What is a good luxury car to own that does not require changing the timing belt?

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Meadowlark

I currently own a 1998 Acura RL and although I love the car it is recommended to have the timing belt replaced every 90,000 miles at a cost of $1,800. What are some luxury cars that are similar to the Acura RL that do not require the replacement of a timing belt? Lexus? Infiniti? I usually buy 4 or 5 years used.

Answer
the Lexus is a good one to own they use a chain and gears and they hold up really well,there considered to be one of the best luxury cars for the price that you can buy,and they keep their value fairly well,good luck .

Are there any newer used cars that are really nice luxury cars that dont cost a ton to maintain and repair?

jaseman_17

I am looking for something used from 2003 or newer and is a nice luxury car that wont cost an arm and a leg to repair or maintain. Also something that will be less than $16,000.

What years and models fit the bill?

Answer
Check out the Lexus ES330. You can find plenty in your price range. Very reliable, smooth ride, nice overall car. It will even hold its value over time. Can't say that about a Cadillac or Lincoln.

Stay away from European cars unless you are a good mechanic or like to work on cars. Don't care about the brand. They're all spendy to fix.

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A good reason why footballers are not paid to much?

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Roy Mustan

I need a good reason please. I know everyone thinks the players are paid to much, but that aint there faullt its the agents etc

Answer
Um Wow..

David Beckham makes 50Mil A YEAR with JUST the team alone in LA Galaxy...

now tell me...you still have to add the Sponsers and everyone else..


average it and thats 4MIL a month...that right there will buy you...

A BIG HOUSE. about 6bed rooms 5baths 5k sq feet. 15sq feet total- 1MIL

5 Cars - Lambo Gallardo, Ferarri F430, BMW *any* , Lexus*Any, Mercedes*any*, - 1MIL

All The Clothes And Jewerly *Luxury* 1.5MIL.

Family or charity or whatever. .5MIL...


thats somthing he can buy all in 1 MONTH not a year..a MONTH...


now..in a year..

Burgatti Veyron - 1.6Mil.

MANSION. - 26Mil

Misc- 18.4MIL

thats 4 mil leftover..


im exaggerating on what he can buy...but prices are real..

so tell me thats not UNDER PAID...

thats more money then Kobe..

Where is a best place to go with some friends in a tight budget?

Q. because I'm going away with some friends for 4 days particularly in Visayas and our budget is only 5K to 10K pesos each.

Answer
1.) BORACAY:
There are too many affordable accommodations in Boracay! If you're a backpacker and not really into those luxury top end hotel resorts then you can find a lot of them especially at Boat station 3... there are also affordable restaurants located on Boat station 2 and 3 as well. You'll love the white beach and if you like water sports you can go kite/windsurfing, jetski, banana boatride and sooooo much more.
Surfers place is located at Boat station 1.. it's a bit long walk from Boat station 3 but you'll enjoy the walk to the white beach.

1.) Orchids resort
http://www.orchidsboracay.com/

A very affordable Non-beachfront resort but just a minute walk to the white beach. (ranges from Php700- 1,000 plus)
or ($17-25)
-they offer free coffee and tea everyday and anytime you want even in the middle of ungodly hour! lol
-Centralized cooking facilities for resort guests
-their breakfast are superb and very affordable. (Imagine.. american breakfast (2 eggs, toasts, bacons, butter and jam then fruit juice is only Php100 ($2.50) then don't forget their coffee and tea are free while if you eat out somewhere it's already double the price.) They have other choices on their breakfast menu.
-They've arranged an island hopping and snorkeling for us without extra charges. (Php600 or $15/ per person inc. buffet lunch)
-They do a reservation without a down payment.. so you can call them or send them an e-mail)
Aside from Orchids resort..
try Ocean breeze inn
http://www.oceanbreezeinn.info/pageID_5051572.html
ust at the back of the orchids resort and near turtle inn at boat station 3. The have almost the same service with the orchids.
try also turtle's inn, dave straw hat's inn and sooo much more. Some don't have a websites.
If you want to look for more.. just
click here:
http://www.boracay.com/
http://www.boracayisland.org/
or tripadvisor
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g294260-Boracay_Visayas-Hotels.html
or go straight to their own websites.
Nightlife:
Visit Bom-bom, Pat's creek or Summerplace.. well there are more but I like these places.

