And now what did you do TODAY?

[VPI]

I thought we had talked about that.  I had that and it was a massive lemon.  Windshield wipers turning on and off at random, dash lights that would go out randomly, etc.

 

I am not looking for a $100k car, I was looking for a normal car to drive to the train station.  It is just hard to pay $40k+ for a car that seems to be worth $20k so I started looking at higher priced cars.

Edited May 1, 2014 by VPI

[Dusty Chalk]

Have you driven a Subaru yet?  Dave bought an Outback because it felt nicer (read: not plastic everywhere) than the competition several years ago.

[n_maher]

Jeff,

 

Curious that you were unimpressed with the Audi's quality especially the interior since in all the reviews that I've been reading they are generally regarded as having one of the best of (if not the) of the bunch. 

 

The 4Runner, assuming that's the beater you're talking about, is certainly a nice ride.  The newer ones are ok but I simply hate parts of the interior.  I don't know who the designers are working for Toyota but they've done some simply daft things in the last few years with center consoles and radios.  Just hideous.

[VPI]

I am not sure who the reviewers are, but the interior of a BMW 435i feels vastly better than the Audi to me.  Audi was not nearly as cheap feeling as they were back when I got my last M3 but they are still, IMHO, equivalent to a nice Camry.  It did not help that the little joystick/mouse was really slow to respond to commands, if it responded at all. 

 

The 4Runner interior is awful, but it was free, so I did not feel as if I was ripped off.

[shellylh]

Since we are talking about cars... Tim and I are probably going to get a new car (we share 1 car and live about 2 miles from work).  We have a 1994 6 cyl Honda Accord and although it only has ~47,000 miles on it,  I feel that this is the point when everything except for the engine will start falling apart (like the belts and plasticy pieces in the car, et cetera).   We may just get a new 6 cyl Accord but they are a little boring.  I was thinking of the Lexus ES350 depending on the price we can get.   We definitely don't want to pay over $40K.  Are there any other cars that we should look at.  We don't drive much so don't need something that gets great gas mileage.  Tim wants something that feels nicer and gives a smoother ride than the Accord but would be happy getting another one.  I thought about the BMW 328i but I am not sure what is the difference between a turbo 4cyl and a 6 cyl car.   Plus Tim doesn't want to pay for driving performance, just comfort, safety and how the cars feels.  I assume the turbo 4 cyl is more likely to have problems in the future but maybe we wouldn't have the car long enough to worry about that.   Any other cars that we should consider?  I don't want a non-sedan and safety is very important (in fact, getting a 6 cyl is more for safety than anything else really). 

[Dusty Chalk]

I don't understand the aversion to non-sedans, hatchbacks and wagons are just so much more utilitarian.  [/rant]

 

Subaru has airbags freakin' everywhere -- they're famous for that.  You may want to look at their sedan offerings.  The Impreza (even non-WRX) is a pretty zippy little car.

[MexicanDragon]

A friend bought his wife a CPO'd 2013 328i with the turbo 4. 28k with 17k miles. They love it, and the CPO extends the warranty out quite a bit.

**BRENT**

Edit: Subaru should have the 2015 WRX out any day now if not already. Short list that... And look into the Focus ST for safety rating. If it's safe, fun works too, no?

Edited May 1, 2014 by MexicanDragon

[shellylh]

I don't understand the aversion to non-sedans, hatchbacks and wagons are just so much more utilitarian.  [/rant]

 

Subaru has airbags freakin' everywhere -- they're famous for that.  You may want to look at their sedan offerings.  The Impreza (even non-WRX) is a pretty zippy little car.

 

OK, I guess wagons and hatchbacks might be ok.  I just meant that I didn't want a jeep, truck, or SUV-like vehicle. 

 

I'm not sure we'd want to get a used car. 

Edited May 1, 2014 by shellylh

[grawk]

[Grahame]

Is that what they mean by a "Green" car in Alaska, Dan? as opposed to some Hippy Hybrid / Prius

[grawk]

no, that's a vehicle appropriate for commuting in houston

[blessingx]

Shelly, Mel's car is on its last legs and hunting. Tons of older models she likes, but everything keeps getting larger and taller. Still a bit SUVy, but for current/recent models (and nearly seconding Dusty) we keep drifting back towards the Subaru XV Crosstrek. Neighbor just traded a Lexus sedan (can't remember which) for one and loves it. Rides well, but all depends on comparison.

Met with realtor yesterday. Running through listings today and have a call with loan specialist later. So guess we're officially house hunting. Anyone have a recommendation for painkillers? Extra strength Silicon Valley real estate painkillers?

Edited May 2, 2014 by blessingx

[Dreadhead]

I thought we had talked about that. I had that and it was a massive lemon. Windshield wipers turning on and off at random, dash lights that would go out randomly, etc.

I am not looking for a $100k car, I was looking for a normal car to drive to the train station. It is just hard to pay $40k+ for a car that seems to be worth $20k so I started looking at higher priced cars.

Now that you mention it I do remember that.

[Dusty Chalk]

Yeah, my ex got a XV Crosstrek, that may very well be my next car.  She's extremely happy with it, it's a really nice size, I want to say it's Tiguan sized (> Golf, < Touareg).  If you want smaller, just get the Impreza, it's largely the same car.

[morphsci]

Agree 100% with Dusty about Subaru. Safest car we ever owned and never worry about the weather. Not that there is really any weather in Houston.

[shellylh]

Heh, that would be useful for the potholes and such.

I'll check out the Subaru. I've only driven one before (can't remember the model). It felt really flimsy and cheap but maybe the higher end models are better.

Jim, we do have weather here: summer and not summer.

[shellylh]

DP

Edited May 2, 2014 by shellylh

[Grahame]

Be careful you don't get stereotyped, Shelly

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

[HeadphoneAddict]

Heh, that would be useful for the potholes and such.

I'll check out the Subaru. I've only driven one before (can't remember the model). It felt really flimsy and cheap but maybe the higher end models are better.

Jim, we do have weather here: summer and not summer.

 

We've been very happy with Subaru for the past 14 years, although I had a Brat in high school and nothing else until 2000.  I had the 2000 Impreza 2.5RS and loved it. I added and after market turbo kit that my business was selling, and high power gear set, but the transmission couldn't handle 500hp.  So I traded it for a 2004 WRX STi and 3 then years later traded it in for a 2006 Tribeca because of a large carpool and not enough seats.  Then in 2009 we added the 2005 Impreza 2.5RS for the kids to drive.  In Dec 2012 we traded in the 2006 Tribeca for a 2013 Tribeca, and so we still have two Subarus.  

 

I really like the XV Crosstrek, but I won't get one until they have a small turbo engine or the diesel turbo that they offer overseas.  We need boost up here at 6,000 feet, and I'm afraid that 148hp is enough up here to keep me happy, although I haven't tried 148hp with the CVT transmission.  I won't give up a spare tire for a hybrid battery just to get some extra torque at 2,000 RPM to make up for high altitude driving.

[Hopstretch]

 

I have given up on finding a car.  It seems like the quality has dropped dramatically as the prices have risen.  I would have thought the price for the $68k Audi S5 Cabriolet I drove would be around $40k at most after driving it / experiencing the interior.  The Porsche Panamera 4S is the only car I drove that I liked, but I cannot get over the looks.  Drives brilliantly though for a big sedan.  I did love the dealer write up for the car "Load your family into the 2014 Porsche Panamera! This is an excellent vehicle at an affordable price!" at $117,895.  

 

Yeah it's a pity the Panamera is so butt ugly, because the dynamics are outstanding.

 

In that sort of vein, maybe look around for a low mileage M6 or CLS AMG?

[morphsci]

IFC soccer tournament. They won both games, 3-1 and 8-2. The second game against the team that beat them in the finals during the fall season. Fuck Yes!

[Voltron]

congrat to Peter!

 

congrat to Jacob!

[shellylh]

I got contact lenses! I've never had contacts before, and so far, the experience is wonderful.  I bought the smallest supply of dailies they sold, and I'll likely get continuous wear contacts once they are out (what I read was that it's best to get used to contacts with the thinner, more comfortable dailies before moving to continuous).  I've never seen so well in my entire life (20/15 with actual peripheral vision!).  I keep trying to move my glasses up on my nose though.  I need to figure out a good pair of sunglasses (I always had UV blocking polycarbonate lenses, with my glasses).  I bought a cheapo pair of Ironman sunglasses from Target, which will work for a little while, but they aren't very nice. Any suggestions for Sunglasses?  I like Ray-ban aviators, but I think I want more of a wrap around style, for peripheral protection.

Congrat! I should try contacts again since I think there are more choices available for people with an astigmatism. For sunglasses, Ive always found it best to try them out in person.

[morphsci]

Congrat on getting real vision back Jacob. I think Peter's dad was more excited about his crushing his enemies than Peter was (but I have always embraced my Russian heritage).

Edited May 3, 2014 by morphsci

[morphsci]

I also have Polish heritage so I had Luksusowa in my Vesper.