View Full Version : Looking For a Car to Replace My Truck - I Need Your Inputs! Or: Talk Some Sense Into Me
HoneyBadger
09-10-2013, 06:24
The name of the game is "Tell me what car you think I should buy and why because I don't know a lot about cars". Or "Talk some sense into me because selling my truck is a bad idea."
Reasons why I want to sell my current vehicle:
My 2001 Silverado (1500 extended cab, standard bed, 115k) is costing me about $400 a month in gas to commute to work, and currently I don't need any of the "truck functions" - towing, hauling, etc.
When I bought the truck in 2010 with 70k miles on it, it KBB'd for $11k. Now it has 115k miles and is KBB'ing for $10k. Looking at market trends, it seems that the value of my truck is going to start dropping rapidly in the next year or two.
It is due for about $1k in preventative maintenance items - rear shocks and front control arms ought to be replaced, I couldn't afford some of the 100k maintenance items at the time and I forgot to go back and do them. I really don't feel like paying $1k or more to keep a 13 year old truck going.
It's a PITA getting a carseat into the back seat of the current vehicle. The back doors open like suicide doors, making it impossible to park directly next to anyone and have access to the cab.
If I get a more fuel efficient car, I can save $200 or more on gas alone. If I save $200/mo on gas, I can use that money to make payments on a newer car or (even better) put that money into the bank.
Reasons why I don't want to sell:
I love having a truck around. I plan on doing some hefty landscaping work and finishing my basement within the next few years. I like the idea of saving on shipping and delivery costs by doing it myself, especially with landscape materials. Delivery fee on a few tons of rock is $$$$. Long story short - I like the versatility and "Do It Yourself-ness" of having a truck.
I like being able to get places off the beaten path without bottoming out and destroying a car. Especially when it comes to going shooting, mountain biking, hiking, or camping.
I feel very safe in my 5500lb truck.
What I need help with:
I haven't looked at cars in a long time and I don't know what I should be looking for. I have about $18k +/- $2k after I sell my truck that I can put into a new vehicle.
If you are a mechanic or know a lot about cars, your input would be especially helpful.
If i'm crazy and should hang on to my truck, then tell me why you think so.
Requirements:
4 doors
~25mpg or better. Bonus points for 30+
Needs to be able to fit a carseat in the back
Needs to be safe
less than 60k miles... preferably less than 40k.
Nothing older than 2005 year model
Thanks in advance!
TheBelly
09-10-2013, 06:30
VW tdi.
Used golf or Jetta will serve well.
I folded the seats down in my golf and fit my entire reloading bench in there (6'x3').
tmleadr03
09-10-2013, 07:03
VW tdi.
Used golf or Jetta will serve well.
I folded the seats down in my golf and fit my entire reloading bench in there (6'x3').
Back sear is tight for a car seat in the jetta/golf. Passat would work better but you are stuck with an automatic if you do Passat.
Great-Kazoo
09-10-2013, 07:16
Nissan VERSA Hatchback. We have an 084dr SL, gets 33 mpg even doing "over the speed limit" can seat 2- 6'8, 230lb men in the back seats, with ease and comfort. Plenty of storage behind passenger seats, even more when seats folded. average mpg is 27-33 in town 33 hwy 27 in winter and summer with heat or a/c going. Ours has 69K and were kicking around selling for a new one.
FWIW: it's the first foreign / japanese we owned and doubt it will be the last.
Spent a lot of time test driving, researching EVERY small 4 dr on the market. The hatch back fit the needs of someone who doesn't like sub compact's let along foreign
One other reason the versa was chosen. LEG ROOM EVERY compact & sub compact center console was designed for narrow legged drivers. Due to lower extremity issues i could not drive any of the ones we narrowed the field to, except the versa.
The Hyundai's caught our eye, especially with the 100K warranty. HOWEVER we discovered they did business with iran, out of the running (we also don't own GE products either)
A passenger car that caught my eye is the new chevy diesel . Have not checked it out but again the up front room looks "confined"
http://www.chevrolet.com/cruze-compact-car.html?seo=ysm_|_GM+Chevy+Awareness-X5274396_|_GI-AWR-Cruze+Diesel-BP-SN-BMM_|_Cruze+Diesel_|_+cruze%20+diesel%20release%20 date#Diesel
Jeffrey Lebowski
09-10-2013, 07:31
Given the "why you don't want to sell" section, have you considered a used but smaller truck? I haven't priced anything in a while, but seems like $18 could get you a Tacoma/Frontier.