How to go to Boracay?

If you want to go to Boracay by plane, from Manilaâs domestic airport, get flights to Boracay either via Kalibo (1 hour and 45 minutes away) or via Caticlan (10-20 minutes by boat). From Kalibo airport, air-conditioned vans and buses for hire will take you to the Caticlan Jetty Port, where boats are stationed to carry you to the island. Motorized tricyles bring will take you from Caticlan airport to the jetty port, 3 minutes away.


Carriers from Manila to Caticlan:
⢠Asian Spirit
⢠Corporate Air
⢠Interisland Airlines
⢠South East Asian Airlines (SEAir)


Carriers from Manila to Kalibo:
⢠Cebu Pacific
⢠Philippine Airlines
⢠Air Philippines
⢠Asian Spirit


From Iloilo, there are air-conditioned vans and buses going to Kalibo or directly to Caticlan, where boats going to Boracay are stationed.

From Cebu, Asian Spirit and Sea Air fly to Kalibo two times weekly.
If you want a stress-free transfer from the airports to landing stage port to Boracay, book your accommodations prior to coming to Boracay. You may be approached by some people at the Kalibo and Caticlan airports trying to sell rooms to travelers without bookings. The best recommendation is to look elsewhere. If you have a prior booking, do not be influenced by people offering "cheaper" or "better" housing.

If you want to take a boat going to Boracay, Several ferries sail between Manila and Caticlan. The journey takes between 12 and 16 hours.
Ferries from Manila to Caticlan:
⢠Ne.gros Navigation
⢠Super Ferry
⢠MBRS Lines

By Road
Buses and cars run from Manila to the Southern provinces by means of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. A nautical system conceptualized under the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Buses leave from the Philtranco terminal in Cubao and Pasay city throughout the day. The journey by bus takes approx. 12 hours. Caticlan is the 4th port that the highway runs through.

So what are you waiting for? No matter what your heartâs craving is, Boracay Island can satisfy it beyond your wildest imaginations. Upon arriving there, all you have to do is prepare yourself for the next greatest days of your life.

2.) BOHOL:
There are too many affordable accommodations in Tagbilaran or Panglao in Bohol. Ranges from Php600 to up.
http://www.tagbilaran.gov.ph/accommodations.php

How to get there:
Here are some schedules on daily basis.
http://www.tagbilaran.gov.ph/get.php

You can rent a car with your friends for a day tour around Bohol. (ex. Chocolate hills, Loboc river, etc.)
Around Php2,500 for a van or car.

Foods:
There are too many affordable mall, restaurants and fast food chain in Bohol.

3.) BANTAYAN ISLAND, CEBU
HOW TO GET THERE

You can go to Bantayan island by plane from Cebu or by Bus and Vans for Hire from the North Cebu Bus Terminal.

From Cebu City
One may take the plane via SEAIR (Flight suspended) flight departing from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport or take a bus ride at the North Cebu Bus Terminal which will take you about 3 hours to Hagnaya from which one desires to take the Island Express Ferry Boat for the 1 hour ride to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. Flying time to Bantayan Island is about 25 minutes or less. Recently, there is already a Ro-Ro boat going from Hagnaya to Santa Fe, you can take your car or SUV from Cebu all the way to Santa Fe for a fantastic island getaway!

