Because I have time for once: Ask Me Anything

"Jagvar" (Jagvar) 11/26/2014 at 15:58 • Filed to: AMA

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I've never done an AMA. But I do get a lot of questions. Since I make it on here so rarely now, I thought why not? How can I enrich your lives with my moderate amount of wisdom, Oppo?

I've been a car guy since the tender age of 14, when I received Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit for Christmas. My first car was a nearly-new 1999 Mitsubishi Galant ES that I got when I was 16 and still own 14 years later. I also rock a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 4.2L V8, which I've owned since 2009.

I worked at an automotive trade association for five years before taking a contract job at the U.S. office of a German automaker. Sometimes there were Veyrons in the lobby. After a fun two years there, I now work as a writer and editor in the mortgage industry, and am thoroughly enjoying it.

Most of my free time is spent hiking, climbing, writing, dabbling in photography, and going to Cars and Coffee. You know, fun stuff.

Ask me anything. Or ask me nothing. Whatever you want.

itschrome > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:00

2

Can you describe to me in sexy detail how you make a grilled cheese? Also N/A or forced induction?

SteveLehto > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:01

1

Yes. How does one edit a mortgage?

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:01

0

How's the new job going buddy?

thebigbossyboss > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:02

0

Can you answer what you like about volkswagens? I just see them as (mostly) econoboxes that are expensive to repair and occassionally burn down. I don't mean to be a dick, but that's really my perspective on them. What's yours?

Sn210 > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:03

0

How long do you think you'll keep the Phaeton for, and what would you replace it with?

jkm7680 > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:04

1

Serious question, What's the grossest thing you've accidentally stepped in?

What is the most interesting thing somebody has said about your Phaeton?

Why did you kill Bambi?

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:04

0

Why is your facial hair so similar to the exact opposite of Fernando Alonso's?

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:04

1

sexy stache

Thunderface > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:05

0

Mustang, camaro or chally

Rainbow > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:06

2

Are you the one on the left?

CB > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:07

0

What is your greatest weakness that can easily be exploited if someone were wanting to take your Phaeton?

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:08

0

can you describe in intimate detail how you cook for 1 (unless your married and/or have kids), I've never gotten that down.

have you ever owned or autocrossed a miata?

HammerheadFistpunch > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:09

2

Do you think apparatus is a funny word?

Jagvar > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet 11/26/2014 at 16:09

1

It's going well! I like my team, and my boss really has it together. When I started, she actually asked me what I wanted to get out of the job, and what sort of projects I'd enjoy. Never had a boss ask that before.

Jagvar > Sn210 11/26/2014 at 16:11

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I want to keep the Phaeton forever. That's the goal. But if that proves unrealistic, I might take a gander at a Jaguar XJR. Or another Phaeton.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:13

1

Are you wearing shoes right now?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:13

2

Boobs?

or butt?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:14

1

How does one acquire this much swag?

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:15

0

Can I ask what you do?

Quid pro quo I'm a systems admin for a defense contractor.

Jagvar > jkm7680 11/26/2014 at 16:15

1

Probably pee. Barefooters try to avoid public restrooms, but it's not always possible.

I once had a GM dealer riding in the back of the Phaeton, and he asked if it was the new Jetta. Unlike everyone who's asked me that in jest, he was actually serious. Straight up thought it was a Jetta.

For my trophy wall, of course.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 11/26/2014 at 16:16

1

This is good question, comrade.

Jagvar > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 11/26/2014 at 16:16

0

For Movember last year.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:18

0

Well it looks good.

Sn210 > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:18

1

that's really awesome, I hope you do. I'd love to pick up a W12 some day as a toy, just because it intrigues me so much. I'd love a Passat W8 wagon too! ...and import a Beetle RSi...

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet 11/26/2014 at 16:20

1

The world must know

Jagvar > Thunderface 11/26/2014 at 16:20

1

We talking old or new? The new ones don't do much for me, but I'd drive the wheels off a '70 Challenger R/T.

Jagvar > Rainbow 11/26/2014 at 16:20

2

No, his name is Walter.

Jagvar > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 11/26/2014 at 16:22

0

I am not.

Jagvar > CB 11/26/2014 at 16:22

1

Ticklishness.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 11/26/2014 at 16:23

1

....tough decision man, I've experienced great versions from each camp. I guess because yoga pants are my fetish I'm gonna have to roll with butt.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:24

0

Pink Floyd or any other band?

Jagvar > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man 11/26/2014 at 16:27

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I'm not often cooking for just myself. But when I do, I cook a lot, eat as much as I want, and then have plenty of leftovers the following day.

I have never owned or tracked a Miata. But my buddy did take me out in his '94 Miata after an autocross event once. It was as fun as it was terrifying.

Jagvar > HammerheadFistpunch 11/26/2014 at 16:28

0

Not as funny as extemporaneous.

Jagvar > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 11/26/2014 at 16:29

2

Yes.

CB > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:29

0

Notably more of an issue due to your hatred of shoes, I'm guessing.

Also, I have to say that I love your car, and think you're a pretty swell dude from the comments I've seen. Keep being groovy.

