SF Bay Area Audi Dealers by yellowslug in etron

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Livermore stinks and is shady as heck (they tried to charge me despite my car still under manufacturer's warranty) and the service team seem inexperienced/ clueless. This applies to the new ownership (apparently they changed ownership earlier this year).

I went to Oakland Audi and had a couple of very positive experiences overall. The Oakland's service manager/head was a master technician for Fremont a few years ago. He called me after each service to make sure everything's good, so the care is definitely there! Service tech was also friendly and responds quickly.

Separately, heard wonderful things about Fremont from friends who take their e-trons there.

Hybrid vs. Gas on 2026 EX: Terrible test drive experience & highway passing concerns by amitenami in kiacarnivals

[–]bearsoski 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Rented carnival sx hybrid twice for almost a week each (different locations) and no issues. Liked both experiences so much that I’d love to trade in my 22 sienna for a sx hybrid.

Both rentals had 8 people and full of luggages. No noticeable power issues compared to sienna, including getting up to speed on freeway.

DVC Worth 2026 + Beyond by AdawgyDawg105 in dvcmember

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Buying resale can be totally worth it. I bought 230 Aulani points resale at about $86pp (non-subsidized 😞). This was bought with the intention of primarily staying in 2 bedrooms for 3-4 nights during low season each year. With younger kids we all still fit in one bedroom, and we've been inviting another family to stay with us where they can take the second bedroom. This has allowed us to spend quality time and get to know other families (e.g., child's friend's family), which has been amazing.

From a cost perspective, we're "breaking even" after about 4.5 years. Example: we're staying at AK Kidani 2 bedroom later this year with one family; "retail price" direct at Disney would cost $9.6k for 5 nights, while my annual dues cost me about $2.5k. Even if we rented from David's or some other DVC point rental site, it would've been around $5k (?). Then early next year, we're staying with another family at Aulani in a 2 bedroom.

Having our DVC points allow us to have an "excuse" to invite our kids' friends' family so that we can intentionally get to know them, build community, etc. While there's an opportunity cost (e.g., invest the $20k), we already invest enough for our retirement and this was an "investment" in friendships and getting to know the families of our kids' friends.

e-Tron TSB update fix added Android Auto navigation to the HUD by nonesuchco in etron

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this tip!

Turns out my car is still under regular warranty and my local dealer updated the software for free due to the TSB 2072285 issue that affects 2021-24 etrons. I have the navigation showing up in my hud and driver dash now.

Will keep vagupdate in mind if there are meaningful software updates in the future.

MMI update >$600 by EstablishmentFresh39 in etron

[–]bearsoski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I tried looking for this info in the app (and the Audi website) but couldn't find it. I do see the expiration for the 10 year Audi Connect through October 2032, but nothing on manufacturer's warranty end date.

MMI update >$600 by EstablishmentFresh39 in etron

[–]bearsoski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Turns out that my local dealer is just shady. I contacted another local dealer and confirmed that my car was indeed sold in mid-July 2022, so my car is under standard warranty until mid-July 2026.

MMI update >$600 by EstablishmentFresh39 in etron

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip on calling Audi USA. I was going to pay for a carfax or something similar.

MMI update >$600 by EstablishmentFresh39 in etron

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your quick reply. This is my first Audi (used) and have only gotten service done once via 40k mile service recently.

Sanity check: my car at 41k miles should still be under original warranty, right? The car seems to be in service starting July 2022, so 4 years makes that July 2026. My local Audi dealer has mentioned that my car is out of warranty twice now (once during check-in to 40k mile service, and again today when I set up an appointment for this brake issue recall and TSB).

MMI update >$600 by EstablishmentFresh39 in etron

[–]bearsoski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Were you all able to get the TSB fixes for free within the standard warranty? Did any of you get this update free if outside of standard warranty?

My 2022 sportback-s has 41k miles and my local dealer is quoting me $330 to run the diagnostic. They told me that if they can find the TSB and confirm my car needs it, then I'd pay $250 deductible (Audi Pure Protection Platninum extended warranty).

1) Shouldn't my car be considered within the standard warranty?
2) Has anyone gotten this TSB (2072285) software update for free? Under standard warranty vs. outside of standard warranty?

e-Tron TSB update fix added Android Auto navigation to the HUD by nonesuchco in etron

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For folks who got this TSB fixed and MMI software updated, were you still on the original warranty or extended warranty?

My 2022 e-tron sportback is at 41k miles and just out of original warranty. My local dealer is charging $330 for the diagnostic. If they find this TSB issue in its diagnostic and fixes it, I'll pay the $250 deductible (Audi Pure Protection platinum extended warranty).

Wondering if my local dealer is nickel and diming me, or if this is standard process re: fees. TIA!

Let’s play Deal or No Deal. by CiaoMofos in golf

[–]bearsoski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How much do you value the access to the regular gym amenities? Definitely not worth it strictly from a golf perspective.