Vans, Buses, Ferries and Planes
(subject to change without notice)

Vans
From the airport or seaport to Hagnaya.
Good for 6-7 persons.
Non-stop trip
CHARGE: 3,500 pesos to 4,000.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 2 hours to 2 and half hours

V-Hire
From White Gold Terminal to Hagnaya.
Very crampy ride.
Must be there earlier so you can have the best seat on the van.
Van leaves every hour or when the van is full.
CHARGE: 100.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 2 and a half hours

Buses (Phil-Cebu Bus Liners, Rough Riders)
From the City North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya,
4:30 AM and every 30 minutes thereafter until 3:00 PM daily
CHARGE: 60.00 pesos to 70.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 3 - 4 hours

Ferries (Island Express Shipping)
From Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe and vice versa daily.
CHARGE: 60.00 pesos to 70.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 1 and a half hour (maximum)

Fastcraft(Aznar Fastcraft)
From Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe and vice versa daily.
CHARGE: 100.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 30 minutes (maximum)

Ro-Ro Boats (Shuttle Ferry Service)
From Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe

Boats (Don Martin, Palacio Shipping Lines)
From the city to the port of Santa Fe
CHARGE: 150.00 pesos - 200.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 6 to 7 hours

Boats (Lapu-lapu Shipping Lines)
From the city to the port of Santa Fe
CHARGE: 150.00 pesos - 200.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 6 to 7 hours

Airplane (via SEAIR) Temporarily suspended
From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
CHARGE: 990.00 pesos (promotional price) / 1,350.00 pesos(standard price)

There are too many affordable beach resort in Bantayan.
Ranges: Php700 per cottage and up.

4.) MALAPASCUA

Lodging:
http://www.malapascua.de/Logon11__Lodging/logon11__lodging.html

HOW TO GET THERE


BOAT
There are regular ferries to Cebu pier from almost all the islands of the Philippines.

Air connections
The main gateway for Malapascua is Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City.
Four international airlines have direct Cebu connections: Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines (Silk Air). Mactan/Cebu International Airport is a small, relaxed airport on Mactan Island, about 15 km from the city centre.Three airlines are also flying to Cebu daily - Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

Cebu to Maya by bus
From the airport take a taxi for about 150 pesos to the Cebu North bus station and get on one of the frequent buses to Maya (e.g. Ceres, the aircon buses are brand-new). These will take you for 95 pesos in 3 ½ - 4 hours on mostly good roads directly to Maya pier at the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.

Cebu to Maya by taxi
Hiring an air-conditioned taxi from the airport to Maya will cost about 2, 200 pesos. This is a very comfortable option, saves about one hour travel time and makes the scenic road, which mostly follows the shoreline, quite pleasant.

Maya to Malapascua
At Maya pier porters are waiting to carry your baggage for a few pesos on one of the outrigger boats servicing Malapascua. At low tide these pump boats cannot come in, so small crafts will ferry you to the boat. Be prepared to get wet feet walking through some shallow water! Regular boats leave for Malapascua until 5 p.m. about every 30 to 60 minutes (fare 40 pesos), as soon as enough passengers are on board. An instant special ride is available for 800 PHP. After 5 p.m. it may be hard to find a boat, so rather plan an overnight stay in Cebu City, when you are late. The boat ride to Malapascuaâs Bounty beach will take 30 to 40 minutes.

5.) MOALBOAL
http://www.moalboal.org.uk/

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What's the future of sport cars 10 years from now?

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Shaude

Do you think it's possible that a sport car like porsche 911, which can go from 0-60 in 4.6 sec today, to around 4.0 sec while still keeping the price similar to now? I saw the new 2014 stingray today, and was impressed that a 50k car can do 0-60 in 3.8 seconds.

