What the hell are you driving?

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

I'm really surprised by how many people that have new cars. I don't get it. Seems like a waste of money to me.

Then again, as many people here know - I am cheap as hell.

You must have had a lot of luck with used cars. I've only owned used cars, one lasted a good long time (the first one), one that's been so-so (the current one), and one that was nothing but problem after problem and lasted about 2 years (the last one). I thought the same as you when I owned the first one, but after the last 2, I really do get it.

If I could afford a new car, I'd get one. In the last 5-6 years, I've spent as much money on my used cars (buying + repairs) as I would have on one new car (a pretty cheap one, but a new one nonetheless).

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

See, that's where my question lays - Why is it worth it? I could get a new car, but I don't understand why I should take on more debt for something that gets me from one place to another. Meh, to each their own I guess.

potential for repairs, warranty, piece of mind just to name a few.

A car is a big purchase. I would rather spend the extra money knowing I am getting a quality product and having the piece of mind.

I am curious if there is an economic study that shows if you really save money in the long run buying a used car.

[Lorena]

We have a 2000 Saturn SL and a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier.

[Schmidty]

Originally Posted by sabotai

You must have had a lot of luck with used cars. I've only owned used cars, one lasted a good long time (the first one), one that's been so-so (the current one), and one that was nothing but problem after problem and lasted about 2 years (the last one). I thought the same as you when I owned the first one, but after the last 2, I really do get it.

If I could afford a new car, I'd get one. In the last 5-6 years, I've spent as much money on my used cars (buying + repairs) as I would have on one new car (a pretty cheap one, but a new one nonetheless).

Well, I bought my Ranger used in 1999, and it's still awesome, and the Escort was more recent - 2006. I do all of the oil and filter changes, and I'm the least mechanical person I know. It takes me like 5 minutes every 3-4 months. I don't know, maybe I have been lucky, but I had 1 other car before that ('87 Mercury Lynx), and did the same thing, and never had huge issues. I mean things break down at times, but definitely not the engine and such. I guess the fact that the only automatic I've ever had is the Escort wagon, but our transmission is great according to our mechanic when we had a checkup a month or so ago.

Anyway, I'm not trying to criticize people, but it's just there are so many other things that I would rather spend my money on than a car.

[Tasan]

'04 Toyota Corolla and '03 Mitsu Outlander. And I'll never buy another Mitsubishi. Ever.

Dumbest purchase I ever made, of anything all time was that Outlander. Its paid for now at least. The AC and another $300+ part (just to fix it myself) have gone out since the warranty expired. The paint job was absolutely awful as well. That + a billion other "little" things and a horrible dealership to boot and I'll never consider another one again.

[johnnyshaka]

Originally Posted by Lathum

potential for repairs, warranty, piece of mind just to name a few.

A car is a big purchase. I would rather spend the extra money knowing I am getting a quality product and having the piece of mind.

I am curious if there is an economic study that shows if you really save money in the long run buying a used car.

I bought my '91 VW GTI in '99 for $5000. I had to replace the clutch, starter, brakes, exhaust, tires, and a few other odds and ends during the 8 years I owned the car. Instead of selling it I gave it to a buddy who helped with the finishing touches on a new garage I was building...a little bartering, I guess.

All in, I'd say all the above mentioned repairs probably cost in the ballpark of $3000. I was able to do some of the work myself (with lots of help from family/friends), which helps keep costs down. That's about $8000 for a car that got me from point A to point B for $1000 a year...gas and oil changes, not included.

Great, but at the end of 8 years I essentially don't have anything to show for my $8000 "investment" in the car, i.e. no more car. So, would buying a new car, assuming I had $5000 as a down payment, leave me in a better situation after the same 8 years?

EDIT: Had I sold the car instead of exchanging it for labour I probably could've gotten $1500 or so. Guess that could factor into things.

[Danny]

I spent about 1500 on my used car the year before I married my wife (I bought it for 2300 when it's blue book was around 6-7k, so some cost was expected). For the 8 months that I've been married I've spent only $60 (for a new starter) as my wife's dad and brother are mechanics and labor is what makes getting work done so expensive. Plus they get deals on the parts.

[path12]

Loved loved loved my 93 Mitsubishi Eclipse but that got totaled a few years back. Now in a 07 Kia Rondo.

It's just not quite the same.

[MrBug708]

2009 Jetta

[Alan T]

'01 Chevy Blazer and '02 Ford Explorer

Both are fully paid off, so no car payments is a nice thing considering my wife is back in school working on a second masters degree. We just recently did a car swap however where I get the nicer Explorer and she drives the Blazer for now, but once she finishes up school she'll get the next new car.

