Search found 1375 matches

by FireSekr
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: M43rds digital camera vs Iphone 13 pro max?
Replies: 101
Views: 4952

Re: M43rds digital camera vs Iphone 13 pro max?

The Fuji's are on a hyper streak - especially the X100V & VI. Seems that the camera is IN more pictures than it takes - a clear hype signal :oops: This is causing some of the older models to get bid past their value as people have been looking for alternatives. If you don't want it... sell and don't look the gift tulip in the face :D It has been this way for several generations of the x100 series. Production is lower than demand. I bought an x100 about 10 years ago used. I paid about $800. They’re still selling now 10 years later for about the same because the last generation and the current generation are very hard to come by. It’s a phenomenal camera, and for the right use cases, it does take better quality photos than my iPhone 13 m...
by FireSekr
Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reasonable sized smartphone: does such a thing exist in 2024?
Replies: 39
Views: 2539

Re: Reasonable sized smartphone: does such a thing exist in 2024?

gotoparks wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:34 am The mini's didn't sell well so I doubt we will see them again. I have a 12 mini and use it as a regular phone most of the time. The batteries are smaller on the small phones so they will not last as long. My next phone when it is time to get another will be the iPhone SE.
They made big improvements to battery on the 13 mini over the 12 mini. My 13 mini used to be able to last a full day on a charge, but now at 2.5 years old the battery doesn’t quite get me through the entire day without a boost. I’ve got about 85% battery health remaining. Apple recommends replacing the battery when it gets to 80% so I’m gonna see how much longer I can go before it becomes too limiting for me, then I’ll have Apple replace the battery
by FireSekr
Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reasonable sized smartphone: does such a thing exist in 2024?
Replies: 39
Views: 2539

Re: Reasonable sized smartphone: does such a thing exist in 2024?

If you’re trying to minimize screen time, try adding an Apple Watch. Back in 2019 I got the Apple Watch 5 with cellular and I’ve been spending a lot less time doing pointless things on my phone. Many times I take the watch and leave the phone home. The watch cuts it down to the basics and I only use my phone for specific things. I don’t find myself randomly picking up my phone anymore out of habit. Another trick to cut down on screen time is to set the colors on your iPhone to grayscale. You can configure the power button to switch between color and grayscale with a triple click of the power button. The super saturated colors and the red notification dots are designed to get you hooked on using the phone. Tristan Harris, a former google exe...
by FireSekr
Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a new phone, looking for dual-sim
Replies: 12
Views: 1333

Re: Need a new phone, looking for dual-sim

An unlocked iPhone on t-mobile will allow you to pop a SIM card in and have dual lines since t-mobile uses e-sim

I’m currently abroad with my iPhone 13 and was able to buy a SIM card and use my t-mobile number from home, and the SIM card. You can pick which sim to use for your data plan independently from which sim to use as your primary for calling. It’s pretty easy to configure in the iPhone settings menu.
by FireSekr
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 101
Views: 8721

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

Nottingham wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:07 pm
FireSekr wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:28 pm
Nottingham wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:15 pm LOL, $100k for a BMW? :oops: Get a 2019+ CPO 911 and never look back.
In a 500 mile radius of NYC there are only 2 911 2019+ CPO on Porsche website less than $100k. Both are pdk
PDK is the best transmission on the market, not sure what your point is.
Being the best and being the most fun are very different things.

I love the PDK but if I’m out for a fun drive on a mountain road, I prefer a manual, not a PDK. I’m not looking to make the best track time, I’m looking to have a more engaging and fun experience. So for me, if I’m buying a fun car for the sole purpose of enjoyment, it’s going to be manual if there are models I like that offer a manual. I really don’t care how good the PDK is, it doesn’t suit my use case
by FireSekr
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 101
Views: 8721

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

Nottingham wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:15 pm LOL, $100k for a BMW? :oops: Get a 2019+ CPO 911 and never look back.
In a 500 mile radius of NYC there are only 2 911 2019+ CPO on Porsche website less than $100k. Both are pdk
by FireSekr
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 101
Views: 8721

