Was this triggered by too many folks leaving your company. Most companies don’t do something until they’re tickled. If yours is pro active you’re lucky.
Yes and no. We had two recent departures. The first was over an unspecified benefits issue, which I (probably) figured out but will never affect me directly at all. The second was because they got a better offer--I looked into their new company, and it appears they pay a decent amount more for that role at the very top end of the range, but most other companies don't.
Anyway, I'm glad someone higher up the food chain found it offensive that we lost someone over pay, and took appropriate action.
When I was still working, my boss had a "slush fund" he used throughout the year for monetary morale boosts for all his managers (me being one). Those ranged from unexpected checks to one time, Broadway tix to see Hamilton...ON BROADWAY. He included a note with it that told me to expense the hotel, meals and transport for me and my plus one to NYC.
The company would also allow the managers a (smaller) slush fund to pass down to those we deemed deserved it.
That said, as explained once before, this was in the tech industry. We ate our young. If you were at the bottom of the totem pole, you got the worst projects to work on, in the most undesirable locales, working ungodly hours. The only reason most stuck around was because they saw those above them reaping the afore mentioned rewards.
Same went for our sales people. IF they hit their numbers out of the gate, they were rewarded and treated well. If not? Well, they were emphatically and unmercilessly told of their deficiencies and given 30 days to get "right" or get out.
That said, once you passed the company's crucible, it was a great place to work
———————————————— I take it you weren’t scared too badly in your formative years, so you stuck around for the rewards at the end.
They didn’t do stuff like that at the company I was with for all of my working career. I was lucky I was offered a full retirement package at 55 when the company was hitting a few bumps. However, I along with a few other guys in other groups, was asked to come back as a consultant. It lasted for a few years then ended. Then after a year they convinced me to come back again and I did. I remember being called into the bosses office about 9 months after I did my last stint of consulting that started in May of 2007. After a good chat about the work I was doing my boss tells me I’m getting a nice increase. I joked and said something like, “can I expect this every 9 months”? To my surprise my boss said, “maybe not 9 months but not more than a year, I’ll make sure of that”. After the next increase I joke again and said, “this sure ain’t like the company I retired from” and he said, “I hear you. We don’t want to lose you. Money for consultants comes out of a far different budget than for the full timers.”
Finally, since I didn’t want the cleaning crew to find me one night slumped over my keyboard, I decided in February 2015 I had to stop getting the candy and I pulled the plug for good. Not sorry one bit that I did it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@jmonroe1 , my 4-post lifts are AMGO. I’ve been perfectly satisfied with them. The 2-post I ordered direct from China and installed myself.
———————————————— Thanks for the info. But which type do you like best? I like the idea of the 4 post for stability but it’s not good for brake jobs and since my Son wants to track the Vette he just got he’s going to be doing a fair amount of brake work plus he has a few other family cars that will require routine brake work. To me it seems like the 2 post is more universal if you can get over the stability thing. Best for all work, both under the car and brake work plus putting a car in the air so he can get more cars in the garage. I know a 4 post can get the car in the air for storage too but again, it’s not as versatile.
FWIW, all of the garages I’ve been to seem to only have the 2 post type. Probably for its versatility. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 4 post at a garage. Am I all wet with my thinking?
Thanks again.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@jmonroe1 , my 4-post lifts are AMGO. I’ve been perfectly satisfied with them. The 2-post I ordered direct from China and installed myself.
———————————————— Thanks for the info. But which type do you like best? I like the idea of the 4 post for stability but it’s not good for brake jobs and since my Son wants to track the Vette he just got he’s going to be doing a fair amount of brake work plus he has a few other family cars that will require routine brake work. To me it seems like the 2 post is more universal if you can get over the stability thing. Best for all work, both under the car and brake work plus putting a car in the air so he can get more cars in the garage. I know a 4 post can get the car in the air for storage too but again, it’s not as versatile.
FWIW, all of the garages I’ve been to seem to only have the 2 post type. Probably for its versatility. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 4 post at a garage. Am I all wet with my thinking?
Thanks again.
jmonroe
from my Youtube watching, a lot of the shops have both. But, some of the fancy 4 posts have integrated boosters so you can get the wheels off the deck. So you get both types of functionality.
as you noted, the 4 post can also serve for storage. And they are definitely safer (unlike a 2 post, not likely to have the car flip off the end!)
So while this isn’t nearly on the level of @xwesx fixing and painting one of his Foresters in the driveway, I did buy these painted bumper caps off of Tacoma Lifestyle. They matched and fit perfectly. The bumper caps are held by (3) of those black pop in expansion clips. Of course I had to wash and wax the Tacoma to prepare for its departure.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
@jmonroe1 , my 4-post lifts are AMGO. I’ve been perfectly satisfied with them. The 2-post I ordered direct from China and installed myself.
