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Last post on May 23, 2013 at 7:44 AM
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#29760 of 32402 Re: Disney Vacation - OT [qbrozen]
by stickguy
Jan 31, 2013 (3:17 pm)
If you have a high enough pain threshold, go to a timeshare sales pitch to get some of the free tickets!
#29761 of 32402 Re: Disney Vacation - OT [qbrozen]
by ateixeira
Jan 31, 2013 (3:48 pm)
Stay near old town Kissimee when they have the car show there.
Let the family go to Disney while you check out cars.
For a firmly of 4 that is 25% off!
With 3 of you even more, 33% off!
Unbelievable savings!!!1111eleven!
#29762 of 32402 Re: Disney Vacation - OT [ateixeira]
by qbrozen
Jan 31, 2013 (5:05 pm)
short term gain... but after your wife divorces you and takes half of everything ...
Jan 31, 2013 (6:06 pm)
We could make you my stepbrother and I could get the government rate for a hotel though AAA always seems to be cheaper than the government rate. We're both landsman so it could work...lol! We stayed at a nice place once right off the I-4 and 535 I think...an Embassy Suites as i recall. Great hotel with a nice pool. My kid was an intern at Epcot back in '09, so we'd go up frequently. just remember, even in July there's lots of traffic which can be very annoying.
The Sandman
Jan 31, 2013 (6:33 pm)
Just got home from my 2nd day on the job. We were at Hertz today driving cars to the airport from their outer lot. The group moved 110 cars and just got home...exhausted to say the least! This job is gonna be great! Like I died and went to car heaven!!
Drove some interesting iron today. Was very surprised with the Dodge Dart...extremely comfortable drivers seat with good lumbar support and the fabric was very soft. The dash layout left me cold but they definitely got the size right. The engine isn't as smooth as some of the others, a bit thrashy under medium to hard acceleration but the engine note at cruise was very acceptable. For anyone looking for a comfortable, energetic and affordable midsizer, I'd have to say go with the Optima...yes, Kia Optima. It must've been a mid grade car as it was equipped just the way I'd do it and it had the Sirius radio. Outstanding vehicle which looks good and will give the Accord a run for it's money.
I snatched up a Passat SE with just under 300 miles on it and it is a nice car though I was expecting so much more actually. It was a dark blue over black with power chairs so I got real comfortable. But compared to the Optima, I don't really think the price premium is really worth it. I tried to get a Jetta but someone else snagged it from me. The Cuze was a total disappointment and I've definitely crossed it off our short list. Felt cheap with mediocre appointments and a crappy ride where I was jarred over the railroad tracks and numerous rattles and noises over all roads. this car only had about 4k on it so I'd hate to see one at 44k! Just a poor showing from GM compared to the Verano, a much better driver.
Drove what I thought was an Equinox but turned out to be a Captiva after I got out and looked at the badging. Uninspiring to say the least but one did sit a bit higher up...about the only positive thing I could say about it. Why can't GM compete in the cute ute segment is beyond me and what's with the cheapo switch gear folks? GM, I know y'all can do this...study what the Koreans, Japenese and Germans are doing with their interiors and follow suit!
But the best of the day, and I drove several of these, was the...Hyundai Elantra!!! This car is just outstanding in so many ways. Great visuals through all windows, switch gear that felt very luxo, at least to me, power at the ready with no harsh noises and ergonomically, everything was right where my hands needed it to be...it was just so intuitive for me and very "Hondaesque" for lack of a better term! The dash layout is very cool and the lighting really pleased my eyes. Once it got dark and the dash was all lit up, I felt like I was on a really cool ride. The cars i drove all had about 5k or a bit under on them but at this point, the best car in the compact class, one I might seriously consider trading my beloved Civic for in the near future and the one I know my wife should buy without question...our winner...put your hands together for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The Sandman's choice for the best econocar of the year...right now! Am very exciting to drive a Jetta next time.
Was told that we will be doing trips to Orlando, Key West and the Tampa area within a few weeks which will be very cool! It'll be nice to drive these cars for a few hours at a time to really see how they all perform...I can't wait! Another bonus, I got my 1st paycheck in over a year and a half and it's a great feeling! Tired and my spine aches a bit so it's off to the showers for this dude. Later all!
The Sandman
#29765 of 32402 Re: Drove 11 [sandman_6472]
by nyccarguy
Jan 31, 2013 (6:38 pm)
Awesome write up Sandy! I can hear the excitement through your words. I'm glad you are happy with your new gig;)
#29766 of 32402 Re: Disney Vacation - OT [qbrozen]
by breld
Jan 31, 2013 (6:48 pm)
Like others have shared, we found staying off the park was a fraction of the cost. We stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Villages and took advantage of the kitchen for breakfasts and a couple dinners. Also took a bunch of snacks to the park to avoid buying too much food all day. Check out mousesavers.com for other tips.
#29767 of 32402 Re: E39 woes [roadburner]
by breld
Jan 31, 2013 (6:54 pm)
I'm only at 75k miles on the 530i, but haven't had any issues to speak of. A coworker has an '02 525i with 135k miles and doesn't seem to have had major issues. Seems to be part of the price of the 540i.
I wholeheartedly endorse your idea of replacing it with a 335i.
#29768 of 32402 Re: Drove 11 [nyccarguy]
by breld
Jan 31, 2013 (7:06 pm)
Sounds like a great day Sandy. I'm with you on the Elantra - we had a rental of the new model a couple years ago and I was very impressed. I remember remarking to my wife throughout the trip how much I enjoyed driving it. I recall it being surprisingly peppy, quiet and comfortable. And we hardly used any gas tooling around Austin.