Trooper_IHB
New member
effen funny G ! OK, this car AND 12 others by the time it took me to write this. Headed down to Mexico in a spiffy new container.
NEW -> Contingent Buyer Assistance Program
Allergy:
"Why would you even bother to visit such a forum as this one"
Because I'm interested in understanding the housing market and how/why the bubble was created. Up until around 6 months ago I knew very little about real-estate. I left CA before the bubble and when I started to think about moving back I looked at home prices and was very surprised at the prices! So, I started searching around the web and found this blog, housing panic, oc_fliptrack etc. Also, I don't get your comment about 4-bedrooms in Irvine. Are you under the impression that Irvine is high class and filled with Luxury homes? I consider Irvine just another California suburb (Its a nice one...but still just a suburb) and the vast majority of homes in Irvine rather typical.
"First of all, you must agree your example seems to be a little unbalanced when it comes to the prices you've quoted"
Sure the examples are a bit disconnected. Regardless, I don't see how being against lavish spending is being against capitalism. So if people stopped purchasing overpriced luxury items we'd no longer be a capitalistic economy? Also, what is and what isn't conspicuous consumption is relative to a culture/sub-culture/time period. Purchasing a BMW in your typical suburb is usually an example of conspicuous consumption, doing it in an area where the cheapest homes are 3 mil is most likely not. In such a community nobody is impressed by the BMW, but in the suburb they are.
"Now people who buy $10k purses usually don't care what you think and are not trying to show off as they are beyond that."
I think that is a laugh. The people that purchase handbags for $10k certainly aren't trying to show off to people like me, I wouldn't know a $10k bag from a $20 bag from Target. But they are certainly trying to show off to their peers, that is the ones that will know exactly how much the bag costs. Its a simple example of "tagging" in the animal kingdom. The bag gives others the ability to recognize that the person wearing it is part of a particular subculture. The tag isn't meant for me, its meant for the people that understand it, the people that they want to say "Hey look I'm part of the same group as you" to.
"Isn't comparing your accomplishments via publications, grants, tenure, etc., just as shallow as comparing your material wealth though?"
Yes and that was my point, different groups show status in different ways. Its very easy to see the status driven behavior of another group though, because you are looking in from the outside.
Reason:
"I am impress someone actually research the 'threads' to do a comeback. Instead of doing trivial research."
I wouldn't waste one second doing "research" about you on the forum. The fact is I've read this forum for months and having a fully functioning hippocampus I remember past conversations.
Also, if you don't like Chevy's, thats cool don't purchase one. But note I wasn't claiming that BMWs are bad cars, I was claiming they are too expensive for what you get. Not a single person on this thread has said anything that justifies the
cost premium for Lexus, BMW etc (I don't know though, the twisty argument almost got me). Also, regarding artwork. I said I didn't understand how its a good investment tool, I made a list of questions I don't know how to answer in the case of artwork. That is I'm fully admitting my ignorance! I would love to see an analysis that explains artwork (or other useables) as an investment tool, have you done one? Do you have a reference to one?
"Why would you even bother to visit such a forum as this one"
Because I'm interested in understanding the housing market and how/why the bubble was created. Up until around 6 months ago I knew very little about real-estate. I left CA before the bubble and when I started to think about moving back I looked at home prices and was very surprised at the prices! So, I started searching around the web and found this blog, housing panic, oc_fliptrack etc. Also, I don't get your comment about 4-bedrooms in Irvine. Are you under the impression that Irvine is high class and filled with Luxury homes? I consider Irvine just another California suburb (Its a nice one...but still just a suburb) and the vast majority of homes in Irvine rather typical.
"First of all, you must agree your example seems to be a little unbalanced when it comes to the prices you've quoted"
Sure the examples are a bit disconnected. Regardless, I don't see how being against lavish spending is being against capitalism. So if people stopped purchasing overpriced luxury items we'd no longer be a capitalistic economy? Also, what is and what isn't conspicuous consumption is relative to a culture/sub-culture/time period. Purchasing a BMW in your typical suburb is usually an example of conspicuous consumption, doing it in an area where the cheapest homes are 3 mil is most likely not. In such a community nobody is impressed by the BMW, but in the suburb they are.