———————————————— Thanks for the info. But which type do you like best? I like the idea of the 4 post for stability but it’s not good for brake jobs and since my Son wants to track the Vette he just got he’s going to be doing a fair amount of brake work plus he has a few other family cars that will require routine brake work. To me it seems like the 2 post is more universal if you can get over the stability thing. Best for all work, both under the car and brake work plus putting a car in the air so he can get more cars in the garage. I know a 4 post can get the car in the air for storage too but again, it’s not as versatile.
FWIW, all of the garages I’ve been to seem to only have the 2 post type. Probably for its versatility. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 4 post at a garage. Am I all wet with my thinking?
Thanks again.
jmonroe
from my Youtube watching, a lot of the shops have both. But, some of the fancy 4 posts have integrated boosters so you can get the wheels off the deck. So you get both types of functionality.
as you noted, the 4 post can also serve for storage. And they are definitely safer (unlike a 2 post, not likely to have the car flip off the end!) ——————————————— I never saw or heard of a 4-post job like you described. They must be expensive but to save your life and/or your car it could be with it. I’m gonna have to search YouTube to see that gizmo.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
this might be what they have. Not saying of course this is cost effective for a home garage!
Rolling bridge jacks Optional 7,000-pound capacity rolling jacks (model RJ-7) make a great addition to increase service capacity. RJ-7 bridge jacks are used to raise the front or rear portion of a vehicle off the runways allowing operators to perform efficient wheel and brake service. A pair of jacks allows the entire vehicle to elevated. Each jack has telescoping arms and frame contact pads that can be extended over the runways and positioned under vehicle lifting points. Telescoping rail supports accommodate adjustable runways for different tread widths. Each jack features three safety-lock positions and stackable truck and van adapters for increased lifting height and better access to frame contact points on high ground-clearance vehicles. The jacks come equipped with a commercial grade air-hydraulic pump requiring a maximum pressure of 125 PSI and 10-20 CFM.
good point. you do need certain ratings for each type
———————————————— My Son already has plans to cut out the existing concrete and dig out the dirt about 18 inches down, throw in stone and tamp it then install rebar and fill with high strength concrete. I doubt the patch will look like the existing floor but looks aren’t important, strength is. He’s also going to wait a month to let the concrete cure. He won’t be using whatever lift he buys for a good while. But he’s no worse off than he is now.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
As you suggest, the 4-post is for storage and the 2-post for work.
Even if the 4-post had adapters to raise the car off the tracks, you still have a good bit of structure interfering with access.
If I could have only one, it would be the 4-post, though. It is just much safer and no way I’d store a vehicle long-term on a 2-post.
———————————————— Thanks for the feedback.
My Son has a friend in his current neighborhood who is also a car guy and he has a 4-post. Maybe because of that I think he’s leaning towards a 4-post job and he’ll live with doing brake work the old fashioned way. I’ll let you guys know how it goes but that is not going to happen quickly.
Thanks again.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
You can always have the car on the 4 post at the height you want to work at, and jack it up slightly off the deck to get the wheel off, instead of doing it on the ground.
Truck looks great @nyccarguy. Any regrets seeing it leave?
I do really like having it. It rained very heavily for a few days last week and I was able to leave the Prelude at home in the garage. Summer traffic perpetually gets worse every year. Wednesday is the new "getaway day" for people going up to Cape Cod, Maine, New Hampshire, & Vermont. The automatic makes it more tolerable. One day last week, my wife was out with the Camry, & my 18 year old son was still at work when I had to drive to hockey practice. The goalie gear does fit in my Prelude, but it is much easier taking the Tacoma. This is my 2nd and won't be my last Tacoma.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
You can always have the car on the 4 post at the height you want to work at, and jack it up slightly off the deck to get the wheel off, instead of doing it on the ground.
———————————————— I guess he could talk to his buddy who has the 4-post as to how he does his brake work.
I’m going to suggest that he buys a 2-post also. He seems to have money for cars so getting a 2-post job shouldn’t be out of the question money wise. I’ll tell him @qbrozen has both types so it’s not the craziest thing to do.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@xwesx - OK, let's do it this way. Are there any models and years of Subaru you would recommend? My friend is very much hung up on maintenance and reliability (even though he and his wife each have an Audi).
Well, anything newer than 2012 is a sure improvement over anything older than that from a long-term reliability perspective. The problem for me is that I care about the appearance of my car as much as I do the mechanicals, so it's a mixed bag for me.... the SH Foresters were the pinnacle of Subaru design, and it seems to just be going to the birds since then. I mean, even that 2014 is a slab-sided hunk of ugly, and it isn't even the worst of the Forester designs.
