nc211

Went to lowes today, with one side of the car stuck on max heat, and the other working normally. Came out of lowes with the situation reversed! Stopped by the Honda dealer to look at the Pilot, shut the car off/on, and both sides worked normally again. 3rd time the charm! God, this thing really sucks...

Drive back to DC yesterday, couldn't wait to get out of that car! However, not all is lost, as the wife and I have apparently come to an agreement on a car that we both like. Part the heavens, call off the dogs! A Land Cruiser! Not a new one, but an 06' with that stellar 4.7 V8 that we had in our 4Runner. At the end of the day, I made a decision too quickly on the Volvo. When I asked her what car she has really enjoyed over the years, what car she really felt a connection to, it was the 4Runner above all others. We outgrew it however was the main reason we got rid of it. I don't think it was a mistake to replace it, but I do think it was a mistake on my part to jump the gun on this Volvo. It's not a bad car, but just a but too quirky for us to really enjoy. As we were discussing the 4Runner, and all of those 19 hour drives to/from NC/IL together as a family, we realized that we're Toyata fans. Sitting in traffic, next to us, was a green Land Cruiser, looked to be an 06', kids bouncing around in the back, dog, mom and dad, and luggage stacked up in the back. We both looked at eachother like the light bulb turned on. "You like that?" I asked. "No, I LOVE that!". Now my question is this - what's the main difference mechanically between the Land Cruiser and the LX470? I see more used LX's than LC's out there, and not at what I would expect to be a "Lexus" premium over the LC. Is it the air suspension on the LX that appears to be the holdback? Is it a real problem after 120k miles? I figure a LC or LX with 90k on the clock, make the timing belt replacement a requirement of purchase, and then "reset" it to my standards of new top shelf fluids, brakes/tires, and a good claybar detail, and all would be right again with the family buggy. This Volvo has to go!

Haha! I give it to June before a new set of tires is on that monster! Is love to have one in the garage, but it would seriously drive me insane to find fruit loops and chicken nuggets in it. It would go against every car guys man code to let it happen to such a nice piece of machinery! Kind've like it is to buy an automatic Porsche! I'm actually really liking the Mazda CX9 again. I think I'll have to reinforce the idea, like I did with that 3gt several years ago, that she ended up loving. The Volvo is such a disappointment for us. If it weren't for all of this plastic rattling around, I think we could really like it. It is quirky, but with a purpose towards the safety aspect, which is really why you buy one in general. I personally think its a timeless design and looks very classy. We have the 18' wheel package on it. The seats aren't necessarily uncomfortable, just not well made. There is enough of that "not well made" here and there to really chip away at your confidence level with the longevity of the car. At the end of the day, I'm at that point where it's time to get my hands dirty and swap out the plugs, the diff fluids, belt, and clean out the intake of carbon. I'm sure if I spent a day or two tinkering with it, and force the certified warranty to replace the seat covers and other items, it would be much better. The CPO doesn't expire until next October. It's just a shock to me as a car guy that any car these days has these kinds of problems with it being only 4 years old, especially one branded as a luxury tag. I could see cracked seats in a Chevy Malibu by now, but in a near $60k European luxury SUV that's branded to compete against the others of its price range? Just doesn't make sense to me. So many people are so loyal to Volvo, that I'm a little surprised that their most expensive model isn't holding up better in the interior cosmetic category.