My respectful opinion: VW SUCKS. I have a Passat and I'll never own another VW in my life. Wish I had the money to trade off on something else. Maintenance nightmare, ALWAYS something wrong with it and spendy to fix. Timeing belt went at 66,000, Dashboard can't help but light up like a Christmas tree every 6 months - no shit. Great mileage and 1.8 turbo flies up the hills but it isn't worth it, not even close.
Ford Chevy Honda or Toyota, period.
Keep the truck or replace the truck with another, or you'll regret it. Go smaller and more efficient. I've grown to love the smaller trucks. I bet you'd be way happy with a Tacoma.
buffalobo
09-10-2013, 07:48
Keep the truck, do maint a little at a time, buy a 4 cyl beater for commuting.
Sent from my electronic ball and chain.
I'd just get a smaller, more fuel efficient truck...or a small commuter car, and do the maintenance depending on the math and possible space/parking constraints.
speedysst
09-10-2013, 08:15
Dodge Dart. 4 doors, 41mpg, MSRP $15995
BuffCyclist
09-10-2013, 08:18
2011+ MINI Countryman S All4.
It meets your requirements, has AWD, (though cost is around $22k-$25k depending on miles), AND it gets 32+ mpg and thats pretty sweet! Not to mention, the MINI is one of the most fun cars I've ever driven and hugs the corners tighter than a 1999 996 Carrera that I used to have access to.
Aside from their very small size, MINIs are EXTREMELY safe! Only downside to them though, is that if something breaks that you can't fix, its going to be pretty expensive for a dealer to fix. With that said, my 2006 MINI Cooper has given me 40k miles in the 2+ yrs I've owned it, averaging about 38-42mpg and the only thing I had to do to it was replace the thermostat as the gasket had a slight leak and would drain the coolant in about a week (but I did that myself for a cost of 2hrs and $45).
When I bought my MINI, I was driving my lifted Xterra 35 miles to/from work, so it was costing me about $350-400 in gas per month. Once I got the MINI, my gas budget dropped to about $100-150, if that, and the amount I saved in gas made the car payment. I'm considering selling it, and my Xterra, in the next couple of years and upgrading to the Countryman S ALL4 so I can have the fuel efficiency and AWD, so my opinion might be a little biased [LOL].
Good luck with the search!!
eta: The Countryman might set you back a bit in insurance, so if you haven't already, price out insurance costs for various vehicles you're considering too as that could really change your decision.
Zundfolge
09-10-2013, 08:24
I hate to say it but a lightly used Subaru would fit the bill perfectly for you ... just make sure you plaster it in NRA and other pro-gun stickers so you don't look like a douche.
Here's a couple of examples I found on a quick Craigslist search.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057819897.html
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057346818.html
BuffCyclist
09-10-2013, 08:28
I hate to say it but a lightly used Subaru would fit the bill perfectly for you ... just make sure you plaster it in NRA and other pro-gun stickers so you don't look like a douche.
Here's a couple of examples I found on a quick Craigslist search.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057819897.html
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057346818.html
That is my other car choice too. Granted, he didn't say he needed 4WD, though I doubt it would be useless in CO. So I just stayed quiet to let someone else suggest it [LOL]
Zundfolge
09-10-2013, 08:32
That is my other car choice too. Granted, he didn't say he needed 4WD, though I doubt it would be useless in CO.
I based my suggestion of a Subie on this:
I like being able to get places off the beaten path without bottoming out and destroying a car. Especially when it comes to going shooting, mountain biking, hiking, or camping.
Along with his list of "requirements"
4 doors
~25mpg or better. Bonus points for 30+
Needs to be able to fit a carseat in the back
Needs to be safe
less than 60k miles... preferably less than 40k.
