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Court
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 - 10:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Screw it . . GET THE SUPERCHARGER . . .you'll thank me.

>>>Life is way too short to drive •••••• cars or worry about MPG.

We spend a LOT of time driving and really enjoy it . . . . we've added 2 Super Duty (and F-350 Diesel and an F250 gas) in the last couple months as well as a Grand Cherokee Summit in Florida . . . we may be the best thing that's happened to gas companies . . the only thing that gets ANY kind of mileage is the new Subaru Outback . . but I went ahead and ordered it with the 3.6L which does a capital job of propelling it and pushes 30mpg. The gas F-250 . . .showed about 11.5 mpg when I got home from work today.



Hahahaha . . .yeah . . . the new F-250 is White too . . .
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Rick_a
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

To the "OP" I must say.Get the BEST Cooper you can afford! GO for it! Life is too short to drive SHI......y cars



I like how you think.

I keep stuff forever and work on stuff myself, so maintenance costs aren't a big deal. I've spent a few late nights in parking lots or in the garage getting a vehicle back on the road before the 'morn

For as much is spent on tires, oil, and maintenance items on bikes, a car seems an easy proposition.

I watched a review stating how Minis tend to rattle themselves apart after 60-80,000 miles. That sounds like my kinda ride. Character.
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Rick_a
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 - 10:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

Yes. Life is way too short to drive •••••• cars or worry about MPG. You spend a lot of time in a car, might as well enjoy it! You are worth it, tell the wife I said so: )



Yeah. She's quite agitated over taking me to/from work at this time. I'm not worth it, it seems.

I can't wait to have a bike back on the road.

If the choice came down to a cheap car or a good bike, it would be the bike every time.
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Shoggin
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 12:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Court, you are a very evil man.... calling me out like that with my own quote and all


I like your style, even though it's gonna cost me a bunch

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Shoggin
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 12:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rick: thats about right for the Mini, but if you do the work yourself they only seem to have a few common issues with each motor generation.
It's the 'post warranty/dealer only' crowd that gets whiney.

We lease them and the Countryman JCW is the third (and nicest) one we've had. We get to about 60K before trade in and haven't had major issues with any of them. I drive them hard, but not stupidly (I'm a tech too).

They are super sensitive to tire types though. The older Minis had run-flats that were terrible for NVH and expensive. The 2016 and up are way better, or just get normal tires and toss a compressor in the trunk.

Don't get a convertible unless you and your girlfriends are late for cheer.
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Airbozo
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Shoggin:

A couple of years ago I got to drive the S5 at the Sonoma Raceway Audi Experience, along with the TT sport model. Both were lots of fun. I wish they would have let us drive the R8, but I only got to be a passenger. his year they are running the McLaren's instead. Maybe I might get to tag along.

When I went shopping for a car a couple of years ago, I stopped to look at a used S5 on a Cadillac lot. Just as much fun to drive as I remembered, but since it was 2 door, the SO nixed it (plus the cost was way over budget). Ended up getting the ATS 3.0 sedan. Almost as much fun, plus I can use regular gas.
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Greg_e
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 01:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Seems like a parts getter would still be a better choice, since you want to ride everywhere, but the bikes are all broken.

For racing I want to get a used short school bus with wheelchair lift, the miniGP bikes should fit nicely on the lift and have enough room to gut the inside and maybe get a folding camper bed. But I'm told I can't park a school bus in the driveway. An ambulance would also be cool, but generally way more money than a used bus with lift.
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Shoggin
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 01:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thats funny Airbozo, I've always had domestic so the CTS-V was the other car I looked at. $$: (

The ATS is a sweet ride! I really like the styling of the new Caddies: )
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Etennuly
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 02:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Asquire, my sentiments exactly about the C4. It seems like with the age of them now it is a fair bet replacing bushings, universals, hubs,brake stuff, door gaskets, paint, and interior parts, is pretty much the same on a survivor car for $8000 as it is on one a little more clapped out for $1800. Especially if the objective is to hop it up and have fun in a good looking dependable hotrod. The Calloway car is a good exception.

I just picked up one the other day so I can get back to having unlimited fun in a hotrod again.