However.... The 2015-2019 Outbacks were a solid choice on the visuals. They all had the FB25 4-liter engine, unless, like yours, you sprung for top-end 3.6L H6. All were CVTs, which is not a bad thing (If you want an automatic anyway). Foresters also were FB25 w/ CVT. More recent Outbacks use the FA24 block on turbo models. Turbos always require higher attention to the maintenance, but otherwise haven't proven at all unreliable in the Subaru lineup. The Ascent, 2019+, also uses the turbo FA24 block.
Foresters are FB25 2012+ (2012/13 are the only years of FB25 + 4EAT for any Subaru). In 2014+, the transmissions were CVT for auto and 6-speed manual, so that's a benefit it you want a manual transmission. 2019-2023 is probably the most moderately styled of the 2014+ Foresters, if that is a consideration.
Crosstreks are also a solid option with non-polarizing style throughout the history (2013+). Always FB25 engines, six-speed manuals, and CVT. Space is really good for passengers, but otherwise extremely limited. 2018+ Crosstreks also have electric power steering, which takes one fluid out of the equation that tends to get neglected.
Frankly, I don't think that any Subaru is higher risk than any other make vehicle, but the F blocks (versus E blocks) are definitely a stark improvement in head gasket reliability. Also, and this may be a plus or minus depending on the buyer.... the newer the Subaru and higher in the model lineup, the higher the nanny-count. So, Ascent and Outback are big on "Eyesight" while Forester and Crosstrek (also Impreza) were slower to proliferate throughout the lineup as standard equipment. Many people love that feature, but it does mean vastly more expensive windshield replacements, when necessary.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
@xwesx, you’re probably the best person to answer this:
Just so happens that I was at a shopping center today and an old geezer was backing into a parking spot next to me (I think it took him at least 4 tries). I sat in my car until he was in just to make sure he didn’t hit my car, he didn’t. Anyway, when I returned to my car I saw that it was an Outback and it was so old (no rust, must have lived in Florida) that it didn’t have the CUV look of the Outback’s today. It looked liked a typical 4 door sedan. Obviously an old generation. How old would you say that car is?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
You can't get rid of me that easy just by changing the name of the forum thread title to part 2.
Anyway, good to see some familiar names.
After about 10 months with the X3 M40i, which has a delicious powertrain, it just wasn't quite me, and I recently traded the plain white Bimmer for a '18 Macan Turbo in Beautiful Blue with Beige interior. The top of the interior is black, including alcantara headliner, which isn't as nice of a combo as brown/beige on Porsche's, but the deal was right. Oddly optioned: Has Stainless Steel look skid plates front and rear that go GREAT with the blue, aluminum roof rails, 21" wheels, LED headlights are highlights (not common upgrade back in '18 on these), but then on the flip side of the coin no panoramic moonroof (this I don't mind as I have tons of headroom now), but no air ride, no ride height adj, no exhaust valve button for sweet sounds, no Chrono, no air conditioned seats.
Of major note is the higher mile '21 BMW was modern in everyway, and I drove it, but not a lot as my commute has diminished a lot, so traded at 71K miles. A dealership in Escondido, CA is trying to make $4,900 on the trade as we speak.
The Macan Turbo is the last model year of the big 3.6 twin turbo V6 7-speed PDK combo. It's effortless, and while rated with 18 or 19 more horses than the BMW, that's not the reason for the switch.
Main upgrades are interior comfort, interior quality, seat comfort/fit/ergonomics, a good 2 notch upgrade on handling (no air ride or ride height adjustment in mine ), and surprisingly, a good 2 notch upgrade on suspension comfort, even in sport or sport plus damper setting (sport plus even slightly outperforming BMW ride quality). Porsche has some magic going on in the suspension engineering that they can extract both more performance, flatter turning during hard cornering, yet still soak up bad roads even with BIG 21" wheels and tires. It probably helps that the BMW's staggered fitment of tires used 265's in the back, and the Macan uses those up front, while having 285 meats on the rear. The Turbo successfully makes a crossover that handles as well as a sport sedan; just with a higher seating position and larger tires/wheels. Even the new sedans coming out today don't have much of a weight advantage (2025 Audi S5 shows a lot of promise and improvement except for that weight stat).. Accept no substitutes; I'm happy.
Oh yeah, while 3 years older than the BMW, the Macan I nabbed was a garage queen. Super clean like-new and with only 18,xxx miles on it.
And the Porsche fits my personality and tastes for more quality better than the BMW being an Audi guy. I'm not an Audi guy because I like the name or rings, I just tend to like what they do with their cars (usually - less lately). Porsche fits the bill where Audi has been faltering in recent models.
