DasAuto

That does help actually a little. Do you know anything about some of the cheaper folding bikes? I don't want to cheap out and get something unsafe or likely to fall apart on me, but then again......if I can find something completely dependable for cheaper than the Brompton then I will go for it. What about one of the ones from Dahon? Or the Schwinn Loop, or Retrospec Speck SS?

That's fantastic!!!! Way to go. I would be friggen ecstatic right now!

I think silver is never completely off the table. I'm finding myself gravitating towards white right now. Maybe because it's trending at the moment. But I find that it seems so clean and sporty, without being too flashy.

Got to buy a new bike this spring. I am (if all goes well tomorrow with an apartment viewing) moving much closer to work. It would only be a 15 minute bike ride or so, so I feel like I can't justify taking transit when it is that close. Sooooo.....I am looking around. But I'm trying to figure out if I want to invest in something more sports efficient, or one of these babies (http://de.brompton.com/). Before you say anything, YES I am aware they are ugly as sin, but so compact and efficient! That way if it is raining like crazy, or even in the winter I can easily take transit if need be. Not to mention take it inside with me and not have to worry about it getting stolen. I don't know. Go for practicality, or sheer power and performance? Keep in mind, I am using this mostly in the city. I don't plan on going mountain biking with this thing.

Holy cow! That is unbelievably lucky. So you think the parts were all top notch and it was the labor that screwed it all up? That makes me a little bit concerned as I am about to do the same thing this weekend. I ordered a cambelt and water pump kit from my usual parts supplier, Mister Auto (http://car-parts.mister-auto.co.uk/en/timing-belt-kit-with-water-pump_lg3096/), since they have VW make and model specific parts and I have always found them trustworthy. In the past I have had a mechanic friend help me out with any of the maintenance. Unfortunately he had to go and get married this past summer and she stole him away. So now I have to actually find a mechanic that I trust. It's a sad and lonely time. Does anyone know a reliable mechanic that won't screw up in epic proportion in the Dortmund area?

It is a beauty. Ultimately, in the end, you end up with the car you want and that is the most important part. Whatever way it goes. I will also keep my fingers crossed for you. But even if you do lose out on the money, just try to enjoy the car. It will ease the pain. Good luck! Keep us updated.

I would hope they have some sort of policy in place. Although something like a car dealership, they might just laugh at you and say you're sol, but I have had experiences before when I bought something, a big ticket item, and then two days later it goes on sale. I've gotten the reimbursement. Now of course this wasn't a car, but like everyone else said, if you don't ask then you don't know. And it is true that if you are willing to walk away, then maybe they will try to appease you instead of lose you all together. I am always in the mind set that if you can save the money then do it, but that's probably because I don't have any money . Ultimately, although waiting can sometimes be a pain, I have found that it is usually best in the end. Nothing bad has come out of having to wait a couple of months longer, in at least my own personal experience. We are often so eager and want things right away, but waiting a couple of months will most certainly not kill you. And you will financially be better off for it and won't be kicking yourself for years to come.

This thread is a great idea. There is a lot of impressive work in here. Photography has always been one of those things that I wish I could be good at, and I know that it takes a lot of practice, but what has always been holding me back is the fact that buying your own equipment can be incredibly expensive. And it's the type of thing that I would most certainly get addicted to, and then spend all of my time an money on. I thought of maybe looking into taking a course, so I can learn and don't have to spend the money up front on gear......but.....again......I will get addicted and want to spend all of my time and money on it.

Thanks for the warm welcomes guys! And no, it's a Mk5. But the Mk7 looks absolutely gorgeous and I would love to have it as well. Alas, practicality and finances tell me this is not in the cards....at least not right now.

Hello hello everyone, I'm excited to be here. Currently in Germany, relocated from the UK. Despite some scandals and bashing in the news, my love for VW is still going strong. I own a Golf GTI. It's my baby. Looking forward to knowing what you are all driving, where you're from, and what you're up to. Brent