Answer
with the ever increasing demand for fuel economy. in 10 years i think sports cars will be all electric. the next generation of hypercars (the Mclaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918) are hybrids that use their electric powertrains primarily for extra speed however it doesnt stop them from being able to drive on electric power alone. the Mercedes SLS Electric concept is also showing that you can get great power and driveability from electric sports cars while companies like Tesla are revolutionizing the usefullness of electric cars by making models with great range and setting up infrastructure to allow easier use (fast charging stations). The very best part about electric cars is their response. Unlike a gas or diesel engine which needs to be moving to work and has a throttle delay to a non liner power band, an electric car can react instantaneously and always give 100% of its available power. an all electric car will be able to maximize tire performance for 0-60 times that will be blisteringly quick. I drove some electric go-karts a couple months ago and found it super easy to drift around corners because of the instant and complete throttle response. Despite the inherent lower top speed, electric cars can be much faster than gas ones when engineered properly. and lets face it, you don't really need much top speed for most driving situations its not like you're driving on a racetrack everyday,

What car should I get out of these choices?

Jessica Ro

2006 and up model mustang v6.
Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe.
2005 Lotus Elise.

Which car should I get? I'm interested in a great-looking sports car.

Porsche VS Mustang VS Lotus Elise...


What do you think?

Answer
Porsche vs Mustang vs an Elise? Good looking as in its great to look at or people will be impressed with your car (in terms of engine, etc.) Assuming money is no object: I would not go with the Mustang. Though Mustangs are great, its engine just doesn't offer as much power as you would think. While say Mitsubishi can squeeze out a little over 270 hp out of a engine that's only 2 liters (Evo), the 2006 base Mustangs gets like 210 hp out of its V6 engine. Also, it only gets a top speed of 118 mph (that's if your talking about getting stock, I'm pretty sure a GT has a top speed of over 130 mph) and does 0-60 in about 7 seconds or so. The Mustang is an icon and everyone will recognize you and your car because of it.

I'm not sure as to which type of Carrera you are referring to, "Modern" Carrera (because of the time frame of the other two cars or 3.2 Carrera series (the 1980's version)? If it's the 911 3.2 Carrera series well that has a top speed of 150 mph and 0-60 in over 5 seconds. It also has about the same hp as the 2006 Mustang. The "Modern" 911 Carrera has over 400 hp, goes from 0-60 in under 5 seconds and has the highest top speed of the cars you have mentioned at over 170 mph. Though the Porsche isn't the greatest looking car, people would be impressed with its badge and well Porsche tend to have good engines (gear-heads will probably notice you for it).

The Lotus Elise is incredibly light weight and a bit cramped to fit in. It also has less hp in comparison to the cars you listed. Despite have fewer hp it will do 0-60 in less than 5 seconds and a top speed of around 150 mph. It doesn't really offer much in terms of safety and I don't believe there are many options that were available for the car (as lotus has typically tried to leave out as much as possible to save weight). The Elise is probably the most interesting and best looking car from the ones you listed (at least in my opinion) but the Elise doesn't have many options to offer (as I mentioned), aren't as safe in comparison to the other cars (as its basically a go kart. Great fun though!), and tend to be unreliable at times.

I don't know if the mini breakdowns of the cars helped you reach a decision but I think you should go with the Porsche (I tend to like their engines, despite their look and so I could be a little biased). I would say 1) Porsche 2) Lotus 3) Mustang

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Help deciding on which car to buy?

sports cars under 75000 image

Katie B

Hello, I am trying to buy a new car, I'm almost 21 and this will be my first car (sad I know) but I have been saving up because I didn't want my parents to have to pay for my car.

So my dad and I are debating what car to get,
There is this 2003 infiniti fx35 which is what I want, and I am in love with it, it has 93,000 one trusted owner who traded it in for a newer infiniti and has all the records of maintenance. the price on this car is 15,000 because we know the dealer

And my dad is in love with the Honda CR-V's which I honestly cant stand, given this is important since I'll be the one driving it. But he will be helping me with the payments and it'll be like a family car. Anyways the Honda has 120,000 miles on it, and is a 2007. the price is 14,000 or 13,500 at least.

