Search found 669 matches

by mpnret
Wed Mar 13, 2024 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedroom air circulation - jumper duct?
Replies: 38
Views: 3843

Re: Bedroom air circulation - jumper duct?

To confirm increased air exchange can reduce the issue, rig up something temporary to keep the doors partially open far enough to replicate airflow from jumper ducts. So if you were to install a 12" jumper you get about 113 square inches of area, so on a regular 6'8" door, rig something up that has the door open 1.5" - no more no less. Figure out if doing that over many hours resolves the temperature comfort issue. If it does increased air exchange will definitely help. If propping the door open like that does not immediately help, try doing it with the fan on the HVAC system set to ON (instead of auto) - yes that will cause it to run 24/7 but that is sometimes what is takes. I would suggest you follow Savings$'s advice whic...
by mpnret
Sun Mar 10, 2024 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electrical Outlet Covers
Replies: 48
Views: 3813

Re: Electrical Outlet Covers

Looks like Hubbell has a whole line for this called the Masque Collection.
https://www.build.com/collection/TayMac/Masque
by mpnret
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise
Replies: 39
Views: 3840

Re: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan provided by employer retiree health plan. Between my wife and I we get $500. each year for things we normally do anyway like wellness visits, vaccinations, exercise, screenings, etc. Copays are $10. for a doctor's visit but they all get reimbursed at the end of the year. Standard Medicare part B cost deducted from SS gets reimbursed monthly. If there is any IRMAA it gets reimbursed at the end of the year. We had a decent amount of hospital and related medical charges, and everything has been covered in full.
by mpnret
Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021
Replies: 27
Views: 4714

Re: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2024 UPDATE

PSA and 2024 Update The NJ Medicare IRMAA Part B and IRMAA Part D reimbursement website is open as of today. https://www.benefitsolver.com/benefits/BenefitSolverView click MyChoice Accounts under Submit IRMAA Reimbursements on the upper right. IMO bad page design overall. Must file once for retiree Part B, file again for retiree Part D, again for spouse Part B, and again for spouse Part D. Each time you must attach your SS 2023 benefits letter and your 2023 SSA 1099, and the same for spouse. You need to calculate what Part B (same later for Part D) total amount you're claiming, then enter the start date and end dates that you are claiming, e.g., 01/01/2023 - 12/31/23 by clicking on a calendar. I had a hard time with that on my screen; it k...
by mpnret
Sat Feb 24, 2024 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TreasuryDirect Down?
Replies: 4
Views: 607

Re: TreasuryDirect Down?

TD is back.
by mpnret
Tue Feb 20, 2024 12:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How stamp/engrave/imprint wet concrete?
Replies: 11
Views: 1322

Re: How stamp/engrave/imprint wet concrete?

Lots of YouTube vids on various ways to do this. Also lettering for this purpose available from many sources like Amazon.
by mpnret
Mon Feb 19, 2024 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Importing tax info into tax programs. Who does it?
Replies: 67
Views: 5777

Re: Importing tax info into tax programs. Who does it?

I downloaded Vanguard to TT this year. No logon with VG password was required. Just a doc ID supplied by VG.
by mpnret
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1M in I bonds maturing with Vanguard frequency of trading question
Replies: 6
Views: 1531

1M in I bonds maturing with Vanguard frequency of trading question

I have 24 10K I Bonds which mature in 2030-31. I read through the existing threads about withdrawal strategy which I already planned. I will cash in 3 bonds annually over 8 years starting at about 100K in year 1 ending around 150K in year 8. I guess bracket creep and NIIT are necessary evils. IRMAA gets reimbursed by my retiree health plan so I'm good there. Now for the question. This amount will be deposited annually in VTSAX in my taxable brokerage at VG. At the same time, I will be selling the same amount in my tax deferred to keep my asset allocation in sync (VTSAX to VBTLX). Will all this pass the VG frequency of trade policy? Also, at around the same time I usually pull my RMD from VTSAX tax deferred put it in my taxable settlement ac...
by mpnret
Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10294

Re: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

Random Musings wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:38 pm She's booked and you clean when she cancels. You are generous at Christmas as well. With this information, no. I agree with Alfonsia and his final comment.

If you have a lawn service, would you pay them if they skipped a week because it was too rainy?

