whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jul 30, 2014 12:20:53 GMT -5
I would prefer low mileage bc we put lots of miles on our cars, so while it doesn't have to be 1-2 yrs old, low mileage ones seem to be of that age
I am terrified of buying a previously leased car. I am too worried that people abused it and it won't last long. thoughts?
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jul 30, 2014 12:21:51 GMT -5
I have a back-up camera on my vehicle and I actually find it a bigger pain in the ass than a benefit. It didn't detect my son's scooter as I backed over it... or the ice chest that my husband backed into... But backing out of a parking spot the alarms go off because it detects the cars parked next to you. My Subaru has a back up camera and it's the best thing EVER. Turns out it's much easier to back out of places when I can see where I am going.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 30, 2014 12:22:55 GMT -5
I've been in an SUV with 3 grandkids in the back, 2 boys 1 girl....even then the SUV was too small....sheesh! the noise, the fighting & pushing was unreal....go for the Tahoe, you won't regret it.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jul 30, 2014 12:25:45 GMT -5
While I do think Tahoe will make a lot of things easier for us, I am having a very VERY VERY hard time paying that much money for the car. New or used. So, I truly am trying to figure it out. I am not leaning one way or another. Most of posts have been helpful Some posts ( yogiii - yes, I am talking to you!) -not at all. They only way I would get a minivan if I was dead and they needed something to roll the body out.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2014 12:30:35 GMT -5
Minivans are awesome. And this is from someone that only drove 3/4 ton 4x4 trucks for years. Cool? No. But convenient as all hell. I can pack everything in there and so easy to get kids in and out. Plus tinted windows so you can leave them in there watching movies on the built in DVD players when you go into the gas station!
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jul 30, 2014 12:33:16 GMT -5
Given your many restrictions the Tahoe might be the best bet, but I'd try for one at least 3 to 4 years old because of the sticker shock. That vehicle has 22 inch wheels so your tire costs are going to be awful and remember tires have to be replaced more often on 4wd and AWD vehicles compared to 2wd.
I grew up with 2 other sibs and remember mostly my parents owning a VW Microbus and station wagons when we were younger. A full-size car should do, although even though the Impala is considered full-size, to me its no Toyota Avalon. If you don't go with the Tahoe, perhaps bring some friends and make sure what ever is chosen seats at least 5 adults moderately OK for at least one hour. I think the Altima might be a bit small for that, but might be at least 10 years before that's really an issue anyway.
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alabamagal
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Post by alabamagal on Jul 30, 2014 12:35:07 GMT -5
I would not buy a GM for some of the reasons others have stated. But if you do, I think their trucks and SUVs are better than the cars.
We have had great experience buying 1 year old cars. My 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was purchased in 2002 but was 1 year old, 12k miles. Still have it. DH also got a good deal on a 1 year old 2011 Ford Fiesta in 2011.
With the age that your boys are, I would go for an SUV. The boys are only going to get bigger. We used to go on vacation in my Ford Explorer Sport Trac wihsi is a 4 door truck. When my youngest got to be 15 or so, he no longer wanted to sit in the middle seat.
I used to think back up cameras were a waste of space. Then I was backing out of my driveway and hit DS's (16 at the time) new to him car. It's kind of rough when youare worrying about teen driving and Mom backs into teen's car. $800 damage. Didn't even report to insurance since we had $1000 deductible.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jul 30, 2014 12:38:20 GMT -5
I would REALLY look at the gas mileage of anything you're considering, since you say that you put a lot of miles on your cars.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jul 30, 2014 12:40:42 GMT -5
Minivans are awesome. And this is from someone that only drove 3/4 ton 4x4 trucks for years. Cool? No. But convenient as all hell. I can pack everything in there and so easy to get kids in and out. Plus tinted windows so you can leave them in there watching movies on the built in DVD players when you go into the gas station! So much this! I've loved my minivan! It has great safety ratings, was less expensive and uses less fuel than SUV's, fits a ton of people, has a lot of space for carting around big items, towing capacity, it's super easy to get everyone in and out of, and heck, I've even comfortably camped in it! It's so versatile and convenient, I may never go back.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jul 30, 2014 12:45:15 GMT -5
Yeah, but a lot of the new SUVs/crossovers are butt ugly anyway. Might as well get some comfort and usefulness out of it.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jul 30, 2014 12:46:20 GMT -5
So much this! I've loved my minivan! It has great safety ratings, was less expensive and uses less fuel than SUV's, fits a ton of people, has a lot of space for carting around big items, towing capacity, it's super easy to get everyone in and out of, and heck, I've even comfortably camped in it! It's so versatile and convenient, I may never go back. Yeah.. but it's a... minivan! *shudder* LOL, I got no problem with people choosing to pay more for an SUV with the same overall benefits just because... oh no, it's a minivan. That popularity contest meant I got an even better deal on a low-mileage used minivan! Vroom vroom!
