Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

I'm amazed that potable drinking water is even used for toilet flushing. What a waste.

murphydog

28firefighter said:

I've heard mixed feedback on wipers. I have friends and family that swear they can make wiper blades last 3-4 years - I have no idea how that is possible short of living somewhere it never rains (they don't).

My experience living here in the PNW and the misty rain we see in winter is that I can maybe stretch them to 18 months, but I usually replace every 12 months.

I am with you, each September I order new blades for all the cars - pretty easy to do via Amazon, especially to get the OEM replacements for my C350. Way cheaper than the dealer and with my prime account they show up in a day or two.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

PF_Flyer said:

From the Singapore Motorshow. I know it may be "for the show", but what do you think of the finish of the Toyota Harrier?

That "chrome" paint was popular over here for about a minute. There's a Hyundai dealership I used to pass all the time on the way to the grocery. They had a "pimped" out WRX painted chrome on their used lot. They actually put it on a pedestal. I know it sat there for what seemed like 4-5 months, then they put it on the front line of used cars for another month or two. Then, there was a what looked like another WRX, this time in black, that looked similar on their front line, then it disappeared. They either took a bath on it to get rid of it. Or, they repainted it.

To me, that paint job makes the car cheap.

I agree. A while back Gas Monkey pimped out and old Ford Fairmont as a drift car. Painted it that silver color. Brought it to auction and took a bath.

28firefighter

murphydog said:

ab348 said:

Got my mailed invoice for Sirius XM this week, a year at the full rate, over $250Cdn with taxes, etc. I don't use it any more so I called them to cancel. I told them a white lie in hopes of avoiding the sales pressure to keep it, told them it was leased (true) and the car had gone back (not). The guy immediately offered me a $99 annual rate anyway. I stuck to my story and said why would I do that? He said well, if you had another car or a radio...

I just kept saying no until he went away and came back with the news it was all over.

I am curious how this goes for you, I canceled ~ a year ago, and they continue to stalk my like a jilted ex! Junk mail, email and for a while phone calls. The rate has finally slowed down, but just last week got another offer from them in my mailbox.

Same here. I stopped using Sirius about 2 years ago because the sound quality was so inferior to HD Radio that I couldn't deal with it anymore. I get emails every 3 days or so and snail mail at least monthly.

stickguy

Reminds me. I need to call them soon. Some auto renewals pending.

We still like it. I prefer radio instead of phone stuff, and like their selection. Quality is fine for me. If I get an old car later this year, that won't be doing longer trips, I won't bother with that one.

oldfarmer50

jipster said:

sda said:

With the exception of a few mid-priced cars such as the Accord, it is hard to find a car that doesn't have swoopy styling that makes getting in and out difficult. I think that is why smaller SUVs like the CR-V, RAV-4, etc. have become so popular. They are easy to get in and out of. Mom had hip replacement surgery about 5 years ago and getting in and out of her Aurora was painful. She doesn't have that issue with her CR-V, though she misses her Olds.

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

2 accidents and you claim "excellent condition"? What are you, a copywriter for Craigslist ads?

28firefighter

28firefighter said:

murphydog said:

ab348 said:

Got my mailed invoice for Sirius XM this week, a year at the full rate, over $250Cdn with taxes, etc. I don't use it any more so I called them to cancel. I told them a white lie in hopes of avoiding the sales pressure to keep it, told them it was leased (true) and the car had gone back (not). The guy immediately offered me a $99 annual rate anyway. I stuck to my story and said why would I do that? He said well, if you had another car or a radio...

I just kept saying no until he went away and came back with the news it was all over.

I am curious how this goes for you, I canceled ~ a year ago, and they continue to stalk my like a jilted ex! Junk mail, email and for a while phone calls. The rate has finally slowed down, but just last week got another offer from them in my mailbox.

Same here. I stopped using Sirius about 2 years ago because the sound quality was so inferior to HD Radio that I couldn't deal with it anymore. I get emails every 3 days or so and snail mail at least monthly.

I loved Sirius when I was driving back and forth during my schooling years between Philly and Pittsburgh to see family, and between Pittsburgh and Columbus/Cleveland to see my now wife. If I still had to make drives like that with regularity I'd be renewing it in 10 seconds.

abacomike

28firefighter said:

I used to work for some contractor friends and they took me in to show me a plumbing job---the toilet flushed hot water

I stayed in a hotel recently that was flushing hot water. Every time that you flushed, you could see the steam rise from the toilet as it refilled.