RM
Good point. After reading all the responses and talking it over with my wife I think what we will do is reiterate with her if for any reason she can't come we are fine with that and if she wants to squeeze us in afterwards we will be happy to accommodate her. Otherwise, we will see her next scheduled cleaning. Thanks everyone for the input.
by mpnret
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10294

Re: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

Stinky wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:21 pm
mpnret wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 9:25 am Some responses mentioned paying during covid which I don't believe applies here but we did pay are previous cleaning lady during covid.

I'm still on the fence.
If you paid for no-work during COVID, which wasn’t the cleaning lady’s fault -

Why wouldn’t you also pay for no-work during a snowstorm, which isn’t the cleaning lady’s fault?

Seems to me there’s a pretty good parallel there. Presumably the cleaning lady was ready to work, but was prevented from working by circumstances beyond her control.
Big difference. COVID was a long term event during which she was not cleaning, and we really didn't want her cleaning. Snowstorm was about 1/2 day event after which she can come anytime she wants.
by mpnret
Wed Feb 14, 2024 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10294

Re: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

OP here. Thanks for all the great responses, although I never thought they would be so split. Some clarification for those that asked: She comes once every 2 weeks with a helper, takes about 2 hours and gets $150 cash with generous tip and gift at Christmas. I would bet the helper doesn't get paid on days she doesn't work but I don't know that. She rarely cancels and it's always been due to snow storm. We are retired so pretty much anytime she wants for a makeup day is available but she is booked. We never cancelled yet. When she does cancel, we do the cleaning ourselves so it's not double work on her next cleaning. Some responses mentioned paying during covid which I don't believe applies here but we did pay are previous cleaning lady duri...
by mpnret
Tue Feb 13, 2024 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10294

Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

We have a cleaning lady we like (her own business not a service). Every once in a while, we have a snowstorm or some other event that prevents her from coming. Should we pay her when this happens. I think no but wanted to check. Being she is booked up there is no makeup day. We don't see her till the next scheduled cleaning.
by mpnret
Tue Feb 06, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will I be responsible for gift tax
Replies: 7
Views: 928

Re: Will I be responsible for gift tax

I would just write the checks as others have suggested. Maybe write something in the memo line on the check like "portion of deceased fathers savings account" but that's really not even necessary. Now if everyone is married here and you really want to keep it proper, You write one check to your brother for 18,000 and another to his wife. Have your wife write a check to either one for the remaining 4,000. Repeat for the other 2 brothers.
Filling out Form 709 is a bit of a pain for something that should be simple. So I would avoid it if possible.
by mpnret
Wed Jan 31, 2024 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage EV Charger Options - which way to go?
Replies: 58
Views: 5099

Re: Garage EV Charger Options - which way to go?

Elric wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2024 3:39 pm I replaced the GFCI with a new one this afternoon. We'll see what happens over the next week or so. If that fixes the GFCI tripping problem, we can hold off on running any new circuit.
I'm not familiar with the Volvo 120v charger but I assume you are unplugging at the car and the charger remains plugged in to the GFCI. At least that's the way I do it with my Tesla.
by mpnret
Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage EV Charger Options - which way to go?
Replies: 58
Views: 5099

Re: Garage EV Charger Options - which way to go?

123 wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 12:50 am
ItzaHoot wrote: Sat Jan 27, 2024 8:31 pm Another possible and simple answer is that GFCI breakers and outlets fail over time. It's a very simple task to replace either a breaker or outlet and see if that will solve the problem.
+1 With your location in Virginia the garage GFCI may get a lot more humidity exposure over time than a typical indoor GFCI. They are very easy to replace.
Just change the GFCI. I have been charging my Tesla on a 120v GFCI for over 3 years without a single issue.
by mpnret
Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Treadmills
Replies: 59
Views: 5590

Re: Treadmills

Purchased Sole F80 15 years ago at Dick's Sporting Goods for $1499. It's had multiple users and has held up well. Fans stopped working but they were useless anyway. About 2 years ago motor bearing started making noise. Sole support had me email them a video with audio and I had a new motor at my doorstep in 2 days. Motor has lifetime warranty.
by mpnret
Thu Jan 18, 2024 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
Replies: 413
Views: 39641

Re: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.

