It was time for more bells and whistles.

[Navy Chief]

I bought a 2019 Genesis G80 off of Carvana website about three years ago. The purchase was seamless and went perfectly. In fact, when it arrived, I noticed the tire tread was not good at all, and (after getting a tire shop to convince Carvana of the problem) Carvanea bought me all new Michelins! I enjoyed driving that car a lot. Smooth, extremely comfortable ride, especially after driving a Miata for many years.




However, I suspect the Genesis had been a "Corporate" car. It was the standard G80 without all the very cool stuff that higher-end Genesis vehicles have. You know, the bells and whistles, aka gadgets, or as I say, "creature comforts". I turn 73 next Friday, and I decided I wanted to treat myself with a new car with all the latest electronic doohickies.

So a few days ago (after long conversations with my boss, er, I mean my wife), she finally agreed with my decision. I started looking for a car that fit the bill. I ended up trading the Genesis plus a considerable amount of additional."pennies" for a 2026 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid, color: Ocean Gem. This car does just about everything except make coffee. Gas mileage is roughly 40+ mpg, and the acceleration is akin to a bat out of hell. Handles like a sports car, but with a much smoother ride. Toyota's reputation is one of the best for safety and quality, so I think I made the right choice.

 

[Sbob]

What's a Navy Chief without a hot cup of coffee?

P####d off.

https://www.amazon.com/avigator-Portable-Camping-Compact-Traveling/dp/B0GJ3BPSYY/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1HD4GH6PICWG8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rOH-jjK90X04Zutmu-ShhdmcADgq05lHecp4HtSXi-uuvbjWZoz_ZVfZ_RHEEmeNfhupJ6-2S0iD2WNgkJHnAPVzdUxuoQaAJy4RCyx0Mjf2IJ0TF6zaTg5n2V4Pw9n9r9bPiJ6PKsXg2Ueii6IB6jcXMwwxxtbTWSGYrNIUu8hsQN4gRZ6jdaLFax_rpQclVUlt-Hhwz0OzC2Ygn_QaVUOb1mgdcCwy1iyr1DKY-heNxWcaw1PCI-59sGJpWMEnP-UpSuoHfiMmEkUk4O_nuDwcTGqr8fLdr98MD07WbFA.jKdeTSlG59vYst1N--pZvtWCtdPhFqIE03AGIZguex4&dib_tag=se&keywords=12%2Bvolt%2Bcoffee%2Bmaker&qid=1785856402&sprefix=12%2Bvolt%2Bcoffee%2Bmaker%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&smid=A2SFQBAOTE7BR2&th=1

Its even called the Avigator, for Pete's sake.

 

[FAC257]

I bought a 2019 Genesis G80 off of Carvana website about three years ago. The purchase was seamless and went perfectly. In fact, when it arrived, I noticed the tire tread was not good at all, and (after getting a tire shop to convince Carvana of the problem) Carvanea bought me all new Michelins! I enjoyed driving that car a lot. Smooth, extremely comfortable ride, especially after driving a Miata for many years.

View attachment 194439


However, I suspect the Genesis had been a "Corporate" car. It was the standard G80 without all the very cool stuff that higher-end Genesis vehicles have. You know, the bells and whistles, aka gadgets, or as I say, "creature comforts". I turn 73 next Friday, and I decided I wanted to treat myself with a new car with all the latest electronic doohickies.

So a few days ago (after long conversations with my boss, er, I mean my wife), she finally agreed with my decision. I started looking for a car that fit the bill. I ended up trading the Genesis plus a considerable amount of additional."pennies" for a 2026 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid, color: Ocean Gem. This car does just about everything except make coffee. Gas mileage is roughly 40+ mpg, and the acceleration is akin to a bat out of hell. Handles like a sports car, but with a much smoother ride. Toyota's reputation is one of the best for safety and quality, so I think I made the right choice.

View attachment 194441
View attachment 194443

Hard to beat Camrys for just their dependability alone. I went through two back to back, for a total of over 500,000 miles with very few issues other than tires.

 

[Navy Chief]

What's a Navy Chief without a hot cup of coffee?

