These are not "shady" deals, but I think that all 3 favor the dealership, and not the auto owner. 1. Extend the warranty from 5 to 7 years for $1480 and get the money back if no claims. This is a free loan of $1480 to the dealer for 7 years and it probably does not cover much, maybe just the drive train. These parts are already warranteed for 5 years. What happens if the dealership changes hand, goes out of business, or re-incorporates before the 7 years is up? These days, auto dealerships are very fluid and a long term, fixed business arrangement for 7 years is more rare than new dealerships. Do you thnik you will own this vehicle for 7 years? What happens to your money if you replace this vehicle within 5 years? 2. Rust proofig for $848 or more option at $1248. The time to add rust proofing to a vehicle is when it is new and the surfaces are clean. This one is a maybe. Some sources say it is wasted money. It all depends on what is done. If it merely duplicates the coatings already placed by the manufacturer, it is not very helpful. It may offer some protection if you live on a gravel road where the undercarraige gets pelted with stones on a regular basis. If they add coatings to the interior of the doors, be careful here. Too much in the wrong place can gum up the workings of electric door locks; It can plug door drains. If you live in the "rust belt" where road salts are used extensively, it may some added value. This one is a judgement call. 3. Accident and health insurance. This is assurance (to the dealer) that you'll have cash to pay off the loan in case of debilitating accident or sickness to you. Very likely, it will be written to the effect that in case of accident or illiness, the car loan is the first item to be satisfied. If you are employed, have adequate health and life insurance, this is not needed. For a long trerm loan, say 5 years, the dealer (and loan agency) is very anxious to make sure that the loan covered.

One other thought - - builders in our area often provide "booties" (the blue type similar to what they use in hospitals). Once carpet is in, everyone who enters the house is required to either put booties over their shoes or else take off their shoes. We bought a bunch of non-slip, extra-large (good over work boots) booties on eBay for a very reasonable price, and we'll be using them, in combination with the sticky film I mentioned earlier.

I haven't used carpet on top of carpet, but I certainly see it a lot any more...a decorating 'fashion' statement. I've vacuumed at my SILs though, and I don't like to fuss with the edge around the area carpet placed on the wall-to-wall - so chose not to do that here in my living or dining rooms which have off white wall to wall carpet. If you are interested in trying it without investing lots, several on the home decorating forum here have suggested esalerugs.com. That company was new to me but most seem to have been pleased. At the recommendation from posters there, I've just now ordered poly runners that have the look of oriental rugs for the hallway through my mudroom and the far end that leads outside to the patio. They are telling me can be hosed off if they get especially dirty....we'll see. The rugs aren't due to be delivered until mid week next week so I can't speak to their quality first hand.

We have a new home build that Is almost completed. My concern is keeping the light gray carpeted stairs clean As we have two dachshunds #shortlegs and their belly’s will rub up and down those stairs all day long. I have seen clear plastic stair treads but wondering how those would work out. Or even a clear plastic runner but wonder how that would stay put. Any advice greatly appreciated.