I live in Pennsylvania, which gives retirees a break. There is no state income tax on pensions, IRA withdrawals or social security. Sales tax is 6%. Property taxes vary by county. Most of my income is from a Traditional IRA RMD - so, no state income tax. And, no local tax since there is only an earned income tax locally. I appreciate Pennsylvania for the sense of community and history in the area I live. I enjoy the seasons - but could live without winter. Fortunately, at my age it goes by quickly - as does everything else! Every state gets their money somewhere. In PA it's the inheritance tax. So if you die broke it's a good deal. Years ago I considered moving from NJ to PA but after doing the numbers I decided to stay put. In NJ as long ...
by mpnret
Wed Jan 17, 2024 1:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard: "Important: We've been unable to reach you by email"
Replies: 129
Views: 15259

Re: Vanguard: "Important: We've been unable to reach you by email"

I got the same letter as others. I have Comcast email and there are no issues with my email. I have been doing transactions and continually receiving emails from Vanguard. However, I did waste time following the directions in the letter only to find everything looked ok. Then called the phone number in the letter, waited 30 minutes for VG to call back and they verified everything a second time. Sure sounds like another Vanguard screwup.
by mpnret
Tue Jan 16, 2024 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla in Cold Weather
Replies: 197
Views: 18121

Re: Tesla in Cold Weather

Normchad wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:30 pm
billaster wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:20 pm If the battery needs pre-heating to charge properly, shouldn't the car be smart enough to do that on its own?
The biggest issue (nobody seems to talk about) is people charging at home with a 110V plug.

At cold temps, 110 isn’t enough to warm the battery and charge the car. So you can plug the car in overnight and when you wake up in the morning, it hasn’t charged at all.
I’m approaching 4 years with my model 3 and never had that issue. I charge on a standard 120v outlet in my unheated garage at 8mi/hr. I’m in NJ so it does get cold. Leave the garage everyday with a full tank (up to 350 miles). Have less than 100 mile commute.
by mpnret
Tue Jan 16, 2024 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How To Drain this Pipe?
Replies: 28
Views: 3389

Re: How To Drain this Pipe?

Are you the only one with this setup on the lake? Check around there may be a tried and proven solution out there already. Maybe check with a company that installs/services these.
by mpnret
Fri Jan 12, 2024 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: mailbox won't stay closed - gizmo is too soft
Replies: 19
Views: 2130

Re: mailbox won't stay closed - gizmo is too soft

I had same issue. Attached a magnet on the inside of mailbox so that it contacts the door when closed. Perfect solution for years now. All I did was put a bit of gorilla glue on the magnet and clamped it for a few hours.
by mpnret
Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 RMD in-kind on Vanguard?
Replies: 20
Views: 2551

Re: 2024 RMD in-kind on Vanguard?

Do you do a RMD in-kind?
by mpnret
Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 RMD in-kind on Vanguard?
Replies: 20
Views: 2551

Re: 2024 RMD in-kind on Vanguard?

tetractys wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:18 pm I believe there’s a problem if you withhold taxes. I know things can be done over the phone that cannot be done online, like moving the funds directly to taxable.
I wasn't withholding any taxes but I think you may be correct about having to use the phone for this transaction.
by mpnret
Tue Jan 09, 2024 1:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 RMD in-kind on Vanguard?
Replies: 20
Views: 2551

2024 RMD in-kind on Vanguard?

I've seen a lot of mention of taking a RMD in-kind but has anyone successfully done this on Vanguard?
My story: Brokerage platform, 2 accounts one rollover IRA (VTSAX), and another taxable brokerage with only settlement fund. I withdraw RMD from IRA account and select taxable brokerage as destination. Being settlement fund is only fund there, I select add a fund and add VTSAX. I can then select VTSAX as destination. I get an error message about trying to deposit into same fund or something like that. In order to keep things moving along I ended up depositing in the settlement fund and once it hits, I will move it to VTSAX. Has anyone been able to do this without using the 2-step process?
by mpnret
Sat Jan 06, 2024 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to take your RMD when you don't need your RMD
Replies: 72
Views: 12239

Re: When to take your RMD when you don't need your RMD

I have my withholding for the year taken from my RMD. So I take it soon after I do my income tax, so that I’ve seen what my “safe harbor” will be for the current year, and have that amount withheld from my RMD. This favors doing it late in the year. You can earn interest on the amount to be paid as estimated tax. Withholding is treated as if it was equally distributed throughout the tax year, so it does not matter when it is done with respect to estimated tax due dates. An even better solution would be to figure out your safe harbor and then earmark an RMD for that amount with 99 or 100% withholding at the end of the year, while taking the balance of your RMD early in the year with no withholding. It's better to let the year's gains be in ...
by mpnret
Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar set-up for shed?
Replies: 10
Views: 1526

Re: Solar set-up for shed?