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

Miata/BRZ/GT86 for the nice part of the year and WRX for your ski time. Take the cash you save and put it towards a place that has a two car garage. You will not want to drive your 100k car through the slush and salt of winter. I posted above and suggested base M3 or M2 but I forgot to mention the GR86…amazing suggestion! I’m a long time BMW driver but daily drove the prior gen GT86 for about a year and it was one of the most fun cars I’ve driven. Yeah, it’ll be slower than an M2/M3 but it’s way more engaging. I have put skis in it, the rear seat folds down but it’s a tight fit length wise with my 176 skis. With winter tires the 86 handles great in snow. Ground clearance is an issue once you get some accumulation though. On your other poin...
by FireSekr
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 101
Views: 8721

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

I’ve owned many BMWs a few of them M cars, only 2 had AWD and one was auto. The rest were rear wheel drive manual. As an avid skier living in Colorado, i go up to copper/vail/aspen/crested butte once or twice a week, many times when 70 has some snow on it. Regardless whether you get AWD, you will need good winter tires. After driving both AWD and RWD BMWs with Michelin x-ice snow tires, I would not bother to get AWD. RWD with winters does just as well until the snow gets deep enough where ground clearance becomes an issue. At that point, AWD wouldn’t help anyway. The M cars do especially well in the snow because of the limited slip differential. Until last year, I had an E39 M5 as a daily and it was also my ski car for 4 seasons. At the sam...
by FireSekr
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???
Replies: 45
Views: 4179

Re: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer than other colors???

I had an Audi many years ago painted what they called “Safety Orange.” It was ugly but visible. Since then, I generally buy silver cars because they don’t show dirt. I always have my headlights and taillights on. My new car will have digital headlights that are smarter than I am, not blinding oncoming traffic, highlighting bicyclists, pedestrians, and animals in the road. Look up Mercedes DIGITAL LIGHT. Your new car can have it but you may not be allowed to use it. https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/15/cars/headlights-tech-adaptable-high-beams-cars/index.html Can’t believe it’s taking so long to get the regulations sorted out in the US. On many forums for European cars there are instructions on how to code the car to enable these features since t...
by FireSekr
Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose: Garmin watch or Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Replies: 23
Views: 2631

Re: Help me choose: Apple Watch 9?

One thing I do like about the Apple Watch is being able to get a cellular model so I can leave my phone at home. I'm trying to cut down on screen time in general, but I tend to bring my phone most places (especially on runs) just for safety. It would be great to be able to leave it at home, and Verizon now lets you add one to a pre-paid plan for $10/month! I have been using a cellular Apple Watch Series 5 since 2019. One of the reasons I got it was to cut down on screen time. It definitely helps to accomplish that. I don’t take my phone when I walk the dog, and I’m able to stay more present. I also don’t carry my phone everywhere around the house since I can just use the watch if I need to turn on lights or something (my whole house is wir...
by FireSekr
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Holding 100% stocks after FI best option for longer time horizons?
Replies: 88
Views: 10578

Re: Holding 100% stocks after FI best option for longer time horizons?

firebirdparts wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:31 am
02nz wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:40 pm Interesting how these "Why not 100% stocks" threads seem to always pop up when the market has just had a great several weeks/months. Not finding any such threads from March 2020, for some reason.
If that had been true, then we'd have to think maybe there's nobody smart here. That was a brilliant time to be 100% equities.
I have been 100% equities long before March 2020, throughout 2020, and am still 100% equity.
by FireSekr
Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???
Replies: 45
Views: 4179

Re: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer than other colors???

I had an Audi many years ago painted what they called “Safety Orange.” It was ugly but visible. Since then, I generally buy silver cars because they don’t show dirt. I always have my headlights and taillights on. My new car will have digital headlights that are smarter than I am, not blinding oncoming traffic, highlighting bicyclists, pedestrians, and animals in the road. Look up Mercedes DIGITAL LIGHT. Your new car can have it but you may not be allowed to use it. https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/15/cars/headlights-tech-adaptable-high-beams-cars/index.html Can’t believe it’s taking so long to get the regulations sorted out in the US. On many forums for European cars there are instructions on how to code the car to enable these features since t...
by FireSekr
Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Promotion to the next level. How does it work?
Replies: 24
Views: 3075

Re: Promotion to the next level. How does it work?

