Grumpy man rant

[MPlayle]

The "Gen-3" new MINIs are that way - no dipstick.  You have to check oil level and pressure through the dashboard control screen.

I strongly disliked that about the 2016 Clubman I owned for a couple years.

[MiniDave]

Yes, BMW's, MINI's, MBZ, Audi's and I think VW's have no dipsticks, rather they have a graphic in the dash, but in Audi's case you need to scroll thru the menu to find it, BMW's haven't had them since early 2000's.....MINI's haven't since they adopted the BMW motors in what, 2016?

[cstudep]

Interesting, but that list explains why I have never seen it. Never been all that interested in any of the vehicles on that list, other than an older MINI at times, but it would be pre dipstick deletion by the sounds of it. I once thought I was interested in a GTI golf, but the list of ones that I would consider even remotely "reliable" is so short I never took the risk. There are a few older BMW's I might one day consider but the chances of that are pretty slim just because of the cost for the models I would even consider.

[BruceK]

I'm in a new hotel room and see a new site tonight.

It happened sometime before I checked in. Do you think that electrical outlet already released all of the smoke it had?

[94touring]

You're staying at high end places I see lol

[MiniDave]

Interesting, but that list explains why I have never seen it. Never been all that interested in any of the vehicles on that list, other than an older MINI at times, but it would be pre dipstick deletion by the sounds of it. I once thought I was interested in a GTI golf, but the list of ones that I would consider even remotely "reliable" is so short I never took the risk. There are a few older BMW's I might one day consider but the chances of that are pretty slim just because of the cost for the models I would even consider.

I think a lot of American cars have also removed the dipsticks in favor of the level sensor setup.....don't know for sure cause those are the cars I'm not really interested in owning! 

I lost interest in a GTi when they all went to 4 drs.....

[cstudep]

I think a lot of American cars have also removed the dipsticks in favor of the level sensor setup.....don't know for sure cause those are the cars I'm not really interested in owning! 

I lost interest in a GTi when they all went to 4 drs.....

All my current vehicles are 15+ years old so I have not experienced this non-dipstick phenomenon yet. The biggest reason the euro models have never really appealed to me is because I drive older vehicles, which means higher mileage and in many of the European models that usually means higher maintenance costs. They are also generally more "engineered"/complicated and harder to work on, at least most of the German models I am familiar with. Doing most of my own maintenance that also influences my buying decisions. I like many of the cars, they just don't fit my current situation well I guess

I don't hate the 4dr GTI's but definitely preferred the 2dr, a "hot hatch" has always had a soft spot in my heart and the 2dr GTI is certainly at the top of my list. There are some pretty neat older Renault, Lancia, etc.. but many of the cool ones you cant easily or cheaply get state side.

[MiniDave]

Plus too and also, parts are getting more difficult to source for some of those, like the Renault and Lancias.

I'm grateful that we have such good resources for parts for our old Minis, I know that's not the case for some other British cars....we had a heck of a time trying to find a 1st gear for Don's GT6, and wound up with a used one as it was all we could find.

[cstudep]

Indeed, we are absolutely spoiled when it comes to parts availability for our old cars. Many are not so fortunate.

[94touring]

Getting Brazilian specific parts for my Brazilian VW is a real pain too. Involves a middle man who conveniently rips you off occasionally.

In other grumpy man rants the one townhouse down below from my balcony has had a back patio of debri and construction material laying around over a month. It's an eye sore and violation.  Coincidentally it's the ex wifes place.  How can I not report her lol

[MiniDave]

Is she still living there with the scummy boy toy?

[94touring]

I guess. Though that old door has been leaning against the new door a month. 

[94touring]

I owed $5.00 in taxes to the state this year.  Paid my $5.00 online back in February.  A couple months later got a letter stating my $5.00 didn't process and I still owe $5.00. Went back online and paid $5.00 again. Yesterday got a letter from the state with a debit card enclosed for a tax refund owed to me.   The debit card had $5.00 on it. 

[cstudep]

Probably cost them (i really mean you the tax payer) $10,000 just to get that all sorted out lol.

[94touring]

We probably spent $15 in transaction fees, postage, paper, and plastic.  When my accountant said I owed the states 5 bucks, I actually thought who the F cares about $5. Waste of time. 

[94touring]

Another good one for the week.  I had to ride on southwest getting home once stateside.  Since they've changed their seating and however my company books on them now I lost my A1-10 position in line.  Zone 6 middle seat and you'll like it.  Needed to check my bag at the gate.  I asked the lady to please button my handle down before loading it.  Otherwise the handle comes out and can be bent and broken. Thanks Lufthansa in Munich.  This is also a $400 pilot bag.  And as a former baggage handler this isn't rocket science.  Anyways she assured me she'd button it.  Get to Tulsa and my bag comes out the conveyor with the handle out.  Son's of bitches.  But the kicker was she buttoned it!!  How stupid can a human being be.