FWIW, lousy service pretty much comes with the territory of owning a car. I've dealt with Bill Jacobs for years. Nothing to write home about.

The service will be done at Gearhead unless warranty related. So...not that huge an issue. BMW gives you "free" oil changes for 4 years. Those "free" oil changes cost about 2.5 hours in travel and waiting. For $12.50 a quart, I can get a synth oil change at Gearhead. That's $75 for the wagon. I value my free time at more than $30 an hour. Always have.

I have known a million people who have owned Volvos. Nobody could come up with a major problem....other than lack of excitement....for not buying one. They seem to drive forever and I can no longer discount the safety aspect. I've gone the Audi route and would never do it again especially at the price. BMW.....that's Fish kind of money. Mercedes......no. Saab....depreciation nightmare. Toyota Venza? Perhaps.....but haven't seen it. This car is the right price, size, features, reliability, safety features for what we need. I am becoming an old man...and frankly, I have given up on owning my dream car....an M5 Touring...as it is $125,000 and not sold in the US.

quote:

Originally posted by perplexed:

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
My kids will never be gigantic in the car's lifetime at my home. I have always had a strong disregard for backseat space as I am never back there...unless I am cleaning. They fit fine in the back of the Mini as far as I am concerned.

Sorry I didn't understand this is about you...

Now you do. I am a bad man. Very bad.

quote:

Toyota Venza? Perhaps.....but haven't seen it.

Toyota Venza

I saw it at the Auto Show, it was gorgeous. I'd wait and get the Venza. But you're a smart guy and will probably get years of care free driving with the Volvo. If you don't, I'm sure a certain young lawyer and Toyota driver will be there to needle you for buying a "Ford".

quote:

If you don't, I'm sure a certain young lawyer and Toyota driver will be there to needle you for buying a "Ford". Razz

I hope that same SOB doesn't needle you for that little red VW you have.

quote:

Originally posted by Yossarian:

quote:

Toyota Venza? Perhaps.....but haven't seen it.

Toyota Venza

I saw it at the Auto Show, it was gorgeous. I'd wait and get the Venza. But you're a smart guy and will probably get years of care free driving with the Volvo. If you don't, I'm sure a certain young lawyer and Toyota driver will be there to needle you for buying a "Ford".

It looks like my - sorry, my wife's - Enclave.

I liked it. Wife was tepid. She really liked the Volvo.

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:

quote:

If you don't, I'm sure a certain young lawyer and Toyota driver will be there to needle you for buying a "Ford". Razz

I hope that same SOB doesn't needle you for that little red VW you have.

The "VW" TT is running like a top. I had Gearhead put some new cross drilled rotors and ceramic brake pads in a couple of weeks ago. Can't wait for the warm weather and some top down driving. I'd drive it down your street to say "Hi" but I'm afraid it would fall into a pot hole. I went running down your street a few weeks ago, it really needs to be repaved in the worst way.

Thanks for the phone call BTW. It was awesome speaking with you.

Speaking of Gearhead, business must be real good. I called over there today and after about a dozen plus rings received a message stating that they took the day off, just because. Maybe they all went to the Cubs game.

Just tried some salsa from Chicks 'n Salsa. They claim they have serve award winning salsa. Bull$hit!

Napa Auto tried to sell my wife a $125 battery telling her it was the only one that would fit our car. She went to Walmart and got one for $65.

WTF?

They have to pay the Blackhawks cheerleaders somehow...

You see this everywhere...some people don't realize how easy it is to do thing theirselves.

Here's my tip of the day. Instead of forking over $50-$100 in HDMI cables for your new tv at Best Buy/Circuit City, go to monoprice.com and get the same thing for 1/3 of the price....

quote:

Originally posted by bitterboy:
Thanks for the phone call BTW. It was awesome speaking with you.

Speaking of Gearhead, business must be real good. I called over there today and after about a dozen plus rings received a message stating that they took the day off, just because. Maybe they all went to the Cubs game.

I assumed that you were just looking for the number. I spoke to Dan about your, uh, car...and told him to A: treat you nice, and B: not to salivate when he saw it driving in. Something about that brand that makes car repair people go absolutely ga-ga.

They did take the day off as they had no biz because everyone is out of town. My car was out front, though. Will be there tomorrow, also.

Thanks Clam! Knew I count on you.

The price for the battery was grab 'n go and did not include installation. The mrs. was smart enough to call me first before agreeing to pay a buck and a quarter. Just stupid! They lost business.

quote:

Originally posted by Dan the Man:
They have to pay the Blackhawks cheerleaders somehow...

You see this everywhere...some people don't realize how easy it is to do thing theirselves.

Here's my tip of the day. Instead of forking over $50-$100 in HDMI cables for your new tv at Best Buy/Circuit City, go to monoprice.com and get the same thing for 1/3 of the price....

Good article on HDMI

HDMI Basics: Evolution, Installation and Testing

Hey Clam,

The eagle has landed!

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
My kids will never be gigantic in the car's lifetime at my home. I have always had a strong disregard for backseat space as I am never back there...unless I am cleaning. They fit fine in the back of the Mini as far as I am concerned.

Really? Then why's it called the manwagon?

Uh.........yeah.

Has Fan ever done that while playing paddleball?

quote:

Originally posted by bitterboy:

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
My kids will never be gigantic in the car's lifetime at my home. I have always had a strong disregard for backseat space as I am never back there...unless I am cleaning. They fit fine in the back of the Mini as far as I am concerned.

Really? Then why's it called the manwagon?

The new one will be "manniska transportvagn"

Is there such a thing as pre-seller's remorse?

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
Is there such a thing as pre-seller's remorse?

Yes. Mrs. Yoss got it when she had to sell her previous TT due to job loss. So much so that she bought another one.

Is Volvo offering free portable navigations sytems with purchase? I know some car maker is.