From the response it´s quite clear you will not be promoted. What makes you say that? Based on my experience it could very well be complete opposite. At one company I worked, If leadership knew a candidate wasn’t ready they would tell them they should wait a few months and work on skills xyz. But if leadership felt there was a good chance the candidate was ready for the next step, they’d have us write a letter and a pitch deck. This helped the candidate showcase their accomplishments, crystallize their vision for the goals they would have in their next role, and sell their vision on how they can contribute to the company to a greater extent in the desired role. It also gave leadership ability to judge how serious the candidate was about pu...
by FireSekr
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What would you have done differently if you could go back and restart your financial journey?
Replies: 68
Views: 5924

Re: What would you have done differently if you could go back and restart your financial journey?

Figuring out my career goals earlier on and pushing hard from the minute I graduated college to work my way up quickly and grow my income faster. I sort of took a meandering opportunistic path that has led me to a career I enjoy. I get paid pretty well now too, but could have gotten to this same level 7-10 years earlier if I was more focused. That would have made the biggest financial impact The next would be just putting a higher percentage of my earnings into investments. I wasted money on things that ultimately didn’t matter. Probably the biggest waste was expensive restaurants when I lived in NYC. I enjoyed them at the time, but looking back 10 years later, I can’t remember which ones I’ve been to, which ones I liked best, what the inte...
by FireSekr
Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Promotion to the next level. How does it work?
Replies: 24
Views: 3075

Re: Promotion to the next level. How does it work?

From the response it´s quite clear you will not be promoted. What makes you say that? Based on my experience it could very well be complete opposite. At one company I worked, If leadership knew a candidate wasn’t ready they would tell them they should wait a few months and work on skills xyz. But if leadership felt there was a good chance the candidate was ready for the next step, they’d have us write a letter and a pitch deck. This helped the candidate showcase their accomplishments, crystallize their vision for the goals they would have in their next role, and sell their vision on how they can contribute to the company to a greater extent in the desired role. It also gave leadership ability to judge how serious the candidate was about pu...
by FireSekr
Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much car can I afford?
Replies: 114
Views: 9382

Re: How much car can I afford?

I tend to be a BMW guy, but I dabble in other things. I have a deposit on the Lotus Emira, and would love a 911 or Cayman at some point. Between the cars you’re considering, I’d go 911…it’ll have less depreciation than the m4 and as great as the m4 driving experience is, it’s not on the same level as the 911. Frankly, I’d get a 911T…I’m not a fan of the 4s. All wheel drive isn’t quite as fun and you have the GLE for poor weather driving If you want something cheaper, I think the M2 is worth considering over the m4. It’s basically a shortened version of the same chassis with the same engine/transmission options. Most reviews say the M2 is more fun on public roads and the m4 is more fun on the track. The M2 is well equipped at $70k vs about $...
by FireSekr
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16590

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

... Maybe EVs have suddenly dropped in price since last year (?) but when I was comparing comparable cars (ICE versus EV) the initial purchase price was higher for EV to push me easily back to ICE all else (yes, including routine maintaince and having to spend 5 minutes every other week at the gas pump) considered. ... Yes, there was a big price drop in EVs over the last year or so. There has also been a concordant drop in used EV prices. A lightly used EV can be a really good deal right now, while a lightly used Toyota is still a comparatively bad deal given production issues over the last 3-4 years for most Japanese brands, especially Toyota. You can get a 3yo used Model Y in the mid to high 20s nowadays, and you might qualify for the $4...
by FireSekr
Wed Feb 28, 2024 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings
Replies: 55
Views: 5705

Re: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings

BMW and reliability? I must be missing something here because BMW has historically been ridiculously unreliable. Not to mention has horrible depreciation and is expensive to repair. And Land Rover making it to that list is laughable. Land Rover has had the distinction of being the most unreliable vehicle probably made in the history of automobiles. This list must be some kind of joke. You're not missing anything. Everyone is going to have their opinion. Would the list would be a joke if Lexus was number 1? The list would not be a joke if Lexus was number one because it actually has minimal REAL world problems. The list is not a joke because it is not purely a reliability ranking. The list is a brand ranking based 3 main factors: road test ...
by FireSekr
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings
Replies: 55
Views: 5705

Re: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings

jcpct wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 9:20 pm
hunoraut wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:24 pm
alfaspider wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:06 pm Too bad they beat most of their cars with an ugly stick. I don't care how good they are, I could never live with a car like the iX or M3/4. I have a reasonable tolerance for less than beautiful cars, but those cross the line.
I think their heydays ended in the mid 2010s, arguably 2000s. The E39 a high point and the E92 the book-end.