[Raiders Army]

Lexus ES 2007 (Resized):

[Ksyrup]

2002 Odyssey and 2005 Acura TL. One more year of payments on the TL, which I plan to keep for awhile. We'll probably upgrade the wife's Odyssey in the next 2 years or so.

[Flasch186]

glad to see that since selling my Jeep I now drive the worst POS on the boards:



although I think this is the year of the new car....as long as the Wife can make this go into General real estate work. puhlease! I'd like to spend about $15K-20K on the next car maybe a 1 year old or so but there are some car commercials that make me eat up the MKz.

[MacroGuru]

Honestly, I hate the Escalade, it was my wife's want and her business bought it for her so I am not complaining to much in the way of cost of purchase...It's the cost of upkeep now.

For example, some jack ass backed into it at the mall breaking the rear tail light, it's going to cost $300 to replace because I have to buy the entire housing for it. I have been trying to find it cheaper and think I have found one on the internet for around $100 but I need to check.

My mini-van is a leach when it comes to money, it's part of the reason we don't drive it that much anymore....For example it has a card that cost $250 a shot that goes out every year and it is a known issue with Dodge.

Honestly, I am saving up to buy me a Volvo S90, the ones my friends have owned have been awesome and they have not had any issues with them.

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Lathum

potential for repairs, warranty, piece of mind just to name a few.

A car is a big purchase. I would rather spend the extra money knowing I am getting a quality product and having the piece of mind.

pretty much the same reasons for me and you can add the fact that I drive a 25 minutes commute of sort of country roads with little convenience in terms of mechanics. The cost of repairs is one thing, having the car fail me in the middle of my commute is another thing that I hate over everything else. To be stuck in -20F weather waiting for a towing cause the car broke down is something I want to avoid at pretty much all cost. Sure it might only happen once in the next 5 years with a good used cars, but that would be one too many...

Also, I went with the new Mazda 3 thinking ahead that our 12 year old son will be 18 in six short years and probably looking for his first car by then. Giving him a 6 year old Mazda 3 could be a nice birthday gift by then...

FM

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

Also, I went with the new Mazda 3 thinking ahead that our 12 year old son will be 18 in six short years and probably looking for his first car by then. Giving him a 6 year old Mazda 3 could be a nice birthday gift by then...

FM

I had a similar thought about my TL, although it will be 6-7 years before our oldest is ready to drive. A lot will depend on how the car holds up, obviously, but I'm thinking that would definitely be an inexpensive first car for her - basically, just the cost of adding her to the insurance policy.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

2003 Mustang Convertible. 58K miles and paid off. Gotta love free transportation.

[Honolulu_Blue]

2005 Subaru Outback.

I bought it new when I got it. I was planning on buying a used one, but there wasn't enough leg room up front. It was impossible for me to stretch my legs out fully. That would have made me crazy.

I love the car. The 4 wheel drive is fantastic and it's great in snow. There is a ton of cargo space, though there is very little room in the backseat. I'm never back there, however, so I don't mind.

[molson]

2006 Hyundai Elantra.

Bought it new, it's all paid off. I was planning on buying used, but thought of a low number that convince me to buy new and with the '07s on the way, they took that offer.

I only care about cost/not breaking down, and I've loved it so far up to 50k miles.

[Buccaneer]

Schmidty, I run cars for 9-10 years before they get too ill (i.e., need $$$ repairs). I know I will run my 2008 Toyota for that amount of time, long after it being paid off. I wuold have gone cheaper with a 2005 or something but they didn't have any (being as popular as they are).

[revrew]

You people and your cute little vehicles. They're so...so...so adorable!

I drive a 1999 Ford Clubwagon 15-passenger van. Zoom, zoom, baby.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by revrew

You people and your cute little vehicles. They're so...so...so adorable!

I drive a 1999 Ford Clubwagon 15-passenger van. Zoom, zoom, baby.

Hauling a lot of church youth groups, are you?

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by revrew

You people and your cute little vehicles. They're so...so...so adorable!

I drive a 1999 Ford Clubwagon 15-passenger van. Zoom, zoom, baby.

What are you dating Octomom?

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Hauling a lot of church youth groups, are you?

you do know that revrew has like 8 or 9 kids, right?

Seriously, I don't remember how many, but I remember that it struck me as "a lot" by my standards.

FM

[lordscarlet]

Apparently I'm the first asshole in the thread.

My primary:


We also have my wife's 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage (not ours pictured below, but very similar)

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu

Going green baby

Smug alert!!!

[DataKing]

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT.

VROOOM!

