nc211

Hey Smooth, we're thinking two most likely areas will be either DC, or Atlanta. My business contacts and strengths are mostly in DC, but do have some in Atlanta too. Just waiting for the economic channels to clear up. My sector is starting to hire "we're a small fraternity of sorts", but there is so much talent on the sidelines, if you're not in the city where the job is, it's tough to get it. That will change in about a year, and they'll be sending out the head-hunters again. We'll know more come November, when the general elections are held. Huge year for Washington and the economy. Inflation is coming at some point, and the chatter on the street is that the November elections could be the trigger, especially given the rocky world of politics these days. Just like you could see the economic mess starting to take shape in early 2007 for the Presidential elections. It's all a repeat of history. We're in 1981-1983 right now, just a 21st century version. Just waiting for the lanes to clear a bit more.... I'd like DC, but my wife would like Atlanta. For what I do for a living, all three of the top dogs of my industry have offices in both cities, with us being the only ones not there "covering them from Chitcago".

Yeah, it is definetly smaller inside, that's for sure. But it is bigger than it appears, which was a suprise to me. I put the seats where we normally would have them, then sat in the back. Plenty of room for adults and car seats. It definetly sits and feels a "car", not an SUV. It's about as close to the 3 series wagon as you can get, and not have to deal with those run flat tires. The RX definetly has a more refined feel to it, all around. From the mechanicals to the way the door sounds when you close it. But, the X3 has it's appealing characteristics in this category too, just different. I do like the sound of that engine in the cabin. Sounds gooooood! I'd say the X3 and GX are in two totally different market segments, two totally different vehicles. I really wanted to "love" the GX series, and certainly do like it a lot. But with a 4runner sitting next to it, I just couldn't "love" it's newness to the line up. Kind of felt like we were buying something too close to what we've already got in the 4runner, except for the obvious and significant luxury uptick on the interior. Those GX's are very nice! The RX is too. But, I swear guys, no matter how hard I try to talk myself out of a BMW, no matter how hard I search and search and search at everything else, that darn itch just gets worse and worse. That smell of BMW leather is just intoxicating to me. Who knows, we may end up hating it in 18 months and try something else. With our price range of high teen$ for this car, I'm not too worried about taking any signifiant "lumps" if we decide we don't like it, which was a fear of mine with Volvo. I've got to scratch this itch, it's driving me insane!! There are quite a few X3's in the area that fit the budget quite nicely. I think this is just a matter of time "literally, I have little time these days for this" before I find the right one. This is the one I looked at Saturday, only to find out it wasn't a Certified car, and had actually been in 4 accidents. Salesman guy lied to me on the phone. They're about right for asking price, on a non-wrecked one that is! He pushed hard, but when I told him $11k cash all-in, take or leave it, he left it, which was my intention anyway. Beautiful car though. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=37603360&listingRecNum=83&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26alMdId%3D22310%26mkId%3D20005%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D22310%26rd%3D30%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoYear%26zc%3D60137%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26yrMn%3D2006%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26yrMx%3D2007%26alMkId%3D20005%26rpp%3D250%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

Lexi - the price is a big part of it. I originally went out looking at the X5. I think they're beautiful, and like the interior better than the X3. The problem I'm running into is the price / year. For our range, we can get into an 06-07 fully loaded X3, or an 03-04 X5, which zeros the warranty. The other problem I'm running into with the X5 is the engine. I've been told by my local BMW shop to avoid the V8's (4.4 and 4.6), as they see the most repairs on those two engines, and frequently. They said the 3.0 V6 is all-but bullet proof and has plenty of power. The problem is, the used X5's around here seem to either be in the mileage window for us, but with the V8, or too many miles for us on the V6. The other area that I seem to be seeing more on the X5 than the X3 is the wear n' tear on the interior and on the seats. The X3's coming to market seem to be coming off lease, in great shape, as were the X5s in our range are either 2nd owner cars, or pretty rough on the inside - specifically the door handles being torn up. I just can't find one that is in good enough condition to give me comfort that it was taken good care of. The other area that concerns me on the X5s up here, is their true ability to go off-road. The X3s are basicaly street-only (foul weather) cars. But the X5 can be taken off-road, and they sort of invite an owner to do-so. I think the reason why the ones I'm seeing in our range are "rough" is because of this. The other part that makes the X3 my main pick, is the excitement I see on my wife's face. Her mom has one, and I can tell the car gives her a little more sense of "home" up here. That, to me, is probably the biggest reason why I'm after the X3. We've looked and looked and looked at cars over the past month, with the X3 being the only one she shows any real excitement for. All the others are "ok", even though they're more luxurious and/or bigger. The X3 rings her bell, which makes me happy too! I do wish they had the X5 front end though!

RX, what's up with you? Why are you always trying to *BLEEP* on everyone's parade? You've been all over these board flappin' your know-it-all gums about how superior your used Jag is, and then you imply a BMW 3 series is a maintenance hog. I believe I still have the Top Gear show that states BMW sells more 3 series in Europe than we sell Honda Civics here in the US. In fact, I believe the 3 series is the top selling car in Europe, and one of the world's top selling cars in general. They have rave reviews for driving experience / safety / and reliability from sources like Edmunds / Consumer Reports / Car Gurus / and most importantly - people who actually own them! Are they perfect? No, but we're not talking about a Ferrari that requires a PhD to change the oil, or has to be flown back to the plant just to change the spark plugs. We're talking about a 3 liter engine that's been in production for decades. We're talking about a platform that has won the praise of the buying community and industry experts. We're talking about a car from one of the only manufacturers to not be swimming in red ink and fearing being sold off or going out of business (Jag, Volvo, Saab), which doesn't help values and honorable warranties. Funny, the cars that have dug the deepest into my wallet for "maintenance" are the ones that everyone says are the best built - Toyota. My LS to chase out vibrations. My 4runner and its $400 price tag to change the sealed transmission fluid (lifetime, my butt), and if I keep the GS, another round of "ouch" part prices to keep it from wandering all over the road due to softening suspension / steering bushings. Oh, and the $800 in new tires I'll be needing in a few months to get ready for yet another glorious midwestern winter. I appreciate the "good luck", but that's what the BMW certified warranty is for. You need to lighten up a bit.

Looked at the GX470. It was nice, but dang it, it just doesn't give us that excited feeling of ownership that we've had before. It felt like a "need" vehicle more than a "want and need" vehicle. Same with the RX series too, which we looked at as well. But, and for those of you who've been around here long enough to remember the hell I went through before buying the Mazda, the following statement is big for us... We have decided on a specific vehicle to search for and buy, finally!! 2006 BMW X3 I just can't ignore that feeling I get when I see a BMW, sit in a BMW, and drive a BMW. Yeah, they're not perfect, not nearly as smooth and quiet. But, that itch just won't leave me alone, and my wife has it too for a BMW. Her folks bought an 06 X3 18 months ago, and love the heck out of it! I was ready to do the deal on an 06 here this past saturday - blue, fully loaded. I was ready, willing, able, and wanting to buy it....had it not been for the fact that it had been in FOUR accidents!! Friggin' used car salesmen - scam artists for sure. I was soooo bummed it had been wrecked. It was the car! Oh well....at least we know what to look for now.

Looked at a couple today: Sequoia is out...way too big for our needs Mazda CX9 is out...doesn't have a quality "feel" to it, not nearly as much room as in the photos. Land Cruiser negotiations = failed, guys wanted way too much... gave me the run-around, of which I tossed it back at them. Guy told me he has $3,500 in repairs in it to make it "certified", said it needed a new water pump, that was leaking. I told him that anyone who knows anything about a Toyota V8 engine, knows that even a marginally mainted one should not need a new water pump at 70k miles, especially the 4.7 engine. All roads seem to be pointing back to 4runner....which is bringing the GX470 back into the mix.. going to take a look at an 04 w/ 65k miles tomorrow... Asking price is right in the strike zone, so negotiations will be easier, assuming we like it.