Nothing older than 2005 year model
And even though they've become the status symbol of the brain dead liberal they're really good cars and he's planning on spending enough to get a low mileage one.
btw, found another one http://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/4038393579.html
Biggest thing for me is your truck paid off? If you own it outright why wouldn't you just keep it and slowly maintain it as you go? It's not pressing for you to get those repairs taken of right away.
hurley842002
09-10-2013, 08:52
Biggest thing for me is your truck paid off? If you own it outright why wouldn't you just keep it and slowly maintain it as you go? It's not pressing for you to get those repairs taken of right away.
Agree, and I think someone is feeding the OP a line of BS, because I doubt the control arms need replaced, maybe bushings...
BuffCyclist
09-10-2013, 08:58
I based my suggestion of a Subie on this:
Along with his list of "requirements"
And even though they've become the status symbol of the brain dead liberal they're really good cars and he's planning on spending enough to get a low mileage one.
btw, found another one http://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/4038393579.html
Ah, gotcha, missed that part lol. I agree, hippies drive them, but they are definitely good cars.
funkymonkey1111
09-10-2013, 09:11
It's interesting that you "feel" safe in your truck, when the IIHS rating for head restraints on that truck is poor and the offset crash is marginal.
Ah, gotcha, missed that part lol. I agree, hippies drive them, but they are definitely good cars.
Hippies drive the outback, forester, and impreza rs wagon. If anyone wants a subaru that's definitely not hippy-ish, get a Legacy GT or WRX STi. I love my STi. It's a rocket ship.
I hate to say it but a lightly used Subaru would fit the bill perfectly for you ... just make sure you plaster it in NRA and other pro-gun stickers so you don't look like a douche.
Here's a couple of examples I found on a quick Craigslist search.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057819897.html
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057346818.html
Honestly they're great cars.. a bit under 'pokey' on the 4cyl versions, but if you're looking for fuel econ, that's what you're going to get. I have driven several of the 'lesbian limousines' from people at work when I had to grab things that wouldn't fit in the benz.. and honestly, I didn't mind.
It's interesting that you "feel" safe in your truck, when the IIHS rating for head restraints on that truck is poor and the offset crash is marginal.
If you understand that the IIHS only compares cars IN CLASS to each other and the way they do the tests, they almost HAVE to have one model come out as marginal, then your statement makes no sense. A 2001 Silverado, in the 95% crash statistics is safer than any car he would be able to afford.
Shocks, bushings, plus a pitman and steering control total about $400 from Rock Auto. The control arms are not shot, maybe the bushings. But the pitman and steering, yes, around 150 or so , they need a redo. Compare the gas plus insurance to the newer car's gas plus insurance.
Hate to say it, but used Hyundais are pretty good values in this realm if you really decide to go with a car/small SUV.
I was in the same position that you are in now. What it boils down to is:
a) do you want to save the most money you can
b) find a happy medium with a car that does everything you want
Option a) you are best off selling the truck and buying an economy car. This is the cheapest option because you wont be stuck with the insurance and registration of two vehicles and you will be getting great gas mileage while being much more family friendly. Economy cars have the cheapest insurance and really you can get one with a ton of options right now for cheap. I bought a 2012 Ford Fiesta with 9000 miles on it, full transferable warranty, electrical everything, Bluetooth for calls and audio stream and much more and it was $12,000 from the dealership. It gets 43 mpg and I pay 68 a month for full coverage everything with a $500 deductible. Usually I can not remember the last time that I filled up. There are other options, but I prefer ford and american cars because I do my own work on them and the parts are more available and way cheaper. It still gets out in the mountains, I just have to hike a little further which is a welcome trade for all the money that I am saving.
Option b) If you take on a second car payment and insurance you will not be lowering the cost of ownership at all for years to come. So for this option you are best off selling the truck as well. Then really the only option left to accomplish what you want is a small SUV. Subaru's are nice, but in my experience they get the same gas mileage as a small SUV, but have less space and lower ground clearance. You can find Ford Escapes or similar all over for less than $18,000 and as long as you get one with four wheel drive it will go all over the mountains. Obviously you will have to baby it and there will be limits, but it will take any fire road out there and should get around 25 mpg on the highway. If you do the research some SUV are way cheaper than others to insure, but that all comes down to roll hazard. Just make sure it is not a roll hazard.
