• Post Reply Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic
programming forums Java Mobile Certification Databases Caching Books Engineering Micro Controllers OS Languages Paradigms IDEs Build Tools Frameworks Application Servers Open Source This Site Careers Other Pie Elite all forums
this forum made possible by our volunteer staff, including ...
Marshals:
  • Campbell Ritchie
  • Jeanne Boyarsky
  • Ron McLeod
  • Paul Clapham
  • Liutauras Vilda
Sheriffs:
  • paul wheaton
  • Rob Spoor
  • Devaka Cooray
Saloon Keepers:
  • Stephan van Hulst
  • Tim Holloway
  • Carey Brown
  • Frits Walraven
  • Tim Moores
Bartenders:
  • Mikalai Zaikin

A New Car!

 
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I bought a new Car!

I know that recently I have not posted often to this forum but yesterday was a special day for me, since I bought a new car! Yeahh!

The last time I bought a new car was in 1985.

For the last almost ten years I have been driving a 1987 Toyota Corolla LE.

Twenty years is enough I said, and the old car is rusting on the outside and the interiors look like s___.

But it still runs and I only drive 1.6 miles to work one way on it (for the last seven years now; another story may follow about that. JavaRanch had a lot to do with that success story).

I just was getting tired (among other things) of people looking at me funny when I went and parked anywhere; "for god's sake", I have been a computer programmer since the days of assembly language! Ha ha! I make enough money to buy a new car!

Anyway, I bought a brand new Toyota Corolla LE. Obviously I am not the "fancy car" type and I was looking for a car that would last, well, the same that the other one lasted with minimal time in the shop.

Although I am not going to say how much I paid for it, it's wise to do research first, including the $14 Consumer Reports customized article on the particular model you are interested in. Among other things it gives you a "bottom line price" which you should use to negotiate UP from, as opposed to negotiating DOWN from the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price).

Another thing that has changed with the times... When they asked me how I would be financing the car, I answered that I would not. That I would be paying cash; that is, no financing required. After I decided to buy the car I told them (as a joke) that I didn't bring a brown bag with a lot of $100 bills in it AND that I didn't bring my check book with me either.

So they said that I could bring the personal check (not even a cashiers check) today (the day after driving the new car home).

One of my friends told me last night "Wow! That's great! What would have prevented you from shipping that car to South America and performing a "disappearing act!"

I told her "I don't do that anymore!" Ha ha! (just kiddin!)

One thing that this car does not have (which of course I could correct "For A Few Dollars More"), is an MP3 disc (CD-R) player. Recently I rented a Korean made car with a CD player that could play CD-Rs with MP3 files on it. 223 songs to the disc to be precise. CD quality MP3s, by the way. Made by myself from commercial audio CDs.

This car has a 6 CD player. I always (until yesterday) thought that people that wanted a 6 CD changer anywhere (worse, in their cars) were absolute wimps. I though that the best audio quality is from SINGLE disc players (like it was 30 years ago with turntables. There were (single disc) TURNTABLES for the serious audiophile like I was, and then there were Record CHANGERS for the rest of the populace).

Well, the six CD changer came in handy in the absence of an MP3 disc player: If I insert 6 audio CDs I solve the problem of "not enough songs" for when I drive long distance to Orlando for example, or to much less distance to Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. On top of that, the sound is like a high end home audio system!

Before anyone says anything, there is no chance in hell that I will carry original audio CDs in the car; I don't want them to melt in the hot South Florida Sun

That's what God gave us CD writers for, right!? (Hmmm....)
 
Sheriff
Posts: 11343
Mac Safari Java
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Congratulations on your new audio system... Uh, I mean car!

Yeah, I'm old enough to remember the 6-foot racks of audiophile stereo gear. And I had the same reaction to multi-disc CD players. But today... Well, things have changed a bit.
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Things have changed indeed, Marc

Today the audio equipment is so good that sound quality in a so-called "normal" (which does not include low end, inexpensive audio gear) system is not an issue.