BP IS TO BLAME, SOLELY, as it was THEIR people who cut the corners of NOT using the proper safety technique - heavy-mud - to prevent this from happening in the first place. There was a BP Senior VP on the rig, who flat-out told all of those experts that were literally screaming at him that he had to use the proper heavy mud technique to drill that hole. As quoted by those interviewed who where in the room at that meeting, he got angry and said something along the lines of "I'm the authority here, I say what goes, this hole is costing us $1M a day, and we're doing this my way"...... I give you the result of BP arrogance.... Nevermind the record profits they've been raping the general public over for the past 5 years either. I haven't bought a drop of their gas since I posted this originally, and still won't. I hope they f'n fry for this mess! But know the only way that can happen is if investors dump their stock, which won't happen. Funny isn't it....how just 24 months ago an analyst and Lehman Brothers can say a lone terrorist in Africa was seen walking by an unprotected piece of pipeline, which causes oil to go up $11 in a few hours....but BP can spew millions of gallons of oil uncontrollably into the Gulf of Mexico not 2 years later, and oil hasn't moved in price, and BP stock has taken minimal hits..... You think this game has anything to do Supply/Demand? Bullsh*t. If you think that, then I've got some great investment property in Detroit for you, guaranteed* to triple in value by Christmas. * = you're ability to believe, for which you release me of all liability of my claim. Saying it was the owner's fault, is like me saying it's BMW's fault because you got drunk and wrapped your leased M5 around a tree. Guess what... they've got others sitting down there too that cut corners as well, which make this rig "Horizon" look like pre-school. I believe the other ticking timebomb is called "Enterprise".

Hey LX crew, a pocket of the forum I haven't spent much time in over the years. You guys are some of the quietest around here, so I figured that probably due to the lack of complaints on the LX! I'm in the market for a larger SUV, and very curious about the durability of the air suspension setup on these trucks? I'm looking in the 02-03 model years, with around 80k miles or so. Obviously, I'd have the vin run by the lexus dealer for all the records and such. The only thing that spooks me about the LX vs. the Land Cruiser is the differences in the suspension setup. God knows I (or anyone for that matter) wants to face the costs of repairing a Lexus air suspension system....ouch! Been telling folks over on the LS forum to avoid this feature for the utter cost to service. But, have to assume the LX system is beefier due to the SUV nature of the vehicle. So...any problems beyond a turn of a wrench to level it out? Thanks LX family!

if the 4runner can become a bigger 4x4 that can seat 7 for the same price I'm in now, then that would open the door to something cheaper to replace the GS - like say - an 05' outback limited. The Land Cruiser would be the wife's, and the subbie would be mine, and with the subbie being awd, we wouldn't have to switch in bad weather. :)

cduluk, I checked out the Highlander, and they are quite nice "obvious association to the RX in some respects", but it just doesn't do anything for us. Too similiar to the 4runner. I have located an 04 Land Cruiser, fully loaded with nav and rear seat entertainment, 76k miles, certified. Oddly enough, can you believe our 4runner, in the 3 years and 30k miles we've owned it, is worth just as much today as it was when we bought it!! It hasn't depreciated at all! One of the benefits of buying an SUV when everyone was trying to get rid of theirs. In fact, the same dealership is advertising the exact same 4runner (year, V8, options), but with 11k less miles than ours, for $20k! That's MORE than what we paid for ours 3 years ago with 53k miles on it. So....we're actually discussing trading the 4runner for the Land Cruiser, and not the GS. We've got a boat load of equity in the 4runner, which is a year newer than the Certified Land Cruiser, but has 8k more miles, and isn't nearly as "loaded". I'm still too spooked to bite on the LX over that air suspension stuff. Negotiating now over the email on price, before wasting our time to drive over and look at it.