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yogiii
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Post by yogiii on Jul 30, 2014 13:00:51 GMT -5
I also suggested the GMC Acadia or did you just block me after the minivan comment? Guess I may never know ...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2014 13:19:40 GMT -5
I also have to ask why no Honda or Toyota?
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jul 30, 2014 14:18:59 GMT -5
I'm guessing because DH doesn't like those manufacturers.
Toyota, Honda, Ford, oh my... (Probably where most of my general recommendations would come from. Oh well. )
See I'd probably avoid Chevy and GMC for similar reasons, but be willing to change my mind with enough objective evidence to potentially re-think it.
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Peace Of Mind
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Post by Peace Of Mind on Jul 30, 2014 14:25:33 GMT -5
I know you didn't have Mazda listed in your considerations but I have test driven one and it has the back up camera system and you can fit a lot of people in it. It had good reviews (last I checked but it was way more than we needed) and they are clearing out the 2014s and offering deals. They are in the $30's and they are pretty good on gas mileage. The one I drove was very nice and it's a good looking vehicle.
Here is an interior picture. The middle arm rest isn't down in this picture so that 3 people can sit in the second row if you need the last row for storing stuff.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Jul 30, 2014 14:30:31 GMT -5
My aunt has the biggest Mazda and it has 3 rows. There isn't much cargo space with the third row up though.
I bought a 2014 Mazda 6 pretty much base model and Bluetooth and backup camera were standard.
As for safety I don't know if any manufacturer is immune. My 2009 Subaru Impreza had a 5 star safety rating and I still got a pretty good case of whiplash when I totaled it in February. Backup camera wasn't a must have but with my ongoing neck issues I do like it. Its great for seeing cars as you back out especially if you are in between bigger vehicles. Oh and safety wise I got a recall notice last week on the Impreza for likely corrosion of brake lines. Apparently they weren't made to withstand northern winters where we use salt.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Jul 30, 2014 14:43:16 GMT -5
Oh, another option - my boss's Tahoe was a vehicle that had been repoed. So it was cheaper than just your typical 3 or 4 year old vehicle (I honestly don't remember how old it was when he got it, he got it shortly before I came to work for him 8 years ago). Do you work for me?
I bought a repo Tahoe (a 2007) in 2010. it had 65k miles on it and needed new tires. I paid 26K for an LTZ that would have gone for 35K at a dealer lot.
I know have 120K on it (including towing and lots of city commuting) with only a few minor issues.
Tahoe is terrible gas mileage, but one of the most dependable cars made.
I do think that your best bet is to buy another fuel efficient car for husband (maybe smaller than his current one). Not sure why you won't consider a 2-3 year old Prius for this.
Keep driving the Subaru for the kids, then in 3-4 years consider a Tahoe or Acadia for you. I think by then the mileage on those cars will also be improving, so you're better to wait if you don't need the bigger car now, IMHO.
Well, I went to work for my boss in '06. I think his Tahoe is 2004 for some reason. I guess that would have only been 2 years old. I think he paid around $20k for it, but he bought just before I came to work for him. His has like 170k miles on it and my boss is not a great driver.
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Jul 30, 2014 15:06:18 GMT -5
Minivans are awesome. ... Plus tinted windows so you can leave them in there watching movies on the built in DVD players when you go into the gas station!
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Mardi Gras Audrey
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Post by Mardi Gras Audrey on Jul 30, 2014 15:22:07 GMT -5
I can see part of the problem with this idea. Since the husband is already driving the subaru when 4wheel drive is needed (I would assume he needs it). I can't imagine he wouldn't do the same with driving a prius. Then what happens when they need to switch? He takes the subaru and the rest of the family fold up into the prius? I think that could be a painful situation as the kids get older and start going the activity/friend route. They do have the newer, larger prius (Prius V). It is more like a traditional station wagon. Haven't been in one myself but I have found the 2d gen Prius (the hatchback that is most common) to be pretty roomy..., We fit 5 adults and a wheelchair in it comfortably (did have room for more cargo). Also have fit 2 adult bikes in the back with the seats folded down. I think we could have fit 3 but didn't have another bike (the room was there)... I guess I would wonder where he is going where he needs 4-wheel drive and how often is he needing it. When I lived in New England, I did fine with a front wheel drive car. Aren't the Tahoes/other SUVs generally rear wheel drive? So you would have to get the 4 wheel drive option in NE (A friend of mine had a 2 wheel drive Ford Expedition and it did horribly. I had to come get her in my front wheel drive car because her Expedition couldn't get up a hill.). How much more is 4 wheel drive?