That wasn't steam - it was what your excrement's odor looked like as it was going down the pipes!  Or, maybe it was a self contained deodorizer in the toilet.  But hot water or steam - huh?  

abacomike

Here's what the new TV looks like.

28firefighter

abacomike said:

28firefighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I used to work for some contractor friends and they took me in to show me a plumbing job---the toilet flushed hot water

I stayed in a hotel recently that was flushing hot water. Every time that you flushed, you could see the steam rise from the toilet as it refilled.

That wasn't steam - it was what your excrement's odor looked like as it was going down the pipes!  Or, maybe it was a self contained deodorizer in the toilet.  But hot water or steam - huh?  

Haha.

I was waiting for one of you jokers to come back with that. That's why I said it was happening as it refilled!

stickguy

Interesting screen shot to use. Trying to tell us something?

Need a little plastic cap to cover up them wires. But picture looks nice.

murphydog

sda said:

abacomike said:

stickguy said:

I hate those beeps. Too infrequent to easily narrow down, since I have about 11 in the house. Mine are hard wired, so the battery is really redundant but does last a long time.

last year, one started going off, and would not stop. Had to keep pulling them down to isolate the bad unit. Since they were at that point all past their due date, I ended up having to buy a whole new set and swap out brackets and units. That was tedious, and tough on the arms working over my head like that. But, new ones are much more stylish, and quiet!

I have 2 battery only CO2 units too. the one near the furnace started moaning a few months back. Yup. Hit expiration date, and had a message to replace since it was too old. Back to the store for a replacement.

Yes, mine is also hardwired - the battery is merely a back-up in case of a black-out.

A friendly reminder: CO2 units and smoke detectors have a limited life span (expiration date) and need to be replaced every 10 years or so. I was aware the CO2 unit needed to be replaced periodically but not the smoke detectors. I have replaced all in the past year.

I had to replace one of my battery units and I splurged and purchased a Nest Protect - I had a $50 gift card. Install was super easy and one selling point - it is smart enough to know the time of day and won't start giving you the low battery chirp in the middle of the night. It also has a motion sensor and shines a dim night light when you pass under it in he dark. So far so good.

sda

fintail said:

My grandma scraped something with her car when she was 86, I think. It was enough for her to doubt herself, and not renew her license. Luckily, my uncle is nearby and doesn't mind driving her around. She's in very good shape for her age - still does her own housework and yardwork, but she didn't feel right driving. Maybe for the best, I applaud her having the sense to know it might be time.

My mom has a Camry of that generation, with about 75K on it. It's been 100% reliable, but I think she'll eventually want something higher too, and maybe with side airbags and modern safety stuff.

suydam said:

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

Then they could get a sedan with rear camera, cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. That's pretty common now. I'll bet the new Camry will have them.

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.

driver100

stickguy said:

Interesting screen shot to use. Trying to tell us something?

Need a little plastic cap to cover up them wires. But picture looks nice.

Yeh, a plastic cap would be good. Show us your sleeping area so we can get the full impact.

driver100

sda said:

fintail said:

My grandma scraped something with her car when she was 86, I think. It was enough for her to doubt herself, and not renew her license. Luckily, my uncle is nearby and doesn't mind driving her around. She's in very good shape for her age - still does her own housework and yardwork, but she didn't feel right driving. Maybe for the best, I applaud her having the sense to know it might be time.

My mom has a Camry of that generation, with about 75K on it. It's been 100% reliable, but I think she'll eventually want something higher too, and maybe with side airbags and modern safety stuff.

suydam said:

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

Then they could get a sedan with rear camera, cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. That's pretty common now. I'll bet the new Camry will have them.

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.


Looks like new....don't let oldfarmer see it or he will be drooling.
IMHO that Camry looks nicer than the new ones.

sda

driver100 said:

sda said:

fintail said:

My grandma scraped something with her car when she was 86, I think. It was enough for her to doubt herself, and not renew her license. Luckily, my uncle is nearby and doesn't mind driving her around. She's in very good shape for her age - still does her own housework and yardwork, but she didn't feel right driving. Maybe for the best, I applaud her having the sense to know it might be time.

