but big enough in my opinion for a empty nest couple. My wife, has a different opinion on that! 2 bedrooms/2 full baths, good sized kitchen, and a sunroom.

    if you are good with the room, still have some privacy but very little maintenance. And being a ranch, easy to reach the gutters and eaves! Plus I could paint or redo the entire insides in about a week. Would way cut down on my work load!

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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    What are you looking for IF you did have another home........or, if you could move somewhere else?
    Me? Well, not shoveling snow, not too cold, not too hot and humid, cheap to live, peaceful, low chance of natural disaster, preferably close to a fun racetrack.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 658
    suydam said:

    nyccarguy said:

    tjc78 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Too far from the beach for me.
    This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
    There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
    You don't need an ocean to have a beach, Beaches can be found on lakes and on rivers,


    Only people who don’t live near the ocean say that.

    I live on a lake and we have a beach. Not sand, but still a beach.

    2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,979

    tjc78 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    tjc78 said:

    nyccarguy said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Too far from the beach for me.
    This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
    There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
    You don't need an ocean to have a beach, Beaches can be found on lakes and on rivers,


    Not the same.
    How so?
    No salt air, no waves, no ice cream man for the kids... no amazing seafood places I can hit on the way back home .... etc etc.

    Not that you can’t have a fun time there, but for someone who grew up at the Jersey shore it’s nowhere near the same.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,298
    stickguy said:

    I have not watched this yet, but as soon as I saw the title, I thought of Fintail.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc97yh8R7zc

    Very slanted narration full of false statements and outright factual errors. Perhaps his next video will be on the glories of the British auto industry and how it was taken down by shadowy figures from the US underworld. :worried:

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,298
    sb55 said:



    I live on a lake and we have a beach. Not sand, but still a beach.

    I'm unsure of the differences between a beach and a shoreline.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,349
    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    What are you looking for IF you did have another home........or, if you could move somewhere else?
    Me? Well, not shoveling snow, not too cold, not too hot and humid, cheap to live, peaceful, low chance of natural disaster, preferably close to a fun racetrack.
    That place is called Heaven. Don’t think you want to go there now. Even if you meet the criteria. 😳

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • mjfloyd1mjfloyd1 Member Posts: 3,806
    abacomike said:

    kyfdx said:

    FL. Naples, Fort Myers, Miami, Fort Lauderdale are the only reliably warm places in January, in the continental US, other than Key West.

    People need to understand that the suburban areas of Ft. Lauderdale (West and North), Boca Raton, Miami (South only) Ft. Myers, Naples, etc., are very nice places to live.

    I never go south - I go west and north - to stay away from traffic and some neighborhoods. I live in far northern Broward County adjacent to the Florida Turnpike. If I was 20 years younger and could afford a house, I would move to Parkland, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Wellington, and other areas nearby.

    I would also consider Naples and suburban Ft. Myers.

    As for climate, you are correct - South Florida is the only area in the country where you are sure to have a warmish climate during the winter months.
    We bought in Naples when prices tanked in 2011. We like it because it is warm in the winter. We also feel very very young when we visit. That is priceless. We paid 55% of peak prices and it has appreciated nicely.

    We have a small house in a gated community. We don’t rent it out because someone dying in your bed or drowning in your pool would kinda ruin it for me...
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    What are you looking for IF you did have another home........or, if you could move somewhere else?
    Me? Well, not shoveling snow, not too cold, not too hot and humid, cheap to live, peaceful, low chance of natural disaster, preferably close to a fun racetrack.
    South Carolina?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    jmonroe1 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    What are you looking for IF you did have another home........or, if you could move somewhere else?
    Me? Well, not shoveling snow, not too cold, not too hot and humid, cheap to live, peaceful, low chance of natural disaster, preferably close to a fun racetrack.
    That place is called Heaven. Don’t think you want to go there now. Even if you meet the criteria. 😳

    jmonroe
    Saw that coming before I typed it

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    What are you looking for IF you did have another home........or, if you could move somewhere else?
    Me? Well, not shoveling snow, not too cold, not too hot and humid, cheap to live, peaceful, low chance of natural disaster, preferably close to a fun racetrack.
    South Carolina?
    That’s my thinking as well. Still a hurricane zone but not as destructive.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,298
    Almost 30 years ago I went on a golf trip with some buddies to a place just on the NC side of the NC/SC border, on the coast, called Southport, on Oak Island. Back then at least it was a pretty rural area with just enough development in the town to let you get everything you needed. We rented a beachfront condo and it was just a little slice of heaven to me. My bedroom was on the ground floor facing the beach, and if you opened the patio door at night it was like you were sleeping right on the beach, just on the other side of the dunes. Even then I wondered what a hurricane would do to the place though. This year that question got answered:

    https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2020/08/04/isaias--again-a-tropical-storm--spawns-wild-inland-weather