Well, thought I'd update this one too, since its about the Volvo. Bought a CPO XC90 V8 about a year ago with 32k miles. Today, we're at 50k miles. Verdict? It sucks! Drive it to NC yesterday for Thanksgiving. Man, this thing has more plastic rattles in it than Pam Anderson. There is no argument that its safe, which is why I bought it. It was a bit of a knee-jerk reaction after a family car accident last Christmas of a family member. No mistake made on the safety front, although have come to learn that all cars of this size have gotten much better. When you close the doors on the XC90, it truly is like closing a bank vault door. They're super heavy, and "thud" into place without question. The frame is also clearly solid as a boulder, with the roof being made of Barron steel, supposedly so tough that you can barely drill through it in general with the above average tools. It is truly a solid vehicle in this regard. I'd feel perfectly safe hitting a friggin Boeing 747 in this thing, no question about it. Everything else though attached to it, is not very impressive, and isn't holding up very well. The seats are horrible. The leather needs to be replaced all around. My neighbor has a 2012 model with only 10k miles on it, drivers seat is already splitting. We've got two broken window switches that just came off in our hands. Nobody seems to know how to turn off the oil change reminder light. The rear wiper is sagging. The headlights are pathetically dim. The stereo amp is going out. The center arm rest creaks and squeaks so badly that its basically useless. Overall, the interior quality of this car is just not up to par for a car this expensive. Mechanically, brakes won't stop squealing, and the brake dust on the fronts is absolutely horrible. You need a 2400psi pressure washer to clean them on a weekly basis. When I do it, I'm amazed at all the black water that comes flowing out of the caliper housing. It's nasty. But, they do work like a champ, as I found out yesterday on I95 with an emergency stop from 80mph. The V8 engine is built by Yamaha. It has 300hp and around 320 torque. It's decent, but not a powerhouse that you'd expect, especially from what they say on the reviews. The transmission feels like its slipping under moderate to heavy acceleration, even though I had the fluid flushed by the Volvo dealer at time of purchase. The power application is not smooth, but rather it is rhythmic and pulsing. Irritating is the right word. I hear this is normal though. It won't hold an alignment very well, and keeps favoring the left side of the car. Take your hands off the wheel, and you're heading into oncoming traffic. All parts have checked out ok though by Volvo. They just keep realigning the thing. Lasts about 60 days. When searching in the Volvo forums for this issue, I am seeing things that brung back memories of my LS400, like subframe bushings, mounts, etc. not going down this road again, even if under warranty, just don't have the time nor patience to chase it. The ride - has become choppy, and the slightest bump in the road is transmitted through the car like a stabbing effect. It feels like you're driving with 60psi in the tires, is the best way to explain it. The tires were new at purchase, although Hankook brand, which might have something to do with it. The driving position - the center arm rest is too small and too far back to be anything more than a storage compartment. The who cabin area is pushed too far forward. The front doors, if you're not paying attention, can easily rip your face off with the top edges when you open/close the door while standing outside of the car. You MUST pay attention, or you'll take a shot to the head with that corner edge. The cargo area - this, is an area where the car does shine. With the 7 seater seats folded down, it is truly amazing how much you can fit in the back. The center seat of the second row also folds down independently as well, making long items such as wood easy to get to load. The height is perfect to load/unload, and the split rear gate makes for a great seating spot to hang out and watch the kids at the park from. Overall, beyond the exterior looks (which is debatable to personal tastes), and the rear cargo area, I'd have to say this Volvo is my least favorite car I've ever owned, and won't be buying another for a long long time. My wife feels the same way, and rare is it that she actually has any opinion about a car. She feels that it's too expensive for what it is, and is wanting to replace it. She actually misses the 4Runner, and to a degree, so do I. Won't buy one though again due to roll over risk, and we don't need a truck-based SUV. We're thinking about a few different models. The Acura MDX, Mazda CX9, and Audi Q7 (my preference). She, of course loves the Range Rover, but I am resistant to spend that kind of money knowing that it'll get trashed by her and the kids. She won't keep it clean. I'm not talking slob here, but if I had a RR in my driveway, it'd have to be prestine 24/7 to keep my sanity in check. I like the Mazda and Acura for their handling ability, 7 seater in a pinch, and cargo area (although need to look at them again in person). The Hilander just isn't winning us over, although we both know that it should. The X5 is too small, as is the Toureg. We're not talking new here either, CPO if German is required. Depending on how bonus and promotion look in March will dictate if the Q7 is possible. Happy to report, March is shaping up to be one heck of a good month for the ole bank account. We'll see.. But at the end of the day, this experiment with Volvo hasn't turned out very well with us. Live and learn...