My mom has a Camry of that generation, with about 75K on it. It's been 100% reliable, but I think she'll eventually want something higher too, and maybe with side airbags and modern safety stuff.

suydam said:

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

Then they could get a sedan with rear camera, cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. That's pretty common now. I'll bet the new Camry will have them.

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.

Looks like new....don't let oldfarmer see it or he will be drooling.
IMHO that Camry looks nicer than the new ones.

It has been a great car for them. Still drives as new, quiet, smooth. My father in law has taken meticulous care of it. Except for when they travel, such as when they visit us, it is always garage kept and he has it detailed and waxed twice a year. They have kept this car longer than any other and are torn what they will buy next.

thebean

oldfarmer50 said:

I agree. A while back Gas Monkey pimped out and old Ford Fairmont as a drift car. Painted it that silver color. Brought it to auction and took a bath. 

As well they should have.

houdini1

thebean said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I agree. A while back Gas Monkey pimped out and old Ford Fairmont as a drift car. Painted it that silver color. Brought it to auction and took a bath. 

As well they should have.

qbrozen said:

houdini1 said:

qbrozen said:

houdini1 said:

Duct tape. And of course, some houses don't have an attic. In that case you could go the exposed duct industrial look.

Of course I taped up the holes.

As much as I like good 'ol duct tape, it has been my experience that it works pretty well on most everything except ducts. I think the constant heating and cooling degrades the adhesive. For those jobs a good heavy duty strapping tape works best for me. I always had trouble using duct tape to tape the drain hose from humidifer to the side of my furnace, on its way to the floor drain. Switched to strapping tape, problem solved.

not sure what strapping tape is, but on actual metal ducts, I have had great results with aluminum foil tape. It forms much better to imperfections, gaps, etc.

qbrozen said:

houdini1 said:

qbrozen said:

houdini1 said:

Duct tape. And of course, some houses don't have an attic. In that case you could go the exposed duct industrial look.

Of course I taped up the holes.

As much as I like good 'ol duct tape, it has been my experience that it works pretty well on most everything except ducts. I think the constant heating and cooling degrades the adhesive. For those jobs a good heavy duty strapping tape works best for me. I always had trouble using duct tape to tape the drain hose from humidifer to the side of my furnace, on its way to the floor drain. Switched to strapping tape, problem solved.

not sure what strapping tape is, but on actual metal ducts, I have had great results with aluminum foil tape. It forms much better to imperfections, gaps, etc.

It's heavy duty tape used primarily for shipping big boxes that need to be sealed up. Kind of has vertical lines running thru it. Probably some kind of fibers, etc. Heat and cold doesn't seem to bother it. Costs a lot less than the foil tape.

ab348

Speaking of tape, I recently bought some Gorilla repair tape. The version I got looks like clear packing tape but is much thicker and it says the adhesive gets stronger over time after it is first applied. I can vouch for it working really well. The power head on my Dyson vacuum, made out of plastic, developed a long crack somehow that was bad enough that I thought I would need to replace it because it wouldn't work right any more. A careful application of the Gorilla tape and it is like new and the repair is almost invisible. Emboldened by my success, I then used it on a Frigidaire fridge door shelf bar that had cracked near the mounting point, again with good results. Excellent product.

fintail

Looks like a new car. My mom's might not be so perfect, but it still shines up. She still works, and parks outside a bit in a rainy climate. I wax and detail it for her once a year, when I visit in the spring. It's white, and has a little "Camry dent" (it's a thing) on the front passenger side corner. She's loyal to it and wants to keep it til it is worn out - at her rate she'll be 150 when that happens

sda said:

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.

ab348

28firefighter said:

Same here. I stopped using Sirius about 2 years ago because the sound quality was so inferior to HD Radio that I couldn't deal with it anymore. I get emails every 3 days or so and snail mail at least monthly.

