Random Thoughts Thread

[David]

OUCH This is hard to see and stupid, not sure why the guy would not let his wheels roll.

 

[ccap41]

34 minutes ago, dfelt said:

OUCH This is hard to see and stupid, not sure why the guy would not let his wheels roll.

 

I didn't click the link but I have a feeling that's the Tacoma being pulled back by the FJ? 

I'm no off-road specialist but I'm not sure why he was still being pulled AND I read that he shouldn't have had his rear end locked at that point. 

[David]

5 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I didn't click the link but I have a feeling that's the Tacoma being pulled back by the FJ? 

I'm no off-road specialist but I'm not sure why he was still being pulled AND I read that he shouldn't have had his rear end locked at that point. 

Yup that is the video of the FJ pulling him up, he supposedly broke something that locked up the axle. Others have posted about better ways to have done this.

[daves87rs]

13 hours ago, ccap41 said:

It's slated to be built in China. 

2019 Ford Focus Reveal

 Yeah, I remember that now....may not turn out to be the best idea for them either....who knows what is going to happen....

[balthazar]

[daves87rs]

3 minutes ago, balthazar said:

Blast from the past...

[ocnblu]

Looks like this GMC loved all the terrain so much it decided to BECOME the terrain.

[ccap41]

11 hours ago, daves87rs said:

 Yeah, I remember that now....may not turn out to be the best idea for them either....who knows what is going to happen....

Yeah, I agree. 

But if we're no longer their largest market for the car, it's understandable. If they're pumping them out for the Asian market it makes more sense to make it there and import it here. 

[daves87rs]

48 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Yeah, I agree. 

But if we're no longer their largest market for the car, it's understandable. If they're pumping them out for the Asian market it makes more sense to make it there and import it here. 

True as it may not be the big seller here it once was. Plus, quite a few folks I know never want to see that dual clutch again.....

Think my biggest worry would be if issues come up while you're trying to get them here. Here, you can still control costs some if built somewhere here. Now if a trade war comes up against China, for example-the Focus could end up costing quite a bit more.

Also has me questioning whether we are truly going to get the car or not. The Fusion may not have a choice but to hang around then.....

[David]

Interesting read, but these are the 10 most expensive auto's to maintain and repair based on data from repairpal.com based on Average Cost per year:

MSN Story

• #10 HD Ram Pickup Truck 3500 - $1,244
• #9 Full Size Ram Pickup 1500 - $863
• #8 Compact / Midsize Pickup Truck GMC Canyon - $572
• #7 Minivans Kia Sedona - $455
• #6 Large SUVs Mercedes-Benz GLS63 AMG - $2,009
• #5 Compact / Midsize SUVs Porsche Cayenne - $1,200
• #4 Sports Cars Porsche 718 Cayman - $2,370
• #3 Large Cars Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - $1,843
• #2 Mid size sedans Mercedes-Benz C300 - $1,094
• #1 Small Cars Volkswagen Golf GTI - $760

Interesting read from Motor1.com on the 10 Cheapest Auto's to Maintain and Repair based on the same repairpal.com based on Average Cost per year:

motor1 story

• #10 HD Pickup Trucks Nissan Titan XD - $463
• #9 Full Size Pickup Trucks Ford F-150 - $482
• #8 Compact / Midsize Pickup Truck Toyota Tacoma - $398
• #7 Minivans Honda Odyssey - $403
• #6 Large SUVs Nissan Pathfinder - $406
• #5 Compact / Midsize SUVs Honda CR-V - $385
• #4 Sports Cars Ford Mustang - $454
• #3 Large Cars Toyota Avalon - $388
• #2 Mid Size sedans Honda Accord - $351
• #1 Small cars Toyota Corolla - $341

Very interesting! 

 

[ccap41]

I couldn't imagine paying those prices yearly to just maintain my vehicles(highest list). 

I could only see those making practical sense if I expected to go through a set of tires every year but if not, those are outrageous numbers. 

[daves87rs]

Must be the options, maybe......

[ccap41]

Almsot $2400 a year to maintain a 718 Cayman.. That's just insane. 

[David]

18 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Almsot $2400 a year to maintain a 718 Cayman.. That's just insane. 

Agree as is the 1800+ for the AMG Mercedes.

[ccap41]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

Agree as is the 1800+ for the AMG Mercedes.