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,743
    We love vacationing on the Outer Banks in Hatteras.
    Renting works but I would never buy a property down there.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    jmonroe1 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    What are you looking for IF you did have another home........or, if you could move somewhere else?
    Me? Well, not shoveling snow, not too cold, not too hot and humid, cheap to live, peaceful, low chance of natural disaster, preferably close to a fun racetrack.
    That place is called Heaven. Don’t think you want to go there now. Even if you meet the criteria. 😳

    jmonroe
    Actually, the Clarksville, TN area might come closest to that description.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    driver100 said:

    qbrozen said:

    Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.

    Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***.
    For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.

    ***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
    Ah. OK. I hate most people and activities those people do, so I hadn’t thought of that.
    What are you looking for IF you did have another home........or, if you could move somewhere else?
    Me? Well, not shoveling snow, not too cold, not too hot and humid, cheap to live, peaceful, low chance of natural disaster, preferably close to a fun racetrack.
    South Carolina?
    That’s my thinking as well. Still a hurricane zone but not as destructive.
    Northern SC (the "uplands") is not too bad, but definitely hotter and more humid than NJ, but at least in the same ballpark. But if you go more south (the "low country") it is full on deep south hot and humid in the summer. You better like to sweat.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,225
    ab348 said:

    Almost 30 years ago I went on a golf trip with some buddies to a place just on the NC side of the NC/SC border, on the coast, called Southport, on Oak Island. Back then at least it was a pretty rural area with just enough development in the town to let you get everything you needed. We rented a beachfront condo and it was just a little slice of heaven to me. My bedroom was on the ground floor facing the beach, and if you opened the patio door at night it was like you were sleeping right on the beach, just on the other side of the dunes. Even then I wondered what a hurricane would do to the place though. This year that question got answered:

    https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2020/08/04/isaias--again-a-tropical-storm--spawns-wild-inland-weather

    You went to Oak Island in SC when you could be digging for treasure on your own Oak Island?

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,439
    LOL that's a good point, if there's anyone who can't hold their nose high regarding the malaise era, it's the British auto industry.

    And even for a now-reviled era, there were highlights. Everyone had problems too, be it decomposing Japanese cars or German cars offered in the USDM only with finicky low output engines.
    ab348 said:


    Very slanted narration full of false statements and outright factual errors. Perhaps his next video will be on the glories of the British auto industry and how it was taken down by shadowy figures from the US underworld. :worried:

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,979
    edited December 2020
    fintail said:

    LOL that's a good point, if there's anyone who can't hold their nose high regarding the malaise era, it's the British auto industry.

    And even for a now-reviled era, there were highlights. Everyone had problems too, be it decomposing Japanese cars or German cars offered in the USDM only with finicky low output engines.

    ab348 said:


    Very slanted narration full of false statements and outright factual errors. Perhaps his next video will be on the glories of the British auto industry and how it was taken down by shadowy figures from the US underworld. :worried:

    There are many late 70s and 80s American/Japanese vehicles I’d have no problem owning. Many of which for nostalgia, but others were pretty cool and still are to me.

    Any late 70s Continental or Mark
    Most any Panther from 79-91
    Full size LeSabres/Electras
    Several variants of turbo Mopar (Shelby Daytona’s, Shelby Charger, Laser)
    T-type Regals / GNs
    350Z (must have digital dash)
    T-birds / Cougars (not the 80-82 of course)
    Caddy Brougham
    Supra

    Sure I’m missing some others.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,347
    edited December 2020
    tjc78 said:

    fintail said:

    LOL that's a good point, if there's anyone who can't hold their nose high regarding the malaise era, it's the British auto industry.

    And even for a now-reviled era, there were highlights. Everyone had problems too, be it decomposing Japanese cars or German cars offered in the USDM only with finicky low output engines.

    ab348 said:


    Very slanted narration full of false statements and outright factual errors. Perhaps his next video will be on the glories of the British auto industry and how it was taken down by shadowy figures from the US underworld. :worried:

    There are many late 70s and 80s American/Japanese vehicles I’d have no problem owning. Many of which for nostalgia, but others were pretty cool and still are to me.