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cktc
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Post by cktc on Jul 30, 2014 15:30:12 GMT -5
I would prefer low mileage bc we put lots of miles on our cars, so while it doesn't have to be 1-2 yrs old, low mileage ones seem to be of that age I am terrified of buying a previously leased car. I am too worried that people abused it and it won't last long. thoughts? I've never quite understood the "abused" car thing. How are leasers and renters driving cars in ways that could possibly be more damaging than neglecting service? Leased and rental cars require strict regular maintenance, which is way more important IMHO than a car that was driven gently but otherwise neglected.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Jul 30, 2014 15:50:30 GMT -5
I have to agree with the minivan thing. Both for convenience and for leaving your kids in it.
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Mardi Gras Audrey
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Post by Mardi Gras Audrey on Jul 30, 2014 16:17:07 GMT -5
CK, I definitely wouldn't want a prior rental. Some people do drive like maniacs in a rental. When I traveled a lot for work, we had two sayings for rental cars: 1. No curb is too high for a rental and 2. The fastest car in the world is your friend's rental. The second fastest is your rental. In a rental, people generally don't care because they are only going to have it for a few days and won't have to pay for damage. A colleague of mine was in a rental with another person and the person decided that the best way to stop on a freeway was throwing the car into park. They were going 65 mph and he just didn't want to use the brakes so as they got close to a toll plaza, he threw the car into park and they slid into the toll booth. I may or may not have sped, gone off roading, and hit many curbs with rental cars.
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cktc
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Post by cktc on Jul 30, 2014 16:38:36 GMT -5
CK, I definitely wouldn't want a prior rental. Some people do drive like maniacs in a rental. When I traveled a lot for work, we had two sayings for rental cars: 1. No curb is too high for a rental and 2. The fastest car in the world is your friend's rental. The second fastest is your rental. In a rental, people generally don't care because they are only going to have it for a few days and won't have to pay for damage. A colleague of mine was in a rental with another person and the person decided that the best way to stop on a freeway was throwing the car into park. They were going 65 mph and he just didn't want to use the brakes so as they got close to a toll plaza, he threw the car into park and they slid into the toll booth. I may or may not have sped, gone off roading, and hit many curbs with rental cars. Well my current car is a former rental so I might be a bit biased. It had under 40k miles on it and now I’m just over a 100k with no major issues to date. You take a risk buying any used vehicle as there is no guarantee that the previous driver wasn’t reckless, stupid, or careless. I still think ignoring routine maintenance causes more significant, long term, damage than going over a curb, or speeding, slamming on the breaks, etc…
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jul 30, 2014 16:50:04 GMT -5
CK, I definitely wouldn't want a prior rental. Some people do drive like maniacs in a rental. When I traveled a lot for work, we had two sayings for rental cars: 1. No curb is too high for a rental and 2. The fastest car in the world is your friend's rental. The second fastest is your rental. In a rental, people generally don't care because they are only going to have it for a few days and won't have to pay for damage. A colleague of mine was in a rental with another person and the person decided that the best way to stop on a freeway was throwing the car into park. They were going 65 mph and he just didn't want to use the brakes so as they got close to a toll plaza, he threw the car into park and they slid into the toll booth. I may or may not have sped, gone off roading, and hit many curbs with rental cars. And I've been very nice to my rental cars. The only exception was when I forgot it wasn't a manual. Accidental panic stop, pretty shy of the stop sign, when I planned to put in the clutch and downshift.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jul 30, 2014 17:27:41 GMT -5
I would do the Tahoe. The extra space is really nice. We bought the minivan when we had our third. We have a mini van and Outback (2007). I drive the outback because of the AWD. DH does most of the driving with the kids. I know you homeschool, but sometimes it's nice to give rides to other kids/help parents out. With our first two, we didn't. And I think in some sense, changes how other parents interact (or don't, actually) with us. Now that the littlest is getting bigger, we've gone back to doing day trips again. My kids are 10, 6, and 2. There's no way they want to all be squished together even for a two hour drive. We also do driving vacations. Poking my eyes out with knitting needles would be a more enjoyable experience than having three kids smooshed together in the back seat for two weeks. We also do not replace our cars with great frequency. My 2007 Outback as 54K miles on it, and I put 3-4K miles on my car every year. I refuse to let DS drive it when he turns 16. If he gets in any sort of accident, it will be declared totaled. And I don't want to replace the car in 6 years. And frankly, I shouldn't have to. ETA: Our minivan was bought used, certified. We had like one year left in the three year warranty. Plus, because it was certified, there was an additional warrenty on it. We bought our (Toyota) with 25K miles on it. I figured it wasn't even broken in yet.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jul 30, 2014 18:15:50 GMT -5