And people saying it's an Audi underneath doesn't bother me at all. The Q5 is an excellent chassis and vehicle. It's just a vehicle in search of potentially better engines and transmissions, and Porsche has done that with the Macan. I don't mind the sometimes low speed clunkiness of the PDK. Trophy Soccer Mom Wives may have been the demographic when new at $85k-$110K new, but now enthusiasts that need a bit of room in a vehicle should take a close look at these; you can get them at reasonable prices now if your OK with some older tech.
BMW's collision/parking sensors worked better and were less annoying (less sensitive and don't go off as long when your not moving anymore). BMW's parking overhead and rear view cams are better, clearer, more resolution, and more precise. BMW made way more exhaust noise. BMW also let in more wind and other noise though. BMW seemed like a 1,000 pieces put together (Not poorly) in USA, the Macan makes all parts and pieces feel like they are all welded together in Germany to exist as one 4,400 lb. piece.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Oh, and FB car sale post of the month (pretty sure I got this quoted almost word for word):
"Cleanest nicest S4 you'll ever find for sale, it's rebuilt, not salvaged."
Let me know if you are interested in this! I would think the cleanest nicest S4 would be one that wasn't wrecked, but maybe that's just me asking for too much.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Oh, and FB car sale post of the month (pretty sure I got this quoted almost word for word):
"Cleanest nicest S4 you'll ever find for sale, it's rebuilt, not salvaged."
Let me know if you are interested in this! I would think the cleanest nicest S4 would be one that wasn't wrecked, but maybe that's just me asking for too much.
———————————————— You better hurry up. He knows what he’s got.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@andres3 said:
You can't get rid of me that easy just by changing the name of the forum thread title to part 2.
Anyway, good to see some familiar names.
After about 10 months with the X3 M40i, which has a delicious powertrain, it just wasn't quite me, and I recently traded the plain white Bimmer for a '18 Macan Turbo in Beautiful Blue with Beige interior. The top of the interior is black, including alcantara headliner, which isn't as nice of a combo as brown/beige on Porsche's, but the deal was right. Oddly optioned: Has Stainless Steel look skid plates front and rear that go GREAT with the blue, aluminum roof rails, 21" wheels, LED headlights are highlights (not common upgrade back in '18 on these), but then on the flip side of the coin no panoramic moonroof (this I don't mind as I have tons of headroom now), but no air ride, no ride height adj, no exhaust valve button for sweet sounds, no Chrono, no air conditioned seats.
Of major note is the higher mile '21 BMW was modern in everyway, and I drove it, but not a lot as my commute has diminished a lot, so traded at 71K miles. A dealership in Escondido, CA is trying to make $4,900 on the trade as we speak.
The Macan Turbo is the last model year of the big 3.6 twin turbo V6 7-speed PDK combo. It's effortless, and while rated with 18 or 19 more horses than the BMW, that's not the reason for the switch.
Main upgrades are interior comfort, interior quality, seat comfort/fit/ergonomics, a good 2 notch upgrade on handling (no air ride or ride height adjustment in mine ), and surprisingly, a good 2 notch upgrade on suspension comfort, even in sport or sport plus damper setting (sport plus even slightly outperforming BMW ride quality). Porsche has some magic going on in the suspension engineering that they can extract both more performance, flatter turning during hard cornering, yet still soak up bad roads even with BIG 21" wheels and tires. It probably helps that the BMW's staggered fitment of tires used 265's in the back, and the Macan uses those up front, while having 285 meats on the rear. The Turbo successfully makes a crossover that handles as well as a sport sedan; just with a higher seating position and larger tires/wheels. Even the new sedans coming out today don't have much of a weight advantage (2025 Audi S5 shows a lot of promise and improvement except for that weight stat).. Accept no substitutes; I'm happy.
Oh yeah, while 3 years older than the BMW, the Macan I nabbed was a garage queen. Super clean like-new and with only 18,xxx miles on it.
And the Porsche fits my personality and tastes for more quality better than the BMW being an Audi guy. I'm not an Audi guy because I like the name or rings, I just tend to like what they do with their cars (usually - less lately). Porsche fits the bill where Audi has been faltering in recent models.
And people saying it's an Audi underneath doesn't bother me at all. The Q5 is an excellent chassis and vehicle. It's just a vehicle in search of potentially better engines and transmissions, and Porsche has done that with the Macan. I don't mind the sometimes low speed clunkiness of the PDK. Trophy Soccer Mom Wives may have been the demographic when new at $85k-$110K new, but now enthusiasts that need a bit of room in a vehicle should take a close look at these; you can get them at reasonable prices now if your OK with some older tech.
