re: Random Money/Business/Finance Thoughts Thread

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Compared to the LII nightmare that you guys are having fun with my thoughts are a cakewalk.

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No LII for me, just the Bar Exam. LII would be fizz and flask.

There's no doubt many IPOs are highly volatile during the first few days of trading. For many, it's probably a flip of a coin as to whether they close green or red. Over the 6 mos. thereafter, however, their should be an upward bias if their bankers did their jobs properly, assuming they're interested in raising additional capital down the road.

The hydroplaning issue I've heard about was with respect to a new model Altima (last 6 yrs. or so) with standard default tires that came with the car (bought new) and a 4 cylinder. Swapping out the tires would probably do the trick. Although that's additional cash and that would probably be a lump-sum payment which would hurt my budget badly just starting out.

I assume the Maxima is heavier, which would probably make it less susceptible to the hydroplaning issue. I want something I can do business in without looking like a hotshot a-hole who's still living off his father's income. I think a Maxima would certainly meet that description, as would a Camry, as would an XC90 (nice, but not hotshot nice). There's a used X5 well within my price range for sale by someone I know, but that's starting to get into "look at me" territory, and that's something I'm trying to avoid.

One problem with the Volvo/BMW is that repairs will likely be much higher. One other problem is that my gas bill on a Volvo/BMW would be about a grand more per year (less gas mileage; premium gas) than with a mid-size sedan.

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I assume the Maxima is heavier, which would probably make it less susceptible to the hydroplaning issue.

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The struts on the Altima should be stiff enough to maintain contact with the hwy at 70+ mph, the weight is less important in that respect. Those tires were the worst I have ever driven on in 30-yrs, BF Goodrich. We have had zero issues with tires on the Maxima's, but they came with speed rated tire with a performance tread that is shorter lived. Replaced those with Michelin Primacy which is a great tire with out paying an arm/leg for higher performance tires.

I would likely pass on the SUVs based on gas/cost of repair. I am keeping my Pathfinder until the wheels fall off, great engine and only drive ~ 7k/year, but will not buy another one due to mpg.

A guy that did some work for me a few weeks ago was driving a 1998 small Nissan pickup that he had put over 200k on with only changing the oil every 10k miles and using conventional oil. Nissan makes good engines.

Yeah, I think the XC90 is the "cooler" car, but your comments and my own intuition are making me lean towards a mid-sized sedan like the Maxima. I've actually got a print-out of a Maxima here in front of me. It's an older-model ('04) but very low mileage and one owner.

Besides, a higher net worth is "cooler" to me than a nicer car anyway. With the Maxima (as opposed to the XC90) I'll be able to put another grand or more into savings/investments each year. And cars are only cool for like the first few weeks. After that, 90% of them are "just cars."

At this point, the X5 is out of the running. Camry, Maxima and XC90 are all in it still, but the XC90 is starting to trail off.

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Camry, Maxima and XC90 are all in it still, but the XC90 is starting to trail off.

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What is the price you are considering? The XC90 is practically an SUV, so that opens up an entire other area of vehicle selection.

Aren't camry's pretty expensive? I remember checking prices awhile back on new camery's and being shocked how little the difference in prices between a Camry and a luxury car were.

Another option would be a Hyundai Sonata. I just priced a CPO 2011 in "excellent" condition for under $24,000. Private party has it at around $21,000 in excellent with the price dropping from there.

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I ended up getting an Acura TL and I've been more than pleased so far. Handles great, fast as can be and gets decent gas miliage (28 avg) but it does require premium gas.

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Great cars. If I can afford a luxury car in the future it will be an Audi A5, Acura TL, or Infiniti G35/M35

What's going on with asys?

I tried those last time, but it didn't help. It's definitely stress induced, so I just got some stress meds from my mom. Its frustrating because I know its a stress thing, but I don't feel stressed, so I can't really alleviate the issue...