(Mine was late 2010s but one of the few appealing models left in their lineup)
So true. My 2003 e39 is the best car I’ve ever owned.
Same here. My 2002 m5 was the best car I’ve had. Sold it a few months ago because I wanted something with adaptive cruise and the 2022 Mercedes i replaced it with is absolute trash.

If I wasn’t doing as many long trips I’d be in another e39 in a heartbeat
by FireSekr
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings
Replies: 55
Views: 5705

Re: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings

Anyone looking to dump that crappy old BMW e36/46 m3 feel free to hit me up. I'll deal with all the issues those horrible cars are known for. I'd even consider e-36 / 39 328' manuals as well. Just trying to be of service. You’ll have to pry my e36 m3/4/5 from my cold dead fingers. I’ve maintained it extremely well and it drives like it’s new despite 160k miles on the clock. It’s been trouble free aside from fluid changes, suspension refresh, and new fuel pump and alternator. I sold my e39 m5 a few months ago and that car was incredible too. I wanted a car with adaptive cruise control so I replaced it with a 2022 Mercedes e450. The Mercedes is the biggest piece of crap i have ever owned and the customer service sucks compared to BMW. The Be...
by FireSekr
Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?
Replies: 168
Views: 18370

Re: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?

It’s impossible for me to take anyone with @hotmail.com or @yahoo.com seriously.
by FireSekr
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?
Replies: 96
Views: 8721

Re: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?

Lexus and Toyota have by far the best V6 tech and it'll last forever. Way more reliable than the other cars mentioned. That’s a false statement. Toyota V6 engine is reasonably reliable. It’s not the best engine ever. Do some research. https://www.hotcars.com/most-reliable-v6-engines-ever/ Great to see the legendary GM 3.8 at the top of the list. My parents had 4 cars over the years with that engine. It’s also worth mentioning that V6 engines are essentially DOA with Euro 6D/7 emission standards. There’s a reason everyone is switching to I6 engines (BMW, MB, Chrysler) or simply going MHEV/BEV. Toyota and Audi may be hold outs, but the writing is on the wall for anyone who sells in Europe. If you want a V6, now is the time to get one. I’m gl...
by FireSekr
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?
Replies: 96
Views: 8721

Re: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?

V6 engines are mediocre. Get an inline 6, it’s a lot smoother, more refined, produces more power more efficiently than a v6, and is cheaper and easier to repair because they use less components and are less complex. BMW’s B58 which has been in production since about 2016 is widely considered one of the best production engines ever made, so much so that Toyota uses it in the Supra.

You can get a slightly used 2-3 year old 540 for the same price as Lexus
by FireSekr
Tue Feb 13, 2024 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: should i pay off a car at 1.9% or invest in a cd at 5.5%
Replies: 67
Views: 6387

Re: should i pay off a car at 1.9% or invest in a cd at 5.5%

Car is a 21 with 30k miles on it and I still owe $17k @ 1.9%. I can pay it off but thought it better to put in a 5.5%cd. Thoughts? Wealthy people don't get that way by financing the purchase of depreciating assets. <shrugs> Yes they do. Ultra-wealthy people like Zuckerberg finance everything. They borrow money against their stock so that they're able to hold onto the stock and let it appreciate. They use that borrowed cash to buy cars, houses, etc. If Zuckerberg sold off most of his FB stock 15 years ago and used it buy to his houses and cars and land, he wouldn't have the wealth he has today. The people I know with $20M+ do this. They don't pay cash for most things, even if the purchase appeared to be with cash. Plus using margin for purc...
by FireSekr
Sun Feb 11, 2024 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Massage Chairs
Replies: 23
Views: 4312