Lots of videos on how to do this on you tube. Here's one:
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r ... ORM=VRDGAR
by mpnret
Thu Dec 28, 2023 5:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51771

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

As of this morning, Costco’s price has also been changed. $44.99 plus a $10 credit for Federal + State, the same as the Amazon offer. At this point I’d purchase whatever one tickles your fancy. Costco’s price will last for a month, Amazon’s price will likely go up after today or tomorrow. Not the same deal. Amazon gives you a $10. Amazon card with TT purchase. Costco deal is just a $10. Credit for any in product add on like Audit Defense. I guess as long as you were planning on purchasing an in product add on it could work out to be the same deal. For many, the form of the $10 is a wash as we need to file state returns electronically. I'm fairly sure last year with my Costco version of TT, I was able to use the $10 "in product add-on&...
by mpnret
Thu Dec 28, 2023 1:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51771

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

As of this morning, Costco’s price has also been changed. $44.99 plus a $10 credit for Federal + State, the same as the Amazon offer. At this point I’d purchase whatever one tickles your fancy. Costco’s price will last for a month, Amazon’s price will likely go up after today or tomorrow. Not the same deal. Amazon gives you a $10. Amazon card with TT purchase. Costco deal is just a $10. Credit for any in product add on like Audit Defense. I guess as long as you were planning on purchasing an in product add on it could work out to be the same deal. For many, the form of the $10 is a wash as we need to file state returns electronically. I'm fairly sure last year with my Costco version of TT, I was able to use the $10 "in product add-on&...
by mpnret
Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51771

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

CorradoJr wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:07 am As of this morning, Costco’s price has also been changed.

$44.99 plus a $10 credit for Federal + State, the same as the Amazon offer. At this point I’d purchase whatever one tickles your fancy.

Costco’s price will last for a month, Amazon’s price will likely go up after today or tomorrow.
Not the same deal. Amazon gives you a $10. Amazon card with TT purchase. Costco deal is just a $10. Credit for any in product add on like Audit Defense. I guess as long as you were planning on purchasing an in product add on it could work out to be the same deal.
by mpnret
Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to lubricate Moen faucet every 3 months!
Replies: 27
Views: 5332

Re: Need to lubricate Moen faucet every 3 months!

My hands are strong :D After lubrication, the faucet operates fine (for another 3 months) so I don't think there is a need to replace the cartridge. BTW, Moen has this post up about this problem: https://solutions.moen.com/FAQ's/FAQ's-Troubleshooting/General/Handle_is_difficult_to_operate Typical Cause - This is usually caused by (but not limited to) sediment or debris in the cartridge, mineral buildup or a damaged seal within the cartridge As I said, water is from lake Michigan, not hard water. We also have Moen faucets in the bathrooms and they do not need frequent lubrication. Maybe we use the kitchen faucet way too much, so the grease would dissipate slowly and need to be put back every so often. That means we ingested some of it along...
by mpnret
Sat Dec 23, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PSA: ink jet maintenance box
Replies: 24
Views: 2562

Re: PSA: ink jet maintenance box

uaeebs86 wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 11:25 pm Once you go laser you'll never go back.
Laser can't be beat for lower B&W per page cost when compared to inkjets. Toner cartridge cost isn't bad, but things get expensive when you start needing drum cartridges. I had 2 in the past a Xerox and a Canon. I also always had an ink jet for color photo printing. I like laser color printers, but they are more for marketing materials. Photo quality is medium to low where most ink jets are high quality. Since I retired my B&W volume has gone considerably and the lasers are gone. I now rely on a HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 all in one ink jet for everything. Also HP instant ink program is easy and cost effective.
by mpnret
Thu Dec 21, 2023 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My car was stolen Saturday night!
Replies: 62
Views: 9585

Re: My car was stolen Saturday night!

You said flipping the fuel pump kill switch will shut down the running car quickly. I know this defies logic but have you tried starting the car with the kill switch active? Could it possibly be driven a short distance?
Or maybe if he hot wired the car it bypassed the switch.
by mpnret
Tue Dec 19, 2023 3:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 10160

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

Well, after much deliberation and consideration, the die is cast. Winner is the LG "Washtower" from AJ Madison https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/WKEX300HBA.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-P-rBhBEEiwAQEXhH7HepEIRCs_gg4JysK-XRtiP5g4EXUAEOYHQ6JlX5UqpKNCsZO3brxoCeJIQAvD_BwE I was tempted by the Electrolux tower for considerably less, but my sig other had her heart set on an LG and wanted to hear nothing of non-Korean brands. National pride runs deep! Happy wife, happy life . . . I'd bought a full Wolf/Subzero kitchen suite from AJ two years ago, and was able to parlay that into a $70 waiver of the haul-away fee for the old unit. LG is offering $100 rebate, and an extra year warranty, brining it to two. Will post on upd...
by mpnret
Wed Dec 13, 2023 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hybrid/PHEV/Electric SUV for a 50 mile/day commute?
Replies: 92
Views: 11214

Re: Hybrid/PHEV/Electric SUV for a 50 mile/day commute?