Really depending on if you own your truck or not, and the price of gas it is going to be hard to save a lot of money in the short term. You will be paying a little more in insurance, and you will add a car payment that will make up for the gas savings. In the long term once it is paid off you will see the greatest savings with the economy car, but you will be giving up a little utility. The suv or subaru will maintain some utility, but will cost more in insurance and general cost of ownership. Whatever your move is, just plan on not saving a dime until it is paid off.
tmleadr03
09-10-2013, 10:37
My respectful opinion: VW SUCKS. I have a Passat and I'll never own another VW in my life. Wish I had the money to trade off on something else. Maintenance nightmare, ALWAYS something wrong with it and spendy to fix. Timeing belt went at 66,000, Dashboard can't help but light up like a Christmas tree every 6 months - no shit. Great mileage and 1.8 turbo flies up the hills but it isn't worth it, not even close.
Ford Chevy Honda or Toyota, period.
Keep the truck or replace the truck with another, or you'll regret it. Go smaller and more efficient. I've grown to love the smaller trucks. I bet you'd be way happy with a Tacoma.
VW diesels have always been more reliable.
Holger Danske
09-10-2013, 10:48
Older Cadillac with the Northstar engine? Or, a Honda crx?
Keep the truck, do maint a little at a time, buy a 4 cyl beater for commuting.
Sent from my electronic ball and chain.
^+1
Audi is bringing the diesel to the US and you can haul a 12' ladder and 1,000 of rock in one.
I kid.
Get a Suby and keep the truck.
Or
Get an Ext cab Taco.
nisils14
09-10-2013, 11:43
To me, just about anything japanese will probably serve you well. Hondas, Toyotas, Subarus and some Nissans is what I would pick from. GM just released a Cruze in turbo diesel. TDs are definitely the way to go for MPG if you do a lot of highway driving. Ford and GM are definitely stepping their game with their new cars. Wouldn't hurt to look something entry or mid level from them. Used cars wise though, the older Japanese cars still have it, especially if you're looking '05+. With 16k, that easily get you much newer. I'd stay away from anything european that's over 100k, I bought a bmw 325xi, I ended up replacing more crap on it in one year than I have with 3 other cars i've had in their lifetime. (Civic, STi, tsx) Luckily, I can fix it myself.
UrbanWolf
09-10-2013, 11:51
Have you considered a SUV that use less gas than your truck?
The name of the game is "Tell me what car you think I should buy and why because I don't know a lot about cars". Or "Talk some sense into me because selling my truck is a bad idea."
Reasons why I want to sell my current vehicle:
My 2001 Silverado (1500 extended cab, standard bed, 115k) is costing me about $400 a month in gas to commute to work, and currently I don't need any of the "truck functions" - towing, hauling, etc.
When I bought the truck in 2010 with 70k miles on it, it KBB'd for $11k. Now it has 115k miles and is KBB'ing for $10k. Looking at market trends, it seems that the value of my truck is going to start dropping rapidly in the next year or two.
It is due for about $1k in preventative maintenance items - rear shocks and front control arms ought to be replaced, I couldn't afford some of the 100k maintenance items at the time and I forgot to go back and do them. I really don't feel like paying $1k or more to keep a 13 year old truck going.
It's a PITA getting a carseat into the back seat of the current vehicle. The back doors open like suicide doors, making it impossible to park directly next to anyone and have access to the cab.
If I get a more fuel efficient car, I can save $200 or more on gas alone. If I save $200/mo on gas, I can use that money to make payments on a newer car or (even better) put that money into the bank.
Reasons why I don't want to sell:
I love having a truck around. I plan on doing some hefty landscaping work and finishing my basement within the next few years. I like the idea of saving on shipping and delivery costs by doing it myself, especially with landscape materials. Delivery fee on a few tons of rock is $$$$. Long story short - I like the versatility and "Do It Yourself-ness" of having a truck.
I like being able to get places off the beaten path without bottoming out and destroying a car. Especially when it comes to going shooting, mountain biking, hiking, or camping.
I feel very safe in my 5500lb truck.
What I need help with:
I haven't looked at cars in a long time and I don't know what I should be looking for. I have about $18k +/- $2k after I sell my truck that I can put into a new vehicle.
If you are a mechanic or know a lot about cars, your input would be especially helpful.
If i'm crazy and should hang on to my truck, then tell me why you think so.