In the "old days" we were all concerned about the Frequency Response of every component in the audio chain as well as their THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).

Today's "changers" are like having and old DUAL 1229 turntable be a Changer too! :-) (With a Shure V15 Type 3 Phono Cartridge!) Ha!
 
Bartender
Posts: 1155
20
Mac OS X IntelliJ IDE Oracle Spring VI Editor Tomcat Server Redhat Java Linux
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Nice one...

Had Mazda 323 for about fourteen years - never had any problems - just fixed the usual exhuast problems fixes (tin can and jubilee clips - though the MOT tester never liked this :roll: )and a few clutches.

Enjoy the new car - I guess it will be a bit quicker and handle better - maybe it will last as long as your previous one..
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Thanks, Peter,

"it will be a bit quicker..."

Yeah! I'm tired of driving behind Police cars when they are driving at the speed limit! Not only do I want to pass them quickly but I also want to avoid getting caught after getting chased by them! Ha ha! (Just kiddin!)

Seriously, now I have to be judicious when pressing the gas pedal lest I run over some unsuspecting old lady crossing the street.
 
marc weber
Sheriff
Posts: 11343
Mac Safari Java
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Originally posted by Tony Alicea:
...Today's "changers" are like having and old DUAL 1229 turntable be a Changer too! :-) (With a Shure V15 Type 3 Phono Cartridge!) Ha!


I do have a pair of Technics SL-1200 turntables (with Shure M44-7 cartridges).

In the old days, the turntable was "shock mounted" to prevent vibrations from causing feedback. We gently placed the vinyl on the turntable, wiped any dust off of it, ever-so-carefully placed the needle on the record, then gently closed the cover.
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Yes we did, Marc, Yes we did! (I used Discwasher to wipe the LP disc before playing.)
 
author and jackaroo
Posts: 12200
280
Mac IntelliJ IDE Firefox Browser Oracle C++ Java
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I can remember having a straight arm to ensure the stylus was always at the proper angle to the track - the entire arm moved along a track at the back of the turntable, rather than having a pivot point. And adjusting the speed of the turntable via a strobe flashing onto marks on the turntable to get the speed technically right (and then adjusting it if the sound wasn't to my liking).

I think that once you get the sound system exceeding the cost of the car you may have gone overboard

Congratulations on the new car!

Regards, Andrew
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Andrew:

"I can remember having a straight arm to ensure the stylus was always at the proper angle to the track - the entire arm moved along a track at the back of the turntable, rather than having a pivot point."

I remember that; a turntable arm that always had a perpendicular tracking of the vinyl record. What was the brand of that turntable?

I think that once you get the sound system exceeding the cost of the car you may have gone overboard

Yes you may have! Ha! I just got me a brand new car that is very reliable AND (as an added thing) has a great sound system!
 
Ranch Hand
Posts: 7729
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I just found this by chance. Funny coincidence, I'm just in the process of ripping from my old vinal platters onto my hard disk. Got an ION USB Turntable. I've just done Jacqueline Du Pre playing Haydn Cello Concertos. Sound great burnt onto CD and on the iPod.

For my personal use only, of course (swiss law).
 
Barry Gaunt
Ranch Hand
Posts: 7729
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Car? What Car?
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
The first post says about the car
 
Andrew Monkhouse
author and jackaroo
Posts: 12200
280
Mac IntelliJ IDE Firefox Browser Oracle C++ Java
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Andrew:

"I can remember having a straight arm to ensure the stylus was always at the proper angle to the track - the entire arm moved along a track at the back of the turntable, rather than having a pivot point."

Tony:

I remember that; a turntable arm that always had a perpendicular tracking of the vinyl record. What was the brand of that turntable?

I honestly don't recall. I changed to CD in the mid 80s and never looked back.