Aside from not being able to cancel service online - they force you to phone them - I get the impression their admin systems are flaky. I went online to check my account yesterday and all I could access was a second account I must have with them that related to my former Regal Turbo, which showed a zero balance, last payment a few years ago, etc. No idea how to get to the one I just cancelled.

jipster

oldfarmer50 said:

sda said:

With the exception of a few mid-priced cars such as the Accord, it is hard to find a car that doesn't have swoopy styling that makes getting in and out difficult. I think that is why smaller SUVs like the CR-V, RAV-4, etc. have become so popular. They are easy to get in and out of. Mom had hip replacement surgery about 5 years ago and getting in and out of her Aurora was painful. She doesn't have that issue with her CR-V, though she misses her Olds.

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

2 accidents and you claim "excellent condition"? What are you, a copywriter for Craigslist ads?

LOL. True that. Had repaired at a "excellent" body shop.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

sda said:

fintail said:

My grandma scraped something with her car when she was 86, I think. It was enough for her to doubt herself, and not renew her license. Luckily, my uncle is nearby and doesn't mind driving her around. She's in very good shape for her age - still does her own housework and yardwork, but she didn't feel right driving. Maybe for the best, I applaud her having the sense to know it might be time.

My mom has a Camry of that generation, with about 75K on it. It's been 100% reliable, but I think she'll eventually want something higher too, and maybe with side airbags and modern safety stuff.

suydam said:

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

Then they could get a sedan with rear camera, cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. That's pretty common now. I'll bet the new Camry will have them.

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.

Looks like new....don't let oldfarmer see it or he will be drooling.
IMHO that Camry looks nicer than the new ones.

Nah, 140k miles even in a Toyota would scare me off. That 80k miles Jipster car is more my speed.

BTW, my Lincoln no longer owes me anything. I paid $3250 for it and have now put 32,500 miles on it. According to my philosophy of a beater having to survive 10,000 miles for every thousand you pay, I just broke even. I consider all future milage as free.

I figure I could still get $1000 for it so it's turned out to be a good buy.

PF_Flyer

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

PF_Flyer said:

From the Singapore Motorshow. I know it may be "for the show", but what do you think of the finish of the Toyota Harrier?

That "chrome" paint was popular over here for about a minute. There's a Hyundai dealership I used to pass all the time on the way to the grocery. They had a "pimped" out WRX painted chrome on their used lot. They actually put it on a pedestal. I know it sat there for what seemed like 4-5 months, then they put it on the front line of used cars for another month or two. Then, there was a what looked like another WRX, this time in black, that looked similar on their front line, then it disappeared. They either took a bath on it to get rid of it. Or, they repainted it.

To me, that paint job makes the car cheap.

I agree. A while back Gas Monkey pimped out and old Ford Fairmont as a drift car. Painted it that silver color. Brought it to auction and took a bath.

A little more square than the Toyota. Might miss some sun angles

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

sda said:

fintail said:

My grandma scraped something with her car when she was 86, I think. It was enough for her to doubt herself, and not renew her license. Luckily, my uncle is nearby and doesn't mind driving her around. She's in very good shape for her age - still does her own housework and yardwork, but she didn't feel right driving. Maybe for the best, I applaud her having the sense to know it might be time.

My mom has a Camry of that generation, with about 75K on it. It's been 100% reliable, but I think she'll eventually want something higher too, and maybe with side airbags and modern safety stuff.

suydam said:

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

Then they could get a sedan with rear camera, cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. That's pretty common now. I'll bet the new Camry will have them.

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.

Looks like new....don't let oldfarmer see it or he will be drooling.
IMHO that Camry looks nicer than the new ones.

Nah, 140k miles even in a Toyota would scare me off. That 80k miles Jipster car is more my speed.

BTW, my Lincoln no longer owes me anything. I paid $3250 for it and have now put 32,500 miles on it. According to my philosophy of a beater having to survive 10,000 miles for every thousand you pay, I just broke even. I consider all future milage as free.

I figure I could still get $1000 for it so it's turned out to be a good buy.



That is an interesting formula - 10k miles for every $1000 spent.
What happens if the transmission goes or some other expensive part, at say, the 12k mile mark?

