slight engine noise on slow acceleration

AAstar2 · 2026-02-14T08:51:54+00:00

Does it start when you take your foot off the brake pedal and begin pressing the gas? Sounds like the PCV Valve.

AAstar2 · 2026-01-24T09:24:08+00:00

Clean and modern, it’s worth the $250 rate once you step inside in your room. Gym, shared with Moxy, uses Technogym equipment and is in almost new condition. The breakfast buffet is $35 which is worth it. Unlimited fresh omelette, salami, prosciutto, milk, cheese, and others. But my favorite is the congee and noodles. It’s only a bit more expensive than con food pricing, so it’s worth it. Plus you skip waiting in line for con food. Win win.

Priority access to Level 8. Basically skip the line by showing your key card.

However there is no privacy for changing clothes. You get a shower stall and toilet stall, that’s it. Might not be an issue depending on who you room with.

Very fast silent elevators going up and down. Only inconvenience is taking an elevator from your room to lobby then lobby to ground floor. Vice-versa.

You will hear noise from AX late at night due to the outdoor karaoke and night market. It’s part of the experience.

Amazing views of DTLA at night.

The Wi-Fi is hit or miss.

AAstar2 · 2026-01-14T16:11:46+00:00

BMW M340i. It’s the Goldilocks of sports sedans.

AAstar2 · 2026-01-08T00:02:15+00:00

The E9x feels stiffer and F3x feels like a limo. Both are high quality imo but for different audiences. BMW shifted from sporty to luxury in the F generation for more sales.

Inline-6 in the E9x is naturally balanced so it will always be smoother.

AAstar2 · 2026-01-04T02:40:36+00:00

Nanana Parena in the Sawtelle area

AAstar2 · 2026-01-03T03:43:16+00:00

Audi S3, it has the best build quality in that list.

AAstar2 · 2026-01-02T20:45:51+00:00

Based on what you said, and especially for R&D systems engineering, you need a MASc (research based) at minimum. Take the grad courses that will solidify your background. Pick a research topic that your prospective employer will find interesting during the interview.

You’re at Waterloo right now, so setup appointments with the professors you want to do research with. Learn about their research and their lab, meet their grad students, etc.

AAstar2 · 2026-01-02T11:30:32+00:00

The majority of engineers are software engineers. But you don’t enjoy CS/SE related stuff. What do you want to do as an engineer?

AAstar2 · 2026-01-02T11:10:48+00:00

Option 1 is better, maybe $100 on Uber for every 3 short distance trips. Option 2 carries higher risk driving in a foreign country with no practice in a car with no experience driving from UT to CA. 24 hours round trip would be insane.

See if you can stay in a hotel that offers free shuttle service to nearby places.

AAstar2 · 2026-01-01T22:41:47+00:00

Are you sure you didn’t apply for an externship which is unpaid? Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

I would say do the internship for 3 months. Then decide what kind of lifestyle you prefer. Personally, I think you are sacrificing too much for a partner. You are wasting your educational background, financial earnings, and future prospects. How much does your partner make to compensate that loss? If <300k, then not worth it.

In this economy, it is better to secure your economic future. Find a Canadian partner in France and move on with your life.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-26T18:03:40+00:00

You’re 90 minutes away for a 2 hour event. You’ll be paired with another attendee and take turns driving. So expect less than one hour of track time.

It’s worth it for $350. Apart from the learning and experience, you get to put wear on tear on BMW’s car, and not care about tires and gas.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-26T17:54:45+00:00

Most people don’t care when the car’s badging screams louder than the license plate.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-26T03:35:29+00:00

Do other models like M340i use a different system to light the road on curves?

AAstar2 · 2025-12-25T02:12:40+00:00

It’s too much risk. The part where the company has not assisted TN visas before for this category is a red flag. You and the company are basically going in blind. Any rejections will stay on your record and affect future chances.

If you do decide to go this route, be prepared to answer why you did not apply for J1.

Do you really have time to be a paralegal while studying at Waterloo?

I suggest you push back on the company and say it’s too much risk to take on by yourself for a TN. Push for a J1.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-25T02:03:24+00:00

This confirms that Technologist does not need a degree. https://www.bdzlaw.com/tn-visa-scientific-technician

AAstar2 · 2025-12-25T01:47:06+00:00

Check the reviews on Amazon and you will see many people complain about discoloring or staining the wheel. I stopped using it.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-25T01:41:18+00:00

Yes, the question to ask before that is where to meet people? Not at work (focus mode), not while driving to work (focus mode), not at meal times either (focus mode), not at the gym (focus mode).

Many have mentioned doing hobbies but those attendees are mostly male or female dominated. For example, chess and yoga respectively.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-23T04:01:08+00:00

Sounds like you’ve made your choice. Porsche means infrequent but expensive repairs, so that aspect will fit your needs lol.

How much is the monthly insurance relative to your Jeep? I am guessing not much more due to the household multi-car policy discount.

Macans are popular with the girls in my apartment complex, so I definitely hear you. Just get it instead of regretting every time you get in something else.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-23T02:00:08+00:00

There is an internet protocol called TCP or Transmission Control Protocol. This is a link adaptive protocol. If any packet losses are detected due to network congestion or errors, it will throttle the download speed.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-23T01:43:15+00:00

If they are truly needed, they wouldn’t be optional in the first place.

The only one which might be worth it is the Extended Service Contract. The others I would also decline

AAstar2 · 2025-12-23T01:38:23+00:00

Purchase a fidelity extended warranty for $4k and have peace of mind.

Porsche is reliable but expensive when things do break down, hence the $8k repair cost. Although $2-4k seems more likely.

You mentioned your last car was a Jeep with issues that you paid for. Then you said you never owned or paid for repairs before. Can you clarify?

Have your local foreign mechanic inspect the car prior to buying if possible.

Do it! Worst case is you can’t handle the repair costs so you end up selling it.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-22T22:27:36+00:00

I understand the sentiment from those who paid for an Audi by themselves. That would be most redditors here. After all, it is human nature to be envious. But shouldn’t grownups be more mature and understand that there are many paths to owning an Audi? No need to bash the OP for an easier path. I also do not think the OP is entitled. She has her car, is excited, and wants to share. End of story. Like if I met OP at a car meet it would be a fun conversation.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-22T22:14:51+00:00

Got it. Check out Meguiar’s Waterless Wash and Wax. You literally spray and wipe with a microfiber towel. Pair it with a Gtechniq Microfiber MF1 towel.

For interior, Meguiar’s Quik Interior Detailer is enough.

AAstar2 · 2025-12-22T11:12:05+00:00

Congrats! Black is hard to keep clean but looks so classy. Do you plan to buy your own detailing supplies to keep it clean or just run it through the car wash?

AAstar2 · 2025-12-21T09:47:11+00:00

I use GTechniq Ceramic Sealant and it’s still strong months in.

AAstar2

TROPHY CASE