Re: Massage Chairs

I pooh poohed the idea of massage seats in my new car (ordered but no delivered yet), but my wife and I found them surprisingly good when we did test drives. Part of the reason for the new car is that I had back pain after a 3 hour drive. For me, the best is still a sauna. I’ve got massage seats in my 2022 Mercedes E450 and they help keep my back feeling fresh on a long drive but they won’t fix my back if it’s really bad. I’m glad I have them as I do drive a lot, but it’s a totally different level than a home massage chair (which I also have, see my post above). Also, each auto maker does massage differently. The massage in the Genesis is better than Mercedes but I didn’t like other aspects of the car. For some reason the latest generation...
by FireSekr
Sat Feb 10, 2024 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who In Their Right Mind Files Gift Tax Returns? And Why?
Replies: 114
Views: 16562

Re: Who In Their Right Mind Files Gift Tax Returns? And Why?

The IRS definition is here: Gift tax | Internal Revenue Service The gift tax is a tax on the transfer of property by one individual to another while receiving nothing, or less than full value, in return. The tax applies whether or not the donor intends the transfer to be a gift. The gift tax applies to the transfer by gift of any type of property. You make a gift if you give property (including money), or the use of or income from property, without expecting to receive something of at least equal value in return. If you sell something at less than its full value or if you make an interest-free or reduced-interest loan, you may be making a gift. If I invite a couple to my home or to my luxury vacation home .. to share time with me, I have n...
by FireSekr
Sat Feb 10, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone Moving from 100% stocks?
Replies: 47
Views: 5775

Re: Anyone Moving from 100% stocks?

No.

I have more regret keeping extra cash in my bank account waiting for a drop only to see the s&p go up, compared to when I just put money in s&p and it drops. I am in this for the long haul and large drops in my portfolio don’t bother me in the least as I know longer run I’ll likely come out ahead.

I have been 100% s&p for at least 10 years if not more, (aside from the $500 I keep in my checking). As soon as my paycheck is deposited and my bills are paid, I buy more s&p with whatever cash is left immediately. No timing the market. When I have cash it gets invested
by FireSekr
Sun Dec 03, 2023 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Prices Flat Since 1996?
Replies: 99
Views: 14622

Re: Car Prices Flat Since 1996?

Car prices don't inflate much. They really don't. Cars have cost $20,000 to $30,000 for a really long time, and with a lot of creeping featurism which kind of makes "luxury" impossible to actually provide to a consumer. Like right now, a Camry is a big car, and they're certainly about as nice as any car was in 1990, and I'll even say strongly superior to any car at any price in 1980. They start at $26,420 even today. That's a pretty well equipped car. I'd rather have it than whatever you bought in 2003. Trucks are different. A $75,000 truck today is really not comparable to a $7500 truck in 1980. Just not in the same universe at all. Old cars had more comfy seats. There’s just not enough padding these days. Old cars were also bet...
by FireSekr
Tue Nov 28, 2023 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023: do you use your Peloton bike? (indoor cardio questions)
Replies: 42
Views: 5425

Re: 2023: do you use your Peloton bike? (indoor cardio questions)

Have had a peloton and a tonal for 3 years. Both of us in the household hardly use the peloton but we use the tonal religiously at least 4x a week since we got it. The workouts are amazing and it’s far more comprehensive than the peloton.
by FireSekr
Mon Nov 27, 2023 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much tip is appropriate at highly automated restaurants?
Replies: 103
Views: 10750

Re: How much tip is appropriate at highly automated restaurants?

Agreed. I think zero is fine for automated, semi-automated, buffet, take-out, etc. I'll tip if it's full-table-service. If the buffet has workers clearing your table, cleaning your table, or assisting you with anything, 10% is the bare minimum for a buffet. The busboys/gals work for tips. I've never tipped in a buffet. It's totally OK that you do what you do, and also OK that I do what I do. As in the old book title, "I'm OK, you're OK". Sure, it is totally OK. Except that you are wrong, in the case of leaving no tip at a buffet. If you were taking the position "I leave no tip for full-table-service" (I know you are not, but a few above have said that is what they do), then you could say "I'm OK, you're OK" an...
by FireSekr
Thu Nov 02, 2023 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond Ladder to pay off mortgage?
Replies: 5
Views: 968

Re: Bond Ladder to pay off mortgage?