My impression is it is a bit of a gamble, you could win or lose....BIG TIME!

abacomike

@driver100:

What you said to oldfarmer about his taking a chance by keeping the Lincoln - c'mon driver, this is olfarmer you are talking to. Except for the Mustang, OF doesn't ever sell cars - he just looks on Craig's List and smacks his lips at those 200,000 mile heaps of junk.  Get real driver - 

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

sda said:

fintail said:

My grandma scraped something with her car when she was 86, I think. It was enough for her to doubt herself, and not renew her license. Luckily, my uncle is nearby and doesn't mind driving her around. She's in very good shape for her age - still does her own housework and yardwork, but she didn't feel right driving. Maybe for the best, I applaud her having the sense to know it might be time.

My mom has a Camry of that generation, with about 75K on it. It's been 100% reliable, but I think she'll eventually want something higher too, and maybe with side airbags and modern safety stuff.

suydam said:

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

Then they could get a sedan with rear camera, cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. That's pretty common now. I'll bet the new Camry will have them.

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.

Looks like new....don't let oldfarmer see it or he will be drooling.
IMHO that Camry looks nicer than the new ones.

Nah, 140k miles even in a Toyota would scare me off. That 80k miles Jipster car is more my speed.

BTW, my Lincoln no longer owes me anything. I paid $3250 for it and have now put 32,500 miles on it. According to my philosophy of a beater having to survive 10,000 miles for every thousand you pay, I just broke even. I consider all future milage as free.

I figure I could still get $1000 for it so it's turned out to be a good buy.

That is an interesting formula - 10k miles for every $1000 spent.
What happens if the transmission goes or some other expensive part, at say, the 12k mile mark?

My impression is it is a bit of a gamble, you could win or lose....BIG TIME!

If I spent $1000 on a beater and it died 12,000 miles later I'd take it to the crusher and figure I got my money's worth. Sure it's a gamble but I paid about 7% of MSRP for the Lincoln.

I'll let you rich guys pay for the other 93% depreciation.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

@driver100:

What you said to oldfarmer about his taking a chance by keeping the Lincoln - c'mon driver, this is olfarmer you are talking to. Except for the Mustang, OF doesn't ever sell cars - he just looks on Craig's List and smacks his lips at those 200,000 mile heaps of junk.  Get real driver - 

Nope, no lip smacking at a 200,000 mile junk. My criteria is cheap price, low miles. The Mark VIII had 67k, the Sable I bought for my son had 49k. Still a gamble but considering what I usually pay I'm not gambling much.

explorerx4

@driver100,
Remember when you had that 5 Series? How much did you pay and what did you get for it 3 years later?
Excluding what Oldfarmer could get for scrap value, that's 10 cents per mile.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

sda said:

fintail said:

My grandma scraped something with her car when she was 86, I think. It was enough for her to doubt herself, and not renew her license. Luckily, my uncle is nearby and doesn't mind driving her around. She's in very good shape for her age - still does her own housework and yardwork, but she didn't feel right driving. Maybe for the best, I applaud her having the sense to know it might be time.

My mom has a Camry of that generation, with about 75K on it. It's been 100% reliable, but I think she'll eventually want something higher too, and maybe with side airbags and modern safety stuff.

suydam said:

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

Then they could get a sedan with rear camera, cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. That's pretty common now. I'll bet the new Camry will have them.

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.

Looks like new....don't let oldfarmer see it or he will be drooling.
IMHO that Camry looks nicer than the new ones.

Nah, 140k miles even in a Toyota would scare me off. That 80k miles Jipster car is more my speed.

BTW, my Lincoln no longer owes me anything. I paid $3250 for it and have now put 32,500 miles on it. According to my philosophy of a beater having to survive 10,000 miles for every thousand you pay, I just broke even. I consider all future milage as free.

I figure I could still get $1000 for it so it's turned out to be a good buy.

That is an interesting formula - 10k miles for every $1000 spent.
What happens if the transmission goes or some other expensive part, at say, the 12k mile mark?

My impression is it is a bit of a gamble, you could win or lose....BIG TIME!

If I spent $1000 on a beater and it died 12,000 miles later I'd take it to the crusher and figure I got my money's worth. Sure it's a gamble but I paid about 7% of MSRP for the Lincoln.

I'll let you rich guys pay for the other 93% depreciation.



Let me see. I paid $25k for the C250. It has to go 250000 miles to qualify as an oldfarmer best buy.
I don't think it is going to make it.

