Looking For a Car to Replace My Truck - I Need Your Inputs! Or: Talk Some Sense Into Me

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Originally Posted by tmleadr03

VW is actually a rebadged Audi.

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Vw gets all the Audi rejects



sent from my GS4 via tapatalk 4

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Originally Posted by brutal

Vw gets all the Audi rejects



sent from my GS4 via tapatalk 4

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don't believe the audi propaganda. They all suk. Might as well suggest a jaguar, for day only driving........................................... .................................................. ......................................



































TO THE SHOP!

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Originally Posted by jim

don't believe the audi propaganda. They all suk. Might as well suggest a jaguar, for day only driving........................................... .................................................. .....................
TO THE SHOP!

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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.

You gotta have 2 vehicles. Get a good used Mazda Miata convertible...

Wow! Thanks for all the great responses! I'll go through them in order... Just give me a minute.

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Originally Posted by tmleadr03

I own a shop. Why do you think I suggested it? Lol.

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Sorry. Lets see if the mods will move this to the coar15 members forum in the IP section ;)

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Originally Posted by Jeffrey Lebowski

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.

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This is one option I'm considering. I think a smaller truck might solve some of my woes.

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Originally Posted by buffalobo

Keep the truck, do maint a little at a time, buy a 4 cyl beater for commuting.

Sent from my electronic ball and chain.

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Unfortunately, owning another car is not an option right now, or I would have several.

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Originally Posted by Sawin

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.

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See above.

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Originally Posted by speedysst

Dodge Dart. 4 doors, 41mpg, MSRP $15995

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I'd prefer a car that comes with a spare tire... :-P

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Originally Posted by BuffCyclist

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by Zundfolge

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

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Subarus are looking more appealing each time I check them out. Thanks for the links.

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Originally Posted by BuffCyclist

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]

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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.

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Originally Posted by T-Giv

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.

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Truck is completely paid off. I don't want to keep it for the other reasons listed above.

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Originally Posted by hurley842002

Agree, and I think someone is feeding the OP a line of BS, because I doubt the control arms need replaced, maybe bushings...

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I'll address this below.

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Originally Posted by funkymonkey1111

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.

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it is exactly as you said it. Statistics aside, I feel safe.

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Originally Posted by MarkCO

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by asmo

Audi S5.. Screw your requirements -- just look good doing whatever. :p

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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.

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Originally Posted by Jmetz

Get a scooter for commuting. Tough to beat 80-100 mpg.

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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.

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Originally Posted by asmo

I think this is what you are looking for. Great gas mileage and looks like a 4x4..

http://www.ufunk.net/wp-content/uplo...udi-A3-AWD.jpg

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i don't think I could fit a carseat in there, but otherwise it looks like a good option! [ROFL1]

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Originally Posted by earplug

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.

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I don't think I'm psychologically ready for a minivan yet.

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Originally Posted by Dave_L

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.

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Thanks for the input. Who are "They" and where may I find these "smoking deals"?

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Originally Posted by MarkCO

I guess the lesson should be..."Don't ask gun guys for opinions on cars."

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Actually, the inputs I've received so far have been fairly helpful. Currently leaning toward a slightly used Taco or a Subaru.

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Originally Posted by Irving

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.

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Again, if owning another car were an option right now, I might pursue this.

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Originally Posted by BushMasterBoy

You gotta have 2 vehicles. Get a good used Mazda Miata convertible...

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See above.

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.