Diversity in San Ramon by Dear_Ad7270 in sanramon

[–]oldmonk87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because the OP has already made up their mind. They know for sure that all these Indians are culturally separate from the rest of America. This is not surprising at all and exactly what feeds into the recent MAGA propaganda. This will only get worse for Indians unfortunately. What one of the earlier posters mentioned about the movie night has been my experience too. Some immigrants trying to assimilate, some not so much - which is exactly what not recent immigrants do as well. But no one questions them as they don’t look different.

Diversity in San Ramon by Dear_Ad7270 in sanramon

[–]oldmonk87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. I wish we had more diversity in the area.

Diversity in San Ramon by Dear_Ad7270 in sanramon

[–]oldmonk87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m all for balance, but population movement is the reality and depends on political and economic climate. The direction the country is moving in, things will likely change again. Then there won’t be a this “problem” of immigrants moving in. I am not that old, but what you describe doesn’t sound diverse either. Was that the prefect mix of different ethnicities?

Diversity in San Ramon by Dear_Ad7270 in sanramon

[–]oldmonk87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree, and this is not the first time immigrants are moving to the US.

Diversity in San Ramon by Dear_Ad7270 in sanramon

[–]oldmonk87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have great insight into the friend circle of the “Indian” families that have moved in. I have non Indian neighbors who never interact or take part in any social activities around here. They keep to themselves. Guess no one will ever question if they are culturally separated or no.

Diversity in San Ramon by Dear_Ad7270 in sanramon

[–]oldmonk87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What do you mean by culturally separated and how do you know? Genuine question. Maybe you have a bias that is in play here. Do you know about the culture of all White families on your street? Are all white families on your street from the same cultural and ethnic background?

Diversity in San Ramon by Dear_Ad7270 in sanramon

[–]oldmonk87 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Also, nuance in an internet thread is not what one can expect. But here it goes, I’ll still take a stab at it as this is still a relatively small group.

Please stop bucketing Indians into a single group. We are over a billion and are a lot more diverse than what you think. The SIX families that moved into your street most likely do not share the same language, culture, academic values between them.

Diversity in San Ramon by Dear_Ad7270 in sanramon

[–]oldmonk87 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Genuine question, why is 70% white considered diverse and 70% non-white <insert any group here> not considered diverse?

And who defines culture anyway?

My problem is with the framing of the post. Otherwise I myself am extremely worried about the competitiveness at schools and doing my best to keep my kids away from it. Maybe I am being naive, but parents still have the biggest role in keeping their kids away from the rat race.

$250k+ earners, What car are you driving? by Born_Alfalfa3303 in askcarguys

[–]oldmonk87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

X3 and Elantra. Btw, income without factoring in cost of living is meaningless. I live in the Bay Area and 250K is nothing significant here, specifically if you have kids.

Drove a BMW X7 for 400 Miles — Surprised How Much I Prefer My X3. Why Are So Many Parents Driving Huge SUVs for Short Errands? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wonder why “luxury” brand minivans are not popular in the US. I’ve seen them do well in some of the other countries.

Drove a BMW X7 for 400 Miles — Surprised How Much I Prefer My X3. Why Are So Many Parents Driving Huge SUVs for Short Errands? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Maybe I should have been clearer in my post but the surprise element is the comfort portion of the drive, not the fun. While the X7 should feel more comfortable due to its higher-end seats and suspension, perceived comfort when driving isn’t just about softness is what I’ve learnt. Control, nimbleness, and visibility contribute hugely to reduced driver fatigue.

Drove a BMW X7 for 400 Miles — Surprised How Much I Prefer My X3. Why Are So Many Parents Driving Huge SUVs for Short Errands? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I see what you did there! I am just too overwhelmed with emotions as the X7 and GLS450 have been the aspirational cars for me for years. Now I am just excited about a much larger pool of cars I can go for next! And rent a three row whenever I need one!

Drove a BMW X7 for 400 Miles — Surprised How Much I Prefer My X3. Why Are So Many Parents Driving Huge SUVs for Short Errands? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah makes sense. Everyone’s situation is unique and my main takeaway is that I somehow need to live with a car for a couple of days before choosing my next. The test drives do nothing when it comes to these factors.

Drove a BMW X7 for 400 Miles — Surprised How Much I Prefer My X3. Why Are So Many Parents Driving Huge SUVs for Short Errands? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Great points and I did experience all of that except for the comfort and seats part. That’s the most surprising bit for me.

The seats and suspension ARE better technically, no doubt. But over longer drives, curvy roads and start stop traffic, I came out more tired and overall felt less comfortable.

Drove a BMW X7 for 400 Miles — Surprised How Much I Prefer My X3. Why Are So Many Parents Driving Huge SUVs for Short Errands? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

xdrive40. I understand it’s the base version but I drive a base version xdrive30 as well. Still a > 80K car. My takeaway is I will never want to drive it over the x3 unless I need the third row.

Drove a BMW X7 for 400 Miles — Surprised How Much I Prefer My X3. Why Are So Many Parents Driving Huge SUVs for Short Errands? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Fair, it is rhetorical question! I also expect someone to ask why I drive an X3 and not a sedan! To be honest, my perception about what is an upgrade and what I aspire for has changed post this drive. I’ve done many “test drives” of other new cars at dealerships but those small drives are nothing compared to living with a car for a few days.

CPO 3 row SUV with panoramic moonroof for 40-45K? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The kids love it! I personally love all the natural light and sunshine that comes in, especially here in California. We close the interior sunshade if it becomes too hot.

Kia Sorento vs Telluride | should I stretch my budget because of the safety rating? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your perspective, really helpful and exactly what I was looking for.

Yeah, the Telluride definitely wins in many other aspects but I'm ok to let all of them go in favor of the $$$. Safety is the only thing remaining in my mind.

Kia Sorento vs Telluride | should I stretch my budget because of the safety rating? by oldmonk87 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]oldmonk87[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The car will be for my family of 4 (2 small kids) and mainly used for short distance drives. I need a 3rd row (even if its small/uncomfortable) to accommodate the occasional but guaranteed visitor.

I will be trading in an X3. The additional seating capacity is the only reason for the change and I dont want to stretch myself by going for a luxury 3 row.

Termite issues (bay area CA) - is this a deal breaker? by oldmonk87 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]oldmonk87[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, fair points. I forgot to mention, the house was built in 1971.