Did a little research last night on these MB R500's, which I must admit really intrique me. However, after reviewing the cost differences of a 3rd party extended warranty between a MB / BMW / Toyota "Lexus" product...no way Jose'! The MB R500's have taken massive depreciation hits, which put them within our reach. They fit the bill on space and seating. Edmunds and the like user reviews rave about them. But, they're very electronical - no way I would buy one without a warranty (which you have to buy yourself). Anyone care to guess how much a 5 year 100K limited warranty costs on a 2006 Mercedes Benz R500? $6,500!!! I knew it would be higher than normal, but that's insane!!! So, I checked www.parts.com to see how much normal wear and tear parts cost.... Struts - $1,100 EACH dealer pricing - $750 parts.com pricing. Guess how much a strut on a Land Cruiser cost...about $50 bucks.... 2004-5 BMW X5 was better, but still north of $4k. 2002 Lexus LX470? $1,500. Now...THAT says something right there! So, with that, I'm 100% sticking close to home base - Toyota. Got three cars in mind - 2002 LX470 with 65k miles - 03ish Land Cruiser (if I could find one), or the Sequoia. I'm in the $20k range here. All share the same bullet proof 4.7 engine that i've come educated on via the 4runner. I have NO fear about buying above 60k miles on that engine, at all. I'm REALLY intriqued by this LX i've found. But, don't know enough about that ride-height leveling system to gain comfort in it. I would have to assume it's the best in the business, due to the intended use of the vehicle - and the fact that it probably has never seen 10% of that intended use (who swamp-buggies a $75k vehicle?). Anyone have one of these vehicles that can chime in on this? I'm going to post the questoin in the LX section too.

Actually, it's not quite exactly how it is. Is it something that will damage the car or your stopping ability? Nope, not at all. Is it annoying? Oh yeah. All rotors will "flash rust" after a rain/car wash if left to sit. You'll hear that sandpaper noise at first as the rotors clear that rust. That's normal. The squealing is due to a torn anti-squeal shim on that brake, assuming you still have your original pads (or genuine oem pads with the shim kit reused from the old pads). Toyota brake pads have this clip that goes over the back of them, that is made up of two parts. First is this thin piece of metal that is wrapped in a rubber case - that goes directly onto the back of the pad. Second is a metal clip that sandwiches the rubber wrapped piece to the pad. This metal piece is what your piston pushes against when you apply the brakes, which in turn pushes the pads onto the rotor. If the rubber casing piece sandwiched between the two gets torn, or is not greased when installed, then the harmonic vibrations from the pad surface and rotor come through to the rest of the assembly, causing that squealing noise. After a couple of minutes however, the noise goes away, because the heat of the brakes have softened up the rubber better. My 4runner's front driver side wheel does this exact same thing. I known the rubber piece is torn, as I had changed the rotors and pads about 18 months ago myself. When I was doing this, I noticed one of the caliper pistons had rusted pretty badly "nothern winter road salt", which had created an uneven pressure surface against the piston and the metal backing clip. Eventually, the metal clip had rubbed ever-so-slightly enough rubber from the anti-squeal shim (the rubber piece) to expose the metal....and it screams on the first application of the brakes when in reverse (backing out of the driveway) after a rain/snow/carwash. Lasts only a few seconds.

You know, RX, that part about another 4runner isn't all too bad. I've done quite a bit of research lately, started looking at the BMW X5, had a few conversations with some mechanics, and although I really LOVE the look of BMW, I think I'm going to wait for my first Bimmer to be a 3rd car. The 5 series wagons are just a bit out of my comfort zone on price vs mileage, and have written off the 3 series wagons. I think, sadly, i'm out of the station wagon segment, which has me heading over to the SUV side. The Mazda CX9 would be the ideal choice, but (a) a GT model with AWD that isn't either silver or black, for a fair price, is tough to find. They're a bit of a stretch for my comfort zone. The Acura MDX is too expensive (in it's current form, older designs..yawn), the RDX is Rav4 too small. Basically....I'm down to the RX330, back to the Sequoia Limited, and possibly a GX470. Out of the three, two share the same components as the 4runner we've got - the bullet proof 4.7 V8 engine, and transmission/drivetrain components, which I really like. However, the Sequoia is BIG! I'm talkin Big Foot in the woods kind of big. Not sure how the wife would feel about that. That's where the RX comes in (the egg, as my wife calls them). Easier to drive in the city, but can't haul 7 in a pinch. That's were the GX comes in - same bullet proof mechanicals as the 4runner, can haul 7 in a pinch....but worried about that whole ride-height suspension aspect. Damn sure don't want to deal with a faulty air set-up....So...long story short - I think it's between the RX330 and the 03-04 Sequoia Limited. Don't want two 4runners...too boring. If these don't do the trick, then either the Mrs. is just going to have to get over her Subaru thing, or learn to love a minivan, which would either be the Sienna (1st choice) or Nissan (2nd choice). The Infiniti FX is too difficult to access the back seats. We looked at one, and wacked my head on a door seal. Neat concept of a car, but not "car seat" friendly, at all. Watch....i'll probably end up buying an 06' MB R350 instead, and end up bitchin' about it for the next two years..... They are quite nice, and would fit the "space" bill perfectly...see? I'm already talking myself into trouble...good thing I don't drink like I use to, other wise there'd be two baby seats strapped to the back of a MB SL500!

