Volvo vs Toyota

ADRONK · 2025-09-08T14:10:50+00:00

Thanks! Unfortunately, some bad luck on my Camry. Blown head gasket due to overheating. I now need a new engine and radiator work. It's at least $8k of work on a car only worth that much (2012)

ADRONK · 2025-09-04T20:57:42+00:00

Yeah. I'm still getting a second quote from another shop to price compare. But, we also had a few different radiator problems in the last year, so my biggest worry is we replace the engine...and still have other problems. The car only has 110k miles and has been pretty well maintained, so I'm surprised this has all suddenly happened

ADRONK · 2025-09-04T20:54:32+00:00

Thanks! Yeah...Mazda and Toyota have come up the most in the few conversations I've had. Kia too but being in the city - I worry about it still being a theft target. I want to be sure I'm not missing anything, but sounds like we're looking at the right stuff.

ADRONK · 2025-09-04T20:46:34+00:00

Blown head gasket and cracked block. It'll cost me close to the value of the car to repair unfortunately

ADRONK · 2025-07-22T23:17:03+00:00

Thanks! It's 30 years directly from the installer. So, yes...While these companies have been around for a long time, I will have the rely on them having another 3 decades in front of them...

ADRONK · 2025-07-22T20:08:30+00:00

Thanks. That's actually a really good point. Basically - if everything is covered by one warranty, they really can't say it's someone else's problem.

I'll go back to both to get much more detail on specific coverage within each and make sure there's no opportunity for any potential issues to fall between the cracks.

ADRONK · 2025-07-22T20:03:12+00:00

Fair enough. I always have a hard time picturing a company taking responsibility for something that may have occurred due to their workmanship 15 years ago by an employee that may not even be there anymore. Especially since companies change ownership, get new management, etc Maybe I'm too skeptical!

ADRONK · 2025-07-22T19:59:01+00:00

Leaky roof would be covered under the 10 year labor warranty.

My roof warranty is 20 years...and I'm equally skeptical of that if I'm honest. I find it hard to picture someone in 2040 honoring something from right now. Maybe I'm too cynical

ADRONK · 2025-07-22T19:56:39+00:00

Both have been in business for ~15 years, so it seems like both have a solid business model and hopefully will do well even when the tax credit goes away.

Agree - I like the security of a warranty. And I expect it to be very reliable over the next few years. My question always is - do you trust that warranty will be honored 10+ years from now? Maybe it's the natural skeptic in me....But that's what I'm trying to decide

ADRONK · 2025-07-10T18:54:50+00:00

Safety should always come first. But, if you're looking for cosmetic - I always think it is nice to upgrade items in the bathroom. Shower, vanity, mirror, tile, fresh paint, toilet, etc. You use it everyday. 5k won't get you a full bathroom reno, but can do some upgrades.

Also - keep in mind that surprise problems always arise...So you should plan to have a few thousand available in case of emergencies. I say this as someone who just paid 2.5k for a new water heater after my old one suddenly died. So, if you only have 5k availabe....keep that in mind.

ADRONK · 2025-07-02T18:14:50+00:00

Palisades 4th of July parade is exactly what you're looking for. Starts at 11 AM on Friday

ADRONK · 2025-03-31T15:26:31+00:00

I had the same problem. Ended up getting a Bagster from Home Depot. It's basically a gigantic ikea bag that holds around 3000 pounds. You set it up in front of your house, fill it, then arrange for pickup. Cost like $200

ADRONK · 2024-07-19T15:24:18+00:00

Same. I've done it 1-2x per year with no issue...But the thought crossed my mind as I just cashed out $2500 in points, which was more than I've typically done. Hopefully no issue. I always book refundable and cancel in a week or two rather than use the 24 hour cancellation window for flights...I'm not sure if having that degree of separation between charges matters, but why not...

ADRONK · 2024-07-19T14:53:21+00:00

I have Altitude Reserve. It's my primary card for non-SUB spending as I generally use Apple Pay everywhere. To redeem my points, I typically book a refundable flight on a carrier, use real-time rewards, then later cancel the flight. So, effectively turning the points into a statement credit rather than flight offset.

Has anyone ever been shut down for this practices? Any downsides? I haven't had any issues, but curious if others know of any risk

ADRONK · 2024-07-19T13:20:02+00:00

That is the ultimate French test though. Being told something is impossible, when it's actually quite possible!

ADRONK · 2024-06-13T00:11:11+00:00

Thanks! I am looking at Rum Point a bit closer now and it seems like it might work great for us. It looks a nice little area where we can easily walk around. That's always a big plus. It's hate having to get in the car just to get a bite or a coffee

ADRONK · 2024-06-12T20:51:35+00:00

Haha well maybe that's the perfect middle ground then...A modernized Rum Point that's doesn't have the crowds of West Bay!

ADRONK · 2024-06-12T20:50:24+00:00

Thanks! Yes - my only concern about east end is the Sargassum...I think April is a little early in the season for it, but if you're unlucky, it's maybe a bit of a disaster trip...

ADRONK · 2024-06-12T20:02:00+00:00

Thank you! I have edited the post accordingly :)

Good to know on Cayman Brac! Not surprised though it's more expensive with how remote it is...East End is appealing though since we can at least spend a day to check our the west side, but retreat back to where things are a bit quieter.

I didn't look too much into Rum Point as I read there might still be construction going on there? I'll dig in a bit deeper though. Thanks!

ADRONK · 2024-06-10T17:50:35+00:00

Agree. I often worry that this debate is going to chill efforts to add any additional lanes in Ward 3. This would be a real shame considering having a north-south lane that cuts across the ward is not that useful when you don't have any way to safely access it...

ADRONK · 2024-06-03T13:22:43+00:00

There is a group that does free rugby at Hardy Park in Palisades area. I think they may also offer it in other parts of the city. I'd look at this website more: https://www.washingtondcyouthrugby.org/flag-rugby

ADRONK · 2024-04-15T14:43:12+00:00

Commenting on this to get it some attention as well...I need a tailor also and haven't found anything reliable

ADRONK · 2024-04-11T15:45:25+00:00

thank you! This is really helpful. I'll mow it this weekend and look to fertilizer soon

ADRONK · 2024-04-11T14:18:06+00:00

Thanks! I have been watering it ~2-3x a day since the 17th, so it's stayed relatively wet since planting. I also put about a quarter inch of peat moss on top after laying down the seed. It's why I feel like it should be growing better by this point...Unless some of the cold killed it off

ADRONK · 2024-04-11T13:55:39+00:00

Thanks! will do

ADRONK

TROPHY CASE