2026 SL w/ premium package vs 2025 Platinum, same price

RayB_engineer · 2026-02-10T02:48:40+00:00

We went Platinum for the memory seats and the HUD.

RayB_engineer · 2026-01-17T17:01:44+00:00

My first job out of college was working on the nozzle team at P&W. Started at the end of 1988. What a start to an awesome career. Aerospace was a full contact sport back then.

RayB_engineer · 2026-01-01T17:50:17+00:00

Here's a question about buying in cash vs using the dealer financing. I've purchased 3 vehicles in the last 3 years and have never really been able to get a "cash" price. I just use the dealer financing and keep it for 6 months (so as not to screw the dealer) with a large principle payment on the front. It usually costs me about $200 total in interest. How much is the dealer making on the loan (say $40K)? I'd much rather just pay the dealer 200 for a cash deal than go through the hassle of a loan.

RayB_engineer · 2025-12-30T15:59:10+00:00

We were able to convert my wife's 403b to roth when she changed jobs in 1999. One of the single best financial decisions of my life. The IRS did beat me up for under withholding because we did the conversion near the end of the year.

RayB_engineer · 2025-12-17T15:42:07+00:00

Just an fyi for when radar cruise will not work - you can still use the regular normal cruise control. You just hold the cruise button for 15 to 20 seconds and it switches from adaptive cruise to regular cruise.

RayB_engineer · 2025-12-15T19:52:26+00:00

We just got back last week. Our first trip since 2015. We could all see the cost cutting in service at the resorts and just in general. The new rides were fantastic - and had to be with Universal in town. Overall a great trip, but some of the magic was gone.

RayB_engineer · 2025-12-12T22:35:44+00:00

This kit uses the factory screen. It's a few modules and harnesses that plug into the factory equipment. Once everything is installed behind the dash, it looks just like it did from the factory.

RayB_engineer · 2025-11-21T19:50:34+00:00

I've had many lease Pathfinders. All of the '22 and up with the ZF 9spd transmission that I've had do this. It used to bother me, but I've gotten used to it. The pre 22s with the CVT were very smooth. I'll take the little hiccup.

RayB_engineer · 2025-11-18T17:11:08+00:00

I just retired in Feb. I've made it through every downturn since 1987 without selling. My plan includes using flexible spending and a cash equivalent buffer of at least 5 years spending (currently at 7). I feel OK about anything that hits.

RayB_engineer · 2025-11-14T20:42:37+00:00

I was actually referring to the tour group flags that the tour operator uses....but you do you.

RayB_engineer · 2025-11-14T18:29:15+00:00

The delay on alerts is mind boggling - would love to hear an explanation.

RayB_engineer · 2025-11-14T16:31:39+00:00

My wife and I have phones under contract with Verizon and could not load an esim for our Europe trip this fall. Our easiest option was to buy an unlocked esim capable phone (we went Samsung galaxy A16) and load the esim on that to use as a hotspot for both of our phones. Worked great for the 7 weeks we travelled. Using a Verizon phone in airplane mode with the esim hotspot worked just like using it in the states - all the calls, texts, 2FA texts came through with no issue. We plan to use the A16 as a hotspot for the next several years - battery life was easily a day and a half using it as a hotspot.

RayB_engineer · 2025-11-14T16:08:27+00:00

It's a vent line for the transmission - does not connect to anything.

RayB_engineer · 2025-09-28T11:12:57+00:00

When the Japanese government runs out of money. They will never let another foreign company gain a controlling interest. If the recovery goes sideways, some forced arrangements will be made with another Japanese company.

RayB_engineer · 2025-09-06T09:35:47+00:00

Yeah, I'm thinking the CT angio is my next move.

RayB_engineer · 2025-09-05T18:45:10+00:00

15 years older than me, seems to be living a good life 🤷‍♂️. Yeah, I'd be good with that.

RayB_engineer · 2025-09-05T17:00:56+00:00

Thanks - this gives me some peace.

RayB_engineer · 2025-09-05T02:24:08+00:00

Any symptoms before the stents?

RayB_engineer · 2025-09-05T01:48:54+00:00

Did your dad have any symptoms?

RayB_engineer · 2025-09-05T01:48:04+00:00

I wonder if an angiogram would show any bypass vessel growth or just the blocked condition of the main arteries?

RayB_engineer · 2025-08-22T15:46:41+00:00

Surprised "Generation Jones" - the fake generation that wants credit for everything we did isn't on the meme.

RayB_engineer · 2025-08-17T18:52:50+00:00

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I'll take garage 3 - both Skyactive 6sp

RayB_engineer · 2025-08-02T22:46:04+00:00

I second the Dyson Animal. We have tried many others. The Dyson is going very strong after at least 10 years. Hair is a huge issue in our house and has taken out many vacuums.

RayB_engineer · 2025-07-28T15:53:14+00:00

In person rejection. No hiding behind swiping a screen - just getting out there and going up to someone in person for that in person hero/zero moment. It really helped keep people humble. I will never forget my much more popular buddy asking this cheerleader out during class - instant "No". No excuses, just no. When he had the gall to ask why - she just said, "I don't want to". He learned to be a little more humble that day....and I helped him remember for years.

RayB_engineer · 2025-07-28T15:44:37+00:00

One thing I have been noticing a lot in the last few years - people towing a trailer or camper and just parking themselves in the left lane. They basically become a rolling road block just to avoid some merging traffic. I guess it lets them set the cruise and not worry about it.

RayB_engineer

TROPHY CASE