So far, I've driven three that didn't give me the warm & fuzzies...07' Volvo V70 FWD with the normal 2.4 engine, 07' VW Passat AWD with the V6, loaded with everything, and 06' BMW 325 AWD with all options. Volvo is a no because of power, feel, and an questionable corporate ownership these days. They're being sold to a Chinese company, and they're going to stop selling wagons in the states next year. That worries me when it comes to the certified warranty. Same reason why I won't look at a Saab wagon. VW is 75% no because of the comments I've read on Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and others - it sounds like they fall apart after 50k miles or so. The 06+ BMW 3series wagon is 100% no due to the lack of a spare tire being replaced with the run-flats instead (too expensive to replace, and ride like crap). Given that my wife absolutely refuses to consider an Outback "which would fit this bill perfectly", I'm starting too look at SUV's instead. Just not a lot of wagons out there that aren't either way too expensive, or barebones. Next car to look at is the Mazda CX9 GT. Capable of seating 7 when needed for around town trips (nice feature when the grandparents are in town), has excellent reviews from all the usual sources, and what I really miss about our former little Mazda 3, the triptronic transmission. Plus, there's quite a few of them out there, so negotiations are certain to be better. This shift in my focus to sportier SUV's opens up a lot more options, like the Acura RDX, Infiniti FX35, Lexus RX, Nissan Morono, and the BMW X3 (not sure if they're runflats too, inlaws have one, love it). I must admit that I am attracted to the 05-06 MB E320 wagons too, but know better than to take on one without a bullet-proof warranty in place. But, they sure are beautiful to look at and have all the room we would need. But not a wise move, at all. I've read where MB wouldn't even sell an owner an extended warranty when their normal warranty was about to expire. That doesn't say much good about the car. RX, if I keep the GS, it won't be because I need to, it'll be because I can't find a replacement that is within our budget that suits our needs. We're a growing family, and even though the 4runner is a true winner, I don't like the fact that it's the only vehicle we've got that can get the job done now. We want a back-up option if needed. Plus, we're moving our office this fall. Now, I'm only a few miles from home, but that will change. I don't want my wife to be stuck at home with two kids on snowy days when I need the 4x4 ability to get to work. That's just not acceptable. The GS SUCKS in bad weather. It's even scary in the rain! And, I'm not spending the money for "snow tires" for a car that I don't want. I'm fortunate to be able to have this option. I'm going to take it. Plus, many are saying the elections this November are running a real risk of being the trigger to the hyper-inflation that we all know is coming. I'd rather lock in a more suitable vehicle at today's rates for the next couple of years, then be in this position when we move back east in a 10% interest rate environment...which is clearly just a matter of time before it happens. 10% on a home is one thing (a painful thing), but I'm ok with that, because when rates fall again, that's when you realize the most appreciation in value (hence 1998-2006). 10% on a car is wasteful beyond the basic need. Rates are so low these days, that it doesn't make much sense to pay cash for a car. Bet we won't be able to say that in 12 months or so. Plus, I have no debt, other than the two cars. Combine the two balances, still doesn't even come close to the price of a new basic car today. After I do this, then I'll have two cars for about the price of one new one.