No way I’d pay off a mortgage at that interest rate. I’m also at 2.5% with 27 years remaining with a much higher balance. I’m paying the minimum and investing the rest in S&P 500 index
by FireSekr
Mon Oct 30, 2023 3:27 pm
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). For a well balanced car (i.e. close to 50/50 front to rear like the Tesla) RWD should be more than s...
by FireSekr
Wed Oct 25, 2023 8:43 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?

A good set of snow tires will make make far more of a difference than the particulars of a modern-day AWD system. 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 know how critical tires are. Don’t ignore thi...
by FireSekr
Mon Oct 23, 2023 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I trade in my BMW X5 for Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited?
Replies: 48
Views: 5403

Re: Should I trade in my BMW X5 for Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited?

MH2 wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 7:55 am
stoptothink wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 7:22 am
andypanda wrote: Fri Oct 20, 2023 8:05 am "2020 BMW X5"

Around here your neighbors wouldn't give it a second look and probably assume you are an undergrad at the University of Richmond.
It's an expensive car for sure, probably cost more than twice what we'd be willing to spend on a vehicle, but I have a hard time understanding where it would stand out as fancy. We live in a townhome/condo neighborhood, which (unfortunately) is now mostly renters (young families, young adults with multiple roommates) and that car would not stand out at all.
The X5 starts at 67K in the states.

The fact that it doesn't stick out in that sort of environment isn't a good thing...
How is that a bad thing? Should we go back to living in tents and subsistence farming?
by FireSekr
Fri Oct 20, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are shiny money apps really necessary?
Replies: 112
Views: 14102

Re: Are shiny money apps really necessary?

I’m astounded by the number of people putting so much effort into tracking this info. I’ve just got all my accounts connected to mint. It automatically captures and categorizes all my transactions and provides me with my net worth at any given time. I never have to manually update anything. Occasionally a connection will break and I need to resolve that. I don’t pay much attention to what categories I’m spending on. I have a savings goal each month and try to hit it consistently. Beyond that I don’t care what happens with the rest of the $ When one transitions from the accumulation phase to the drawdown phase, the details can become important. As an example, how income affects medical insurance premiums under the ACA, what counts toward in...
by FireSekr
Fri Oct 20, 2023 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I trade in my BMW X5 for Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited?
Replies: 48
Views: 5403

Re: Should I trade in my BMW X5 for Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited?

Can't do anything about others perception though, I drive a 25 year old BMW that I've owned for 12 years and I still get "Fancy" car comments, even though the car cost $5,000 12 years ago. E36 has aged well. The newer ones are obviously very different, but their i6 has typically been very reputable Same experience. My 98 E36 M3 with 159k miles is in showroom condition due to prior owner using seat covers and me doing a paint correction and ceramic coat. Nobody believes it’s almost 26 years old. In the 7 years I’ve had it, it needed a new fuel pump and a clutch master cylinder. I also have a 2002 E39 M5 with just over 160k miles. When I bought that car it was in rough shape, but I changed out the entire suspension (shocks control ...
by FireSekr
Fri Oct 20, 2023 12:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are shiny money apps really necessary?
Replies: 112
Views: 14102

Re: Are shiny money apps really necessary?

I’m astounded by the number of people putting so much effort into tracking this info. I’ve just got all my accounts connected to mint. It automatically captures and categorizes all my transactions and provides me with my net worth at any given time. I never have to manually update anything. Occasionally a connection will break and I need to resolve that. I don’t pay much attention to what categories I’m spending on. I have a savings goal each month and try to hit it consistently. Beyond that I don’t care what happens with the rest of the $ When one transitions from the accumulation phase to the drawdown phase, the details can become important. As an example, how income affects medical insurance premiums under the ACA, what counts toward in...
by FireSekr
Fri Oct 20, 2023 12:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I trade in my BMW X5 for Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited?
Replies: 48
Views: 5403

Re: Should I trade in my BMW X5 for Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited?