Those are a little more understandable, while still nuts. AMGs are hand built engines and it's pretty widely known that AMGs are expensive to own outside of their warranty. The 718 is supposed to be the "bargain" Porsche starting at "only" $55,300 whereas those AMGs are well over $100,000(GLS @ 125k and S63 @ 147k) to start. 

[David]

4 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Those are a little more understandable, while still nuts. AMGs are hand built engines and it's pretty widely known that AMGs are expensive to own outside of their warranty. The 718 is supposed to be the "bargain" Porsche starting at "only" $55,300 whereas those AMGs are well over $100,000(GLS @ 125k and S63 @ 147k) to start. 

Since I have not followed Porsche, I was not aware of the pricing and have to really say I agree with the crazy cost to keep it running at that price. But agree that the AMG, M series and Porsche are crazy cost to keep running. 🙄

[ccap41]

2 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Since I have not followed Porsche, I was not aware of the pricing and have to really say I agree with the crazy cost to keep it running at that price. But agree that the AMG, M series and Porsche are crazy cost to keep running. 🙄

Yeah it's those damn Germans.. Even the GTI was on the list for small cars. 

[David]

3 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Yeah it's those damn Germans.. Even the GTI was on the list for small cars. 

GTI @ $760 a year or Corolla at $340 a year? 

I will take the GTI over the Corolla. 

[David]

Very Cool Ford Story on the Mexico B100. A 3 door SUV built out of the F100 to F150 from 1973 to 1994.

https://jalopnik.com/the-mexican-market-ford-b-100-is-the-three-door-ford-f-1825191099

Would have posted the cool looking 3 door pic but right now not able to attach jpg or png images.

[David]

In this story I now wonder if GM got their Avalanche Idea from FORD. 

https://jalopnik.com/behold-the-beautiful-madness-of-what-brazil-did-to-ford-1794932201

Seems Ford of Brazil made a 4 door truck with bed before GM ever did.

 

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

GTI @ $760 a year or Corolla at $340 a year? 

I will take the GTI over the Corolla. 

Yeah it's worth it in that comparison. 

[balthazar]

[oldshurst442]

^^^

She's bad to the bone. She'll fix herself right up, no doubt. 

 

[balthazar]

Tucker's plan to offer a single cab, full load length pickup, dubbed the 'Excelsior' ~
 

[Robert Hall]

Reminds me of a model of the Type 2 that VW built for lumberyards, pipe haulers, etc.  Saw a pic of one a while back, can't find it now.

Edited April 13, 2018 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

6 hours ago, balthazar said:

Tucker's plan to offer a single cab, full load length pickup, dubbed the 'Excelsior' ~
 

Neat idea, inappropriate name.  That's a name for a flagship vehicle. 

[Drew Dowdell]

So, about 11 years ago, I started talking about how the economy was unstable and Something Bad® was going to happen. That was 4 to 6 months before Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. I wasn't the only one who saw it either.... some finance guy at Ford saw the writing on the wall and that's why they mortgaged everything before the crash hit.

There is enough going on right now that I feel that Something Bad® is going to happen to the economy again in the next 6 to 12 months. It is unlikely to be as bad as what happened last time as the structural deficiencies aren't nearly as bad, but there is going to be a reversal in the direction of the economy.   I am starting to take steps to try and insulate myself financially.

Also, before anyone suggest it. It is not due to Trump, he is only a minor part of what I see causing the change.

 

Edit: I made the prediction on here on April 6th, 2007.

[Drew Dowdell]

Interesting from today...... ["For the vast majority of banks in the United States, they're not selling anything," Bove said. "If JPM can't sell loans because nobody is interested in buying them, it means people are not buying products, it means the economy is not moving at a fairly rapid pace. All that stuff gets pulled into it. The bottom line is business is not good and that the stocks are not doing well."]

[David]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Interesting from today...... ["For the vast majority of banks in the United States, they're not selling anything," Bove said. "If JPM can't sell loans because nobody is interested in buying them, it means people are not buying products, it means the economy is not moving at a fairly rapid pace. All that stuff gets pulled into it. The bottom line is business is not good and that the stocks are not doing well."]

Totally agree, I have seen that many companies both in the High Tech sector and outside but use high tech products are slowing purchasing and drawing out change and investment. This has me seeing a slow down also. I truly believe we are looking at the start of a Bear Market globally.

[Drew Dowdell]

I am currently an infrastructure project manager (I have been for a while, but this could change soon).