Man, my wife is sort've over her Volvo lately. Said she likes it, but doesn't love it. Me, as a good husband, asked her what she'd "love" to have instead. Care to guess what her answer was? I'll give you a hint, there's a very sweet picture of it on the earlier page (no, not you, Steve!) In terms of the sticker price, gas consumption, and awesomeness of that sweet ride you've got there Dave, I have to defer to a fatherly saying told to me by my dad right before I left home for college, and again right before I got married.... "Son, boners aren't cheap". Range Rover with a supercharger = "schwing!"

SW, glad to see you're feeling better! I thought that prime rib looked a little pink-ish. They did warn us that they had to reduce the cost of natural gas on the grill to compensate for the increased health insurance costs for the dish washer. That has to be the reason why you weren't feeling very well by the time desert arrived.. :whistles:

Very nice indeed! Only have known 2 people with RR's in my life, both late 90's models, one of which was that Calloway series. Both had problems only associated with the electrical via blown fuses. The Calloway had a problem with the driveshaft dropping due to too much power for it to handle. All were fixed though. The Calloway owner's son had a discovery for many years, one of the rare manual transmission models. Loved it. Had some problems with seals, but considering how he treated it, he's lucky that's all he had problems with!! In terms of reliability - I feel the exact same way. My VW's which is a badge that doesn't exactly have the most stellar reliability an quality image.... Have been nothing but stellar and exceptional quality.

Only two things I have EVER cause any problems with a Toyota/Lexus transmission in the 8 years I've been on here, and 3 of their cars, is the following: 1) - Transmission mount. 2) - Wrong type of transmission fluid. Before you do anything at this point, I'd make sure your fluid is Toyota Type VI ONLY, and you don't have a worn out mount (or possibly suspension bushing). Anything that I have ever heard if that was described as a "banging" sound in these cars, ever....has always had something to do with a rubber mount or bushing....not mechanical.

Mitsubishi is a shame, but they were taken down by their own internal corruption that coast them the Diamanté, which is the last real offering of distinction they've had. Rode the Eagle Talon for just about as long as humanly possible. Lincoln can survive, if they'd replace their interior design team with folks in the 21st century. Seriously, every time I see the interior of a Lincoln, I think Mork n' Mindy. Last car they produced that ever caught my eye was the first generation Mitsubishi Diamanté knock-off... You don't buy a Smart Car, you rent them for the back nine at the golf course... Scion, I'll believe it when I see it. They've got a new model out that shares a badge with Subaru that I hear is fantastic and has become the darling if the racer scene. Admittedly, they made more sense when interest rates were above 6% for a car loan..

I would take a look at the VW / Audi family as well ( Q7 / Toureg). The Toureg comes in a hybrid as well (more tax deductions?). The Toureg is the sibling of the Porsche SUV. I sat in one when I bought my current GTI - unbelievably nice! If I had $65k to spend, that new Toureg would be very hard to beat in my book. I think all cars have come up in reliability. My admiration for VW has been well documented around here with my two. Bought this last one before I ever sat in the actual car, and still couldn't be happier with the model series. I think the Toureg would be the same way. I figure the RangeRover is similar, but absent of the German driving influence. They've got to be better in terms of reliability by now! Of course, don't ask Mattar for his recommendation "you know what they say about British engines - if there ain't no oil under them, there ain't no oil in them..." Only thing I would be cautious about with the RR is Ford's influence at that price point. Our Volvo is their top model SUV. I can easily tell the Ford influence in it, and I don't care for it at all (loose plastics, broken window switches, etc.) Our former Mazda 3GT (07') was basically three cars in one - Volvo frame, Mazda interior and exterior design, and Ford engine and transmission. Seriously, under the engine had FoMoCo stamped in the metal everywhere. Had to flush the transmission fluid by 15k milies because it was basically cooked, and it was well known that a topside engine mount would be done by 30k miles in general. Had some problems with cheap plastic pullies, and the ac compressor. it was the 2.3 liter engine. Everything else on that car was perfect.