Regards, Andrew
 
Ranch Hand
Posts: 904
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
This car (not sure about the colour though):


Congratulations on the new car. It looks nice

/Svend Rost, the commuter
[ March 14, 2007: Message edited by: Svend Rost ]
 
marc weber
Sheriff
Posts: 11343
Mac Safari Java
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Originally posted by Tony Alicea:
...I remember that; a turntable arm that always had a perpendicular tracking of the vinyl record. What was the brand of that turntable? ...


Well, there was an upright version in the Mitsubishi LT-640, but I also remember a "gravity-friendly" version...
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Thanks Svend!



My New Car looks like that; even the color. It's a light color; I think Desert Sand or something like that.



The interiors look nice too, not the "battleship gray" that I saw in some models!
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Hey Marc: I see what you mean by "gravity-friendly", ha ha!
 
(instanceof Sidekick)
Posts: 8791
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

the old car is rusting on the outside ...



I've been thinking about replacing my little Subaru and everyone keeps asking why, it's still running. I had to change a flat tire today and was challenged to find a spot rust-free enough to lift the car with the jack. Maybe that's a sign.
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Stan: I say it is a sign...

It took me a long time too to decide...
 
marc weber
Sheriff
Posts: 11343
Mac Safari Java
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Originally posted by Stan James:
...I had to change a flat tire today and was challenged to find a spot rust-free enough to lift the car with the jack...


I had a Scirocco like that in the '80s. The drivers seat was starting to fall through the floor, so I had it welded in place.
 
clojure forum advocate
Posts: 3479
Mac Objective C Clojure
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Congratulations !
Although, I think the new Camry is much more sexier.
Does your new car support iPod ? (Porsche, Audi, BMW X5 and ford do)
BTW, you don't like SUV ?
 
ranger
Posts: 17347
11
Mac IntelliJ IDE Spring
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I found www.carbuyingtips.com to be a great site for help in research before buying a car. Really good stuff.

Funny thing my brother-in-law got a minivan, and they were looking at DVD player installed and GPS, but we found that not buying them from the dealer and going to a place like Best Buy and buying it there and having them install is about 50% cheaper.

I mean even things like a net for the trunk was $300 at the dealer and $29 online or at Target.

Congrats Tony.
 
marc weber
Sheriff
Posts: 11343
Mac Safari Java
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Originally posted by John Todd:
...BTW, you don't like SUV?


That would be an understatement. :roll:
 
Andrew Monkhouse
author and jackaroo
Posts: 12200
280
Mac IntelliJ IDE Firefox Browser Oracle C++ Java
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Originally posted by John Todd:
BTW, you don't like SUV ?

What's to like?

Seriously, unless I can justify using the SUV features at least once a week (so I need the extra space and the extra power (and probably the 4WD capabilities that most SUVs have)) then I wont get one.

For reference, my last car was a 5 door Daihatsu Charade, and I considered it near perfect for my needs. I currently do not own a car - I can get around using my bike most of the time, by bus at other times, and if I really need a car then FlexCar suits my needs (car rental at $10 / hour, minimum of 1/2 hour rentals, 190 cars spread all across the city - there is 1 a block from where I currently live, 1 a block from where I am about to move to, and they are hybrids (yay)).

Disclaimer: I am considering whether to buy a car at the moment, but I have been "considering" it for nearly 2 months now, and still haven't seen the absolute need. But if I do buy a car, it will be a small car.

Regards, Andrew
 
Tony Alicea
Desperado
Posts: 3226
5
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
John T:

"BTW, you don't like SUV?"

No I don't! I know they have their place in society, especially if you have a family of three or higher...

I don't and I don't even like the principle that they silently represent, for a single guy like me.

And for the person that said a Camry was more sexy than a Corolla: While that may be true, it's also more expensive

And I have found out in the few short days that I have had this brand new car, that the sexiest thing for young ladies is the fact (when they find out, IF they find out) that I paid for it CA$H
 
What's that smell? Hey, sniff this tiny ad:
a bit of art, as a gift, the permaculture playing cards
https://gardener-gift.com
reply
    Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic