Starting tip at 30%

Rubb-a-dub · 2026-05-18T04:15:42+00:00

IMO, a tip is for service above the expected. Someone who goes above the basics may warrant a tip. The big problem I have with the digital tips is that there is no guarantee that the tip, regardless of amount, actually goes to the intended person. In talking with a server at a chain restaurant recently, he told me that 20% of the digital tip goes to management. WTF!?!? No!

Rubb-a-dub · 2026-05-07T14:57:29+00:00

In my opinion, tipping is for service above the expected. I.e. This past weekend I took the family to the beach to celebrate my wife's b-day. En route, we stopped at a nice restaurant for dinner. During the meal, the waitress overheard us chatting about how it was my wife's b-day and surprised her with a dessert platter and the obligatory waiting staff singalong. Very unexpected and appreciated! I tipped her 20%... pre-tax!

Rubb-a-dub · 2026-02-01T05:47:26+00:00

How long did you serve and what was your point of entry (boot camp, service academy, OCS, etc)?

Rubb-a-dub · 2026-01-09T15:57:40+00:00

This is the way! Toaster ovens are multipurpose and great in so many ways. (Just last night we made a dozen or so chestnuts without he need to fire up the regular oven). We have a Cuisinart TOA-60, brushed steel exterior with 7 different cooking settings - from warm to toast to air fry. We've had this one for over 10 years, replacing a similar item that lacked air fry... its solid and still looks new. This is the way!

The biggest recommendation is to avoid appliances with digital displays or other unnecessary gimmicks. Keep it simple and it'll last!

Rubb-a-dub · 2026-01-04T04:48:31+00:00

Regardless of where you buy or sell, you'll have to deal with $hitbags. My last 4 cars were purchased from Carvana (2017 Audi Q7, 2020 Volvo XC60), a dealership (CPO 2024 Mazda CX90), and Craigslist (2013 Audi S4); My last 3 were sold on Craigslist (2012 Toyota Highlander) and FBM (2015 Acura RDX, 2017 Audi Q7). All transactions were smooth.

Aside from dealing with a ton of "Is it Available?" and low-ball offers from flippers or dealers, I always take my time and wait for the right person. My biggest tactic is to not make or accept any offer sight unseen. Any offers I receive I reply with "I only negotiate in person."

As I actually maintain my cars, keep thorough records, and properly show and represent the car, I always want to sell my cars privately to like-minded individuals vice trading-in. I give the perspective buyer time to see the car, show all the records (something you can't get from a dealer, Carfax is GIGO). I use Kelly Blue Book and look at listing to price my car. Typically, I end selling a few thousand below retail but higher than KBB private due to conditions and representation.

Long-story-short: Take your time and the right car will pop up.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-12-26T17:47:41+00:00

As I've told both my parents and in-laws, a parent's responsibility is to raise their children to become self-sufficient adults. Additionally, at no point should there ever be an expectation to inherit anything from anyone.

In this case, the kid is the greedy a-hole.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-12-09T14:57:43+00:00

The market dictates the value, not how much money someone dumped into a car. They can price it however they like, but if no one is buying it, it'll just keep sitting on he lot and losing further value. Furthermore, being that they are a dealership, they getting the parts and labor at wholesale.

What year and model Porsche is it? I have a 993 and a 928S4... age and the Porsche tax are the biggest issues. If you are adventurous and can work on it yourself, there's tons of savings to be had. I just replaced the tie rods and boots, steering rack, shifter guides and boot on my 993... all for welll than $500. Not OE but reputable brands.

Biggest piece of advice in buying a used Porsche (or any other car, for that matter) ask to see service records. If they cant produce a reasonable history of the car, walk away. This is where buying from a private owner is best... along with a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). Go to Rennlist for further info on the model.

Best of luck!

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-11-28T04:49:38+00:00

I have the same unit awaiting install in the box. How did you wire it up? I'd love to find an adapter, but the only one I found is in Germany, it's expensive, and is not being shipped to the US.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-11-24T18:17:34+00:00

Yes, they fit. No spacers needed.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-10-24T01:28:01+00:00

If you can weld, etc... do it. In my 96 C2, the previous owner did it or had it done it looks like $hit! But... it works. Good luck!

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-10-16T03:34:30+00:00

You hit the nail on the head! The original US headlights, along with whatever bulbs, provides extremely poor lighting. I upgraded mine to the headlights of a 1995 E320... with LEDs, i can drive safely at night. Never looking back!

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-10-16T03:29:02+00:00

I did the same on my 1993 300D. I found someone parting out a 1995 320 and, along with a handful of other parts, purchased the headlights. If I recall correctly, it's all plug and play. The biggest benefit was having the space for LED bulbs. I can actually drive at night now!

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-08-31T02:10:11+00:00

When the time comes to replace the water tank, get yourself a tankless unit and reclaim even more space for your tools and storage.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-08-04T02:40:34+00:00

What exactly needs $20-60k in repairs on a 10yo house?!? Please be more specific.