    Any late 70s Continental or Mark
    Most any Panther from 79-91
    Full size LeSabres/Electras
    Several variants of turbo Mopar (Shelby Daytona’s, Shelby Charger, Laser)
    T-type Regals / GNs
    350Z (must have digital dash)
    T-birds / Cougars (not the 80-82 of course)
    Caddy Brougham
    Supra

    Sure I’m missing some others.

    On that list I'd pass on any full size car, along with the Cadillacs and Lincolns- and I'd add the 1980 Z28 and 1978 Trans Am 400 T/A with the WS6 package. A 454 Laguna S3 wouldn't be bad either.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    ab348 said:

    stickguy said:

    I have not watched this yet, but as soon as I saw the title, I thought of Fintail.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc97yh8R7zc

    Very slanted narration full of false statements and outright factual errors. Perhaps his next video will be on the glories of the British auto industry and how it was taken down by shadowy figures from the US underworld. :worried:
    I liked it and though it was opinionated that was OK with me because I agreed with it for the most part. I believe there was planned obsolescence but I don't know if the cars in the 50s and 60s were purposely made to fall apart every 3 years so people would buy new ones. Liked the brief history and seeing those beautiful cars from the 50s to 90s.....and remember when they actually changed the complete design every year?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,298
    "Planned obsolescence" is far different than "falling apart". That was just one of his misleading comments. "Planned obsolescence is simply a fashion thing. You don't want to wear your Herb Tarlek polyester doubleknit flares and 5" wide necktie to work most days. It is the same as a lot of products like tech in addition to fashion. Most cars did not fall apart in 3 years. If they did nobody would ever have bought a used car.

    Most people just swallow stuff they see online or in the media these days as fact without questioning it.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,349
    ab348 said:

    "Planned obsolescence" is far different than "falling apart". That was just one of his misleading comments. "Planned obsolescence is simply a fashion thing. You don't want to wear your Herb Tarlek polyester doubleknit flares and 5" wide necktie to work most days. It is the same as a lot of products like tech in addition to fashion. Most cars did not fall apart in 3 years. If they did nobody would ever have bought a used car.

    Most people just swallow stuff they see online or in the media these days as fact without questioning it.

    Give your countryman a break, he also quotes judge Judy.🤓

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    jmonroe1 said:

    ab348 said:

    "Planned obsolescence" is far different than "falling apart". That was just one of his misleading comments. "Planned obsolescence is simply a fashion thing. You don't want to wear your Herb Tarlek polyester doubleknit flares and 5" wide necktie to work most days. It is the same as a lot of products like tech in addition to fashion. Most cars did not fall apart in 3 years. If they did nobody would ever have bought a used car.

    Most people just swallow stuff they see online or in the media these days as fact without questioning it.

    Give your countryman a break, he also quotes judge Judy.🤓

    jmonroe
    If it is on the internet it must be true! Right?
    OTOH, because it is on the internet it isn't necessarily not true too!
    I watch and get what I can from it.....overall I enjoyed a review of the cars from the golden age of cars.
    One rule I kind of have is, before I believe something that is questionable, it has to be confirmed by a few sources.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    70s/80s? There are a bunch of cars I still want. Probably because that was the era I learned to drive and eventually got my first new car. Celica GTS/Supra wedge style, a few Corollas, some Z28s or TAs, 323GTX off the top of my head.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    had an expensive day. We have needed a new front door package for a while now, and started looking a month or 2 back. Almost had heart failure after finding out what they go for. So a few trips back and forth to a couple different stores, speccing out different options. And of course, once we finally decided on something, the wife would see a different style and start over. But yesterday looked at them all and settled on the design.

    so back to the store today, and looking again at the brands. decided on the cheaper of two options until she learned that the caning was the wrong color metal. So switched to the higher priced option. But at least, finally ordered so can be done with this particular ordeal.

    Put a dent in my replacement car fund though!

    something else learned for if I build or redo a house. Never, ever, ever get a front door with sidelights. They cost more than a door, by quite a bit.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    ab348 said:

    sb55 said:



    I live on a lake and we have a beach. Not sand, but still a beach.

    I'm unsure of the differences between a beach and a shoreline.
    A beach is an area along a shore that has sand. A shoreline is what Boatswain Mates send new recruits looking for where water meets land.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    edited December 2020
    Did I post about our front door? Wound up going with total custom iron doors, including the arch window at the top of the foyer. Order went in back in Sept and might be here late Jan or sometime in Feb. Here are the computer design and mockup (I brightened the pic all the way to try to see the bottom scrollwork). Expensive, but not nearly as bad as you'd think considering how much just a lousy fiberglass replacement with the sidelights and transom costs. Height to top of door is 9.5 feet and 15' to the top of the window.