The multi-billion dollar a year company I work for, even though we are on sound financial footing, has suddenly started nickle and dimeing all projects. Were I was once allowed to replace equipment at 3 years, I now have to wait till it is 5 years.  Nearly all travel is restricted now, we're expected to use Skype for meetings instead.  There have been rounds of layoffs and I got word today that more are coming (not me, but I needed to know so I didn't spend money in an area that won't be there in 4 months).

We're still spending money, but there is a noticeable pull back.

This is not the reason for my concern for the economy overall though.

[Suaviloquent]

I experienced gigabit Internet the other day.

 

Best orgasm ever. UHD uploads and downloads faster than fapping Turbo.

[David]

4 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I am currently an infrastructure project manager (I have been for a while, but this could change soon).

The multi-billion dollar a year company I work for, even though we are on sound financial footing, has suddenly started nickle and dimeing all projects. Were I was once allowed to replace equipment at 3 years, I now have to wait till it is 5 years.  Nearly all travel is restricted now, we're expected to use Skype for meetings instead.  There have been rounds of layoffs and I got word today that more are coming (not me, but I needed to know so I didn't spend money in an area that won't be there in 4 months).

We're still spending money, but there is a noticeable pull back.

This is not the reason for my concern for the economy overall though.

True, I agree as you say not the full reason of why I believe we are starting a Bear Market, but it is one of many noticeable check boxes. Dell Technology pretty much has made all travel restricted as skype meetings / webex sessions are to be used with customers unless they are certain prime top 10% accounts then you can travel, but even they are have restrictions. I have also seen we are now on 5yr internal refresh of hardware versus 3yrs only a year ago. Many of our customers have informed us that they are moving to 5yr refresh cycles.

Then you have the loosening of financial markets, the reduction in cash reserves that banks and investment firms have to hold onto. etc. etc. etc.

Like you there are many signs that we are going into a slowing market or bear market world wide and that will have effects. Even in China, things are slowing, course Trade wars do not help either.

Interesting times we are in.

[daves87rs]

7 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

So, about 11 years ago, I started talking about how the economy was unstable and Something Bad® was going to happen. That was 4 to 6 months before Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. I wasn't the only one who saw it either.... some finance guy at Ford saw the writing on the wall and that's why they mortgaged everything before the crash hit.

There is enough going on right now that I feel that Something Bad® is going to happen to the economy again in the next 6 to 12 months. It is unlikely to be as bad as what happened last time as the structural deficiencies aren't nearly as bad, but there is going to be a reversal in the direction of the economy.   I am starting to take steps to try and insulate myself financially.

Also, before anyone suggest it. It is not due to Trump, he is only a minor part of what I see causing the change.

 

Edit: I made the prediction on here on April 6th, 2007.

I would agree, as I have been feeling it a while myself...

Though my feeling is a bit more dark than yours-

And I won't even touch the Trump part......and issue in itself....

[daves87rs]

32 minutes ago, dfelt said:

True, I agree as you say not the full reason of why I believe we are starting a Bear Market, but it is one of many noticeable check boxes. Dell Technology pretty much has made all travel restricted as skype meetings / webex sessions are to be used with customers unless they are certain prime top 10% accounts then you can travel, but even they are have restrictions. I have also seen we are now on 5yr internal refresh of hardware versus 3yrs only a year ago. Many of our customers have informed us that they are moving to 5yr refresh cycles.

Then you have the loosening of financial markets, the reduction in cash reserves that banks and investment firms have to hold onto. etc. etc. etc.

Like you there are many signs that we are going into a slowing market or bear market world wide and that will have effects. Even in China, things are slowing, course Trade wars do not help either.

Interesting times we are in.

The fact that almost all the companies kept the "tax savings" money just screamed a huge red flag....

The writing is on the wall-not sure I would say interesting my friend-maybe more scary....

I am hoping I am off (maybe my rocker, 😜) about this, but my gut tends to be right. I took some great losses back those 10 years ago, not planning to let  it hit me again......

[balthazar]

I dunno- the emphasis is always to move forward at an ever accelerating pace, but once a company/industry moves forward at slower pace, the hand-wringing inevitably starts. 'Rate of growth' seems to trump growth.

[daves87rs]

7 minutes ago, balthazar said:

I dunno- the emphasis is always to move forward at an ever accelerating pace, but once a company/industry moves forward at slower pace, the hand-wringing inevitably starts. 'Rate of growth' seems to trump growth.