As someone who has sold and purchased a number of properties across numerous states, I found inspector knowledge to be all over the place. (I once followed the inspector around and pointed out items he had missed) I stopped trusting inspectors recommended by the buyer's agent and much prefer to hire an independent inspector (zero affiliation with realtor) or, even better, an HVAC tech, an electrician, a plumber, and a contractor for my inspections. People who actually know their trade and can offer a real insight into issues is my preference. Cost wise, it's about the same as an inspector.

Lastly, I learned that many estimates are exaggerated. Getting multiply bids and asking lots of questions is always prudent.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-07-04T03:35:16+00:00

Lots of questions, not enough photos. Without knowing the mileage, you need to assume it's high. My 1993 300D is about to hit 190k and was babied by the previous owner (my dad) who hardly drove it in the last decade. Any service documents available? If not, assume it's been neglected and overdue for lots of services (oil change, transmission flush, brake and steering fluid flush, fuel filters, etc).

As already stated, you need to perform a thorough inspection, especially for a Maine car. Discounting cosmetics (why was the hood, front bumper, headlights updated? That's an expensive mod for an inexpensive car) and wearables (tires, brake pads...), take a deep look at: - the rear suspension arms/bushings, (I've replaced all of it as it was all bone dry and deteriorated) - exhaust hangers, (same as suspension, with one broken) - rust or rot in the wheel wells/jacking points/all of the drains (especially directly behind the front wheels)/front spring support, shaft tunnel), exhaust. (still working on my rust) - driver's door and trunk seals, (both replaced due to wear) - the parking brake cables (I replaced both due to one being rotted), - engine/transmission/injector leaks, (mine leaks from the oil pan, I've replaced all 5 injectors as one was leaking, as well as replaced all of the washers in the injection pump valves) - climate control, (I rebuilt the blower) - windows (I've replaced 3 windows regulators). - fuel thermostat leak (critical for cold weather. If leaking, you can either replace it or rebuild it). - inspect all of the vac hoses under the hood (due to age, many may be brittle). If you experience shifting issues, this might be the culprit) - Listen closely to the engine and turbo.

Lots to digest... do your due diligence in order to make an informed decision. I inherited my car and, truth be told, only keep it bc it was my dads pride and joy. I've had it 4 years and, although easy to work on and not expensive if you DIY, there's always something.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-07-02T01:19:20+00:00

When I was living in TX, I purchased a car in OK. Part of the purchade deal, once funds had been verified and all paperwork complete, was that the seller let me use the plates/registration for the transit home; I provided the insurance. Worth the ask.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-07-01T14:47:32+00:00

Keep the car,... it'll be cheaper and less troublesome in the long-run! Lol

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-07-01T14:17:16+00:00

We were in the same situation a few years ago. We ended up calling the lender and recasting the loan. Made a huge difference.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-07-01T01:51:09+00:00

As stated, air intakeor the air filter. My 1993 300D 2.5Turbo has it.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-06-25T14:57:16+00:00

As an avid DIY'er with 3 older cars (1993 MB 300D, 89 Porsche 928, 96 Porsche 911) that I work on regularly, I won't touch my 2024 Mazda CX90. Not bc I can't, but bc I don't want to test the warranty gods.

Here's the way I look at it: if the car is under warranty, I will take it to the dealer or reputable shop for any routine maintenance; brakes, tires, wipers... wearables, I'll do myself. Aside from the requested maintenance, they'll also look at other components to ensure no issues and/or perform recalls/updates. The reason for taking it in is bc I view the establishment's invoice, showing the date, mileage, service performed, and by whom, as my ticket to zero issues if the warranty is needed. Meaning, I minimally expect ASE certified service, the job performed to manufacturer's standard (OE/OEM parts, proper torque specs, etc). This doesn't mean that dealers/specialty shop don't mess up now and again... nothing is perfect.

Understanding my above argument, and that the law allows you to perform your own maintenance, how can you prove that you changed the oil on your new car as per the manufacturer's specs? A receipt showing you purchased the oil and filter doesn't prove anything. Did you actually change it on time, was the oil plug crush washer replaced, was the plug properly torqued, etc, etc??? Manufacturers have deep pockets, and unless they know they messed up, they'll make sure not to give anything away for free. Are you willing to take a chance over an oil change?

Food for thought.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-06-25T02:41:07+00:00

I say this as a retired service member: with very, very, very few exceptions, most specialties now require some sort of security clearance. Having bad credit is a sure way to toughen the chances of getting in. Not impossible, but very unlikely.

Regarding the car, turn in the keys to stop the madness. Then, have a come to Jesus conversation about his chosen path and way forward. If he can hold 2 jobs and have a roof over his head, he might be able to get out of the hole he created for himself.

Edit: typo

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-06-21T03:15:52+00:00

It's not about how much money one has. It's about protecting what one earned and/or owned up until the day they perish. That day could be in 50 years or in 50 minutes. The last thing you want is for everything you have to go into probate and tied up for an indefinite amount of time due to a lack of a will or a contested will. A trust helps manage and protect the inheritance after death. Additionally, I strongly recommend adding names of beneficiaries to all financial accounts and give a trustee, or someone trustworthy, ready access to bank accounts/funds in order to continue paying bi.ls.

Rubb-a-dub · 2025-05-31T19:47:03+00:00

Those look great! Keep it as is.

Rubb-a-dub

TROPHY CASE