Rumor has it that Romney's name is in the circle of conversation to replace Geitner! I think that would be FANTASTIC!! SW - left you a v/m earlier. This elephant is ready to play "slap the feedbag on the donkey!" HeeHawHeeHaw!!!

I tend to agree with SW though on this. As a republican myself, some of that rehteric started to get a little unnerving. On the economy alone, I liked Romney. On the social issues, I liked Obama. I am not surprised 2016 is already in discussion, and if the democrats want to take it, they have no choice but to work with the republicans to get some very crucial goals met, specifically the debt load. Obama isn't working anymore to save his job, and he won't be making decisions anymore with that mindset taking center stage in his mind (although legacy issues will exist, but he's a made man already). He'll be working for his party, and if his party wants to go into the next election without Obama on the ticket and win, they can't go into it with these key problems still in existance. They really have no choice anymore but to listen to the republicans and start to bend here and there. That line in the sand approach, has to stop now, from both sides. Here are some pretty compelling facts from last night, and this whole election. One, no "home state" of the republicans was won by them. MI, NH, MA, WI....all went Obama. That's telling. Two, the whole idea of taxing the rich more being a problem, doesn't seem to be much of a problem to the rich. When you look at the map, all of the areas that represent the highest concentrations of wealth in this country, went Obama. The vast majority of the personal wealth of this country is along the coasts. Evenly spread across the west coast, and more concentrated in the NE and midatlantic region of the east coast. The NE leads the way in this regard, which isn't surprising given that it's also the oldest pocket of this country. All of these states went with the guy who wants to tax them more. Even where I live, in VA, went Obama. I can't argue against that, because on a personal level, big government is good for what I do for a living here in DC. While not a popular topic of discussion around the national water cooler, and a fact that I have personally seen and lived over the past few years, if you're in the DC region, you are more insulated and protected from the harsh realities of the economy. It's one of the main reasons why that nearly 75% of the people who move here, don't leave. That, and it's a pretty cool town in general to live in! I flippin' love this town! End of the day - I think we're all going to be just fine. There are far too many components of the health of an economy that 1600 Penn Ave can have any input in. Like the consumer confidence levels. Let us not forget here folks, that much of what we all bought during the 05-08' timeframe, is still doing fine today. Cars are lasting much longer, TV's haven't drastically changed, your house probably isn't falling down around you. I predict that during the next 4 years however, some of this is going to change, and folks will start to stick their toes back into the water again. You match this with a political system that is indeed facing the "big" test in 4 years of having no choice but to replace a president, and I'm willing to bet both sides are motivated to make things better so they can each take credit for it.

You got it my man, you got it! Fair n' square! Lets catch up tomorrow and finally get it on the books! I'm so glad this friggin thing is over! Wanted Romney, feel bad for the guy, but it is what it is. The sun shall rise again in the morning. At least we don't have to start over with a new president on a learning curve. It does appear my theory about the capital markets giving a clear indication if the sitting president is in real danger of being replaced has held true. Market has been up for this entire election, with no real dips. History, in this regard, has not been wrong. Look at what happened when Bush Sr lost to Clinton in 92'. What this does mean however, is that in 2016, we're probably in for a market crash again. Just like ever other election in modern history has shown us. But, we'll cross those bridges when the time comes! Congrats, Obama fans!

Must've been a typo on NBC. They said Obama won WI, but showed Romney with more votes. 145k vs 155k to Romney.

Well, crap! I will say that if one of them can wrap this up before Florida becomes another issue, I'll be glad. It's looking like you're going to get that prime rib after all my friend! I will say though, how can a state be won with less than 1% of the vote counted?

Hitting the Zoloft a bit early, aren't we? Mmmmm... I'm thinking imported Gouda with free-range bacon, all gently smoothered on pure Angus beef.... I can taste it already!!

So my dad called me a few minutes ago from Florida. He said the local news channel is saying that it could all come down to Virginia, with one particular county playing the biggest role in how VA falls - Loudoun County. If it falls to Romney - oh SW, oh man oh man... You're the one who sold me the house! The irony of this is just too funny! For the record, I really don't care who wins anymore. We're America - we get it right regardless of who's on Fox News! I see enough pros from both parties to be happy either way.