This one will get racing seats and five point harness'. The weakest part of autocrossing for me was staying in stock seats.

I still have my black 04 that is very low miles road trip car. Too nice to autocross and track day with. I enjoy the 350 hp LS1 that will get 30 mpg on a trip.
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Oopezoo
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 02:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Buddy of mine hauls his dirtbike all over hells half acre with one of those little Ford transit vans. He pulled the passenger seat, installed a wheel chock, hangs a ramp on one side, and has a flip down cot on the other. Pretty sweet setup for short motorcycle vacations.
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Airbozo
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 03:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yeah, I looked at the CTS-V and the ATS-V. Both WAAAAY over my budget. Blue Carbon Fiber ATS-V coupe was $75k!

Two weeks after I got my _used_ ATS, my co-worker bought a brand new ATS-V (2017) and went out of his way to park next to me. The power of that car is fun! I am still expecting him to lose his license this year.

The worst thing about the Cadillac is the infotainment system. Voice control is almost useless for me. I took it to the dealer to show them and it understood everything they said, but got about 30% of what I said. They are still confused because I don't have no janky accent.

me: "Call Kathy"
cue: "Playing Tom Petty. Is this correct?"
me: "NO!"
cue: "I'm sorry, I don't understand. Goodbye".

Not to mention the fact, that the audio player plays all albums in alphabetical order not album order.

BTW: they are no longer making the sedan version of the ATS-V.
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Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 10:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If I'm going to ride or drive it, it's gotta be fun. That's always been a major consideration.

I've had a bike as my sole motorized transportation for sixteen plus years. It has its occasional setbacks, but we make due.

The Ford transit vans are one hideous contraption, but their practicality makes them beautiful.

Shoggin, thanks for the input.
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Zac4mac
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 10:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rick
My take here is you need another Buell, maybe an S1, or a 70s Triumph/Norton/BSA
The XBs were pretty strong

Nothing new I know of will do the trick, maybe a hi-end electric.

Z

<edit> Ride every time you can.

(Message edited by zac4mac on January 17, 2018)
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Rick_a
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 02:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm a one S1 kind of guy. It's not the best choice for my long, gruelling commute.

My DR is fun and a great in town bike, but wheezes a bit on the highway.

The next one is going to have too much power and be boringly reliable (at least that's the idea).

Some 70's bikes are gorgeous but too crude, unrefined, and underpowered. My cut-off is mid 90's.

I like the XB's...especially the 1200's...they're just a bit...I don't know...too refined, I guess.
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Etennuly
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 03:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

First time I recall hearing a Uly (xb 1200) being accused of being too refined!
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Rick_a
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 07:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The Uly is the worst offender.

The STT was probably the best of the XB's.

Getting an 1125 was a tempting proposition for a time. I've been given a few intriguing offers over the years.
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Ebutch
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 12:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rick you must get tickets for oprah.
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Shoggin
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 01:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"I like the XB's...especially the 1200's...they're just a bit...I don't know...too refined, I guess."

I spit out some coffee with that one! Us Buellers are a weird bunch, yes?

Since I'm 6'3" riding a regular XB makes me look like a monkey humping a football: ( They will last because they are stick and rock simple, and can be fixed with a hammer and zip ties anywhere in the world.

The Ss is a great option. I've had a bunch but when I got the STT my world opened up! Long enough, tall enough, super comfy suspension, I added a quick shifter and she's not afraid of 600 mile days or add soft bags and do fire roads for weeks at a time. One of those bikes you never sell

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Rick_a
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 03:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Us tubers are weirder yet.

The S1 needs some work. It's a bit explodie right meow.

The DR is waiting on a $10 exhaust gasket.

It's been suggested I not ride for a 'nother coupla weeks, anyhow.

I'm intrigued by the FZ-10. It appears to have the right mix of silliness and practicality.
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86129squids
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 04:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1, I'd love to have a STT modded toward Ulyness. Still waiting to acquire either a truck, or some kind of sport/ute that can pull a decent trailer and keep decent mileage.
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Rick_a
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 01:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

New trucks are shockingly expensive, especially if it's got any kind of motor under the hood.