Requirements:
4 doors
~25mpg or better. Bonus points for 30+
Needs to be able to fit a carseat in the back
Needs to be safe
less than 60k miles... preferably less than 40k.
Nothing older than 2005 year model
Thanks in advance!
hghclsswhitetrsh
09-10-2013, 12:07
Have you considered a SUV that use less gas than your truck?
Did you even read his post?
Op: you might look at a Subaru wagon of some sort. Run for. Long time a good gas mileage.
Audi S5.. Screw your requirements -- just look good doing whatever. :p
Another vote on a subi I love my outback
Get a scooter for commuting. Tough to beat 80-100 mpg.
mikedubs
09-10-2013, 14:17
A Subie will get you most places a nonlifted Silverado will, and get 25 MPG reliably. Very few things will go wrong before 100K if that soon.
I recommend a Forester over an Outback for the headroom; a WRX is good for accelerating quickly and cornering on a flat surface.
Not ALL Subie owners are braindead libs, some of us just like the utility of a Subaru.
Have we mentioned a Subaru yet?
Not ALL Subie owners are braindead libs
The rest are just lesbians.
I think this is what you are looking for. Great gas mileage and looks like a 4x4..
http://www.ufunk.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Smaudi-A3-AWD.jpg
Zundfolge
09-10-2013, 14:25
The rest are just lesbians.
Especially Foresters :p (http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/otherfunstuff/tp/LesbianCars.htm)
(but in all seriousness, Subies are really good cars ... its the one thing Liberals are right about ... you know, a broken clock being right twice a day and all)
mikedubs
09-10-2013, 14:29
The rest are just lesbians.
Ya got me there...I do like me some women.
In all seriousness. My wife has a 2011 Highlander -- and I fricking love that car. Drives great. SUPER comfortable. Great on gas. I have told her a couple of times that I'd trade my truck for her Highlander.
Chrysler/Dodge Minivan. The only downside is lack of ground clearance. Means you have to ride or walk the bike a bit farther.
When your kids are older with friends with bikes and your hauling more crap the van is really nice.
Post Toastie
09-10-2013, 15:43
Keep the truck, do maint a little at a time, buy a 4 cyl beater for commuting.
/\ /\ /\ This /\ /\ /\
I daily drive my '01 GMC Sierra and love it for many of the reasons you cited. If my gas cost was as high as yours, I'd get a small car.
DocMedic
09-10-2013, 16:12
Subie, I love my 2012 outback, 41k on it now and still the smoothest riding car I've ever own, avg's 26's to 28's MPG. 9inch clearance is a big plus coming from ranges / fields
Subie, I love my 2012 outback, 41k on it now and still the smoothest riding car I've ever own, avg's 26's to 28's MPG. 9inch clearance is a big plus coming from ranges / fields
And if you have seen him drive, anything with 41K on it that still runs is pretty good. :)
My wife has a 2013 Subaru Legacy. It's been a good car so far but haven't had it long enough to give too much of a review. Lots of space inside, huge trunk, gets 28-30 mpg and AWD. It's a 6 speed too which makes it a little more fun to drive but she doesn't deal with a lot of traffic. They usually have some smoking deals on them too. The base model still comes with bluetooth, power windows, power locks, AC, etc. It's not your typical base model but the Legacy doesnt have the ground clearance of an Outback.
Great-Kazoo
09-10-2013, 17:00
Audi S5.. Screw your requirements -- just look good doing whatever. :p
Why buy an over priced VW?
Suburus are over-rated. I drove two into the ground in under 150K, and two friends with Outbacks are having serious issues with theirs. I'd recommend a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Very hard cars to kill, and you can get 300K out of it.
I guess the lesson should be..."Don't ask gun guys for opinions on cars."
mikedubs
09-10-2013, 18:11
Suburus are over-rated. I drove two into the ground in under 150K, and two friends with Outbacks are having serious issues with theirs. I'd recommend a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Very hard cars to kill, and you can get 300K out of it.
the dead giveaway...
tmleadr03
09-10-2013, 18:17
Why buy an over priced VW?
Snort.
