mark m

Has anyone noticed the skyrocketing sales prices of these French classic cars? They've become real hot collector items!

Besides France, the 2CV model was produced in other countries, i.e., Belgium, Portugal, Holland, etc. Is there a way the VIN will indicate in which country the car was produced?

What is a PreRunner? And what do Camry, Venza, and Prius mean? Could they possibly think up dumber names?

My adult son is the beneficiary of a life insurance policy from his grandmother. The benefit is $300k. He wants to split the benefit and give half to me. The check from the insurance company was made payable only to my son. Does he have a tax liability? If he gives me half, do I have a tax liability?

For knowledgeable, dyed-in-the-wool BMW aficionados only:

What was the first BMW model and year, sold in North America that was equipped with fuel injection? I have money riding on this. I say it was the 1975 530i. Previous models such as E3s, E9s, and 2002s were all carburation. Remember, the proviso is, "sold in North America".

I recently purchased a 50's classic car. The owner's manual prescribes the use of "Multi-grade 20W-40 oil in the crankcase. This grade is nowhere to be found. What is the closest 2012 equivalent of 20W-40? Thanks

I am 60 yrs of age, my brother is 50. An uncle recently passed away and named me the sole beneficiary of his 401K plan, valued at $500k, and life insurance, valued at $300k. I would like to split the proceeds evenly with my brother. How can I do that with the 401K? Will the money from the life insurance policy be taxable? Are insurance disbursements made as a whole, lump sum payment? To the extent possible, I would like to minimize my tax liability. Thank you.

My colleague is terminally ill. He is divorced, with one adult son. My colleague has outstanding credit card balances, the combined total of which is approximately $20k. All his assets have been completely depleted by the payment of medical expenses. The question is, what will become of his credit card debts? Does his son have liability for payment of these debts. (The credit cards were issued only in my colleague's name).

Is the Hyatt Regency Vancouver a fairly decent hotel? Which are some of the better hotels there?

Is this trip scenic and comfortable? Is Business class worth the additional expense?

Given the choice between the Grand Hyatt Seattle and the Fairmont Olympic, which hotel do you prefer and why?

I've been going to the same hair stylist for more than 15 yrs and have always tipped him around 20%. Recently, however, he purchased the salon and is now the owner of it. He still cuts and my hair. I read somewhere several years ago that it is not customary to tip salon owners so I stopped tipping him and at Xmas gave him a $150 bottle of wine instead. Does anyone know whether salon owners (who still have a clientele) should be tipped or not?

Bob & Lana are 1st cousins. Bob's daughter is named Marge. Lana's daughter is name Anne. Are Marge and Anne 3rd or 4th cousins?

I'm interested in installing an after-market AC system in my '70 DS21 Pallas. Can someone recommend a system and how difficult was the installation? Does it cool the interior of the car sufficiently to justify the expense?

Why is it that from the most expensive Lexus to the cheapest Nissan, the interiors of ALL Japanese cars smell like those plastic toy soldiers we played with when we were 9 yrs old?

Can someone recommend a good, basic car receiver that is simple to operate? I recently installed a high end Kenwood unit that is "too much work" to operate. I don't need or want all the bells and whistles, graphics, etc. I only want excellent FM reception, and occasionally I'll play a CD or two. I'm not looking for "cheap", but I am looking for something that's simple and not overwhelming. This is for installation in a classic car that infrequently driven.

How many here besides me think the Citroen DS & ID cars manufactured between 1955-1975 are the coolest rides around?

We planning a November honeymoon in London and are currently holding reservations at both the Baglioni Hotel and the London Howard (Swissotel). Which of these 2 hotel properties is better?

We are planning to spend our honeymoon in London at the Baglioni Hotel. This is supposed to be an Italian luxury hotel operator. Has anyone here stayed at their London Baglioni Hotel and if so, what is your opinion of it? We are looking to splurge and want things perfect for our 5 day stay in London.