"Now people who buy $10k purses usually don't care what you think and are not trying to show off as they are beyond that."
I think that is a laugh. The people that purchase handbags for $10k certainly aren't trying to show off to people like me, I wouldn't know a $10k bag from a $20 bag from Target. But they are certainly trying to show off to their peers, that is the ones that will know exactly how much the bag costs. Its a simple example of "tagging" in the animal kingdom. The bag gives others the ability to recognize that the person wearing it is part of a particular subculture. The tag isn't meant for me, its meant for the people that understand it, the people that they want to say "Hey look I'm part of the same group as you" to.
"Isn't comparing your accomplishments via publications, grants, tenure, etc., just as shallow as comparing your material wealth though?"
Yes and that was my point, different groups show status in different ways. Its very easy to see the status driven behavior of another group though, because you are looking in from the outside.
Reason:
"I am impress someone actually research the 'threads' to do a comeback. Instead of doing trivial research."
I wouldn't waste one second doing "research" about you on the forum. The fact is I've read this forum for months and having a fully functioning hippocampus I remember past conversations.
Also, if you don't like Chevy's, thats cool don't purchase one. But note I wasn't claiming that BMWs are bad cars, I was claiming they are too expensive for what you get. Not a single person on this thread has said anything that justifies the
cost premium for Lexus, BMW etc (I don't know though, the twisty argument almost got me). Also, regarding artwork. I said I didn't understand how its a good investment tool, I made a list of questions I don't know how to answer in the case of artwork. That is I'm fully admitting my ignorance! I would love to see an analysis that explains artwork (or other useables) as an investment tool, have you done one? Do you have a reference to one?
Trooper_IHB
New member
<p>ignore the troll please.</p>
Irvine Allergy Dr_IHB
New member
True, at first I wasn't sure about it, but after that last post, I'd have to agree, just a troll.
J
Janet_IHB
Guest
<p>Some interesting factoids I have unearthed:</p>
<p>I originally thought my X5 was worth between $11,000 to $13,000. I got that from the Kelly Blue Book site, but I guess I did something wrong. After going back again, I guess the "retail" value is really $20,335 (even with the high mileage).</p>
<p>Also, after checking CARS.com, I found 127 X5's within 500 miles of Irvine. </p>
<p>Throwing out the high and low ones, gave me a range of $16,888 to $27,988. Many of these had very high miles.</p>
<p>Even if I add $7,000 to the $13,000 I still owe, I will be into it for $20,000.</p>
<p>Assuming I get a rebuilt engine, with a more modest amount of miles on it, I think it would be a reasonable conclusion that it would be worth approximately what I have invested in it. </p>
<p>And it will, hopefully, be on the road for a long time to come.</p>
<p>I know it's "retail" we're speaking of, but isn't that a good benchmark?</p>
<p>For all the BMW skeptics, you have to admit: they do hold their value very well.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I originally thought my X5 was worth between $11,000 to $13,000. I got that from the Kelly Blue Book site, but I guess I did something wrong. After going back again, I guess the "retail" value is really $20,335 (even with the high mileage).</p>
<p>Also, after checking CARS.com, I found 127 X5's within 500 miles of Irvine. </p>
<p>Throwing out the high and low ones, gave me a range of $16,888 to $27,988. Many of these had very high miles.</p>
<p>Even if I add $7,000 to the $13,000 I still owe, I will be into it for $20,000.</p>
<p>Assuming I get a rebuilt engine, with a more modest amount of miles on it, I think it would be a reasonable conclusion that it would be worth approximately what I have invested in it. </p>
<p>And it will, hopefully, be on the road for a long time to come.</p>
<p>I know it's "retail" we're speaking of, but isn't that a good benchmark?</p>
<p>For all the BMW skeptics, you have to admit: they do hold their value very well.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
irvine_native_IHB
New member
BMWs sure are fun to drive. Just why can't those Germans design a decent cup holder? Gotta put my coffee somewhere.