P####d off.

https://www.amazon.com/avigator-Portable-Camping-Compact-Traveling/dp/B0GJ3BPSYY/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1HD4GH6PICWG8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rOH-jjK90X04Zutmu-ShhdmcADgq05lHecp4HtSXi-uuvbjWZoz_ZVfZ_RHEEmeNfhupJ6-2S0iD2WNgkJHnAPVzdUxuoQaAJy4RCyx0Mjf2IJ0TF6zaTg5n2V4Pw9n9r9bPiJ6PKsXg2Ueii6IB6jcXMwwxxtbTWSGYrNIUu8hsQN4gRZ6jdaLFax_rpQclVUlt-Hhwz0OzC2Ygn_QaVUOb1mgdcCwy1iyr1DKY-heNxWcaw1PCI-59sGJpWMEnP-UpSuoHfiMmEkUk4O_nuDwcTGqr8fLdr98MD07WbFA.jKdeTSlG59vYst1N--pZvtWCtdPhFqIE03AGIZguex4&dib_tag=se&keywords=12%2Bvolt%2Bcoffee%2Bmaker&qid=1785856402&sprefix=12%2Bvolt%2Bcoffee%2Bmaker%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&smid=A2SFQBAOTE7BR2&th=1

Its even called the Avigator, for Pete's sake.

I actually do like the idea of a coffee maker like that, but so far I've no need for one. 2 cups the morning, and occasionally mid-afternoon......NC

 

[Sbob]

True story, my deepest and darkest secret* in the Navy was that I earned my EE degree about six months before I enlisted.
Our instructor for power systems and transmission lines was a hard boiled old coot named Al. He was famous for ALWAYS wearing khaki slacks and shined black shoes, along with having a deformed index finger from constantly carrying a mug of cold coffee. The light bulb didn't go off until I checked on board the Barbel as a nub. We had, at one time, FIVE Master Chiefs, two Senior Chiefs, and three regular Chiefs for a total crew of 89 sailors.

The Barbel (and the Darter) were considered "legacy duty" diesel boats and senior guys would re-enlist with the request of being sent to one of them for at least two years. That's where I figured out that "Instructor Al" had to be a retired EM Chief. Maybe a Senior or even a Master and probably a Nuke.

As for me, those old traditions run deep. I make a 10-cup pot of coffee every morning and nurse off it for the rest of the day.


*- On submarines, a deep-dark personal secret lasts for almost two minutes after you check on board.

 

[udidwht]

Navy chief with coffee mug = Pocket pinball master

 

[Victory103]

Nice ride NC and I think you made a good choice. My father-in-law is the same age and got a newer Mazda 3 without reading any of the owner's manual. Too much tech for him, but I suspect given how frugal he is, he probably got a good deal on it. May not be as bad in P-Cola, but here in "retirement city" Phoenix, the car dealers prey on the seniors, I now have him call/text me before he agrees to any dealer maintenance. Latest issue covered tires, tread was within limits, but dealer looked at date codes (still a year out), of course tried to sell him all 4 new ones.

 

[jmig]

True story, my deepest and darkest secret* in the Navy was that I earned my EE degree about six months before I enlisted.
Our instructor for power systems and transmission lines was a hard boiled old coot named Al. He was famous for ALWAYS wearing khaki slacks and shined black shoes, along with having a deformed index finger from constantly carrying a mug of cold coffee. The light bulb didn't go off until I checked on board the Barbel as a nub. We had, at one time, FIVE Master Chiefs, two Senior Chiefs, and three regular Chiefs for a total crew of 89 sailors.

The Barbel (and the Darter) were considered "legacy duty" diesel boats and senior guys would re-enlist with the request of being sent to one of them for at least two years. That's where I figured out that "Instructor Al" had to be a retired EM Chief. Maybe a Senior or even a Master and probably a Nuke.

As for me, those old traditions run deep. I make a 10-cup pot of coffee every morning and nurse off it for the rest of the day.


*- On submarines, a deep-dark personal secret lasts for almost two minutes after you check on board.

EE, is that Electrical Engineering or some Navy term we USAF flyboys don't know?

 

[MrZippy]

While aboard ship, se were never able to find out how old the coffee or cold storage eggs were! Best guess was from WWII!

 

[Sbob]

EE, is that Electrical Engineering or some Navy term we USAF flyboys don't know?

UMaine, Orono, class of '86.
I wound up with a BS/EE(Tech) with a strong minor in Physics and an "I Survived" GPA.

That '86 part was what pushed me into the Navy. We were in a really bad tech recession while the world figured out what to do with "mini computers" that could fit on your desk. I was going to entry level job interviews where three quarters of the folks in the waiting room already had 5-10 years of experience.