Although I know Honda's are 4cy and infinit is 6cy, and infiniti will probably be more expensive to insure but we could put the insurance under my dad's name, even tho I have a very clean record ( well I don't have a car, no wonder why my record is very clean)


So what are you guys' thoughts on this. any recommendation would be helpful,

Thank you
Which one is more reliable?

Answer
For the most part an Infiniti will retain its residual value much higher compared to a Honda over time hence the reason why a 2003 model is selling for $15K. In terms of reliability, Infiniti & Honda are both reliable manufacturers however they both compete in two entirely different segments. The Infiniti FX35 was the first luxury coupe-like-SUV of its kind which reinvented the word "crossover" for many years to come. After the birth year of the Infiniti FX there later rippled the creation of the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6 & Acura ZDX. Over all an Infiniti is far more superior then a Honda, the driving dynamics of an Infiniti are far more engaging and involving to drive. Performance wise, the FX35 composed a 3.5 Liter V6 rated at 280 horsepower while the 2007 Honda CR-V composes a 2.4-liter 4 cylinder engine rated at 166 horsepower. The FX35 is a great luxury SUV however it is the least bit economical, in terms of MPG the FX35 is the epitome of a gas guzzler rated at an estimated 15 City and 22 Highway, but then again with performance what else can you expect? When its comes to performance the Infiniti has always been the best peforming luxury sports car next to the BMW in the luxury segment. Infiniti is essentially the Japanese BMW the same way Lexus is like the Japanese Mercedes. The FX35 simply has more character and poise, then again it is a luxury SUV so its not a very fair comparison next to the Honda CR-V. The CR-V is a great car, its economical and in retrospect much cheaper to maintain then an Infiniti. Honestly as much as I love the Infiniti, if this is your first car I would recommend a cheap reliable and affordable SUV. An Infiniti will have higher repair cost and maintenance cost while the CR-V demands very little. The CR-V is more practical and its a great first car. My point is both SUV's are targeted to two entirely different drivers with different expectations. If you truely want a luxury car why dont you get a 2004-2006 Infiniti G35 sedan/coupe, they are better on gas and just as fun to drive.

Examples:
2005 Infiniti G35 sedan: 78K miles, $14,560
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/infiniti-g-cars4301259236279449738;_ylt=ApFMHaFO23cW1JUlVoxL0Zu_..p_;_ylv=3?bodystyle=sedan&sortcol=price&sortdir=up&modelyearub=2006&modelyearlb=2005&askpriceub=any&askpricelb=any&deliverymileageub=100000&deliverymileagelb=75000&location=Pompano+Beach%2C+FL+33065&listingtype=used&model=g&make=infiniti&distance=75

2005 Infiniti G35 sedan: 94K miles, $11,977
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/infiniti-g-cars5096591522602173380;_ylt=Ar9N5rNNSbPx5kcyKq6MeBy_..p_;_ylv=3?bodystyle=sedan&sortcol=price&sortdir=up&modelyearub=2006&modelyearlb=2005&askpriceub=any&askpricelb=any&deliverymileageub=100000&deliverymileagelb=75000&location=Pompano+Beach%2C+FL+33065&listingtype=used&model=g&make=infiniti&distance=75

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What were some cool cars that were driven in the 70s?

sports cars 90s image

Mz.So Deli

I wanted to know what we're some nice cars that's were driven in the 70s because I wanted to buy my first car when I save up enough money to buy me one, well me i don't want a car that's a new model I always wanted an older model car and I wanted it to be to sort of a sports car, and them they don't have to be a sports car either , so can someone just recommend some nice cars that were made then.

Answer
caddys were really nice around that time, especially a deville. i personally think its better to buy cars that were made in the 90s or older because they are safer, look better, have nicer finished interiors, more tech features and just more features in general. but the main thing is power. in the 70s cars like the deville and cars that others have mentioned would have huge 7L engines but only about 200hp, which is pretty bad considering the potential of the engine. but if your into old cars then get whatever you want

What are some inexpensive sports cars?

