OT: Friday Afternoon "Whatcha Doing?" Open Posbang Thread

Submitted by profitgoblue on

Its that time again, time for the weekly "Whatcha Doing" open thread.  Let us all know what you're up to this afternoon and this weekend.  Anything exciting going on out there?

Me, I'm actually getting some real work done today, earning my below-market-value salary.  That and trying to buy a new car because we've outgrown our old one. 

I love negotiating with car dealerships but I feel bad for the salespeople because they clearly have absolutely no say in the sale/purchase.  Everything goes up the ladder through the sales manager and the salesperson has to deal with all the upsetment when I hear their bullsh-t counteroffer price.  Buying a new car is one of the most ridiculous processes.  Just give me a price that you cannot go below and I'll take it.  Stop trying to outsmart me because I negotiate for a f-ing living.

Anyone purchased a new Honda Pilot recently?  If so, what did you pay for it?

So that's my afternoon.  Pretty exciting, eh?  To spicen things up, posbang me.  <bending over>

 

a2_electricboogaloo

May 18th, 2012 at 3:21 PM ^

It's definitely possible to get a 45, you just have to be absolutely perfect.  It's for all intents and purposes impossible.  However, you can still get about 2 questions wrong on a section and still get a 14 on a section, and 3-5 wrong and still be in the running for a 13.  However, it's really hard to put it all together and get a 39+ especially under the intense conditions of the actual test, although I've met one guy who has got a 42 on his MCAT (he was teaching a review course, which makes sense).  As for getting a 45, I'm fairly certain it's theoretically possible but practically impossible.

profitgoblue

May 18th, 2012 at 1:34 PM ^

Brutal.  The first time I ever responded to interrogatories is a funny story:

There were three related cases pending and the plaintiff issued a set of interrogatories in each of them.  Unbeknownst to me (because I didn't read each closely), each had different questions in different orders.  So I did one and then reproduced the same thing for each of the others.  In other words, I properly responded to one but not the other two.  I had no idea I messed up until the a--hole lawyer on the other side brought it up at the hearing trying to blast me in front of the judge.  Funny thing is, the judge acted like she didn't even hear him and proceeded to rule in my favor.  Hahaha.

 

Lac55

May 18th, 2012 at 1:24 PM ^

Off day for me. The offseaon is a drag so I'm currently watching some of the football games I've got on the dvr. Hopefully I'll do something productive today, but if not oh well.

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

May 18th, 2012 at 1:30 PM ^

Just chugging along on my intern project.  Sorting through a spreadsheet that contains purchase orders apparently all the way back to the cranks for the Model T and filtering useless data for the individual people that I need stuff from.  It's like a real-world posbang.  I do something to make it easier to do what I asked you to do and in return I get something I can use.

74polSKA

May 18th, 2012 at 1:32 PM ^

Going to see The Avengers tonight with the wife.  Taking my daughter hiking tomorrow morning and hanging out with friends in Athens (no, not that Athens) in the afternoon.  Should be a beautiful weekend.  Everybody have a great one.

74polSKA

May 18th, 2012 at 3:41 PM ^

I think so, but I live here so I'm partial.  There are several different state parks, some good b&b's, Logan (where I live) isn't much to write home about but Athens is half an hour away.  If you are a motorcyclist, the area is one of the best anywhere to enjoy some backroad touring.  I would not recommend a canoe trip or anything else on the Hocking River unless you enjoy pushing a canoe over sand bars with your paddle.  Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is a really well run zip line adventure.  I'm pretty sure the risk of flesh eating bacteria is minimal.  Nelsonville has a somewhat revitalized downtown with local art galleries, plus the movie Mischief was filmed there.  (I know, you're thinking wtf is Mischief?  Movie, really bad.  Kelly Preston, really nice.  My high school was also used in the film).  Anyway, I'd say overall it's worth the trip.  My friends stay here every couple of years to celebrate their anniversary.

JeepinBen

May 18th, 2012 at 1:53 PM ^

Heading to visit the GF tonight, so that should make for a good weekend. As is typical, I'm doing paperwork in the office today.

Re: Car buying - Do your research. If you're thinking about the Pilot definitely drive the GM twins, the GMC Acadia and the Chevy Traverse. Made in Lansing, MI.

In general, this site has the best reviews I've seen and is a crucial tool when car shopping: http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/ I have no affiliation with C&D, but they're the best site IMO for car info.

Blue in Yarmouth

May 18th, 2012 at 1:38 PM ^

First of all let me go on record as saying buying a new car is the bigeest mistake people can make. When you drive that car off the lot it depreciates in value that very instant and depending on the price you paid that 1 Km you just drove to get out of the lot could cost you over $10,000.00.

The way to go IMHE is to buy a very new used car (1 year old), that way someone else took the hit and you can still get much of what you paid out of it if you decide to trade up in a couple of years time.

As for the Pilot, my brother bought one a couple of years ago that had about every bell and whistle they offer and paid 59,000.00 Canadian. He sold it last year to buy a Toyota Sequoia and got 38,000.00. He lost 21,000.00 in a little over a year, and it was in good shape.

I have never owned a pilot, but have driven one and a few of the toyota SUV's but for my money the best vehicle I have owned is a Chevrolet Suburban. It costs more than a pilot but is much more vehicle as well. You can get a very nice almost new one for a decent price all over the US for between 25000.00 and 35000.00 (I bought my most recent one in Houston). That is what I would suggest, especially if you have a growing family, you can't beat the space it provides and it was as good on gas as my brothers Pilot when he had it.

As for what I am doing, getting ready to hit the golf course and then heading to the cottage for a week of vacation with the wife and kids. Getting the boat in the water and doing some fishing will be a welcome break from the daily grind.

JeepinBen

May 18th, 2012 at 1:44 PM ^

It depends on the car. Yes, you lose lots the second it becomes "used" but depending on how long you want to keep the car, getting it new with warranty, new components, etc. might be worth it. Plus, my car was worth more than I owed on it 1 year into a 5 year loan.

profitgoblue

May 18th, 2012 at 1:44 PM ^

Thanks for the advice!  I almost purchased a used 2011 one with 17k miles on it but some a--hole beat me to it.  I can't find any others in the nearby area with the stuff we want.  I hear you about the Suburban.  Unfortunately that beast will not fit in our garage (or not well enough that I trust my wife to park it there!).  We've always driven Hondas (I know, we suck) and they've always treated us well so we're partial to that brand but I'm always to look at other brands.  The wife, however, is not as open to it.

JeepinBen

May 18th, 2012 at 1:51 PM ^

Unless the only reason you're still there is brand loyalty. Is it still the best car/brand for your needs? Why have you been honda buyers? Do those reasons still apply? You never want to buy a car without comparisons, and who knows, the Pilot might be best for you. But definitely test drive/look at something else as well. If you never know what else is out there, you'll never know if there's a better car out there for you.