Guess I'm not foolish enough to buy the car. Those folks are fishing for idiots, and you'd have to be one to pay what they're asking, $24,990. THEN, came an additional $3,200 for taxes ($1,500) and $1,700 for all the other junk. First time i've actually seen "rust proofing" before in real life, at $395, and some kind of "special" conditioner applied to the dash and seats, at $395. My offer of the keys to the lexus and a check for $19,500, turned into their reply of $28k. Didn't help some country club dude and his snot nosed kid were there looking at it as well. But, that isn't the basis for my nolonger wanting one of these cars....it's the fact that they don't have a spare tire, and require the run flat tires. You couldn't give me a car in this town with those tires on it. Hit a typical Chicago bump in the road during the test drive, and I thought the thing was going to explode from the shock. Want to known how it felt? Take a tree branch, and smack yourself in the face with it, it was that jarring. No way am I going to drive that around here, and no way would I put my wife and kids in a car that didn't have a spare tire. Not that I'd expect my wife to change the tire, as she would just hit the SOS button for help, but the fact that the guy who came to help her, would have to bring a tire with him to do it. No way, Jose'. Glad I did this today, finally put the 3 series wagons to rest for me. The more I do this, the more I'm realizing why I've choosen three Toyota made products in the past already. Just wish they made a sporty midsized wagon, and this whole process would be over and done with.... the search continues...

Well... I couldn't bring myself to the Volvo. I drove it again on friday afternoon, and just couldn't make myself pull the trigger. I can't go from a silky smooth v8, to a very busy i5. We looked at an 07 Passat 4motion with the 268hp v6, awd, fully decked out with ALL the options, including the nav. It was blue with black leather. Very beautiful car. Had 39k miles, and was a "VW Preloved Certified" car. However, I was not impressed by the noises coming from the engine, could easily hear a bearing going out somewhere. And, here's a little something interesting that was a total "bait n' switch" about VW....that "preloved certified" status...isn't a warranty, unless you're willing to pay for it, at about $1,500+. No way, Jose'. Now, I haven't owned a VW since 1987, and was really stunned when I actually sat in the car, the center counsol is still way too low. You have to reach down to it, not over to it. Didn't like that at all. Plus, the price...way too high at $24k. That's BMW territory. Not to mention the d'bag salesman kept calling my flawless GS430 with only 62k miles, a Toyota. I made the comment that my "Toyota" at 9 years of age was probably smoother, stronger, more reliable, and better built than anything within 5,000 feet of him. He really ticked both me and my wife off. I told him "why would I trade a car that never puts me in the shop, for a car that everyone who's ever owned one, knows will, if it didn't automatically come with a bullet proof warranty from the manufacturer?" That dude was a twerp. Wanted BMW pricing, for a BMW wannabe car. Granted, it's a very nice car, truly beautiful, but no BMW.. Speaking of which.... Guess what just fell into my lap on Thursday.... a 2006 BMW 325 awd wagon, red with grey leather, 30k miles, true BMW certified with the 100k warranty for the next 4 years...every single option possible, from the i-drive system, right down to the heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and pop-up head light washers. The BMW dealership that contacted me that it was coming in on trade, sold it new, and serviced it 100%. Drove by it today to take a look in peace with the wife and son. It's stunning..... Our boy walked up to it, put his finger on the front, turned to me and went "oohhhh...car car...ooohhhh". I'm taking the Lexus over at 9am tomorrow morning to drive it, and if I like it "which I'm pretty sure I will", will be making a fair offer for it. Called the insurance company today to check rate changes if I do end up switching cars....insurance for the BMW is about $120 cheaper than the Lexus! Go figure that one! Other funny element to this....the 4runner and today's interest rates. Going to have the bank recast the note to today's rate, not changing the remaining term, just the rate...lowers the payment by the exact amount the BMW would increase it over what I pay for the Lexus. Total cost for both cars is a complete wash, damn near right to the dollar! I hadn't realized interest rates where so darn low for used cars. So, let's hope it drive's nice, and they accept my offer. NOT looking forward to the process at all though, I hate car dealers. But, a necessary evil I guess for a car that I've wanted since I was a teenager, but never had the ability to have, until now. My fingers are crossed!

SWO, I certainly agree with you regarding the 100k+ mark and where Lexus really shines. I drove an 06 V70 wagon this weekend, normal engine (not the turbo). Granted, it's a 5 banger engine with 170 hp, but the way it's geared, it's hard to tell it only has 170 hp. I really like the car, found it to be comfortable, and practicle for our uses. It's definetly not as "refined" in the mechanicals as Lexus, but nothing really is for the price range I want to be in. The Mazda certainly wasn't, and I really enjoyed that little car. If they still have it in inventory this weekend, there is a pretty good chance I'll be trading the Lexus for it.

