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[scfr]

This probably sounds silly, but we absolutely LOVE the Grocery Outlet that recently (last year) opened in our small town. Yeah, the selection varies alot, sand very few name-brand items, but it's all generally good quality, and prices are often mind-bogglingly awesome (50% or more less than regular stores or even Costco/Walmart prices. Consistent $1-$2 pints & $4 quarts+ of great I've cream (even top-quality/name brand stuff -- Tillamook, Ben & Jerry, etc.) is an indulgence that we treasure.

Not silly at all - I totally get it!
I took a trip in August and my hotel had a kitchenette and was right next to an Aldi's . . . I was excited to finally get to shop Aldi's and see what the big deal is.

P.S. - When we travel overseas, we always visit grocery stores.

[jenn_jenn]

Way to go UA Guy. I think what makes this possible is you know about engines - not everyone does, so they have to take the dealerships word for it.

Agreed! Nice job, ua_guy!!

I am absolutely ignorant when it comes to cars and dread taking my car in for services bc I am that sucker you referenced that just takes the dealership’s word.

Knowing how to do basic car stuff is such a valuable skill!

[james.hendrickson]

I have an older Jeep and it needs things like coolant flushes and brake system flushes every 5 years. I'm happy to take it to the dealer for those things, and it's a long story why I choose a dealer over an indie shop. So those things cost money. While it was in for service recently, the shop said it should also have a fuel injector service ($185), the throttle body should be cleaned ($149), and both differentials should have a fluid service and inspection ($285 x2). I said thank you so much, but no, just do the service I asked for and I'll take care of the rest.

The injector service...no joke...involves dumping a bottle of "fuel system cleaner" into the gas tank. The injectors are fine, by the way. When they have problems, THEN, they need to be pulled and properly cleaned. It's not time yet.

The throttle body did need to be cleaned. They pick up dirt from the intake and oil from the plenum. A $7 can of "throttle body cleaner" (aka solvent) and a rag cleaned it right up. Took 15 minutes to pull it off and complete the service. Saved $178.

I swapped the differential oil (super easy to do as my differentials have both drain and fill plugs. The gear oil cost me $60 for 4 quarts of good stuff, and 1/2 hour of my time. Saved $510. The "inspection" would involve removing the cover (10 minutes, a $3.28 gasket, and a big mess), but I didn't deem that medically necessary because the oil came out dark, but not dirty, and with no metal debris. So saved some time as well.

Way to go UA Guy. I think what makes this possible is you know about engines - not everyone does, so they have to take the dealerships word for it.

[ua_guy]

I have an older Jeep and it needs things like coolant flushes and brake system flushes every 5 years. I'm happy to take it to the dealer for those things, and it's a long story why I choose a dealer over an indie shop. So those things cost money. While it was in for service recently, the shop said it should also have a fuel injector service ($185), the throttle body should be cleaned ($149), and both differentials should have a fluid service and inspection ($285 x2). I said thank you so much, but no, just do the service I asked for and I'll take care of the rest.

The injector service...no joke...involves dumping a bottle of "fuel system cleaner" into the gas tank. The injectors are fine, by the way. When they have problems, THEN, they need to be pulled and properly cleaned. It's not time yet.

The throttle body did need to be cleaned. They pick up dirt from the intake and oil from the plenum. A $7 can of "throttle body cleaner" (aka solvent) and a rag cleaned it right up. Took 15 minutes to pull it off and complete the service. Saved $178.

I swapped the differential oil (super easy to do as my differentials have both drain and fill plugs. The gear oil cost me $60 for 4 quarts of good stuff, and 1/2 hour of my time. Saved $510. The "inspection" would involve removing the cover (10 minutes, a $3.28 gasket, and a big mess), but I didn't deem that medically necessary because the oil came out dark, but not dirty, and with no metal debris. So saved some time as well.

[kork13]

Got a 1 lb bag of really fresh local-ish Brussels sprouts at Grocery Outlet for $1.49 ... prepped and steamed them this morning.

This probably sounds silly, but we absolutely LOVE the Grocery Outlet that recently (last year) opened in our small town. Yeah, the selection varies alot, sand very few name-brand items, but it's all generally good quality, and prices are often mind-bogglingly awesome (50% or more less than regular stores or even Costco/Walmart prices. Consistent $1-$2 pints & $4 quarts+ of great I've cream (even top-quality/name brand stuff -- Tillamook, Ben & Jerry, etc.) is an indulgence that we treasure.