Which x5 do you have? If it’s the 40, then you have the B58 inline 6-cylinder which was developed with significant input from Toyota. They partnered because Toyota needed an inline 6 for the Supra and didn’t have one. The B58 engine that resulted is widely regarded as one of, if not the best 6 cylinder production engine ever built. It is paired with the ZF 8 speed gearbox which is considered the gold standard in transmissions. BMW has been using this engine/transmission combination since 2015 and has been as close to bulletproof as you can get. BMW has ranked in the top 5 brands for reliability in Consumer Reports for several years largely due to this excellent Powertrain. If you have an x5 50i with the V8, that engine is more problematic b...
by FireSekr
Fri Oct 20, 2023 12:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are shiny money apps really necessary?
Replies: 112
Views: 14102

Re: Are shiny money apps really necessary?

I’m astounded by the number of people putting so much effort into tracking this info.

I’ve just got all my accounts connected to mint. It automatically captures and categorizes all my transactions and provides me with my net worth at any given time. I never have to manually update anything. Occasionally a connection will break and I need to resolve that.

I don’t pay much attention to what categories I’m spending on. I have a savings goal each month and try to hit it consistently. Beyond that I don’t care what happens with the rest of the $
by FireSekr
Mon Sep 18, 2023 12:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Repair Buyout
Replies: 55
Views: 5529

Re: Car Repair Buyout

Pointless thread without knowing the make and model. Having an understanding of the vehicle’s common issues will be a large part in determining whether it’s better to keep or replace.
by FireSekr
Sun Sep 10, 2023 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotels / Lodging? How much do you spend? Vacation rental or hotel? Luxury brand worth it?
Replies: 103
Views: 10153

Re: Hotels / Lodging? How much do you spend? Vacation rental or hotel? Luxury brand worth it?

For work it’s been a while since I had to travel, but when I did, it was usually Le Meridian, Westin, Marriott, St Regis, the W or a boutique depending where I was going.

For personal travel, I try to go with boutique brands within the Marriott family, or Westin. For some reason I always feel better rested at Westin. They tend to have consistently decent mattresses and the lobby and rooms smell refreshing.

I never stay at the W for personal stays, only went there when I had to for work. I don’t care for the vibe and the rooms are too small. Also too many middle aged married women on business trips in the hotel bar trying to pickup younger guys while they’re away from their husbands.
by FireSekr
Sun Sep 10, 2023 7:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Inheritance & How It Impacted Your Money Life
Replies: 216
Views: 25844

Re: Inheritance & How It Impacted Your Money Life

i wouldn't even guess at an amount until the second parent was clearly in their final year. even then, you don't really know if the will/trust still says what you think it says. i think other posters have done a good job with things like, the parent might remarry and accidentally cut you out. or the parent might be scammed out of their money, or their investments could go sour, or they could have a super long experience in expensive care. all of this is true. I don’t understand this overly pessimistic view. If you are caring for aging parents and close to them, how realistic is it that they don’t share their finances and wishes with you? I lost my dad recently, and my mom asked me to help her ensure her will and finances were aligned with ...
by FireSekr
Sat Sep 09, 2023 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another new car thread — what to buy, when
Replies: 85
Views: 7071

Re: Another new car thread — what to buy, when

I'd say devote some time to do some test drives. Our two cars are remarkably different with respect to the way the identical safety features are implemented by different brands. We have a 2018 Subaru Outback and a 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid both bought new. The Honda CR-V is inferior to the Outback in terms of the same features (the CR-V was a few thousand dollars less OTD than the Outback). Things that I don't think one would notice without some days of use: 1. Backup camera display on CR-V simply sucks compared to the Outback. Part of this is probably because the way the steering wheel is turned is clearly shown on the Outback, so you know where the car is going to go when it is going backwards. The CR-V steering wheel is loose and the displ...
by FireSekr
Sat Sep 09, 2023 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another new car thread — what to buy, when
Replies: 85
Views: 7071

