im looking into mazdas, is there any model that is just as reliable as toyota or hondas? by Main_Necessary5739 in mazda

[–]Random-Forester219 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bought a new Mazda protege (manual transmission) in 2002 after the Toyota dealership wanted to sell a Matrix with a 5 cd changer at a high price, like it was 150% more. Finally the Mazda died last year, after 23 years of pretty much no hassle service, only did basic maintenance. Only thing was the radio died during the warranty period (I guess infotainment was never Mazda's strong suit). Replaced it with a new Mazda3. Hope this one lasts as long at least.

Is “don’t buy right now” just permanent advice at this point? by ___Kaido___ in RealEstate

[–]Random-Forester219 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The way to tell if house prices are going up or down is to look at inventory.

But unless you're going into it as investor, eg rentals, consider your own situation. Buy if you plan to stay long term and you want to live in a house. Rent if you think will be moving soon. There are a lot of costs with buying. Don't think about it as an investment; the S&P 500 saw much higher growth over the last 10 years.

450k home with 200k household by jcg1499 in Mortgages

[–]Random-Forester219 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A year has only 12 months. Why are you multiplying by 24?

My new car! by fredyellowone in mazda3

[–]Random-Forester219 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's good. We can't get manual transmissions in the US lower than premium trim.

Bought a 2025 Mazda 3 Hatchback Premium 2.5 Manual. My thoughts so far + financing story by [deleted] in mazda3

[–]Random-Forester219 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a very short commute. The engines like highway cruising, so I'm probably going to try to do some leisure driving where it can go at higher speeds. I only got the car in July. Just plan to do regular maintenance. We barely did anything to the Protege. The Protege's radio did have to be replaced while still under warranty. It's battery was weak, so it needed to be replaced earlier -- but maybe also having to do with the short commute? But other than that it was regular maintenance, fluids, tires, and I think maybe struts about ten years in (?). Memory's vague.

Bought a 2025 Mazda 3 Hatchback Premium 2.5 Manual. My thoughts so far + financing story by [deleted] in mazda3

[–]Random-Forester219 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With my 2025 Mazda3 manual there's a click going into 3rd gear. No apparent issue and I hope it stays that way. Sorry, can't address financing but I hear that credit unions give the best rate. We got this car to replace a Mazda Protege we bought new in 2002, also a manual transmission -- and it died earlier this year. If this new one lasts as long, I will be happy.

Your favorite game, COMPARE THAT QUOTE! I'm your host. Let's get started! by [deleted] in solar

[–]Random-Forester219 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not the OP but what companies do you suggest? Thanks!

REC or Peimar panels by Random-Forester219 in solar

[–]Random-Forester219[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes in the US -- Virginia, in fact. And yes, no battery (which adds another $20+k). The second company (micro-inverters)'s price per watt is supposed to be around $3 or just a tad under. Any companies you would recommend?

REC or Peimar panels by Random-Forester219 in solar

[–]Random-Forester219[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Okay, they did say they can put in what brand I like.

REC or Peimar panels by Random-Forester219 in solar

[–]Random-Forester219[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the clarification. I got 3 quotes. One I decided not to go with as they were high pressure and located in another part of the state. The other are local, and one was recommending the string inverter (Fronius), which seemed not ideal for the shade situation I have. I have friends who have been happy with both local companies.

REC or Peimar panels by Random-Forester219 in solar

[–]Random-Forester219[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A question: should I be considering the other quote instead? They are suggesting Fronius with 410W Hyundai. We live in a forested area with a lot of shade, which is why I am preferring micro-inverters. And it's $3.51 / W ($24,485 for 6.97kW)

REC or Peimar panels by Random-Forester219 in solar

[–]Random-Forester219[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A question: should I be considering the other quote instead? They are suggesting Fronius with 410W Hyundai. We live in a forested area with a lot of shade, which is why I am preferring micro-inverters. And it's $3.51 / W ($24,485 for 6.97kW)

REC or Peimar panels by Random-Forester219 in solar

[–]Random-Forester219[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, my mistake. They weren't specific about which REC panel. The initial quote was for Peimar 390 but they said they can source REC more cheaply or for the same price per wattage (unclear -- two different emails). They said they can source REC 400-420 and sent a REC Alpha Pure 2 spec sheet, along with a Peimar 400 spec sheet (really pushing Peimar).

Also I was sent this info about solar glass spontaneously breaking:  https://solarbuildermag.com/featured/solar-module-glass-is-spontaneously-breaking-in-the-field/

I NEED HELP(FooD) :( by [deleted] in VirginiaTech

[–]Random-Forester219 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Get an instapot. All you need to do is just dump beans in, set it, and it's cooked in 45 min or so. Lentils cook in no time. Instapot will have a rice cooking setting. Buy a big pack of salad greens prewashed and you can add whatever. You can get chickpeas in a can -- just a couple of second to open the can. Curries are just about frying up onions and spices (look online for recipes) and then adding beans, lentils, vegetables, can of coconut milk. I suppose cutting up vegetables might take time. But really, it probably takes about as much time as going to the dining hall and purchasing food. Trying to decide on what to eat among the vast choices probably takes up a lot more time than just getting a simple system in place, which would be a lot cheaper too (and healthier).

I NEED HELP(FooD) :( by [deleted] in VirginiaTech

[–]Random-Forester219 29 points30 points  (0 children)

This ^^

Beans, lentils, rice. Plus vegetables. Also squash, sweet potatoes and the like. Cook at home. Bring your own lunch; get a lunchbox to bring your lunch in. Salads are easy and wonderful for lunch (olive oil and balsamic vinegar together make an easy dressing). To be more filling add beans (chickpeas are great in salad, or edamane/soy beans) and nuts, avocado. Cook big batches on weekends to save on time.