Great-Kazoo
09-10-2013, 19:44
Suburus are over-rated. I drove two into the ground in under 150K, and two friends with Outbacks are having serious issues with theirs. I'd recommend a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Very hard cars to kill, and you can get 300K out of it.
he needs room, the camry offers shit for storage or head room. Accord shadows the camry in like areas. Not to say they are not great vehicles. However We have 2 full size trucks and did as i posted before lots of research and test driving. Put HB and the family in a camry or accord. I wager we see a car for sale in the non-firearms forums within 6 months, if that.
Great-Kazoo
09-10-2013, 19:45
Snort.
Sometimes you have to call a spade, a spade. Fuk suggesting an OWdi, might as well suggest a SOB ;)
tmleadr03
09-10-2013, 20:02
Sometimes you have to call a spade, a spade. Fuk suggesting an OWdi, might as well suggest a SOB ;)
VW is actually a rebadged Audi.
VW is actually a rebadged Audi.
Vw gets all the Audi rejects
sent from my GS4 via tapatalk 4
Great-Kazoo
09-10-2013, 20:29
Vw gets all the Audi rejects
sent from my GS4 via tapatalk 4
don't believe the audi propaganda. They all suk. Might as well suggest a jaguar, for day only driving........................................... .................................................. ......................................
TO THE SHOP!
tmleadr03
09-10-2013, 20:38
don't believe the audi propaganda. They all suk. Might as well suggest a jaguar, for day only driving........................................... .................................................. .....................
TO THE SHOP!
I own a shop. Why do you think I suggested it? Lol.
I stupidly bought a small suv that gets big suv gas mileage. We came across a beater commuter car for a grand and saved a bunch of money in gas, even considering the extra insurance. I also vote for a reliable beater to commute in.
BushMasterBoy
09-10-2013, 21:03
You gotta have 2 vehicles. Get a good used Mazda Miata convertible...
HoneyBadger
09-10-2013, 21:41
Wow! Thanks for all the great responses! I'll go through them in order... Just give me a minute.
Great-Kazoo
09-10-2013, 21:52
I own a shop. Why do you think I suggested it? Lol.
Sorry. Lets see if the mods will move this to the coar15 members forum in the IP section ;)
HoneyBadger
09-10-2013, 22:04
Given the "why you don't want to sell" section, have you considered a used but smaller truck? I haven't priced anything in a while, but seems like $18 could get you a Tacoma/Frontier.
This is one option I'm considering. I think a smaller truck might solve some of my woes.
Keep the truck, do maint a little at a time, buy a 4 cyl beater for commuting.
Sent from my electronic ball and chain.
Unfortunately, owning another car is not an option right now, or I would have several.
I'd just get a smaller, more fuel efficient truck...or a small commuter car, and do the maintenance depending on the math and possible space/parking constraints.
See above.
Dodge Dart. 4 doors, 41mpg, MSRP $15995
I'd prefer a car that comes with a spare tire... :-P
2011+ MINI Countryman S All4.
It meets your requirements, has AWD, (though cost is around $22k-$25k depending on miles), AND it gets 32+ mpg and thats pretty sweet! Not to mention, the MINI is one of the most fun cars I've ever driven and hugs the corners tighter than a 1999 996 Carrera that I used to have access to.
Not really interested in a mini. It's out of my price range for now, and I seriously doubt our carseat (which seems to be the biggest one out there) would fit in a way that is convenient.
I hate to say it but a lightly used Subaru would fit the bill perfectly for you ... just make sure you plaster it in NRA and other pro-gun stickers so you don't look like a douche.
Here's a couple of examples I found on a quick Craigslist search.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057819897.html
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057346818.html
Subarus are looking more appealing each time I check them out. Thanks for the links.
That is my other car choice too. Granted, he didn't say he needed 4WD, though I doubt it would be useless in CO. So I just stayed quiet to let someone else suggest it [LOL]
I don't NEED 4WD, but I certainly would prefer it. If I'm spending more than 10k, it had better have at least AWD. I should have included that in my original post.
Biggest thing for me is your truck paid off? If you own it outright why wouldn't you just keep it and slowly maintain it as you go? It's not pressing for you to get those repairs taken of right away.
Truck is completely paid off. I don't want to keep it for the other reasons listed above.
Agree, and I think someone is feeding the OP a line of BS, because I doubt the control arms need replaced, maybe bushings...