I wound up talking to a really cool Navy recruiter. At first, I wanted to go to Officer's Candidate School which would have required several miracles to set up (I didn't do ROTC or NROTC) and would have taken a year and half before I found out if I was accepted. OR, I could go Enlisted and, while he couldn't guarantee it, the odds were in my favor to having my CO send me. He wasn't kidding, I've written before about how I tap danced my way out of getting sent to OCS.

I'm not saying I hate officers, BTW. That move would have really limited where I could wind up. I was already at the "tip of the spear" and on a diesel sub out of Japan to boot. The odds of me staying on subs once I got commissioned were really thin.

 

[gray eagle]

While aboard ship, se were never able to find out how old the coffee or cold storage eggs were! Best guess was from WWII!

When I was a mess cook at NAS Fallon, We served frozen eggs and it looked liked the chickens were glad to get rid of them.
When it came to raisin toast, if the raisin moved, it wasn't a raisin. Same for the oatmeal raisin cookies.

 

[gray eagle]

I bought a 2019 Genesis G80 off of Carvana website about three years ago. The purchase was seamless and went perfectly. In fact, when it arrived, I noticed the tire tread was not good at all, and (after getting a tire shop to convince Carvana of the problem) Carvanea bought me all new Michelins! I enjoyed driving that car a lot. Smooth, extremely comfortable ride, especially after driving a Miata for many years.

View attachment 194439


However, I suspect the Genesis had been a "Corporate" car. It was the standard G80 without all the very cool stuff that higher-end Genesis vehicles have. You know, the bells and whistles, aka gadgets, or as I say, "creature comforts". I turn 73 next Friday, and I decided I wanted to treat myself with a new car with all the latest electronic doohickies.

So a few days ago (after long conversations with my boss, er, I mean my wife), she finally agreed with my decision. I started looking for a car that fit the bill. I ended up trading the Genesis plus a considerable amount of additional."pennies" for a 2026 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid, color: Ocean Gem. This car does just about everything except make coffee. Gas mileage is roughly 40+ mpg, and the acceleration is akin to a bat out of hell. Handles like a sports car, but with a much smoother ride. Toyota's reputation is one of the best for safety and quality, so I think I made the right choice.

View attachment 194441
View attachment 194443

Nice ride. Today's cars are just a computer on four rubber tires. Miss the stylin' of the '60/70's cars.

 

[Sbob]

While aboard ship, se were never able to find out how old the coffee or cold storage eggs were! Best guess was from WWII!

I still remember the "khaki green" large (square) cans of coffee we had on the Barbel in the late 1980's. They had to be 'Nam-era but we brewed it up, just the same.

 

[FAC257]

Nice ride. Today's cars are just a computer on four rubber tires. Miss the stylin' of the '60/70's cars.

Back in the 90's I was sub'd out to fly around the country and out of the country on one occasion to set up Chrysler display cars. We did mostly celebrity televised golf events. This was the era when Chrysler was trying to add some style back to auto designs. During that time, I worked with the Prowler when it was still a non-drivable proto-type and the very drivable Viper. Didn't care much for the Prowler, but the Viper was awesome. One year, I got to work the 24 Hours At Sebring Race. At that event we set up the Dodge Copperhead and the Chrysler Atlantic. I really liked the looks of both. In fact, I thought the Copperhead was a car I would have liked to have owned over either the Prowler or the Viper.

Chyrsler Atlantic


Dodge Copperhead



Forest

 

[Mike71]

UMaine, Orono, class of '86.
I wound up with a BS/EE(Tech) with a strong minor in Physics and an "I Survived" GPA.

That '86 part was what pushed me into the Navy. We were in a really bad tech recession while the world figured out what to do with "mini computers" that could fit on your desk. I was going to entry level job interviews where three quarters of the folks in the waiting room already had 5-10 years of experience.

I wound up talking to a really cool Navy recruiter. At first, I wanted to go to Officer's Candidate School which would have required several miracles to set up (I didn't do ROTC or NROTC) and would have taken a year and half before I found out if I was accepted. OR, I could go Enlisted and, while he couldn't guarantee it, the odds were in my favor to having my CO send me. He wasn't kidding, I've written before about how I tap danced my way out of getting sent to OCS.

