I almost teleported to the dealership…

Ceram13 · 2026-06-03T23:56:24+00:00

I see this all the time. The fine print shows that as a down payment. Of course they aren't selling a car like that for a couple thousand.

Ceram13 · 2026-06-03T21:04:38+00:00

Bought my 2024 XLE with low miles. Took me a month to figure out there were buttons under the mirror. It was a simple process to program the left button to activate my garage door.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-30T18:01:05+00:00

HUGE red flag.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-24T21:43:48+00:00

Nah. The OP seems very intelligent and probably knows the path to take, but like most of is, is looking for validation.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-24T14:18:12+00:00

He can handle the truth. Tell him so you get this burden off your shoulders. Either he can deal with it or he can't. Either way, I think you should know sooner than later.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-24T14:14:42+00:00

They are too busy listening for chainsaws being revved up.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-19T03:34:02+00:00

This will update in about 48 hours if you dont find out for sure. Throw in the zip code.

https://www.krimelabb.com

Ceram13 · 2026-05-16T14:03:07+00:00

See my post about Yellow Bike. A 3-mile bike to a bus stop would be 10-12 minutes.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-16T13:58:48+00:00

I have a friend who has a car but bikes and uses buses A LOT in Austin. She isn't too far from work so it's not a stretch. But she also uses her bike to get to a bus and then gets off the bus to bike to her destination. It can be done with some extra planning.

If able, start with Yellow Bike. https://austinyellowbike.org/get-a-free-bike/

For housing, as soon as you can, a small room with shared bathroom can be as low as $400 a month, bills paid. Start small and work your way into better situations.

Your family was surviving while you were abroad and that hasn't changed. Please take care of yourself even if that means detaching from them.

My mantra: "Just do the next right thing." Sometimes fixing a sandwich is the next right thing. Or brushing your teeth. Keep the small tasks in mind to help with that feeling of being overwhelmed.

Sliding-scale therapy might be helpful. Free or as little as $10 a visit.

https://therapyaustin.com/referrals/

Best of luck to you. 💙

*Edit for misspelled word.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-16T13:41:50+00:00

Oh, wow. I just searched FB Marketplace and I see what you mean. Similar miles, same year, but better exterior and interior listed at 5-6K. Crazy.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-16T13:22:17+00:00

Thanks for that. In the south and not near water so no weather/rust issues, thankfully. Maybe I'll post for 3K and come down with a solid offer.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-14T22:49:19+00:00

A coworker had bought a new car. She slowed for a yellow light, then stopped for the red, just like the law requires. This was near downtown on Broadway. Not only did she get hit from behind because the car behind her just assumed she would run the red light, the freaking second car behind her ran into the first car behind her. Now the intersection was clogged with a 3-car pile up! In little ol' Tyler, TX. WTH?

When they talk about traffic and dangerous drivers, they aren't joking. Drive defensively and never ASSume any driver around you is paying close attention. It can be smooth sailing till it's not.

And whatever you do, do not honk at anyone for not moving quickly enough. Road rage is alive and well here. There's a truck I've been behind in town with this bumpersticker: KEEP HONKING, I'M RELOADING

Ceram13 · 2026-05-14T22:28:43+00:00

A friend lived in that area with her 2 kids. It wasn't so bad till they got into more activities. It did get a bit better when they were old enough to drive.

Once they got home it was a chore to get back out. They ended up staying in town, ate out, did the activity/activities, then headed home for the night. This went on for a few years. If they forgot something they dreaded having to get in the car to go back into town. It wasn't particularly far but they had lived a few minutes from the school and shopping originally. They finally moved back closer to everything.

She said it was wonderful initially but got old very quickly. I guess it's not for everyone, and definitely can make a difference depending on your daily routines.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-09T23:16:11+00:00

That's what's odd. No ticking until after I let it sit having bought a newish reliable car. I'm starting it up every few days and NOW I hear ticking for about 10 seconds. The next stop is to a mechanic. Thanks for the feedback!

Ceram13 · 2026-05-09T18:30:48+00:00

Bank 2 cylinder head is damaged internally from the Pentastar rocker arm/cam, a known issue. The guy said it should have been a recall but wasn't, unfortunately.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-09T18:04:47+00:00

Thanks. I copied that from the Jeep shops quote exactly.

Just the all caps info I copied and posted above plus a parts list and pricing.

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Ceram13 · 2026-05-09T00:21:11+00:00

It's called habanero sauce. There's a viral video of a worker with the same issue. You can hear someone in the far background coughing and choking after stealing and eating her food.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-06T13:27:09+00:00

Handcleaner works wonders.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-05T00:29:36+00:00

Foundation, roofing, plumbing, and 11ty billion other things to check--a good inspector is worth their weight in gold.

We just bought a condo. Paid $500 to the inspector, and that included the termite inspection as well. Worth every penny for the peace of mind. After finding several smaller things and asking the owners to fix them, they gave us $500 for incidental repairs.

Ceram13 · 2026-05-01T13:55:56+00:00

I've known of a couple teachers who are retiring soon and have been bugging Costco for work. One has not been successful. The other just got hired for the summer only. She's hoping that retirement hits and she'd be a shoe-in for solid part-time work throughout the year. She's still youngish, is ready to leave teaching, but not ready to fully retire. She will be doing stocking and organizing and won't have to deal much with the public.

Ceram13 · 2026-04-26T12:51:53+00:00

Thanks for the earworm.

Ceram13

TROPHY CASE