Nicole

I would like to make a list of inexpensive sports cars (aka cars that look expensive but aren't really)
Thanx!
P.S. I am not looking to buy one of these cars and i would like them fairly new please :P

Answer
1. Toyota MR2: They are relatively cheap but look a lot more expensive than they really are. Modern ones go for about $8,000 to $15,000.

2. 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird: Not really a sports car, but it is a car that looks very expensive and has come down in price considerably. Originally they were $45,000 to $50,000, but can now be had for about $15,000 to 20,000, sometimes less.

3. '90s Mercedes 300SL, 500SL, and 600SL: these cars ranged from $60,000 to over $100,000 but incredibly today some have now gone below $10,000. Good condition 500SL and 600SL will still cost a lot,but a 300SL looks pretty much the same and can cost less than a used Civic.

4. Mazda Miata: It doesn't really look expensive but some of the early "90s models can be had for less than a few grand. So for about $2500 you can have a reliable, fun, little convertible that is very cheap to maintain.

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Expensive maintenance cost of European luxury cars? Is it the parts or labor that costs so much?

luxury cars japanese image

Jesse

I heard that it costs about 3 times more to fix European luxury cars than comparable American or Japanese cars. Is it the parts or labor that cost so much to fix?

Answer
the fact that the luxury cars are so expensive and the parts it comes with have to be imported and they are expensive as well

Do you have an interest in a particular make of car that others might consider strange?

Q. I really love the following cars, and they aren't things that people usually get worked up about.
* Buicks
* "Entry-level" luxury cars built by Japanese automakes in the early 90s. For example, the Lexus ES300, the Mitsubishi Diamante, the Acura Vigor, and the Infiniti J30.

Answer
lamborghini countach
or in the real world
peugeot 405 estated and 407 estates

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What is the biggest PROFESSIONAL spectator sport in the world?

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Rupert Roo

What sport brings in the most money and is seen by the most people in the world? I know that most people play football (soccer) but my Dad is convinced that auto racing is the #1 spectator PRO sport seen in the world. I have a hard time believing it as I find car racing extremely boring. I don't love soccer either but at least the people competing are excellent athletes. So what PRO sport is seen by the most people and brings in the most money in the world?
Any statistical data to back up an answer would be appreciated, a $1 bet is on the line here!

Answer
Soccer


Football - Soccer.

A cumulative total of 30 billion viewers tuned into the FIFA World Cup 2002, of which one billion watched the Brazil-Germany final alone."

Here's a list of popular events from a few years ago:
1 Football: Euro 2004 final Portugal v Greece 153 million
2 Olympic Games: opening ceremony 127 million
3 Olympic Games: closing ceremony 96 million
4 American football: Super Bowl 95 million
5 Olympic Games: men's 100m metres 87 million
6 Olympic Games: men's 200m freestyle swimming 66 million
7 Formula one: Monaco grand prix 59 million
8 Football: Champions League final Porto v Monaco 56 million
9 Basketball: NBA finals 25 million
10= Tennis: Wimbledon women's singles final 21 million
10= Tennis: Wimbledon men's singles final 21 million
12 Cycling: Tour de France final stage 16 million
13= Football: FA Cup final Millwall v Man Utd 9 million
13= Horseracing: Grand National 9 million
15 Rowing: University Boat Race 5 million

Initiative collected data from 57 major TV markets, accounting for over 90% of TV households globally.

And another list, more recent events:
1. 2006 World Cup Final (300 million viewers)
2. Euro 2004 Soccer Final (153 million viewers)
3. 2004 Olympic Games: opening ceremony (127 million viewers)
4. 2004 Olympic Games: closing ceremony (96 million viewers)
5. 2004 Super Bowl (95 million viewers)
6. 2004 Olympic Games: men's 100m metres (87 million viewers)
7. 2003 Champions League (67 million viewers)
8. 2004 Olympic Games: men's 200m freestyle swimming (66 million viewers)
9. 2004 Formula One: Monaco Grand Prix (59 million viewers)
10. 2004 Basketball: NBA finals (25 million viewers)

What are some things an American can do or say that would earn him admiration and respect while in France?