This was Consumer Reports' conclusion after their recent reliability ratings were released. PHEVs overall had poor reliability, but Toyota PHEV reliability was above average for all vehicles. And traditional hybrids have above-average reliability, but such a large percentage of the traditional hybrids sold in the US are from Toyota/Lexus that the hybrid data is more of a referendum in Toyota's hybrid drivetrain reliability than anything else. And BEVs from Tesla have good reliability for the batteries/motors but poor reliability for the more traditional car manufacturing stuff, but BEVs from traditional car manufacturers have better reliability for that stuff but have had more battery issues... Just got the hard copy of Consumer Reports Ja...
by mpnret
Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A few questions about ovens
Replies: 25
Views: 2250

Re: A few questions about ovens

“Alexa, set oven timer for 30 minutes…”
“Alexa, set pasta timer for 20 minutes…”
“Alexa, set sauce timer for 10 minutes…”
“Alexa, set veggi timer for 5 minutes…”
“Alexa, set many timers for various times…”

All at once independent of each other. As many as you want as far as I can tell. And at the same time ask all the common cooking questions looking like weight, measurement conversion etc. And don't forget to check the weather.
by mpnret
Mon Dec 11, 2023 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Burnham Boiler Life Expectancy
Replies: 25
Views: 2641

Re: Boiler Service Interval

My Buderus gas boiler is 23 years old and has never been "serviced". I do keep an eye on things myself like a visual check to make sure the burners are burning clean and flue is clean. Also keep an eye on pressure and temps and watch for leaks. Things I changed myself over the years which aren't directly part of the boiler but are needed for it to operate: expansion tank twice, backflow preventer valve twice, vent damper motor once.
by mpnret
Wed Dec 06, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10518

Re: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]

Tesla changed the referral code procedure. Here is my referral code link. Problem solved if that is really what is holding you up from buying.
https://www.tesla.com/referral/michael4798
by mpnret
Thu Nov 02, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fast Money: Verizon $10/mo discount per line retention credit
Replies: 40
Views: 8960

Re: Fast Money: Verizon $10/mo discount per line retention credit

Worked like a charm for me yesterday. Logged in to Verizon account from browser on PC. Turned off number lock on all my lines. Generated a pin. 6 hours later I received email from Verizon that I was getting $120. per line. Logged backed in and turned number lock back on.
by mpnret
Tue Oct 31, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!
Replies: 95
Views: 10154

Re: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!

snackdog wrote: Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:41 pm Tesla and Polestar have bottom-of-the-barrel reliability. I would stick with Toyota hybrid or move to the Ioniq.
Consumer Reports has the 2022 Tesla Model 3 at 4/5 for reliability and 5/5 for customer satisfaction. No complaints about mine.
by mpnret
Mon Oct 30, 2023 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!
Replies: 95
Views: 10154

Re: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!

I see two problems with the base model Tesla Model 3. 1.) I question the RWD in the snow. 2.) Range is over stated at 272 miles. It's probably closer to 250 if you're lucky. I haven't seen any range tests getting 272 miles. They say to charge to 80% and probably don't go below 20%. That cuts 40% off your range. I'll assume you can go to 0 miles so best case, range is 200 miles. In the winter, 150 if you're lucky. For $7k more, I'd go Long Range. +61 miles more range and AWD. Performance is $5k more, but if you're in the Model 3, you need snow tires or all seasons, so budget $2k more right off the bat (or $5k for a full set of tires/wheels). Well put. It’s not quite that simple. The model 3 base now has a LFP battery which Tesla recommends ...
by mpnret
Sun Oct 29, 2023 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!
Replies: 95
Views: 10154

Re: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!