We almost got one of those Subaru Crosstreks. It's fun, comfortable, and good on gas...just a bit of a slug. If they only made a hi-po version.
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Oopezoo
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 08:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Shoggin.....that STT makes me drool

I'm a long legged 6'2" 240 kind of guy. I had always considered getting an XB, but figured it would almost have to be a Ulysses for any sort of comfort with the riding I like to do. I already have a 1200GS in the garage, so that didn't make much sense. If I can find an STT, that plan might have to be expedited.
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Aesquire
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 08:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm no longer interested in a new car.

3 reasons.

Half the value goes away when you sign the paperwork. It may not be exactly half ; ) .... but for a BMW, it's more than I have spent on most cars in my life... gone. Just to have new? Tough call. I have bought brand new, and it is nice, but the psychic damage of that first parking lot dent! The used car has less ego load.

Price. a decent car is half the average annual salary. A Pickup, or a luxury/sport car, a year's salary. ????? My parents bought houses for cheaper. ( and a coke was a nickel )

Computers. I'm all for technology to solve our problems. I like how modern engine management systems give me good power without pollution. It drives me nuts that the computer in my car needs to be updated to add fog lights, ( plus the cost of the parts ) and the Big Brother and Hacker issues are probably just paranoia, but....

And you can't fix modern cars without equipment that costs more than a lift and a full Snap-On tool box. ( neither of which will let you fix a modern car )

So, I'm a big fan of used. YMMV. Your needs may be different.

And used doesn't mean free from my complaints above. My 2013 Caravan is a computer controlled car, and there's not a lot I can do about it. So my next will be older. ( 25 years old... 1993 now, and no pollution check in NY. )
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 08:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you're going to get an econobox and use it up like a magic marker, new is better.
It's hard to find an econobox with the correct options at a low mileage.

For example, in 2006 I got a new job an hour away and needed a less thirsty car than my 1990 Toyota pickup.
I wanted a used civic but the resale values were stupid. Like 2/3 the price of a new car with 130000 miles?
That's why I opted for a new Fit.
I could get it with a third pedal and it was only barely more costly than a used civic.
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Etennuly
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 09:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

my sentiments exactly.

It was different for a time in my life where my income was far in excess of my needs. Then new vehicles were a tool to get the job done. I see that in the posts of many who have the good fortune to still be in that kind of position.

Since my funding wings got clipped I now look to a vehicle that can bring the passion and fun of ownership and use/abuse of it back into light.

Having had new Corvettes,and some cherry examples wherein I worry about the car more than cut loose with it, takes the fun out of ownership. It is a thing ingrained about being the good custodian.

Some of you got to see and ride in my old blue 86 side pipe Vette. I know even that it was a rough ol turd, you all could see the passion I had for it. It was more fun than any other vehicle I have had except for my dirt race cars and my Ulysses.

I intend to build a more powerful, better looking, better handling, and stopping side piped, hotrod out of this red turd than old blue could have become. BUT not so good that a scratch(or big dent) will ruin the fun.
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Greg_e
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 09:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Build a kit car. Except for the cost of the tools you will probably need to buy, they can be cheap. An 800 pound Super 7 with 140 horsepower motor would certainly be a fun car. As I said before, there are books and plans, the plans are free, but the good books are tough to track down as they went out of print a while ago.

And then if you scratch it, or ding it, you know how to fix it!

If you want to go modern, Ford has most of the Eco-boost motors as crate motors, yes even down to the little 1 liter. There are popular transmissions and adapters available, etc.

But I was thinking this morning... What about something like a Goldwing motor/transmission? It has a drive shaft that could be adapted to rear wheel drive, and may have a reverse function. And some of the old ones are dirt cheap!

If I ever win enough lottery to quit working...
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Ratbuell
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 10:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I will say, having one new vehicle (my '14 Grand Cherokee diesel) in the garage is nice - my "grown up" car, extremely capable, and efficient (26mpg commuting to work and 30+ on the highway.) More luxury stuff than I probably deserve. And so far...dead-nuts reliable. But, with 14 computers on board...I also got the extended warranty. By the time that runs out, there will likely be aftermarket hacks for most of the systems on board anyway.