BMW's collision/parking sensors worked better and were less annoying (less sensitive and don't go off as long when your not moving anymore). BMW's parking overhead and rear view cams are better, clearer, more resolution, and more precise. BMW made way more exhaust noise. BMW also let in more wind and other noise though. BMW seemed like a 1,000 pieces put together (Not poorly) in USA, the Macan makes all parts and pieces feel like they are all welded together in Germany to exist as one 4,400 lb. piece.
Congrats on the Macan Turbo punch! The stainless trim on the dark blue looks great. There is also a private Porsche owners chat with @breld , @kyfdx , and @tifighter that you can join for a monthly subscription fee.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
@nyccarguy said:
Congrats on the Macan Turbo punch! The stainless trim on the dark blue looks great. There is also a private Porsche owners chat with @breld , @kyfdx , and @tifighter that you can join for a monthly subscription fee.
^ you must be current on your dues in order to be eligible.
@andres3 - I think Porsche designs and builds the “Turbo” model 1st and then reverse engineers the S and base models vehicles. BMW on the other hand seems like they build the “30i & M40i” variants 1st, then add the high performance bits to make the full blown ///M car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
@xwesx, you’re probably the best person to answer this:
Just so happens that I was at a shopping center today and an old geezer was backing into a parking spot next to me (I think it took him at least 4 tries). I sat in my car until he was in just to make sure he didn’t hit my car, he didn’t. Anyway, when I returned to my car I saw that it was an Outback and it was so old (no rust, must have lived in Florida) that it didn’t have the CUV look of the Outback’s today. It looked liked a typical 4 door sedan. Obviously an old generation. How old would you say that car is?
jmonroe
Hard to say without knowing what generation it was, but the last year of the Outback sedan was 2004 in the US. In 2005, the sedan was Legacy only, which was also offered in a wagon. In 2006, they differentiated the model lineup such that the sedans were Legacy and the wagons were Outback. Then, in 2010, they differentiated further by making the Outback much more CUV, even though the sedan maintained the same front end and dash.
The second generation Outback was 2000-2004, and it has a fairly angular look, while the 1996-1999 Outback was very much 1990s with a sleeker, rounded appearance, with long, narrow headlights versus the boxy appearance of the later generation. They both had a two-tone color scheme.
Edit: Ah, it appears that the Outback option for the sedan persisted into the early 2007 model year, as did the Legacy wagon. It was the Legacy wagon XT (turbo) that was discontinued in 2005. So, there is a chance that it was a third generation Outback, which was normally seen in a single color, but could not have been newer than 2007.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
@andres3 - I think Porsche designs and builds the “Turbo” model 1st and then reverse engineers the S and base models vehicles. BMW on the other hand seems like they build the “30i & M40i” variants 1st, then add the high performance bits to make the full blown ///M car.
I'll again reference Throttle House host Thomas Holland; to paraphrase, he commented that driving the W205 C43 felt like a special occasion while the M340i only felt like a 330i with more horsepower.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@fintail: "I'm gonna need you to go ahead and come in tomorrow. So if you could be here around 9, that would be great, mmmk... oh oh! and I almost forgot ahh, I'm also gonna need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday too, kay."
@fintail: "I'm gonna need you to go ahead and come in tomorrow. So if you could be here around 9, that would be great, mmmk... oh oh! and I almost forgot ahh, I'm also gonna need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday too, kay."
"Milt, we're gonna need to go ahead and move you downstairs into storage B."
Truck looks great @nyccarguy. Any regrets seeing it leave?
I do really like having it. It rained very heavily for a few days last week and I was able to leave the Prelude at home in the garage. Summer traffic perpetually gets worse every year. Wednesday is the new "getaway day" for people going up to Cape Cod, Maine, New Hampshire, & Vermont. The automatic makes it more tolerable. One day last week, my wife was out with the Camry, & my 18 year old son was still at work when I had to drive to hockey practice. The goalie gear does fit in my Prelude, but it is much easier taking the Tacoma. This is my 2nd and won't be my last Tacoma.
Hi. Could you do me a favor and redirect a good portion of those folks to the Hamptons and/ or Jersey Shore? We Cape and Cape adjacent denizens thank you for your service.
'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...)
Has BMW lost its grip? It used to be the other way around.
