Biggest and best surprise was the most recent: 800 miles in eight days over Christmastide with a Budget 2018 VW Atlas SE with the Technology package, built 8/2018 with 23k on the clock. Other than some slight warping in the front rotors and an occasional trim buzz from the driver’s door, the thing was exemplary.…

Agreed on both counts. 

At least a few commenters actually owned one. I did too. Born in ‘47, I grew up on MoPar wagons (‘53, ‘57, ‘63, ‘68) and after having our second kid (of 3) in 1980, our Nissan Stanza and my ‘72 BMW Bavaria just weren’t enough. So I got a beige used ‘77 slant-six Volare woodie with the butterscotch plaid, split-bench…

Yes, like my 1972 Bavaria does. On the occasions I’ve used them as intended, they almost always prompt helpful people ringing the doorbell to tell me my lights are on.

FINALLY, I get it. Trump is stupid, vile and racist; Obama is/was brilliant, cool and foresighted. Thanks. I’ve never heard that point of view before. It’s refreshing.

The drivers are way safer than those folks lining the side of the track. Car-nage waiting to happen. Absolutely nuts.

Obviously a gusty, turbulent day and the pilot flying screwed up kicking out the crab angle required by the crosswind and simultaneously hit the runway hard. Then the PF managed to be about half a cycle behind what was needed with the rudder in the ensuing swerve-fest, exacerbating it.