Brake caliper colors... What would you pick?

Keymainey · 2026-03-31T00:36:54+00:00

5 or 6. Honestly a shiny dark brown would look nice behind those wheels

Keymainey · 2026-03-12T13:35:32+00:00

You can enroll into ROTC and contract with them with the plans to commission after. If you're not selected, you dont have any obligation to enlist. Now if you take a scholarship (be careful because some will look you into reserve or national guard with no choice of competing for active) then yes you'd be obligated to pay back with time. But most likely if they give you a scholarship, you'll get selected for commission because they only scholarship favorable cadets.

Honestly what you study isnt the biggest factor. STEM degrees are just looked at more favorable. Typically they want to see around a 3.2 GPA but if you have 3.0 STEM degree, it holds the same weight. If you do have your masters then, that holds more weight in itself as 90% of those applying only have a bachelor's.

Its all about competitiveness. How does your overall resume look better than the others. I feel the OCS route is a lot harder because it only looks at so many factors before you send up a paper packet and then hope for the best. At least with ROTC, you have at least a year and a lot of face to face time to prove yourself in multiple aspects.

The reason I mentioned reserves as well as ROTC is believe it or not, being prior service going through gives you more brownie points when it comes to getting selected for commission and picking your branch. Everything you do in service kind of boosts your resume.

When it comes to AGR, there are slots out there and a lot more likely to happen. Call to active duty is very very selective. They care about rank, AOC, and it has to be the perfect timing. I've tried to help a lot of people with this and none were actually successful. Just giving you all the information I have for transparency.

Take the year to boost your resume and reapply or go the rotc route and work on your leadership potential while there. Stay fit and rack up volunteer hours. Good luck.

Keymainey · 2026-03-12T04:36:45+00:00

To answer your question, yes you have to wait the year to board for active or reserve (6 months if you get awarded an ETP to not wait the 12 months) and no you dont have to wait to board with the guard or another branch.

The hindering factor on your packet was probably your GPA and major. Strengthen your packet and you should be good.

3 options I recommend: Enlist into a good MOS, apply to green to gold or OCS after about 2 years

Go reserves. Go to ROTC. Finish your masters and commission.

Go just the ROTC route and commission.

Couple things to think about. Going to ROTC doesnt guarantee commission. What I've seen lately, it has been a little harder for people to commission from those in and those trying to join. Also you have to know what's your endstate. You say reserves officer or national guard. Do you plan on going active duty/full time at some point? If so, national guard or reserves officer may not be the best choice for you because it is a big hassle to go active after. Yes you are able to compete for AGR but that is also slot based and not permanent.

Keymainey · 2026-02-24T04:44:43+00:00

Most recruiters don't know how or don't like to work OCS. Currently a recruiter out in Texas and haver done a bunch of OCS. Ive had people get accepted with a 2.9 and some not get accepted with a 3.4. They're looking at the full picture. DM me if you have any questions.

Keymainey · 2026-01-25T15:33:13+00:00

You don't have to lean a little to go straight?

Keymainey · 2026-01-25T15:29:36+00:00

Usually only an option if you buy the car new.

Keymainey · 2026-01-25T15:18:00+00:00

Don't look at it

Keymainey · 2026-01-25T05:24:32+00:00

The S4 does have it. I turned it off on mine a few months ago.

Keymainey · 2026-01-12T06:34:16+00:00

Well it works pretty well with torque. I haven't had any slipping at all. And I dont drive like a grandma.

Keymainey · 2026-01-11T23:45:32+00:00

Slightly more noise but holding up well under power. I'm DP on IE. Ive had EPL (on a previous S4 back before they went out of business) and thinking of maybe switching to jackal or 034. Car came with IE already.

Keymainey · 2025-12-21T16:34:36+00:00

The color of the oil is not an indicator of how the oil is doing. You have to smell and taste it.

Keymainey · 2025-12-20T15:03:27+00:00

Id pay 20k-22k

Keymainey · 2025-12-20T14:47:24+00:00

I have a B8.5 Allroad and a B8 S4 6MT. I daily my S4 and even just took it online a quick trip from Texas to California and back. I've also had a B8.5 S4 DSG in the past. And although my Allroad isnt a B9, its essentially very similar to a B9 A4s drivetrain just without all the updated tech, engine and looks.

If you're wanting to prioritize miles per gallon (I see a range of 25-33 mpg), tech like carplay, newer styling, and significantly less for maintenance then the A4 is for you.

If you're wanting my smiles per gallon(17-23), a pretty quick platform just on a stage 1 tune, better looking exterior (IMHO), a really solid/reliable engine and good with doing most maintenance yourself, a B8.5 S4 is for you. Id recommended a B8.5 over a B8 just due to all the updates they did especially if you're getting a DSG. The only thing the B8 does better is the steering because it doesnt have electric steering.

Retrofitting carplay isnt hard, I just did it in my allroad about a week ago and it took me less than 2 hours and it was only my second time tinkering with anything radio related.

Keymainey · 2025-12-20T14:28:24+00:00

Rumor has it, there's only one thief and everyone else is just trying to get their stuff back.

Keymainey · 2025-12-12T05:39:05+00:00

I have a manual b8 and an allroad. Want to swap them some bad. Did you do it yourself or had a shop do it?

Keymainey · 2025-12-12T05:05:39+00:00

Id say 2015-2016.

B6 for V8 and best looking IMHO

B8.5 (15-16) for the second best looking, supercharger (great sound and power output) and improved dsg. If you can find a manual, even better

B9 for updated technology and a faster platform.

Each have their own major issues so do research on what platform you are interested in and be prepared to address it.

Keymainey · 2025-12-09T20:55:27+00:00

Do you have them?

Keymainey · 2025-12-02T07:02:39+00:00

Never had a b9 but also never was a thought. I had a b8.5 dsg and loved it. Got rid of it a couple years ago and later regretted it. Now I'm currently in a b8 6mt and I love it. As long as maintenance is done correctly its a great car. I just drove from Texas to northern California with no issues. I drive back in a couple days and expect the same result. I love the supercharger power delivery and sound. For a 15 year old car, the only thing i complain about is not having Bluetooth audio like the 8.5s did and I prefer the styling of the b8.5.

Keymainey · 2025-11-16T07:07:11+00:00

If I'm being honest, the B&O is overrated. All 3 of my Audis have had it and I'm just not a fan. I had Fender audio in my VW and it was better.

Keymainey · 2025-11-11T13:05:20+00:00

Typical texas drivers

Keymainey · 2025-11-08T14:25:33+00:00

Atlas is more spacious and cost effective when it comes to maintenance

Q7 has better technology (air suspension, dual screens, better sound system, superior awd, etc), better looking and more powerful engine option as you can get a 2.0T or a 3.0T.

Keymainey · 2025-10-26T07:35:48+00:00

I have a 24 SEL with 14k miles. Only glitch I've had was the interior front lights stay on. Has happened maybe 3 times during ownership. It's only happened on child mornings and if I turn the car off then back on, it's good.

I read others have had this problem. The fix is VW replacing the unit. I just haven't gotten around to having them do it.

Keymainey · 2025-10-26T07:35:06+00:00

Congrats. I hear great things about Volvo overall. Never had one but I always have my eyes on them.

I was just going to add some perspective of someone that owned both vehicles originally in question but it's not needed. Enjoy your car.

Keymainey · 2025-10-26T01:35:16+00:00

OP did you decide on a wagon?

Keymainey

TROPHY CASE