I keep my stuff. I'm not concerned with resale, I'll likely run it till it falls apart. I still own the '91 Daytona turbo I bought brand new in '91. My 01 Cummins has over 250k on it. My 92 XJ beater has a hair over 310k. I bought my '72 Satellite wagon back in '92...I think I have attachment issues.

Maybe its a sign of age...but while I still CAN do my maintenance and all the upgrades myself, with the '14? It's nice to simply hand the keys to someone and say "call me when its ready".

Case in point - I need to do a valve adjustment on the Cummins. Been "meaning to" for about the last 16 months...but just haven't dug up the motivation. Yet. Used to be, I'd be out there wrapping it up at 1am, and driving it to work in the morning. Hell, I've done *motor swaps* in an afternoon, with hand tools and no lift. But sadly, those days appear to be long gone.
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Court
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 10:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

>>>> and a coke was a nickel

Your folks must be young . . . . I recall Coke being $03 . . . . drop in a nickel . . jam down the lever and out came the bottle and 2 pennies.

Talking about pennies . . . ask your folks if they recall when "Lucky went to war". Most of you probably recall that Lucky Strike packages were green until copper became a scarce commodity and the packaging was changed to the, now familiar, red and white to reduce the use of copper for the green tint.

The price went up to $0,23. So . . . when you purchased a package of Lucky Strikes . . . there were 2 shiny pennies inside the cellophane wrapped.

Sure that most of you knew this . . . but I always thought it was cool . . . .





Now you know why my kids accuse me of having the greatest collection of TOTALLY USELESS facts . . . I am, however, fun at trivia.

Court
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Court
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 10:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

>>>>If I'm going to ride or drive it, it's gotta be fun.

Could not agree more . . . my vehicles are where I spend a significant amount of my time. I hate to say I don't care about MPG (if I did, I wouldn't have 2 Super Duty pickups) . . . but my . . in my sunset years . . . PRIMARY consideration if FUN . . . just plain old fashioned fun. I've come to grips with the fact . . . as a guy who used to own a LOT of Buells and Harleys (although 200 less than the better half's ex who had Americas largest private HD collection) I just like driving. I'm getting a bit old to ride any sort of "sport" bike . . . but I klutz around the Hudson valley on a couple 2 wheeled gizmos and have . . kind of by accident . . amassed a fun collection of 4 wheel stuff. I take the attitude that I don't play golf, I don't pay country club dues or tennis club dues . . .I don't have a private jet world travel addition and it's the one thing, along with guitars and music, that I really enjoy doing.

I do however appreciate that regardless of the fact that we are in the age of the $80K 3/4 ton pickup . . .that there are some incredibly competent cars in the sub $15K range. I had a 2012 Ford Focus that was incredible.

and

>>>New trucks are shockingly expensive,

I learned the hard way.. Bought a new F-250 Super Duty about 10 months ago . . . figured I'd be parsimonious and buy "stripped down". Added about $4K worth of driving lights, strobes, bed liner, weather tech tail gate cover and so forth . . . and never fell in love with the truck . . . just didn't work for construction . . having no power windows. . . and NO (the XL has zero interior storage . . no seat back sleeves, no nothing ) just didn't work. I knew I was going to take a beating so I . . . well, just did. I special ordered at the other end of the spectrum. Now we have a diesel Lariat and a gas Lariat . . . and I love them. The sound insulation (there is none in the XL) is incurable . . the sound system (we're music nuts) is incredible and the ride is awesome.

Vehicles, I am convinced, are better than most folks ever dreamed they could be.

I laugh about the 2017 Subaru with the Eye-Sight system . . . can you imagine someone trying to commit suicide in a Subaru? . . . it'd be damn near impossible.

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Shoggin
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 01:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Us humans will get used to depending on that tech quickly, and it will fail, definitely.

But by then we won't remember how to do it ourselves. Parallel park? Shift a manual? Brake for kids? We won't even know how.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_47utWAoupo

I think this car actually did not have the system, but the point is how fast we are willing to trust our lives to brand new tech (literally).

Electronics can add comfort, efficiency, power, and even safety. But when they interfere (or outright deny) human input they cross a dangerous line. I WILL be back!
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