I'll address this below.
It's interesting that you "feel" safe in your truck, when the IIHS rating for head restraints on that truck is poor and the offset crash is marginal.
it is exactly as you said it. Statistics aside, I feel safe.
If you understand that the IIHS only compares cars IN CLASS to each other and the way they do the tests, they almost HAVE to have one model come out as marginal, then your statement makes no sense. A 2001 Silverado, in the 95% crash statistics is safer than any car he would be able to afford.
Shocks, bushings, plus a pitman and steering control total about $400 from Rock Auto. The control arms are not shot, maybe the bushings. But the pitman and steering, yes, around 150 or so , they need a redo. Compare the gas plus insurance to the newer car's gas plus insurance.
Hate to say it, but used Hyundais are pretty good values in this realm if you really decide to go with a car/small SUV.
Replacing the control arms is an easy way out for replacing the bushings. Control arms are not much more expensive than the time and materials invested in replacing the bushings (for me, anyway.) It also needs most of the 100k mile maintenance, which was priced out by the stealer ship at almost $1k. Also, my mechanical knowledge and skill is very limited with it comes to vehicles (something I really want to change someday). I've changed my own oil and rotated tires a few times... That's about it.
Audi S5.. Screw your requirements -- just look good doing whatever. :p
Not sure about an Audi, but I would love to have a 2008 Benz C300 or similar. I got to drive one for a few weeks in June and loved it. Not quite in my price range though.
Get a scooter for commuting. Tough to beat 80-100 mpg.
Anything less than 4 wheels is not an option. I'm married [Abused] Also, I have to drop my 5 month old off at daycare on the way to work.
I think this is what you are looking for. Great gas mileage and looks like a 4x4..
http://www.ufunk.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Smaudi-A3-AWD.jpg
i don't think I could fit a carseat in there, but otherwise it looks like a good option! [ROFL1]
Chrysler/Dodge Minivan. The only downside is lack of ground clearance. Means you have to ride or walk the bike a bit farther.
When your kids are older with friends with bikes and your hauling more crap the van is really nice.
I don't think I'm psychologically ready for a minivan yet.
HoneyBadger
09-10-2013, 22:11
My wife has a 2013 Subaru Legacy. It's been a good car so far but haven't had it long enough to give too much of a review. Lots of space inside, huge trunk, gets 28-30 mpg and AWD. It's a 6 speed too which makes it a little more fun to drive but she doesn't deal with a lot of traffic. They usually have some smoking deals on them too. The base model still comes with bluetooth, power windows, power locks, AC, etc. It's not your typical base model but the Legacy doesnt have the ground clearance of an Outback.
Thanks for the input. Who are "They" and where may I find these "smoking deals"?
I guess the lesson should be..."Don't ask gun guys for opinions on cars."
Actually, the inputs I've received so far have been fairly helpful. Currently leaning toward a slightly used Taco or a Subaru.
I stupidly bought a small suv that gets big suv gas mileage. We came across a beater commuter car for a grand and saved a bunch of money in gas, even considering the extra insurance. I also vote for a reliable beater to commute in.
Again, if owning another car were an option right now, I might pursue this.
You gotta have 2 vehicles. Get a good used Mazda Miata convertible...
See above.
HoneyBadger
09-10-2013, 22:16
Also, not related to this thread at all, (I think i'm allowed to derail my own thread) but I just saw the recall election results on the DenverPost. F*CK YEAH!!!
okay, back to cars.
HoneyBadger
09-10-2013, 22:39
Dang, Subarus are really looking appealing. Now the age old question: new, used, Certified Pre-Owned, Craigslist?
brianakell
09-10-2013, 22:50
new- cant change your own oil, like to burn money?
used- bought first by someone else who cant change their own oil, some good, some bad here
Certified Pre-Owned- seriously? used, but someone looked at it for 20 minutes. Trans, engine etc can all be festering junk, but at least you paid more, and bought a warranty. Bought a warranty, no you paid for health insurance on a car
Craigslist- yup, all of the above available there, sold by all kinds of folks.