I would do the Tahoe. The extra space is really nice. We bought the minivan when we had our third. We have a mini van and Outback (2007). I drive the outback because of the AWD. DH does most of the driving with the kids. I know you homeschool, but sometimes it's nice to give rides to other kids/help parents out. With our first two, we didn't. And I think in some sense, changes how other parents interact (or don't, actually) with us. Now that the littlest is getting bigger, we've gone back to doing day trips again. My kids are 10, 6, and 2. There's no way they want to all be squished together even for a two hour drive. We also do driving vacations. Poking my eyes out with knitting needles would be a more enjoyable experience than having three kids smooshed together in the back seat for two weeks. We also do not replace our cars with great frequency. My 2007 Outback as 54K miles on it, and I put 3-4K miles on my car every year. I refuse to let DS drive it when he turns 16. If he gets in any sort of accident, it will be declared totaled. And I don't want to replace the car in 6 years. And frankly, I shouldn't have to. ETA: Our minivan was bought used, certified. We had like one year left in the three year warranty. Plus, because it was certified, there was an additional warrenty on it. We bought our (Toyota) with 25K miles on it. I figured it wasn't even broken in yet. That's actually another reason I would want a larger car - not that I would spend thousands of dollars just for that. But yes, there are times when it would very convenient to have room for an extra kid or two. Not to mention, when my parents are visiting, it would be nice to be able to go places without waiting for my husband to get home. I am trying to weigh all that in against a HUMONGOUS cost of Tahoe....
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jul 30, 2014 18:46:46 GMT -5
That's actually another reason I would want a larger car - not that I would spend thousands of dollars just for that. But yes, there are times when it would very convenient to have room for an extra kid or two. Not to mention, when my parents are visiting, it would be nice to be able to go places without waiting for my husband to get home. I am trying to weigh all that in against a HUMONGOUS cost of Tahoe....Some things are expensive. We could buy a car for what we will likely pay for braces for all three of our kids. While our private school tuition is manageable, we could do other things with that money (7k/year). We got the littlest into a fabulous pre school program. We're paying $300 for 24 hours of preschool/month (or 6 hours a week). Next school year, preschool and after school care will be more expensive than paying for in home daycare for the littlest. For things that are important to us, we spend what we need to. I don't feel guilty about the costs, because 1) there's not much I can do about it and 2) we aren't irresponsible with our money. I'm betting this applies to you as well.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jul 30, 2014 19:18:32 GMT -5
That's actually another reason I would want a larger car - not that I would spend thousands of dollars just for that. But yes, there are times when it would very convenient to have room for an extra kid or two. Not to mention, when my parents are visiting, it would be nice to be able to go places without waiting for my husband to get home. I am trying to weigh all that in against a HUMONGOUS cost of Tahoe....Some things are expensive. We could buy a car for what we will likely pay for braces for all three of our kids. While our private school tuition is manageable, we could do other things with that money (7k/year). We got the littlest into a fabulous pre school program. We're paying $300 for 24 hours of preschool/month (or 6 hours a week). Next school year, preschool and after school care will be more expensive than paying for in home daycare for the littlest. For things that are important to us, we spend what we need to. I don't feel guilty about the costs, because 1) there's not much I can do about it and 2) we aren't irresponsible with our money. I'm betting this applies to you as well.
You are probably right about all, except for the guilt part. I feel crazy guilty spending $40K on a car.... May be if I handed in my YM card and hung out among the general population, I would have felt differently
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Jul 30, 2014 19:47:01 GMT -5
Buy what works for your family! You keep cars a long time so get what you want. Look for a lightly used one.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2014 19:48:26 GMT -5
We have 4 kids, as you know they're older now.
In my experience, our cars got SMALLER as the kids grew up, not bigger! The first time we went away when DS3 (our 4th) was 6 weeks old, we only had a five-seater, so we rented a minivan for two weeks. And we bought a bike rack and took the bikes.
I know your kids are still little but remember, soon you won't need to drag along as many car seats / diapers / strollers / cribs / portable high chairs etc etc etc.
We always had a regular car (purchased new and kept for 10 years, we buy inexpensive cars so we want them to last 10 years), and a used 7-seater (one station wagon, one SUV) for vacations / when we were all together.
There is NO WAY I would ever spend 40K for a vehicle. But that's a very easy decision for us, because we can't afford that LOL.
It sounds to me that the Tahoe is what you really really want. If you can afford it, why not?! Buy it, and enjoy it! But if that's what you decide, Lena, I think you need to just own it, and stop looking for justification.
ETA I'm also wondering how much of this post is due to your / your DH's worries about his (mooching) parents' / sister's reaction to you buying such an expensive vehicle...
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