Re: Another new car thread — what to buy, when

I'd say devote some time to do some test drives. Our two cars are remarkably different with respect to the way the identical safety features are implemented by different brands. We have a 2018 Subaru Outback and a 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid both bought new. The Honda CR-V is inferior to the Outback in terms of the same features (the CR-V was a few thousand dollars less OTD than the Outback). Things that I don't think one would notice without some days of use: 1. Backup camera display on CR-V simply sucks compared to the Outback. Part of this is probably because the way the steering wheel is turned is clearly shown on the Outback, so you know where the car is going to go when it is going backwards. The CR-V steering wheel is loose and the displ...
by FireSekr
Mon Sep 04, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to decide what to fix on older vehicles
Replies: 84
Views: 7255

Re: How to decide what to fix on older vehicles

I'm convinced that buying used cars is way less expensive than buying new. Insurance and personal property taxes are always way lower. I am open to someone convincing me otherwise. I'm not going to convince you otherwise as long as you are talking about a car that is 3 to 5 years old or older in today's market. Some 3 year old used cars are nearly the same price as new, which is nuts when you consider the warranty is about to go out. This market [self edit of foul language]. The days of buying an 18 month year old car and saving a lot on property tax and insurance currently do not exist. In April I purchased a 14 month old Mercedes e450. The MSRP new was around $81k. I paid $65k CPO. CPO adds 1 year to the warranty, and unlimited mileage, ...
by FireSekr
Mon Sep 04, 2023 1:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to decide what to fix on older vehicles
Replies: 84
Views: 7255

Re: How to decide what to fix on older vehicles

I'm convinced that buying used cars is way less expensive than buying new. Insurance and personal property taxes are always way lower. I am open to someone convincing me otherwise. I'm not going to convince you otherwise as long as you are talking about a car that is 3 to 5 years old or older in today's market. Some 3 year old used cars are nearly the same price as new, which is nuts when you consider the warranty is about to go out. This market [self edit of foul language]. The days of buying an 18 month year old car and saving a lot on property tax and insurance currently do not exist. In April I purchased a 14 month old Mercedes e450. The MSRP new was around $81k. I paid $65k CPO. CPO adds 1 year to the warranty, and unlimited mileage, ...
by FireSekr
Thu Aug 31, 2023 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to decide what to fix on older vehicles
Replies: 84
Views: 7255

Re: How to decide what to fix on older vehicles

As soon as something stops working, I fix it. Otherwise a list of items pile up and eventually it becomes overwhelming and I waste too much time mentally debating whether or not to fix this item or that
by FireSekr
Wed Aug 30, 2023 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rethinking "Keep Your Car for Ten Years"
Replies: 466
Views: 49612

Re: Rethinking "Keep Your Car for Ten Years"

In the last 2-3 years I've gone through the following, I usually keep 2-3 cars at a time: Ferrari FF - drove for a year and sold for $45k profit (thanks Covid market) Another Ferrari FF - drove a year and sold for $5k profit Aston Martin Vanquish - drove for about 8 months, traded for 991.1 GTS. Lost $8k on this one but the sales tax credit made it a wash. Astons are very tough to sell compared to Porsche and Ferrari 392 Wrangler - ordered new, drove for a year and sold for $8k profit (about break-even after paying sales tax and transport cost) Macan GTS - drove for a little over a year and 15k miles, lost $4k on this one but $300/month depreciation not bad considering mileage added 991.1 GT3 - drove for a year and sold for what I paid for...
by FireSekr
Wed Aug 30, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rethinking "Keep Your Car for Ten Years"
Replies: 466
Views: 49612

Re: Rethinking "Keep Your Car for Ten Years"

In the last 2-3 years I've gone through the following, I usually keep 2-3 cars at a time: Ferrari FF - drove for a year and sold for $45k profit (thanks Covid market) Another Ferrari FF - drove a year and sold for $5k profit Aston Martin Vanquish - drove for about 8 months, traded for 991.1 GTS. Lost $8k on this one but the sales tax credit made it a wash. Astons are very tough to sell compared to Porsche and Ferrari 392 Wrangler - ordered new, drove for a year and sold for $8k profit (about break-even after paying sales tax and transport cost) Macan GTS - drove for a little over a year and 15k miles, lost $4k on this one but $300/month depreciation not bad considering mileage added 991.1 GT3 - drove for a year and sold for what I paid for...