I have an 01 with now 62k miles. Two things I've had with mine that are easy to check out on yours.... One: after you've driven it to warm it up a bit, turn off the a/c, put it in gear, keep your foot on the brake "like if you're stopped at a stop sign or stop light" and see if you feel the car shake at all. If you do, then the engine mounts are ready to be replaced. On good mounts, you won't feel the car's engine at ALL! Two: put the car in reverse, take your foot off the brake, don't touch the gas and let it back up on it's own. When you're at idle speed going backwards, shift it into neutral "don't touch the brake", just let it coast backwards. If when you put it into neutral, see if you feel any clunks in the back from it disengaging reverse. If you do, then have the back end bushings and differential mounts looked at. My car does this now, and I'm not quite sure why. It won't do it with my foot on the brake before going into neutral, but will slam/buckle if I don't have my foot on the brake. Not sure why, don't think I'm going to investigate it either as I'm right on the line with trading it in for a Volvo V70 wagon. Other than that, they're great cars and very comfortable. Blindingly fast too if you ask it. Put in some new plugs, fresh oem fluids, clean out the intake, and new motor mounts (2) and transmission mount (1), and you're back to new with it. It's like driving a 300hp golf cart. You know you're going 80mph. You know you got to 80mph very quickly, but you're not quite sure how, as you didn't feel it, hear it, or sense it.

DC, the subbies would be my first and most logical choice, if my wife didn't have something against them "which I still don't know why, or what?" The mystery of a woman I guess. I've always like the 06-08' style of the Outback, and looked at them pretty heavily when trying to replace the LS. One thing that is a flaw with them though is the center arm rest. Its way too far back, making it utterly useless. I'd trust one over a Volvo anyday of the week too. I use to have a 99' outback, that was great! But, the wife refuses to have one. She's open to the Volvo though. I think I've spoiled her by moving to an area of MB's, Audi's, BMW's, etc.. I personally really like the MB wagons, but too afraid to take one on. Plus, you would be stunned at how many MB's I see here in Chitcago with body rust! We're talking MB's that are maybe 4 years old, with rusting trunks and fenders already. I'd be TICKED if I had paid $50k+ for a car that was rusting so soon. I've seen too many of them to be "user error". I won't touch a used Audi or VW either. And can't get my hands on a BMW without busting the budget. They're so rare that dealers know they don't have to negotiate very much. But Volvo....different story.. I've got my family in town this week for #1's second b'day. Might slip out on Saturday and go take a look at the Volvo. I'm really dissapointed in the lack of offerings for station wagons in general. You do a search for all cars on autotrader, with the key word of "wagon", and you're basically looking at european/german, with the exception of Subaru, and the old Clark Griswald wagons "which are actually pretty darn cool!!".

I hear ya', but I'm fortunate enough to say the economy doesn't suck for me. You want to talk about job security? How about being 1 of only 7 people charged with putting $3b in the economy throughout the US and Canada, and being 1 of 3 who covers everything east of Colorado! One of the trade-offs for making this move. My driving distances are about to change, we're moving the office in September. Plus, you know the golden rule....it's great to be a buyer when everyone else is trying to be a seller. With #2 on the way, I'd like for us to have the option to switch cars every now and then. As it is now, I'm the GS, she's the 4runner. I'd like to drive the 4runner sometimes, and she'd like to drive something else with the kids every now and then too. The GS doesn't cut it, we need a wagon in the mix. And, quite frankly, I loothe this GS, probably one of the most disappointing cars I've ever owned. I hate paying for things I don't like or want. However, that said, I do recognize the economy and the addition to the family. That is why I'm not considering a new car, just used. I'm really tempted to take a look at a decked out Ford Flex, but know better than to do so. No more Lexus's for me though. I won't argue that they're great cars, but I think I've scratched that itch for awhile... So, anyone have anything to say about the Volvo? Obviously anything I decide to buy will have well documented and reviewed certified warranty. I'm seeing something called a T5, which is basically a turbo on the engine, bumping HP up from about 170 to 210ish. Not sure if I want to take on a turbo, but certainly intriqued :)