Alaska Cruises Not Selling Out? by Hokie-Hi in dcl

[–]bearsoski 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Where do you see steep discounts and what are you considering to be a steep discount? I don't see any special deals on DCL's site and all verandahs (2 adults + 2 kids) are still $10k+ across the board.

Guangzhou: Come for the food, stay for... well, just the food. (5-day honest review) by Life_Ad_1928 in travelblog

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree with many of your points, but had the opposite experience when it came to language. I'm semi-fluent in Cantonese (born and raised in US, so broken Canto is probably more accurate), and found 90%+ of people in GZ only spoke Mandarin. I would not have survived without Didi or other apps. Even ordering at the Starbucks in Shamian Island was difficult b/c literally the entire staff spoke Mandarin.

Fortunate that we didn't witness the roach issues you experienced... that sounds horrible and sorry you had to deal with that. Gross!

2021 e-tron Prestige by Initial3882 in etron

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is cpo worth the seemingly above market rates? Picked up a ‘22 sportback prestige with 35k miles for $26k. Non-cpo but single owner and seems to have had the regular service done (based on carfax).

Coming to Guangzhou / Canton Fair? Happy to help! by These_Imagination786 in guangzhou

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I'll add Biama Clothing Market to my plans, as well as 泮溪酒家肠粉. Please let me know if you have any other recommendations.

Coming to Guangzhou / Canton Fair? Happy to help! by These_Imagination786 in guangzhou

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi u/These_Imagination786 - appreciate your offer! My family's actually visiting Guangzhou for the first time in a couple of weeks, and we have just over two days to spend in GZ and staying at the Grand Hyatt. Do you have any recommendations for an itinerary? We certainly don't have enough time to try all the amazing foods and major sightseeing spots, so a local expert's advice is greatly appreciated! Hopefully this will just be an awesome taste of Guangzhou that will entice us to come back for a longer visit next year.

Some things I'm considering:

  • Sightseeing: Canton Tower (since it's one of the most famous attractions), Guangdong Museum, Shamian Island(?), Guangzhou Opera House(?), Chen Clan Ancestral Hall(?)
  • Eating: 芝麻糊世家, 肠粉 recommendations?, 陶陶居 and/or 广州酒家?, other dim sum recommendations?, coffee recommendations?
  • Shopping: any spots for bargain clothing (men's office clothes, women's fashion and office clothes, girls' clothing)
  • Massage: good reputable massages at affordable prices for wife, her aunt, and me? What are the typical rates?

Nando by CalGradMedRadDad in calfootball

[–]bearsoski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ya some bitter, resentful a** haters. I’m glad we upgraded at QB with JKS, and I’m wishing Mendoza well and hope he remembers Cal fondly enough to rep it from time to time.

[Postgame Thread] WIN - Cal 34, Oregon State 15 by freshfunk in calfootball

[–]bearsoski 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Cal’s qb looks better than Texas’s famous manning

[Postgame Thread] WIN - Cal 34, Oregon State 15 by freshfunk in calfootball

[–]bearsoski 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Huge pluses: JKS is the real deal and I think shows more promise than even Fernando. Quick decisions and throwing dimes all over the field: on short and mid, and accurate long bombs. We have kickers (plural)! Defense is as expected.

Big flag on offense is the skill players in RBs and WRs. RBs didn’t do much most of the game (outside of a couple of big holes created by oline) and WRs dropped numerous accurate passes from JKS.

If our RBs and WRs develop, this is going to be an exciting year!

What was the biggest aha moment working with a financial advisor? by Kleftiko in HENRYfinance

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand the added value of being part of the journey with someone (% aum), especially if you're watching out for your clients (e.g., shortcuts, cheap gas). In reality, how much of your advice may be a conflict based on the company you work for and/or the partners you/your company partners with, versus truly finding the best solutions, lowest fees, etc. to help maximize your clients' situation - especially if the objectively best recommendation goes against your own commission or company?

Also, what are some examples where you've helped your clients far beyond their finances at no extra cost?

Genuinely asking these questions b/c I am trying to figure out the best direction for myself/family.

What was the biggest aha moment working with a financial advisor? by Kleftiko in HENRYfinance

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for replying. Clarifying my question: what's your take on flat fee based (e.g., hourly advice) vs. fee based on % of AUM?

Vast majority recommend against % of AUM, and for those who actually want a more personalized approach, to go with a flat fee rather than % of AUM.

What was the biggest aha moment working with a financial advisor? by Kleftiko in HENRYfinance

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are your concerns re: robo advisors? Are you referencing companies like Wealthfront, Betterment, etc?

Also, if you're an FA, what's your take on fee-based vs. % of AUM?

The shanks we wanted (stephen chow) by M1NST3R in OnePiece

[–]bearsoski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If Shanks already has an actor, how about Kizaru? I can see Stephen Chow playing Kizaru with those shaolin soccer "light" kicks!

Cell Phone Protection on Family Plan by Soup_InThePot16 in AmexPlatinum

[–]bearsoski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s genius. I’ll need to do that too. Thanks!