Their drivetrains are still very good- particularly the inline sixes paired with the ZF HP8. I was turned off by the Lego/Minecraft exterior design language and an interior styled to wow the rubes. As I've mentioned before, I took a long time BMW employee for a spirited drive in my C43 and he remarked that if he'd been blindfolded he would have guessed that it was an M Car from BMW's high water mark in the '90s.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@xwesx, you’re probably the best person to answer this:
Just so happens that I was at a shopping center today and an old geezer was backing into a parking spot next to me (I think it took him at least 4 tries). I sat in my car until he was in just to make sure he didn’t hit my car, he didn’t. Anyway, when I returned to my car I saw that it was an Outback and it was so old (no rust, must have lived in Florida) that it didn’t have the CUV look of the Outback’s today. It looked liked a typical 4 door sedan. Obviously an old generation. How old would you say that car is?
jmonroe
Hard to say without knowing what generation it was, but the last year of the Outback sedan was 2004 in the US. In 2005, the sedan was Legacy only, which was also offered in a wagon. In 2006, they differentiated the model lineup such that the sedans were Legacy and the wagons were Outback. Then, in 2010, they differentiated further by making the Outback much more CUV, even though the sedan maintained the same front end and dash.
The second generation Outback was 2000-2004, and it has a fairly angular look, while the 1996-1999 Outback was very much 1990s with a sleeker, rounded appearance, with long, narrow headlights versus the boxy appearance of the later generation. They both had a two-tone color scheme.
Edit: Ah, it appears that the Outback option for the sedan persisted into the early 2007 model year, as did the Legacy wagon. It was the Legacy wagon XT (turbo) that was discontinued in 2005. So, there is a chance that it was a third generation Outback, which was normally seen in a single color, but could not have been newer than 2007.
———————————————— Thanks for the info.
That was a pretty good explanation. So much so it was more than I wanted to know. I hope no one in here expects me to repeat what you just posted without a cheat-sheet.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Has BMW lost its grip? It used to be the other way around.
Their drivetrains are still very good- particularly the inline sixes paired with the ZF HP8. I was turned off by the Lego/Minecraft exterior design language and an interior styled to wow the rubes. As I've mentioned before, I took a long time BMW employee for a spirited drive in my C43 and he remarked that if he'd been blindfolded he would have guessed that it was an M Car from BMW's high water mark in the '90s.
Probably the main reason I only kept my 330xi for only about 7 months. That plus the unnecessarily complicated tech. Even setting favorite radio stations was a major chore.
The complicated tech is a big reason I doubt we will change to a new German car. My wife will never figure it out.
Unfortunately, they are all getting like that. Toyota for example went from relatively simple tuning knobs on the radio to a complicated multi step touch screen procedure just to change stations. For a technophobe like me accessing anything other than basic functions of the car would put me in a ditch. Some brands are so confusing to me that I have to resort to voice controls.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
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I take it you weren’t scared too badly in your formative years, so you stuck around for the rewards at the end.
They didn’t do stuff like that at the company I was with for all of my working career. I was lucky I was offered a full retirement package at 55 when the company was hitting a few bumps. However, I along with a few other guys in other groups, was asked to come back as a consultant. It lasted for a few years then ended. Then after a year they convinced me to come back again and I did. I remember being called into the bosses office about 9 months after I did my last stint of consulting that started in May of 2007. After a good chat about the work I was doing my boss tells me I’m getting a nice increase. I joked and said something like, “can I expect this every 9 months”? To my surprise my boss said, “maybe not 9 months but not more than a year, I’ll make sure of that”. After the next increase I joke again and said, “this sure ain’t like the company I retired from” and he said, “I hear you. We don’t want to lose you. Money for consultants comes out of a far different budget than for the full timers.”
Finally, since I didn’t want the cleaning crew to find me one night slumped over my keyboard, I decided in February 2015 I had to stop getting the candy and I pulled the plug for good. Not sorry one bit that I did it.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@jmonroe1 , my 4-post lifts are AMGO. I’ve been perfectly satisfied with them. The 2-post I ordered direct from China and installed myself.
'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
Thanks for the info. But which type do you like best? I like the idea of the 4 post for stability but it’s not good for brake jobs and since my Son wants to track the Vette he just got he’s going to be doing a fair amount of brake work plus he has a few other family cars that will require routine brake work. To me it seems like the 2 post is more universal if you can get over the stability thing. Best for all work, both under the car and brake work plus putting a car in the air so he can get more cars in the garage. I know a 4 post can get the car in the air for storage too but again, it’s not as versatile.
FWIW, all of the garages I’ve been to seem to only have the 2 post type. Probably for its versatility. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 4 post at a garage. Am I all wet with my thinking?