Can't seem to get my hands on a BMW, so I'm looking at Volvo instead. Plus, really liking the whole safety thing too with Volvo. Looking at this one... Don't really care about 0-60 in 5 seconds anymore. In fact, I've come to the conclusion that there really is no justification for my GS to have a V8 engine. For one, you can only really use it when it's dry out. If it's wet, it might as well be ice on the road. Two, I still can't believe I haven't gotten a ticket yet. And with traffic, I only use about 30% of it's ability. Three, I'm really not all that comfortable driving this car. It wanders all over the place, especially on uneven pavement. Granted, i'm betting it has a lot to do with the GT tires on it, but not willing to spend the hundred$ for new tires. The fun of the car though? Stop light drag races on dry pavement. I turned off the trac control the other day, dry pavement, stop light. Light turned green, and my foot went all the way down. Left some marks on the pavement! It was fun! I also like the fact that when a bushing wears out, you can buy just the bushing for $30+/-, not entire control arm. Smooth, as I was checking parts.com on how the suspension set up is, I checked the windshield wiper motor too for the V70. Granted, I'm sure you've probably already spent the money to fix your, but parts.com shows them for about $250. At the end of the day....that little Mazda we had, I'm affraid, has ruined me. Quiet and smooth is nice, but too much of it, is boring me now. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=273917605&dealer_id=93017&car_year=2006&rdm=1274285841627&lastStartYear=1981&model=V70&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2006&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=VOLVO&keywords_display=&color=&scarid=276730646&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60137&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=4&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

You know who I'd love to hear from on this, that we haven't seen in a long time....Ralph! (RFields)???? He's in the oil & gas game down in Blake's neck of the woods. Blake, have you heard from Ralph at all?? DC - well, you know I'll always have a critical eye ;) But I've got to say, after three years of price manipulation, shortage "rumors", record profits, and all the other stuff the general public has been subjected to by big oil and wall street, and now some of the prettiest coastlines on the globe being ruining by heavy crude, due to ignored safety concerns for increased profit margins.....I think this nation's biggest threat to national security isn't sitting in a cave in Pakistan, or delivery C4 pizzas in Baghdad....but sitting in a corner office in downtown Houston, TX. I'm tired of "President Makers" being "Public Killers".

I, for one, will make every possible effort to avoid buying my gas from BP from now on. Heard on the news this morning, the CEO of BP downplaying the environmental damage being done to the Gulf of Mexico, in a very arrogant fashion. I'm sick to my stomach to think what is about to happen to the Everglades. Anyone see 60 minutes this past weekend? This is strictly BP's fault! They had a SVP in charge who trumped all recommendations for safety, for the sake of profits. They were warned by the world's top experts on how to drill for oil that what they're doing on this rig is wrong, and they not only ignored these comments, but fired anyone who agreed with them, all for the sake of profits. They said they were loosing $1m a week on this hole. Now, you tell me folks....ANY of you think ANY of the big oil companies have grounds to make business decisions based upon cost savings? Anyone here not know about the record profits these guys have been reporting for the past SEVERAL years? I can't stop the drilling for oil. It's a dirty, dangerous, and risky business. It is a necessary evil in our current lives. However, I can choose who I give my money too...and it ain't gonna be to these guys anymore! I will take back any and all negative comments I've made about Obama, and I will vote for him again, in a heartbeat, if he tackles the abuses going on in big oil. You talk about a sector of the economy that goes unchecked. These guys not only have the ability to ruin the economy, but the environment as well.

should be behind the glove box, i believe. the three toyotas i've had, they were all located behind the box. our 4runner smelled something awful of smoke when we got it. had to steam clean the interior to get rid of it "cloth seats". haven't noticed it in the ac unit though. i'll warn you though, those little filters aren't cheap to replace, and they seem hard to find at 3rd party auto parts stores. my gs was a smoker too, and i refused to spend the $50 on a new filter. i simply took it out of the car, and haven't had a problem since. i figured i've had several cars that didn't have a filter at all, without problem.

Thanks guys! The scratches give it that "fogged" look. Not terrible, but you can tell a difference if you really look at both lenses at the right angle, when it's dry outside. I've decided to not worry about it though. It doesn't appear to have any noticable impact at night, so it still works fine.