Rita K

How can an American win over the French when traveling for an extended time in their country? What sort of things should he say or do to win their respect and friendship? What things in particular, do the French hold especially dear? What are the usual codes of behaviour between the sexes? What is acceptable in France and what are definite no-no's?

Answer
Generally speaking the French are more formal than most North Americans.

In everyday speech this means appending "s'il vous plâit" to any request. It means saying "je voudrais" and not "donnez moi" when ordering from a menu. It means calling the waiter "Monsieur" and not "Garçon." It means greeting the staff at a shop with "Bonjour" (madam or monsieur as appropriate) before ordering something and saying goodbye when you leave.

The French tend to follow the older practice of not calling each other by first names or using the familiar without at least some acquaintance (although this is not so much true of young people).

The easy presumption of friendship or the discussing of personal matters with relative strangers that is common in North America is sometimes seen as boorish or crude by the French.

Americans in particular who will talk about the intimate details of their love lives, the state of their personal finances, and the cost of everything they own with someone they met ten minutes ago are, for that reason, regarded as utterly outré.

On the other hand, Americans, who have been taught to never discuss politics or religion, sometimes think they are being singled out for abuse when the French express their opinions on such matters. They are not, of course. they are simply engaging in the second most popular French indoor sport (and the one that does not usually require a bed).

[As a personal observation, I have never hesitated to make my own opinion perfectly clear, even when it is one unpopular with the French. Despite the fact that I speak French with an obvious Canadian accent (I learned how to speak French in Montreal) I always correct people who identify me as a Quebecois and never hesitate to say I am an American. If people want to argue politics and/or current events I am happy to oblige. I have never met a worthwhile person who was offended by a sincerely held opinion that is supported with logic and facts. Some Americans seem to believe that they must meekly agree with every opinion expressed in France (or pretend to be Canadians.) to avoid being labeled an "Ugly American." This is, in my opinion just as bad as those halfwits who routinely mouth insulting anti-French platitudes. The French are some of the most well informed and intellectual people in the world. Match them thought for thought and you'll be respected and liked.]

When in a cafe, which often seems the center of life in Paris, recall that Cafe au lait is only called that at breakfast. At other times it is "café crème " or "une crème." If ordering the a standard tiny cup of black coffee, sound like a native by calling for "un espress."

Asking for special preparation of food items is generally frowned on as is the practice of the "doggy bag."

By law, prices must be posted in the window of cafes. You will notice that there are usually at least two price levels. One is for service at the bar (le zinc) and the other for table service. It is cheating to buy a drink at the bar and then take a table to drink it at.

Butter is served with bread only at breakfast and with the cheese course.

When you pay for something the person taking your money expects you to put it down, rather than taking it directly from your hand. Most places have a sort of tray on the counter expressly for this purpose.

When you're in a theater and have to go by someone to get to your seat always pass in front of them facing toward them, that is, away from the screen or the stage. It's very rude otherwise. Ushers in theaters, including movie theaters, should be tipped when they show you to your seat. A small coin is enough.

Although there are fewer and fewer of them with each passing year there are still public toilet facilities that have attendants. They should also be tipped.

When traveling on public transportation you'll notice little fold down seats close to the doors. These can be used until the subway car fills up. If and when it does become crowded you should stand up to make more room. You'll also notice that there are some seats which are identified as being for wounded war veterans, pregnant women etc. You may sit there but should give up your seat if someone in these categories needs it.

If you keep you eyes open, watch what others do, and bear in mind that even in the simplest things there can be differences, you'll do fine.

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