IrvineCommuter_IHB
New member
Most luxury cars hold their value well. . . people who can't afford to buy new buy up the used ones for name recognition.
I think BMW has lost its way. It cannot figure out what to do with its cars so it just tries to increase the engine size and add an obscure feature that no one cares for. Couple years ago it was the iDrive. The new X5 has this stupid feature where you have to push a button to park the car. What in the world does such a feature add to a person's life? What it's too hard to push the automatic shifter all the way to the top? It's just silly. Meanwhile, as pointed out by Irvine_Native, it can't make a proper cupholder.. . .
I like the four-year warranty plan except the service departments at BMW dealers are jokes. They don't do the job right and do not go out of the way to help their customers.
I think BMW has lost its way. It cannot figure out what to do with its cars so it just tries to increase the engine size and add an obscure feature that no one cares for. Couple years ago it was the iDrive. The new X5 has this stupid feature where you have to push a button to park the car. What in the world does such a feature add to a person's life? What it's too hard to push the automatic shifter all the way to the top? It's just silly. Meanwhile, as pointed out by Irvine_Native, it can't make a proper cupholder.. . .
I like the four-year warranty plan except the service departments at BMW dealers are jokes. They don't do the job right and do not go out of the way to help their customers.
J
Janet_IHB
Guest
<p>Ha! The cup holder takes two cups, but they can't be big, or they crowd each other!</p>
ventouxbob_IHB
New member
<p>Janet: if you wish to sell you car you have to check private party Value. retail is what the dealers Try to get. Look on craigs List that will give you agood idea of whats for sale.</p>
<p>Thats a tough call with the X5. I personally own a Mini Cooper S 2004. 22,000 miles Bmw design. I hope it is reliable. looks promising. The gas milage on that X5 is a real beating. You could replace it with a 325 Wagon or 5 Wagon. still have cargo room. I like the 325 wagon. but I ended up with a Mini and Sold my Jeep wrangler. and bought a Ford Focus Wagon (same cargo room as 325 Wagon) 8 Grand Cash.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thats a tough call with the X5. I personally own a Mini Cooper S 2004. 22,000 miles Bmw design. I hope it is reliable. looks promising. The gas milage on that X5 is a real beating. You could replace it with a 325 Wagon or 5 Wagon. still have cargo room. I like the 325 wagon. but I ended up with a Mini and Sold my Jeep wrangler. and bought a Ford Focus Wagon (same cargo room as 325 Wagon) 8 Grand Cash.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
J
Janet_IHB
Guest
Maybe German's don't eat or drink in their cars?
J
Janet_IHB
Guest
<p>Thanks ventouxbob.</p>
<p>We're going to fix it. </p>
<p>Just trying to justify it to myself!</p>
<p>(Like those "magical" jeans!)</p>
<p>Self-delusion is a wonderful mechanism. </p>
<p>Not.</p>
<p>We're going to fix it. </p>
<p>Just trying to justify it to myself!</p>
<p>(Like those "magical" jeans!)</p>
<p>Self-delusion is a wonderful mechanism. </p>
<p>Not.</p>
irvine_native_IHB
New member
I agree with vent. I think that the 2002 5 series is the best looking sedan ever made. The year after that it became the ugliest sedan ever made. Not a fan of the Bangle designs.
Fun and timely thread. Our ancient Volvo had another breakdown so it's time to put it out to pasture. Probably going to get a minivan. The horror, the horror.
Fun and timely thread. Our ancient Volvo had another breakdown so it's time to put it out to pasture. Probably going to get a minivan. The horror, the horror.