If you know something about vehicles, and trust yourself "reading" bs from other folks, go used, take your risks, plan on a couple things needing addressed and save a bunch of cash. If you know nothing about cars, then buy new, sell before the warranty is up, repeat. Guys like me love guys like that. Otherwise, where would I buy cheap used cars from! Preowned makes no sense to me at all. If I sell barf, is it better if I call it "predigested"? Certified nothing. You pay more, they send you packing, and you can spend $ on a "warranty" and IF a problem comes up, HOPE that they cover it, less the deductible. Or keep the $, and stuff it in the bank, for IF something needs fixed, walla self insured.
CowboyTuff
09-11-2013, 01:44
Check Elio out OP http://www.eliomotors.com/my-story/
CowboyTuff
09-11-2013, 01:49
Forgot my [Sarcasm2]
nisils14
09-11-2013, 02:17
New:
- You're the first owner and it shouldn't have any problems. Just as Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon, you'll be the first man to carve his ass grooves into the seat.
- You might be spending money to get what you want and you gotta go to a dealership for a new car, which means cars salesmen. So stay sharp.
- Car manufacturers like to add improvements with each new model year so I tend to avoid the inaugural model years in a generation. Just my thing though.
Used:
- Buying used is a great way to save a lot of money, great deals can be often found when buying used. You'll also save money on insurance being it's a older car.
- You're picking up someone's sloppy seconds, as that could imply, that shit could be straight up wrecked. Expect having to do repairs that are out of the norm. Things gets neglected and they get passed on to you.
- Carfax is great. Use it to your advantage in this situation.
CPO:
- Someone looked it over, replaced a few things, and the dealer slapped a warranty on it. In a sense you get a new car at a kinda used car price, avoiding the big depreciation of the first few years of new car ownership.
- It's still someone's sloppy seconds, stuff can still break. Think of CPO as a reduced risk used car.
- Look into factory backed certified used cars. Car manufacturers will typically have set parameters for cars to be eligible for CPO, further reducing future risks.
Craigslist:
- Look at used.
1997 Jetta. And don't look back.
[Beer]
ChadAmberg
09-11-2013, 07:18
Dang, Subarus are really looking appealing. Now the age old question: new, used, Certified Pre-Owned, Craigslist?
Heuberger is the big gun in the area of course. They're actually really good there, and have some of the best pricing on Subarus in the south west US from what I understand. Bought mine there 2 years ago, never a problem, their service dept has also been really quick every time I've gone compared to the other dealers in the area. Didn't feel any sales pressure. They've got a huge lot down there, it's kind of funny watching the sales guy find the car you want to look at since they're spread all over motor city. Oh and a free coffee/espresso bar there while you wait. At certain times of year they'll offer pretty big discounts to clear inventory, I got an extra couple k$ off mine.
As for used/cpo/etc, check pricing. I don't think you'll save much over new, since they hold their value pretty well, especially around here. I know a friend was trying to find a relatively new used Subaru to save some $ over new, and he had to get into the 8-10 year old range to start saving some real money.
rockhound
09-11-2013, 08:10
I canot think of any reason to own a car, that is all
http://www.ar-15.co/images/tf_ideal/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by MarkCO http://www.ar-15.co/images/tf_ideal/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.ar-15.co/showthread.php?p=1327757#post1327757)
Shocks, bushings, plus a pitman and steering control total about $400 from Rock Auto. The control arms are not shot, maybe the bushings. But the pitman and steering, yes, around 150 or so , they need a redo. Compare the gas plus insurance to the newer car's gas plus insurance.
Hate to say it, but used Hyundais are pretty good values in this realm if you really decide to go with a car/small SUV.
Replacing the control arms is an easy way out for replacing the bushings. Control arms are not much more expensive than the time and materials invested in replacing the bushings (for me, anyway.) It also needs most of the 100k mile maintenance, which was priced out by the stealer ship at almost $1k. Also, my mechanical knowledge and skill is very limited with it comes to vehicles (something I really want to change someday). I've changed my own oil and rotated tires a few times... That's about it.
Maybe we should start a COAR15 "Oil and Burgers" club. :) If I had a lift in the shop, I would.
HoneyBadger
09-11-2013, 14:26
Check Elio out OP http://www.eliomotors.com/my-story/
I'm disappointed that something that ugly and stupid looking only gets 84 mpg. Damn shame.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.