Thanks again.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
loyalty is really a 1 way street.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
as you noted, the 4 post can also serve for storage. And they are definitely safer (unlike a 2 post, not likely to have the car flip off the end!)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My BIL has one of these and likes it it sure if this exact model, but this brand.
https://mechanicsuperstore.com/products/triumph-nto-10a-10-000-lb-2-post-lift?variant=42499500769415&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20925155722&gbraid=0AAAAACLc9PlHsydNiLaksLwcRGnlG1N0E&gclid=CjwKCAjw6ZTCBhBOEiwAqfwJd5lVKEw9zF0bl5sbUYecRV4f3tv1Ab_ijPTvyMUOWIiLjo2EfDHHORoC4FUQAvD_BwE
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So while this isn’t nearly on the level of @xwesx fixing and painting one of his Foresters in the driveway, I did buy these painted bumper caps off of Tacoma Lifestyle. They matched and fit perfectly. The bumper caps are held by (3) of those black pop in expansion clips. Of course I had to wash and wax the Tacoma to prepare for its departure.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Rolling bridge jacks
Optional 7,000-pound capacity rolling jacks (model RJ-7) make a great addition to increase service capacity. RJ-7 bridge jacks are used to raise the front or rear portion of a vehicle off the runways allowing operators to perform efficient wheel and brake service. A pair of jacks allows the entire vehicle to elevated. Each jack has telescoping arms and frame contact pads that can be extended over the runways and positioned under vehicle lifting points. Telescoping rail supports accommodate adjustable runways for different tread widths. Each jack features three safety-lock positions and stackable truck and van adapters for increased lifting height and better access to frame contact points on high ground-clearance vehicles. The jacks come equipped with a commercial grade air-hydraulic pump requiring a maximum pressure of 125 PSI and 10-20 CFM.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My Son already has plans to cut out the existing concrete and dig out the dirt about 18 inches down, throw in stone and tamp it then install rebar and fill with high strength concrete. I doubt the patch will look like the existing floor but looks aren’t important, strength is. He’s also going to wait a month to let the concrete cure. He won’t be using whatever lift he buys for a good while. But he’s no worse off than he is now.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
As you suggest, the 4-post is for storage and the 2-post for work.
Even if the 4-post had adapters to raise the car off the tracks, you still have a good bit of structure interfering with access.
If I could have only one, it would be the 4-post, though. It is just much safer and no way I’d store a vehicle long-term on a 2-post.
'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
Thanks for the feedback.
My Son has a friend in his current neighborhood who is also a car guy and he has a 4-post. Maybe because of that I think he’s leaning towards a 4-post job and he’ll live with doing brake work the old fashioned way. I’ll let you guys know how it goes but that is not going to happen quickly.
Thanks again.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
You can always have the car on the 4 post at the height you want to work at, and jack it up slightly off the deck to get the wheel off, instead of doing it on the ground.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
I guess he could talk to his buddy who has the 4-post as to how he does his brake work.
I’m going to suggest that he buys a 2-post also. He seems to have money for cars so getting a 2-post job shouldn’t be out of the question money wise. I’ll tell him @qbrozen has both types so it’s not the craziest thing to do.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
My local cars and coffee became a Porsche meet over the weekend. Didn’t know it until I got there.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
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The psychedelic 356 is cool.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
However.... The 2015-2019 Outbacks were a solid choice on the visuals. They all had the FB25 4-liter engine, unless, like yours, you sprung for top-end 3.6L H6. All were CVTs, which is not a bad thing (If you want an automatic anyway). Foresters also were FB25 w/ CVT. More recent Outbacks use the FA24 block on turbo models. Turbos always require higher attention to the maintenance, but otherwise haven't proven at all unreliable in the Subaru lineup. The Ascent, 2019+, also uses the turbo FA24 block.
Foresters are FB25 2012+ (2012/13 are the only years of FB25 + 4EAT for any Subaru). In 2014+, the transmissions were CVT for auto and 6-speed manual, so that's a benefit it you want a manual transmission. 2019-2023 is probably the most moderately styled of the 2014+ Foresters, if that is a consideration.
Crosstreks are also a solid option with non-polarizing style throughout the history (2013+). Always FB25 engines, six-speed manuals, and CVT. Space is really good for passengers, but otherwise extremely limited. 2018+ Crosstreks also have electric power steering, which takes one fluid out of the equation that tends to get neglected.
Frankly, I don't think that any Subaru is higher risk than any other make vehicle, but the F blocks (versus E blocks) are definitely a stark improvement in head gasket reliability. Also, and this may be a plus or minus depending on the buyer.... the newer the Subaru and higher in the model lineup, the higher the nanny-count. So, Ascent and Outback are big on "Eyesight" while Forester and Crosstrek (also Impreza) were slower to proliferate throughout the lineup as standard equipment. Many people love that feature, but it does mean vastly more expensive windshield replacements, when necessary.
Just so happens that I was at a shopping center today and an old geezer was backing into a parking spot next to me (I think it took him at least 4 tries). I sat in my car until he was in just to make sure he didn’t hit my car, he didn’t. Anyway, when I returned to my car I saw that it was an Outback and it was so old (no rust, must have lived in Florida) that it didn’t have the CUV look of the Outback’s today. It looked liked a typical 4 door sedan. Obviously an old generation. How old would you say that car is?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
The sedan was available from 1994-2009 (spanning 3 generations) as a version along with the wagon.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Anyway, good to see some familiar names.