J
Janet_IHB
Guest
<p>Just drive it as fast as everyone else, and I will not curse you under my breath.</p>
ventouxbob_IHB
New member
<p>This is completly true regarding the cup holders germans Drive the cars. when i drive my mini no drinks, no cell phones. its a 5 speed any way. there are culteral differences.</p>
<p>you may be best to fix and continue to drive. My dad used to tell me. regarding new cars and the payments. now you have a major repair every month ie. 450 monthly payments. My dad owned a auto garage for 20 plus years.</p>
<p>you may be best to fix and continue to drive. My dad used to tell me. regarding new cars and the payments. now you have a major repair every month ie. 450 monthly payments. My dad owned a auto garage for 20 plus years.</p>
reason_IHB
New member
Holy geez. This guy doesn't give up. Can you please lighten up. Since the last time I posted. I had dinner ...slept a good night sleep....woke up to breakfast....went to work....had lunch......almost 20 hours had past.....And the guy still responded to me. My lord. Must you take things so seriously.
Irvine Soul Brother_IHB
New member
"Not a single person on this thread has said anything that justifies the cost premium for Lexus, BMW etc (I don't know though, the twisty argument almost got me). "
Consumer reports might shed a little light on this. Lexus LS430 is the highest rated car in their history, BMW 3-series gotten the "recommended" nod from CR for the last 11 years but Chevy ranks lowest in reliability. These indexes take, reliability, price, customer satisfaction into account as factors.
As for artwork, and this depends on the category, the richy richs buy one for 100k, enjoy it for a few years and then sell it for like 200 or 300, so there's got to be some money in it. (Sotheby's, anyone?)
So, Tyler, I don't know if you're a troll in the true sense of the word. The amount of effort to payoff that you're getting allegedly trolling would suggest otherwise. You sound bitter and rigid. Like you feel you got screwed with housing (or something else) and now you want to tell people what the right and wrong way to enjoy their money is. And people on this forum? I would doubt they are in the really horrible spenders category anyway. It's the people who don't care to talk about the underlying principles of where their money goes that are the ones who tend to spend poorly. It's like the really religious people trashing atheists-- claiming that atheists are akin to nihilists, rather than humanists (which they really tend to be). Your message seems primitive for this context, the response you want from those kinds of comments will get a much bigger bang on the Bentley forums (I would know, my driver is a member).
Consumer reports might shed a little light on this. Lexus LS430 is the highest rated car in their history, BMW 3-series gotten the "recommended" nod from CR for the last 11 years but Chevy ranks lowest in reliability. These indexes take, reliability, price, customer satisfaction into account as factors.
As for artwork, and this depends on the category, the richy richs buy one for 100k, enjoy it for a few years and then sell it for like 200 or 300, so there's got to be some money in it. (Sotheby's, anyone?)
So, Tyler, I don't know if you're a troll in the true sense of the word. The amount of effort to payoff that you're getting allegedly trolling would suggest otherwise. You sound bitter and rigid. Like you feel you got screwed with housing (or something else) and now you want to tell people what the right and wrong way to enjoy their money is. And people on this forum? I would doubt they are in the really horrible spenders category anyway. It's the people who don't care to talk about the underlying principles of where their money goes that are the ones who tend to spend poorly. It's like the really religious people trashing atheists-- claiming that atheists are akin to nihilists, rather than humanists (which they really tend to be). Your message seems primitive for this context, the response you want from those kinds of comments will get a much bigger bang on the Bentley forums (I would know, my driver is a member).
irvine_grad_IHB
New member
wow. This thread is nothing like its title!
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this already, but the Acura TSX is actually quite nice around the 25k price range. The only option is navi-everything else comes standard. It comes with reliability and it's "not just a Honda."
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this already, but the Acura TSX is actually quite nice around the 25k price range. The only option is navi-everything else comes standard. It comes with reliability and it's "not just a Honda."
bltserv_IHB
New member
<p>X5. Damn Bimmer should have lasted a bit longer. Been lucky with my Benz`s so far. Its nice to drive a german tank when all the little kids in the rice rockets are taking a notice and trying to coax a race. Every once in awhile I will let the big dog roar.They are dependable if you dont get one with a curse. But luxury cars depreciate more than most cars. Exception is Ferrari`s. Being a renter and waiting for the market to collapse. I will enjoy my cars as a sideline. BMW=Second best German car. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>