Jagvar > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 11/26/2014 at 16:29

0

Years of practice.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:32

0

Teach me your ways.

Jagvar > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet 11/26/2014 at 16:32

0

I am a communications planner. When anyone from the CIO's office needs a communication written, be it a mass email, memorandum, brochure, or campaign, I schedule it and usually write it as well. Sometimes I'll delegate it to another writer, depending on the subject matter and how much I have on my plate.

Jagvar > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 11/26/2014 at 16:33

0

1. Acquire Phaeton.

2. Say "fuck you" to shoes.

3. Profit.

Jagvar > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 11/26/2014 at 16:35

0

Pink Floyd.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:36

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Wait, really? They have those? I need to get some advice from you on how to church that shit up into my resume in the future. Because I send company and client emails just about everyday.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:36

0

Good man!

Jagvar > CB 11/26/2014 at 16:41

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Thanks; stay cool!

Jagvar > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 11/26/2014 at 16:41

1

Thanks!

Jagvar > SteveLehto 11/26/2014 at 16:43

2

Isn't that how we got into this economic recession?

sellphones2493 > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:44

0

In the midst of applying for a career at VW AG in Reston as a college grad. Any suggestions and will a young buck such as myself fit the company culture there?

I'm assuming you worked for VW AG, as you own a Phaeton.

Jagvar > itschrome 11/26/2014 at 16:45

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Just as anyone else makes a grilled cheese. Only naked.

N/A.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:46

0

Correct answer

Jagvar > thebigbossyboss 11/26/2014 at 16:50

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I was driving a Volkswagen since long before anyone paid me to drive one. I didn't do it to be cool. I didn't do it to make a statement. I just liked it.

In all seriousness, though, I was drawn to the brand specifically because of the Phaeton, which I love because it's as gorgeous as it is insane. Jettas are nice and all, but I wouldn't necessarily pick one over the competition.

Jagvar > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man 11/26/2014 at 16:51

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The porn 'stache is a crowd-pleaser.

thebigbossyboss > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:52

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Right on thanks man!! Keep on keeping on. The Phaeton is a good value for what it is I think, but obviously it's a rare VW and not what most vw enthusiasts are driving.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 16:55

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Got it. *Sets off to acquire Jagvar level swag*

Jagvar > sellphones2493 11/26/2014 at 16:57

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Yes, I did work at Volkswagen. Important distinction, though. VW AG is in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen USA is in Virginia, and is actually in Herndon, over the border from Reston.

There are many different teams and departments within VW, some better than others. What are you looking to do?

I won't lie. It's a very difficult company to get into. You need to know somebody to get in, or work with a recruiting firm to land a contract position. But the contract jobs are risky because they're the first to be cut when sales are down.

I don't say this to discourage you. It's just that, for me, the reality of working there proved far different from the dream.

jkm7680 > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 17:28

1

Haha, He really thought it might have been the new Jetta? If I was completely blinded of car knowledge, and was placed in a Phaeton, I'd think it would be at least a Bentley.

PushToStart > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 17:45

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Should I pronounce your name Jag-var with a 'v' sound, or just like Jaguar, with the 'v' just used to look cool, like a sharp Jaguar tooth?

Jagvar > PushToStart 11/26/2014 at 18:12

1

A little backstory behind my name. In 2000, I went with my dad to test-drive the new Jaguar S-Type. The saleswoman was a Russian woman named Venka who pronounced the word "Jagvar." I was amused, and took it on as a screenname. So I pronounce the "v."

sellphones2493 > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 19:46

0

Thanks for the response. I'm looking into applying for positions in either entry level management or HR, as I major in management and minor in HR. I haven't quite applied yet, but I'm pretty sure I would like to get into the automotive industry. I'm also looking at working at Volvo and Mercedes (I know someone at MB USA, which helps). Furthermore, I am not just exploring opportunities in the US, but also in Europe.

It's good to hear honesty about working there. On Glassdoor, the reviews are pretty positive, but apparently VW is pretty demanding.

AccidentalFinance & Hapless Jag Owner > Jagvar 11/26/2014 at 23:28

1

If you're ever going to go Phaeton to Jag … you've got to go Super V8! XJR power plant, Vanden Plas ride, plus wooly floormats for tired feet.

Tohru > SteveLehto 12/01/2014 at 16:05

1

Well, you erase the parts where the house is worth $200,000 and is half paid off. Then you write in that it's worth $400,000 and is 10% paid off.

Then you get a big commission check, which you spend on shoes hookers and blow keeping a Volkswagen on the road.

dogisbadob > Jagvar 12/19/2014 at 22:32

1

awesome deer

Jagvar > dogisbadob 12/20/2014 at 10:13

1

His name is Walter.

Txbabs > Jagvar 12/21/2014 at 17:59

0

Hello Jagvar, I am looking at buying a 2004 VW Phaeton. Is there anything special I should know? It will be my first luxury car. The salesmen don't seem to be that knowledgable about them, the mechanics are a better source of information. The Klavierlack finish was available in three colors in 2004. How can I find out if the car has it, because the salesman does not know. Sorry to bother you with mundane questions, but you seem like a good source. Thank you, B