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[quote=zk][quote=UCGal]

I’m confused.
BMWs are status symbols,
But they’re common.
They are expensive for oil changes.
But so are a lot of other cars.
And they cost the same as a corolla.
But they’re status symbols.

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I think he said his used BMW cost the same as a new Corolla.

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Thank you, yes that is what I said.

I think much of the status of the German brands (except VW) is partly legacy; once upon a time Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc…really were out of reach for most people.

Today these premium brands are more attainable I suppose, I’m not even close to wealthy, but I have one.

But, they are still premium brand cars.

The following applies to Mercedes, Audi and BMW; but I’ll use BMW as my example since I have more experience with BMW.

A Camaro SS is an awesome car as is the Shelby, and not really comparable to a BMW (performance wise); but I’ll guarantee you this: a 328i or 535 is a much better built and much better engineered car than any camaro or mustang ever has been or ever will be (on a YOY basis).

Allow me to summarize, a BMW is generally better engineered and better built than:

Honda
Nissan
Toyota
Chevy
Ford
Dodge

and the list goes on.

Infiniti, Lexus etc…is another story.

I’d feel much safer in my 328i at 155mph (see video above) than any camaro (assuming a camaro could hit 155).

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8-10HP for around $250 isn’t to bad.

I could also install a set of pulstars:

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I had read in my manual that Mobil 1 was the only approved oil for my 328 (except BMW’s oil), but my filler cap has Castrol stamped on it.

At any rate, I went with Castrol Syntec 5w40.

And I completely agree it’s not just BMW that costs $100 for an oil change.

And I also agree that most BMW’s are leased or pre-owned.

My 328 was about the same cost as a new Corolla with 36k miles; but it ain’t no Corolla that’s for sure.

I was at a mini dealer (escondido) test driving a clubman s with a friend, and the salesman was telling me I could install a turbo, chip and put a performance exhaust and beat a 335.

I am definitely considering a chip, for some reason my 328 has a slight throttle hesitation that drives me crazy.

And by the way, there are a lot of 328’s on the road and for good reason, don’t try this in a Camry or Accord (155MPH in a 328 in California):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ePUUnowXwE

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[quote=svelte]BMWs are nothing special in So Cal. A dime a dozen – look around next time you’re out and you’ll see so many you’d think they are a Corolla or something.

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I wish they were a dime a dozen…

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[quote=zk]

Resentment? Class warfare? I think you’re seeing things that aren’t there. I think BMW drivers have a far higher opinion of BMWs than other people do. I don’t think most people think much about BMWs, let alone resent them or engage in class warfare over them. I think if you drive a Ferarri or a Lamborghini or a Bentley you might get a bit of envy from very few people, but mostly admiration and lust with some joy. BMWs? I think they get a lot of meh if they get anything.[/quote]

Regardless, BMW’s are status symbols.

Even though they appear to be common, the reality is that most people cannot afford to drive a BMW.

Even an older less expensive BMW will generally need more maintenance than an appliance car, and on top of that they cost more to fix.

I just paid $97 to have my oil changed in my BMW.

An oil change for a camry or f-150 can be done for $30 bucks or less.

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Yes, tenants are entitled to a pre-move inspection, but at what point do the repairs exceed the reasonable ability of a tenant to correct to avoid deductions.

I don’t want the tenant replacing carpet, or even repairing carpet.

Also, if I am only entitled to replace carpet in rooms with damaged carpet, now I have a house of mismatched carpet.

When they moved in the carpet was nearly new, and it all matched.

Also, if I replace the carpet with tile or some other material, it may appear that I attempted to improve the house with tenants deposit.

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Thanks for the responses.

Since the urine stains was in a few spots, and the carpet is fairly new – I told the tenant he could use the remnants to have repairs performed.

Bad idea?

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[quote=spdrun]Lessons:
(1) Don’t have a rental house with frickin’ carpeting. Hardwood floors or tile + area rugs is where it’s AT. In fact, don’t have ANY house with permanent carpeting. Hard to clean, keeps allergens in, and is full of toxins.
(2) Two cats and a snake? Charge a $500 security deposit PER PET! If the tenant doesn’t like it, he should go back to the zoo from where he came.[/quote]

LOL…

I do have a $2000 deposit.

I’m sure the tenant is thinking they are getting it all back; and if not I’m sure they are taking me to court.

Tenants demeanor has changed considerably since cancelling the lease; they are very nasty.

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[quote=squat250]i think ive bottomed out. have you guys ever seen r. crumb’s depression graph? freaking hilarious and beautiful

he bottomed out at age 43:

http://biblioklept.org/2010/07/17/r-crumbs-depression-graph/%5B/quote%5D

That’s good stuff, I can totally relate.

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[quote=spdrun] Not to mention that long-wheelbase cars, especially front-drivers with limited steering lock, tend to have the turning circle of the good ship Edmund Fitzgerald. This makes driving them in urban areas painful.

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True.

I have an older long wheelbase Saturn which has a RIDICULOUSLY awful turning radius.

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SDR: What’s to stop the feds from buying their own bonds?

Also, Bernanke has committed to low interest rates at least through 2014.

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[quote=moneymaker]I realized as soon as I posted that the question was too general in nature. It depends on the term, when you get in and when you get out. However I am wondering what effect this may have on mortgage rates (won’t matter to me either as I just refi’d), and inflation in general. Perhaps it is a sign that we are about to join the Europeans.[/quote]

Realistically were probably worse off than the eurozone, either way I say trade worthless monopoly money for real money (gold/silver).

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TBT (short bond etf) up significantly in 2 days…buy gold.

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[quote=sdduuuude]Here’s some real hero-types !

Viva la union.

http://briancalle.ocregister.com/2012/08/10/hermosa-beach-meter-maids-making-nearly-100k/%5B/quote%5D

Why am I not surprised that meter maids make a 100k+ as a California Public Union Employee?

I do hear they are EXTREMELY honorable though…

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[quote=CA renter]

As someone who defends public workers because I think the vast majority of them are extemely honorable, hard-working, and deserving of what they get (not to mention essential in a civilized society), there is nothing I hate more than people who try to scam the system. Yes, they exist, and I would love to see them lose their jobs and all benefits.[/quote]

Oh here we go again, public employee exceptional-ism.

The read between the line message of course is if you don’t work for the gov’t you must not be honorable; or at least not ‘extremely’ honorable.

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