Not enough shareholder value I guess.....

 

Always been a fan of slow and steady...which is why I hope more companies go private..

[Drew Dowdell]

8 hours ago, balthazar said:

I dunno- the emphasis is always to move forward at an ever accelerating pace, but once a company/industry moves forward at slower pace, the hand-wringing inevitably starts. 'Rate of growth' seems to trump growth.

Spending is what makes the economy go 'round. If companies are pulling back on spending significantly it will slow the economy.  It becomes a giant feedback loop. 

Company spend is only part of what is brewing.  

[balthazar]

It may slow the GROWTH of the economy, but as long as it's growing its a positive.
A shrinking of the economy, 'negative growth', is when major problems arise.
It might be a good collective thing to let go of the expectation that the economy should always be cruising at 75 MPH.

[Drew Dowdell]

3 hours ago, balthazar said:

It may slow the GROWTH of the economy, but as long as it's growing its a positive.
A shrinking of the economy, 'negative growth', is when major problems arise.
It might be a good collective thing to let go of the expectation that the economy should always be cruising at 75 MPH.

Everything you said is correct. I am still predicting a recession or close to it. A recession is 'negative growth'.

[trinacriabob]

We've been inching our way out of that past Recession with a capital R for about 8 years now.  The business cycle is fairly predictable.  A recession is forecast for 2019 +/-.  

The personal income tax rates haven't been tinkered with all that much.  They're more streamlined than anything.  I haven't seen a "bottom line" number on how much more or less will be coming in.  Also, there's the corporate tax rate and, if there's less inflow from that for a prolonged period of time, that's not too good, either. 

The other thing that is sort of weird is the increasing prices of homes ... and the markets that got real hot a dozen years ago have gotten real hot again, as well as a few additional markets.  Some things that could bolster this is more foreign money coming in to buy said properties (via a bigger global economy) or people who have cashed in on riding the crest of the wave of the uptick in the market, AND investing in large quantities.  Those people can always buy whatever they like in terms of housing because "if you have to ask the price ..."

Adding:

I was going to mention that people watching can be interesting.  Do you people watch / watch people?

Edited April 14, 2018 by trinacriabob

[balthazar]

^ I was driving thru Princeton NJ today around 4PM. Upper 80s here today, and in a college town, there was PLENTY to watch.

Seriously, yes; I do enjoy people watching, its just I so seldom get the few minutes to rub together to do so.

[ocnblu]

Don'tcha just love it when you find three nuts inside a space that normally holds two?

[oldshurst442]

1 hour ago, ocnblu said:

Don'tcha just love it when you find three nuts inside a space that normally holds two?

I feel the same way when I get a double yolk in the egg Im about to eat. Triple yolk and I just won the jackpot!!!

[ocnblu]

😡  Hmmm... pulled away from a light on an incline yesterday.  Windows all down, enjoying the warm weather... when the rancid stench of a BURNING CLUTCH engulfed my interior.  Not happy.  This is not my first rodeo.

[balthazar]

[ocnblu]

Enjoy this fleeting video of new Silverado pickups in real light.  Black one is an RST.   Hmmm... cool!

Edited April 15, 2018 by ocnblu

[Drew Dowdell]

12 hours ago, ocnblu said:

😡  Hmmm... pulled away from a light on an incline yesterday.  Windows all down, enjoying the warm weather... when the rancid stench of a BURNING CLUTCH engulfed my interior.  Not happy.  This is not my first rodeo.

What are you talking about Joe???

[ocnblu]

Why does that Honda Passport have the word "Isuzu" all up in the grille?  Strange... 

[Robert Hall]

Fun factoids...the original Isuzu Rodeo was named the Isuzu MU in Japan--with MU standing for Mysterious Utility.    The 2dr (called the Amigo in the US was sold as the Honda Jazz in Japan.   The 5dr had many identities world wide---Isuzu Wizard, Chevy Frontera, Holden Frontera, Vauxhall Frontera, Opel Frontera, Chevy Rodeo, Isuzu Wizard, Isuzu Cameo and Isuzu Vega...

[trinacriabob]

There are some real characters riding public transit trains.  And they often seem to talk to me.  Why so? I look somewhat conservative. 

It just happened on a train ride some 30 minutes ago.  Mostly, it's funny but, at times, it can be annoying.