We got Shoneys here in DC?!? :-) I wasn't able to see the game, and didn't check the score either, was too busy cleaning up the environmental biohazard that was parked in the driveway, otherwise known as the family buggy. Came to the conclusion that it was a good concept by Volvo, that was cheapened down to a plastic rattle box from Ford. That car is on its way out, even got the wife on board with the idea, but I digress... Dang Paul, I bet that felt good to let loose! I already voted (Friday), so I'm kind've in the waiting room now having a drink while waiting for this all to finally end. I think I said about 8 months ago that this thing is going to be nuts, and it'll be the election of doom and gloom. I was pretty close, but it didn't get quite as bad as I thought it would. Hey, at least nobody got an intern indicted (I actually saw Lewinski a few weeks ago in a private hotel lobby). At the end of the day, one way or the other, taxes have to come up, and spending has to come down now. That's pretty much been a given from both sides. That'll be some lost entitlements, and some increased opportunity costs for the country. Neither Obama or Romney can avoid this anymore. My top issue with the democrats, which I've always maintained this view point over the years, is the massive amounts of red tape that always seems to appear when they show up at the economic party. I like it better when the private sector has more input to the oversight. True, that's more dangerous at times, but in the end, I think it allows for faster corrections in the market. But, just my opinion on that. At the end of the day, as harsh as it is to say and to admit to, there will always be poor folks in our country. There will always be the disadvantaged, victims of greed, and collateral damage of the innocent from the policies of the leadership, no matter who runs the show. We'll never get around that, as its a requirement of how we function as a country. For my own selfish reasons, I find it easier to insulate myself and to prosper more from the system when government isn't front and center. Not a popular thing to say not admit to in public, especially given the past few years, but it is what it is for me. This time around, I voted straight economy, nothing more, nothing less. Given my own personal beliefs that we're all familiar with, you can see why I went with Romney. I learned a lesson in my 20's, when I was chasing a dream to become some movie director, one that led me back to school to get a finance degree. Wanting it all, produces nothing whatsoever, if you can't pay for it. Knowing how to pay for it, lets you do whatever you want. Funny thing is, that movie studio I spent so many years working my way up within, wouldn't qualify for a loan from me today! One more day.....and it's all done! Just think, since Obama became President, I had moved from NC to IL to DC, had another child, and tripled my base salary from his first day in office. Can't say I've had it too rough, but now want to protect this momentum a bit...

Ut Oh - heard tonight on the radio that the NFL has said a ref blew a call yesterday that gave the Panthers the win over the Redskins... Damn Redskins! I might be on the hook for a taco and a glass of water to SW this week! Drive thru, of course, in his car!!

I read an interesting statistic this morning. For the past 18 presidential elections, if the Washington Redskins won the game prior to the election, the existing ruling party won the election. If they lost, the ruling party changed hands. Redskins lost yesterday... This is true fact, with only one hiccup occuring in 2004, that reaches back 72 years. I'm just sayin..... We very well could be looking at another popular vote cast one way, and electoral vote cast the other. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, given the performance we've seen out of the house and senate over the past few years (or lack thereof). I think there is a quiet and sizable portion of the population who have reserved their comments and opinions during this entire process, have dodged the polling calls and surveys, that are going to vote for Romney tomorrow. I think they're being very quiet and flying under the radar because they simply don't want to have the argument, don't want to hear the debate and the politics of thier own personal decision, so they're just agreeing with whatever is being said in their social circles, knowing full well they've already made up their minds and aren't going to reveal it to anyone, except to the ballot tomorrow. Why do I think this? Because for the first time in our history, race can actually be a factor and spark an ugly response. I must tip my hat however to all who have been involved in this year's election cycle for not going down this path. Some have tried, but the media didn't splash it on the front pages, and 99.9% of the coversations between all of us have had nothing to do with it. Yet, we all know it does exist. Not saying that it exists in a bad way, or anyway for that matter, but it exists just enough to put some folks off from speaking about or hinting to reveal who they're going to vote for. I think those voters, are going Romney, and aren't being seen in these surveys and predictions. But Steve is 110% right, and it'll be interesting to see how this plays out. It's all about the electora, and these key races are so tight, that the electoral college is in no real jeapordy either way....