I'm not saying I hate officers, BTW. That move would have really limited where I could wind up. I was already at the "tip of the spear" and on a diesel sub out of Japan to boot. The odds of me staying on subs once I got commissioned were really thin.

A U of M "Black Bear" in the crowd! Are you a native Maine-iac?

Grew up in Scarborough, just south of Portland.

 

[gray eagle]

Back in the 90's I was sub'd out to fly around the country and out of the country on one occasion to set up Chrysler display cars. We did mostly celebrity televised golf events. This was the era when Chrysler was trying to add some style back to auto designs. During that time, I worked with the Prowler when it was still a non-drivable proto-type and the very drivable Viper. Didn't care much for the Prowler, but the Viper was awesome. One year, I got to work the 24 Hours At Sebring Race. At that event we set up the Dodge Copperhead and the Chrysler Atlantic. I really liked the looks of both. In fact, I thought the Copperhead was a car I would have liked to have owned over either the Prowler or the Viper.

Chyrsler Atlantic


Dodge Copperhead



Forest

In the Atlantic I see a touch of the '30s styling in the front and back which is nice. I could imagine Poppy's nemesis "Bluto" driving around with Olive Oyl in his V-12 or V-16 engine
.

 

[gray eagle]

More info on the Chrysler Atlantic

 

[FAC257]

The Atlantic was huge, like 1972 Buick Riviera huge.

Forest

 

[Sbob]

A U of M "Black Bear" in the crowd! Are you a native Maine-iac?

Grew up in Scarborough, just south of Portland.

My folks moved us from north east Pennsylvania to the sprawling city of Island Falls* way up in The County back in the mid 1970's.
So, I'm "kinda native" in that we lived there for many years but my grand parents and great grand parents didn't, which made us perpetual "Outsiders".

Besides the Black Bears, I also did some time at U Maine Presque Isle (Go Owls!!).
UMPI didn't have the "Stein Song", but we practiced just as hard.
My Physics prof. and Academic Advisor, it later turned out, was part of the Dr. Strangelove crowd at Loring AFB.
Mid-way through my third year at UMPI, he asked me if I would consider a career at Los Alamos after I switched to being a full-time Physics major. By then, I had a good understanding of the Physics "pyramid scheme" where you have to be exactly in the right place at exactly the right time and working with exactly the right people to qualify for the good jobs. Otherwise, welcome to the exciting world of being a High School Math and Science teacher.

So, off I went to Orono to do the EE thing.

Scarborough, the coolest exit if you want to ditch the turnpike and zoom past Portland.
After the Navy, I scored a cool job with Eastman Kodak as a field engineer. I started out working in the heart of D.C. but later got transferred to Portland (just me and my lonesome plus a company car) where I covered the southern half of Maine and the eastern half of New Hampster.
I probably drove past your house at some point, I lived in that @#%$!ng car.

*- Look at a map of the state. Follow I-95 north to where it bends from north to east. Welcome to Island Falls.

 

[MrZippy]

My folks moved us from north east Pennsylvania to the sprawling city of Island Falls* way up in The County back in the mid 1970's.
So, I'm "kinda native" in that we lived there for many years but my grand parents and great grand parents didn't, which made us perpetual "Outsiders".

Besides the Black Bears, I also did some time at U Maine Presque Isle (Go Owls!!).
UMPI didn't have the "Stein Song", but we practiced just as hard.
My Physics prof. and Academic Advisor, it later turned out, was part of the Dr. Strangelove crowd at Loring AFB.
Mid-way through my third year at UMPI, he asked me if I would consider a career at Los Alamos after I switched to being a full-time Physics major. By then, I had a good understanding of the Physics "pyramid scheme" where you have to be exactly in the right place at exactly the right time and working with exactly the right people to qualify for the good jobs. Otherwise, welcome to the exciting world of being a High School Math and Science teacher.

So, off I went to Orono to do the EE thing.

Scarborough, the coolest exit if you want to ditch the turnpike and zoom past Portland.
After the Navy, I scored a cool job with Eastman Kodak as a field engineer. I started out working in the heart of D.C. but later got transferred to Portland (just me and my lonesome plus a company car) where I covered the southern half of Maine and the eastern half of New Hampster.
I probably drove past your house at some point, I lived in that @#%$!ng car.

*- Look at a map of the state. Follow I-95 north to where it bends from north to east. Welcome to Island Falls.

Eastman Kodak....Field Engineer....What did you work on? Photographic equipment or photo copiers?