    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,979
    qbrozen said:

    Did I post about our front door? Wound up going with total custom iron doors, including the arch window at the top of the foyer. Order went in back in Sept and might be here late Jan or sometime in Feb. Here are the computer design and mockup (I brightened the pic all the way to try to see the bottom scrollwork). Expensive, but not nearly as bad as you'd think considering how much just a lousy fiberglass replacement with the sidelights and transom costs. Height to top of door is 9.5 feet and 15' to the top of the window.




    Gorgeous

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,298
    I didn’t realize you lived in a French chateau. :laughing:

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    stickguy said:



    something else learned for if I build or redo a house. Never, ever, ever get a front door with sidelights. They cost more than a door, by quite a bit.

    What are sidelights? How much is a door these days?
    I did get a keyless entry pad, had The Guy install it.
    I did help him though, at first he said it wouldn't work because the old hole was either too large or too small, I forget which one. So, I looked it up on youtube and they showed how you could still install it. He looked at the youtube video and said that will work.....and it did.....sometimes I am such a genius! :p

    btw, our power went off for about an hour this morning......it was really nice to have the generator. Unfortunately the cable went down so no TV or internet, but nice to have light to read and we could make lunch. That's the 4th time since we had it installed in September. The big deal would be if it went off for more than 2 nights, that would be tough on us senior citizens.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    ab348 said:

    I didn’t realize you lived in a French chateau. :laughing:

    Well now ya know

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,225
    edited December 2020
    stickguy said:

    had an expensive day. We have needed a new front door package for a while now, and started looking a month or 2 back. Almost had heart failure after finding out what they go for. So a few trips back and forth to a couple different stores, speccing out different options. And of course, once we finally decided on something, the wife would see a different style and start over. But yesterday looked at them all and settled on the design.

    so back to the store today, and looking again at the brands. decided on the cheaper of two options until she learned that the caning was the wrong color metal. So switched to the higher priced option. But at least, finally ordered so can be done with this particular ordeal.

    Put a dent in my replacement car fund though!

    something else learned for if I build or redo a house. Never, ever, ever get a front door with sidelights. They cost more than a door, by quite a bit.

    Also measure the height of the new door compared to the old. I replaced the front door (a simple steel panel wood frame affair) this summer. The original was installed in 1982. When we went to put the new one in (exact duplicate according to all sources) we found the new door was an inch taller than the old one. Had to chop into the header to make it fit.

    Now why the heck would they make new doors a different height than old ones? It’s not like trolls roamed the earth back in the 80s.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405
    sidelites are the glass panels next to the door.

    It will look like this one, but the side glass will be 3/4 length too (same as the door glass) and the wood pieces (the frame) will be stained the same walnut color instead of painted.

    https://www.mmidoor.com/exterior-doors/doors-by-configuration/door+with+two+sidelites/heirlooms+3;4+lite+1-panel-98882?material=Fiberglass%20Oak&prefinish_colors-door=Walnut

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,405

    stickguy said:

    had an expensive day. We have needed a new front door package for a while now, and started looking a month or 2 back. Almost had heart failure after finding out what they go for. So a few trips back and forth to a couple different stores, speccing out different options. And of course, once we finally decided on something, the wife would see a different style and start over. But yesterday looked at them all and settled on the design.

    so back to the store today, and looking again at the brands. decided on the cheaper of two options until she learned that the caning was the wrong color metal. So switched to the higher priced option. But at least, finally ordered so can be done with this particular ordeal.

    Put a dent in my replacement car fund though!

    something else learned for if I build or redo a house. Never, ever, ever get a front door with sidelights. They cost more than a door, by quite a bit.

    Also measure the height of the new door compared to the old. I replaced the front door (a simple steel panel wood frame affair) this summer. The original was installed in 1982. When we went to put the new one in (exact duplicate according to all sources) we found the new door was an inch taller than the new one. Had to chop into the header to make it fit.

    Now why the heck would they make new doors a different height than old ones? It’s not like trolls roamed the earth back in the 80s.
    our sliding door to the back deck is like that. a couple of inches different than standard size, for some unknown reason.

    Before we ordered the front door the installer came out to get the exact measurements. It is a custom order so better fit right! If it doesn't, it's their problem (well, my problem too since I will have a big hole in the front of the house...)

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

This discussion has been closed.