After about 10 months with the X3 M40i, which has a delicious powertrain, it just wasn't quite me, and I recently traded the plain white Bimmer for a '18 Macan Turbo in Beautiful Blue with Beige interior. The top of the interior is black, including alcantara headliner, which isn't as nice of a combo as brown/beige on Porsche's, but the deal was right. Oddly optioned: Has Stainless Steel look skid plates front and rear that go GREAT with the blue, aluminum roof rails, 21" wheels, LED headlights are highlights (not common upgrade back in '18 on these), but then on the flip side of the coin no panoramic moonroof (this I don't mind as I have tons of headroom now), but no air ride, no ride height adj, no exhaust valve button for sweet sounds, no Chrono, no air conditioned seats.
Of major note is the higher mile '21 BMW was modern in everyway, and I drove it, but not a lot as my commute has diminished a lot, so traded at 71K miles. A dealership in Escondido, CA is trying to make $4,900 on the trade as we speak.
The Macan Turbo is the last model year of the big 3.6 twin turbo V6 7-speed PDK combo. It's effortless, and while rated with 18 or 19 more horses than the BMW, that's not the reason for the switch.
Main upgrades are interior comfort, interior quality, seat comfort/fit/ergonomics, a good 2 notch upgrade on handling (no air ride or ride height adjustment in mine
Oh yeah, while 3 years older than the BMW, the Macan I nabbed was a garage queen. Super clean like-new and with only 18,xxx miles on it.
And the Porsche fits my personality and tastes for more quality better than the BMW being an Audi guy. I'm not an Audi guy because I like the name or rings, I just tend to like what they do with their cars (usually - less lately). Porsche fits the bill where Audi has been faltering in recent models.
And people saying it's an Audi underneath doesn't bother me at all. The Q5 is an excellent chassis and vehicle. It's just a vehicle in search of potentially better engines and transmissions, and Porsche has done that with the Macan. I don't mind the sometimes low speed clunkiness of the PDK. Trophy Soccer Mom Wives may have been the demographic when new at $85k-$110K new, but now enthusiasts that need a bit of room in a vehicle should take a close look at these; you can get them at reasonable prices now if your OK with some older tech.
BMW's collision/parking sensors worked better and were less annoying (less sensitive and don't go off as long when your not moving anymore). BMW's parking overhead and rear view cams are better, clearer, more resolution, and more precise. BMW made way more exhaust noise. BMW also let in more wind and other noise though. BMW seemed like a 1,000 pieces put together (Not poorly) in USA, the Macan makes all parts and pieces feel like they are all welded together in Germany to exist as one 4,400 lb. piece.
"Cleanest nicest S4 you'll ever find for sale, it's rebuilt, not salvaged."
Let me know if you are interested in this! I would think the cleanest nicest S4 would be one that wasn't wrecked, but maybe that's just me asking for too much.
You better hurry up. He knows what he’s got.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Congrats on the Macan Turbo punch! The stainless trim on the dark blue looks great. There is also a private Porsche owners chat with @breld , @kyfdx , and @tifighter that you can join for a monthly subscription fee.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
^ you must be current on your dues in order to be eligible.
@andres3 - I think Porsche designs and builds the “Turbo” model 1st and then reverse engineers the S and base models vehicles. BMW on the other hand seems like they build the “30i & M40i” variants 1st, then add the high performance bits to make the full blown ///M car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
The second generation Outback was 2000-2004, and it has a fairly angular look, while the 1996-1999 Outback was very much 1990s with a sleeker, rounded appearance, with long, narrow headlights versus the boxy appearance of the later generation. They both had a two-tone color scheme.
Edit: Ah, it appears that the Outback option for the sedan persisted into the early 2007 model year, as did the Legacy wagon. It was the Legacy wagon XT (turbo) that was discontinued in 2005. So, there is a chance that it was a third generation Outback, which was normally seen in a single color, but could not have been newer than 2007.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
"I'm gonna need you to go ahead and come in tomorrow. So if you could be here around 9, that would be great, mmmk... oh oh! and I almost forgot ahh, I'm also gonna need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday too, kay."
'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...)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Thanks for the info.
That was a pretty good explanation. So much so it was more than I wanted to know. I hope no one in here expects me to repeat what you just posted without a cheat-sheet.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
The bumper sticker that read, “Don’t Hook Here” must have fallen off.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
The complicated tech is a big reason I doubt we will change to a new German car. My wife will never figure it out.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible