Yea the 400 def helps but needs a double-clutch badly. I gave the xS an unnecessary amount of hate for not being a manual and that wasn't fair. It turned out to be a great car and I was happy with it. In my outgoing Q60's 48k mile life, various components from the clutch caused many odd noises which made me believe the transmission was possessed since I never ever had any issues with my previous 6-mt's. It went in for many repairs and it just never felt right towards the end unfortunately. A sweet deal came along last minute without any notice and I couldn't say no. This is my first turbocharged car and I like it, but I'm still getting acclimated with the electric steering though.

 

Absolute shame that the QX30 had a DCT, but the Q50/Q60 are stuck with torque converters... Not even a good torque converter. Lexus' 8-speed is awesome.

Next car for me (depending on how well I'm doing financially) will be a Cadillac CTS-V or a Lexus GS-F.

 

Great planning, John. Can't wait to see how this project turns out!


Oh, and congrats on the successful salary negotiations... I wish I could negotiate a new salary with myself.

 

After five years, I reached a milestone today. Just made the final payment.

Paid in Full!

I now own this car outright... which is pretty awesome.

The car is beautiful, in nearly perfect condition, with only 33k miles and tastefully (IMO) modified.

None too shabby.

 

Congrats John!!!! I miss having a paid-off car... Now, I've started all over again...

 

Awesome John! Does that mean more money towards mods?

 

Well, it helps, for sure. But actually, we're going to continue making "payments" for another year or so, to a separate savings account, as down payment on my wife's next car. We bought her Honda brand new in 2008 and it's time.

 

Makes sense. What vehicle are you all leaning towards for her? Jaguar F Pace? Porsche Macan? Maserati Levante?

 

Congrats! It's a wonderful feeling, I've had much less hesitation about the purchases for my car since I paid it off back in August.

 

Hahahaha... no. I wish. Probably another CR-V, but this time top end instead of the middle model; leather, nav, heated seats, etc. Honda just came out with they're next gen, and it's pretty appealing.

I sure wouldn't mind the F-Pace, though.

There isn't a single Jag in my neighborhood. Come to think of it, mine is the only Infiniti, too. Not just the only G, but the only Infiniti. Weird.

 

I don't know man... I can for sure see your driveway with a F-Pace and F-Type, his and hers respectively, you know, just looking to the future since I know you were wanting a F-Type in a few years.

Food for thought...

 

sweet!! congrats man!

 

Congrats! Such a good feeling to not have that payment anymore.

 

So what do you do all winter with summer wheels tucked away in the basement? You wait until you're really bored, then start a project.

• Wipe the wheels down with Simple Clean and a microfiber towel, both the face and the deep inner lip, removing most of the dirt.
• Use a soft plastic scrubby to clean the surface yet again, removing all the little black bits of tar and what-not.
• Go over the entire surface with claybar against detailing spray. As much as you thought it was clean before, one look at the clay afterwards...
• Then wax every finished surface with Meguiars Ultimate Paste.
• Let it fully cure overnight, and buff the entire wheel. Don't forget the toothbrush for the embossed logo and the center caps.

You'll go through like a bag of towels. Your feet will fall asleep, and your fingers will get cramped. But if you do this every winter, the wheels will look brand new every Spring. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

 

Well it sure won't hurt them.





I say you go get those gears put in.