Why am I not surprised the guy voting for Obama, isn't bothered by the cost! Oh Snap - Zing!! Sorry my friend, you walked right into that one! Lenore - be quiet, we're joking here "I can hear you typing all the way from DC!" They also have Creme Brûlée too that's great to reset the pallet after such a fine dining experience :-) A personal favorite of mine!

The bet is on who wins the White House next week. I did nearly 3 years in Chicago. Trust me, if the deep-dish (and the Mars Cheese Castle in Wisconsin) didn't stroke me out.... The cheeseburger isn't going to either. Now, the cost of that cheeseburger might stroke-out SW though! If that's the case, I call dibs on the ES (it's real purdie, I've been in it before)! :whistles:

It's a bet! Mmmm.... bacon cheeseburger at the Capitol Grill, with extra fries.... I can almost taste it now!

I agree with SW in that under certain situations, like say under a business ownership situation whereby the lease can be a deduction on the taxes, then it's a good route to take (assuming you've negotiated correctly in general). In my opinion, as of today with rates so low and the market being more accepting of a 6 year term loan, financing is actually cheaper on the monthly min obligation, or close to the lease cost with the benefit of owning the car. Granted, you'll pay a tad more in interest for the longer loan term, but that assumes the monthly min is being paid to bring the 6 year term to full maturity. For instance, 3% on $30,000 costs $475 more in total between a 5 year and 6 year term, but $84 less a month on the minimum payment ($539 vs $455). So, it's really one extra monthly payment. Not taking into consideration what the lease payment might be under the same $30,000 scenario for the same car, or the security deposit, initial down payment and so forth, I fear the lease scenario for two primary reasons, which almost burned me on my 01' Maxima before I discovered Lexus. One - damage repairs. My Maxima got hit by a tree branch during a hurricane in 04'. It dented the roof right where the weld was for the back glass and roof, nearly impossible to fix cheaply given it's location. I thought I was looking at a $1,500 hit to the car to either fix it or pay Nissan when the lease was up. I didn't like that feeling. Luckily the inspector missed it on his turn-in report (didn't break the paint). It was a significant dent too! Not that I wasn't going to fix it, but having to have it fixed by a certain date (lease termination) was a problem. The residual factor to buy the car after lease expiration. I got my tail handed to me on the Maxima in this regard, and it was a good lease negotiation. The value though just went through the floor when Nissan introduced the 2002 model with the bigger engine and upgraded headlights. I think residual on a $30,000 car 3 year later with 48k miles was around $15,500. I tried to sell it and even tried to trade it in, couldn't get near the residual and Nissan was unwilling to negotiate. So after nearly $11,000 in payments, I ended up with nothing except a decision I had to make at a specific date - buy the car for more than it was worth, or return it with nothing to show for it. Granted, the difference between the lease payment and the financing scenario I detailed above for a 6 year term is over $5,000 in difference favored towards the lease argument, I still didn't like the idea of having this date waiting for me to make a decision. It's because of these two issues that I'll probably never lease another vehicle again (outside of the sinking funds factor and security deposits and associated upfront costs of leasing). I prefer to have the ability to make the decision on when/where/how to replace my car when I'm ready. To me, that feeling, and not having the fear of damage looming on the horizon, is worth the extra money to finance. But, under certain situations like SW mentions, leasing makes better business sense!

PS: what a boob! I know this place, actually have a tee shirt from it, and partially blame the 30lbs I picked up during our time in Chicago. No place to fit a politician! Unless, of course, you need to stop up the flow of crap! http://www.weau.com/news/headlines/Biden-visit-to-cheese-shop-irritates-woman-176023511.html?mobile=yes