If I went Tesla I probably wouldn't get the base model due to mostly being RWD, and range. Then there's those hideous wheels, and there's much faster models for short money. So if that helps we are looking at $36k -$41k or a lease around $450 - $600/month. Just a tip, if you don't like the hideous wheels just pop the covers off and this is what you will find underneath. I went this route because I wanted 18" wheels for the obvious reasons. You will have to add center caps and lug nut covers from Amazon. https://i.postimg.cc/nzNqMxDK/IMG-3429.jpg Wow that does not look bad at all!! What did the center cap and lug nut covers from Amazon cost you? If you don't mind me asking... Also, have you experienced winter weather in your RWD Tesla?...
by mpnret
Sun Oct 29, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!
Replies: 95
Views: 10154

Re: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!

In the OP's 10/28 update he says Toyota dealer said 1 year wait on new Prius. My local dealer (Midwest USA) has 6 on the lot available for instant purchase, the next dealer (40 miles away) has 3, next one (50 miles away) has 4. Where are you? I suspect your dealer rep is ill-informed or less than motivated. Did you call to verify price and availability or just look on their website? My experience with this so far is it's not really available or if it is the price is unreasonably jacked up. No, as I'm not actually buying one -- but I know someone who works for one of those dealerships and he tells me they're fairly readily available in all but the lowest trim specs. No idea on price, but the OP said they were told it was a 1-year wait for a...
by mpnret
Sun Oct 29, 2023 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!
Replies: 95
Views: 10154

Re: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!

jucor wrote: Sun Oct 29, 2023 11:23 am In the OP's 10/28 update he says Toyota dealer said 1 year wait on new Prius. My local dealer (Midwest USA) has 6 on the lot available for instant purchase, the next dealer (40 miles away) has 3, next one (50 miles away) has 4. Where are you? I suspect your dealer rep is ill-informed or less than motivated.
Did you call to verify price and availability or just look on their website? My experience with this so far is it's not really available or if it is the price is unreasonably jacked up.
by mpnret
Sun Oct 29, 2023 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!
Replies: 95
Views: 10154

Re: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!

RobLyons wrote: Sat Oct 28, 2023 9:13 am If I went Tesla I probably wouldn't get the base model due to mostly being RWD, and range. Then there's those hideous wheels, and there's much faster models for short money. So if that helps we are looking at $36k -$41k or a lease around $450 - $600/month.
Just a tip, if you don't like the hideous wheels just pop the covers off and this is what you will find underneath. I went this route because I wanted 18" wheels for the obvious reasons. You will have to add center caps and lug nut covers from Amazon.
Image
by mpnret
Wed Oct 25, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace tires on car I’m about to sell?
Replies: 20
Views: 2664

Re: Replace tires on car I’m about to sell?

When I had the same problem a few years back I just purchased a used tire from an online dealer. I'm certain you can find the same size, brand, model, and tread depth with a quick search.
by mpnret
Wed Oct 25, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to buy a car: Outback or CRV?
Replies: 55
Views: 6611

Re: Need to buy a car: Outback or CRV?

Yeah, I know that tires are key. I won't be putting snow tires on, though, since for most of the year they would not be appropriate. I will be sticking with whatever comes on the cars at first. Once I need to replace the tires I'll be able to upgrade. The Outback Wilderness trim I was looking at comes with All-Terrain tires with some serious treads that look like they'd handle snow well. The CRV comes with "all-seasons" or "all-weather" tires that are nowhere near as substantial. I was shopping with my fiancé and he was a little concerned about the CRV tires. You sure about the Wilderness? Doesn't seem best for your stated needs. Added ground clearance on a car that already has good ground clearance. Firmer ride, all te...
by mpnret
Sun Aug 20, 2023 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is RAV4 Prime really available?
Replies: 37
Views: 7791

Re: Is RAV4 Prime really available?

Can those who have mentioned using a broker elaborate on the process. I may go that route.
by mpnret
Fri Aug 18, 2023 5:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 18” vs 20” tires
Replies: 111
Views: 9876

Re: 18” vs 20” tires

cadzan wrote: Thu Aug 17, 2023 6:57 pm A question for those who changed their tires from 20" to 18", did you recalibrate your speedometer & odometer?
Usually this is not an issue. When you look at a car that offers multiple wheel/tire sizes in most cases they maintain the same outer diameter.
by mpnret
Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 18” vs 20” tires
Replies: 111
Views: 9876

Re: 18” vs 20” tires

edge wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:58 pm It really depends on the car and its suspension components.

For example a standard Acura MDX with smaller wheels is less comfortable and handles less well than the MDX Type-S with air suspension/adaptive dampers and larger wheels.
Sounds like the air suspension/adaptive dampers are compensating for the harsher ride of the larger wheels. Still have the issue of increased chance of wheel damage and higher replacement cost.