[CamEdwards]

2007 Chrysler Sebring. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm still paying off the car after the company's no longer around.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

you do know that revrew has like 8 or 9 kids, right?

Seriously, I don't remember how many, but I remember that it struck me as "a lot" by my standards.

FM

Holy Jesus. That's not a family. That's a tribe.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Holy Jesus. That's not a family. That's a tribe.

Baseball team.

[chinaski]

My daily, r600 Cannondale:




My weekender, 1975 Caprice Classic Convertible:

[Icy]

This 2007 Toyota Rav 4, so happy with it.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

2007 Infiniti G35

Nice! The fiance and I are probably going to buy a new car later this year, and as I've been narrowing my focus the G37x is looking better and better. I also like the IS250 AWD, but the bigger backseat and more powerful engine are working in favor of the Infiniti, though I suppose that's somewhat balanced by the higher price. I also really like the A3's, but Audi's questionable reliability reputation is working against them. As you can tell, I'm big on having all-wheel drive, as the car needs to be reliable in snow (mostly for going to ski areas, though Seattle had significant snow this year).

Current car is a '97 Jetta GLX (the one with the VR6).

[terpkristin]

Yay I went out to photograph my car and saw the bird poo!


/tk

[boberot]

The first and probably only Buick driver.

No, I'm not 75, but I drive an 01 Buick Century Custom. [couldnt find one picturing the sunroof]

Yeah, my buddies bust my balls all the time but I absolutely love it. Leather, sunroof, great stereo, about as comfortable and reliable as it gets. I feel like I'm driving around on my couch.

And I'm not ashamed.

[Peregrine]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Nice! The fiance and I are probably going to buy a new car later this year, and as I've been narrowing my focus the G37x is looking better and better. I also like the IS250 AWD, but the bigger backseat and more powerful engine are working in favor of the Infiniti, though I suppose that's somewhat balanced by the higher price. I also really like the A3's, but Audi's questionable reliability reputation is working against them. As you can tell, I'm big on having all-wheel drive, as the car needs to be reliable in snow (mostly for going to ski areas, though Seattle had significant snow this year).

Current car is a '97 Jetta GLX (the one with the VR6).

Yeah I love my G35 - I don't have the all-wheel drive model, but then we only rarely have any substantial snow to deal with and it's never been a problem. The only issue I've found is that Infiniti doesn't have as many dealers as other brands, in my area there's only one, so that limits your options in terms of getting a good price, and the service is expensive if you want to take it to the dealer.

[spleen1015]

2008 Saturn Astra

Small car for a big man!

[lungs]

2004 Pontiac GTO

[finketr]

2008 nissan rogue

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

See, that's where my question lays - Why is it worth it? I could get a new car, but I don't understand why I should take on more debt for something that gets me from one place to another. Meh, to each their own I guess.

I used to think just like you. Then Telle got a lease on a brand new cavalier and we went 3 years without ever having to have anything fixed/repaired/replaced.

I'll probably never buy a used car again. Its WORTH not having to worry about your car anytime you want to use it.

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by lungs

2004 Pontiac GTO

That is not a GTO, its an embarrassment to the name GTO. Pontiac should be closed down...err...nevermind...

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by Icy

This 2007 Toyota Rav 4, so happy with it.

How much were you paid to be an extra ion those OTHER car commercials?

[RendeR]

ANd when it comes time for us to plan our FOFC road trip to vegas we'll be contacting revrew to do the driving =)

[SFL Cat]

2009 Toyota Camry SE

[wade moore]

2003 Toyota Celica (not mine, but looks just like it):



Yeah, it's kind of easy to spot me around town.

Oh, and I am the original owner and it has 156k on it.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

See, that's where my question lays - Why is it worth it? I could get a new car, but I don't understand why I should take on more debt for something that gets me from one place to another. Meh, to each their own I guess.

I had a 96 Civic but it would have cost me $4500 to get everything in good shape again and the car was worth about $1500 dollars. Can't see paying that much for an old car to fix it, so I bought a soccer mom car, a Jetta

[Poli]

[gstelmack]

2007 Honda Odyssey

Forget the exact model, the one below the Touring that includes the DVD player but not the navigation system or really cool computer. I might have to get that one next time.

[EagleFan]

Originally Posted by Poli

I hope they knocked a few buck off the price for that defect on the hood....

[Barkeep49]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I had a 96 Civic but it would have cost me $4500 to get everything in good shape again and the car was worth about $1500 dollars. Can't see paying that much for an old car to fix it, so I bought a soccer mom car, a Jetta

As another Jetta driver, I definitely take offense at your soccer mom description, especially as most of the other people I know who drive a Jetta are not of the soccer mom variety (though 1 is).