OF, in your example you paid $1000 for a car that will go 12000 miles, and you come out ahead. What if you paid $3500 for a car, and it needs a $2500 transmission or electronics after say 12000 miles?

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
Remember when you had that 5 Series? How much did you pay and what did you get for it 3 years later?
Excluding what Oldfarmer could get for scrap value, that's 10 cents per mile.

I paid about $68k for the BMW 5er (figures are rough as I forget) and got about $36k for it after 3 years and 45k miles. How much is that per mile....probably a lot more than OF is paying?

But, what am I going to do with the money I save if I buy a 20 year old Lincoln?

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

sda said:

fintail said:

My grandma scraped something with her car when she was 86, I think. It was enough for her to doubt herself, and not renew her license. Luckily, my uncle is nearby and doesn't mind driving her around. She's in very good shape for her age - still does her own housework and yardwork, but she didn't feel right driving. Maybe for the best, I applaud her having the sense to know it might be time.

My mom has a Camry of that generation, with about 75K on it. It's been 100% reliable, but I think she'll eventually want something higher too, and maybe with side airbags and modern safety stuff.

suydam said:

My 83 year old dad has been in 2 accidents, in the past couple of years, in his 2003 Toyota Camry. (Only 80k something miles, excellent condition. Reliable.) One accident was backing up and hitting a post. So have been trying to convince mom (dad too frugal) to buy a new car with all of the latest safty features.Something with higher seating position and better visibility, easy to get in and out of. Mentioned the Rav 4. Says she doesn't want a SUV. 

Then they could get a sedan with rear camera, cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. That's pretty common now. I'll bet the new Camry will have them.

My inlaws have an '03 Camry XLE V6 that they bought new. It has around 140k, but you'd never know it. I believe I've shared this picture before. This is what it still looks like, I took this last summer.

Looks like new....don't let oldfarmer see it or he will be drooling.
IMHO that Camry looks nicer than the new ones.

Nah, 140k miles even in a Toyota would scare me off. That 80k miles Jipster car is more my speed.

BTW, my Lincoln no longer owes me anything. I paid $3250 for it and have now put 32,500 miles on it. According to my philosophy of a beater having to survive 10,000 miles for every thousand you pay, I just broke even. I consider all future milage as free.

I figure I could still get $1000 for it so it's turned out to be a good buy.

That is an interesting formula - 10k miles for every $1000 spent.
What happens if the transmission goes or some other expensive part, at say, the 12k mile mark?

My impression is it is a bit of a gamble, you could win or lose....BIG TIME!

If I spent $1000 on a beater and it died 12,000 miles later I'd take it to the crusher and figure I got my money's worth. Sure it's a gamble but I paid about 7% of MSRP for the Lincoln.

I'll let you rich guys pay for the other 93% depreciation.

Let me see. I paid $25k for the C250. It has to go 250000 miles to qualify as an oldfarmer best buy.
I don't think it is going to make it.

OF, in your example you paid $1000 for a car that will go 12000 miles, and you come out ahead. What if you paid $3500 for a car, and it needs a $2500 transmission or electronics after say 12000 miles?

Then I would consider it a $2300 loss and move on. As you point out with your C250 example the bar for success with my beaters is much lower.

But it all depends on what you want from a car. Mostly I want just cheap transportation. The Lincoln was an exception in that it was fun to drive and pretty fast. You wanted luxury and the C250 gives you that. Different strokes, different budgets.

abacomike

@driver100
@oldfarmer50

You guys are using mathematics to select/sell/trade your cars.  I use emotion and desire to do the same.  If I used mathematics, I'd have to commit Hari Kari to justify car buying.  You guys are a lot more practical than I - practicality is not in my car buying vocabulary - UNFORTUNATELY!!! 

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

@driver100
@oldfarmer50

You guys are using mathematics to select/sell/trade your cars.  I use emotion and desire to do the same.  If I used mathematics, I'd have to commit Hari Kari to justify car buying.  You guys are a lot more practical than I - practicality is not in my car buying vocabulary - UNFORTUNATELY!!! 

Not on ALL cars. My Mustang was the most emotional investment I ever made. The only math I used was to consider if it was cheaper than a mistress.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

@driver100
@oldfarmer50

You guys are using mathematics to select/sell/trade your cars.  I use emotion and desire to do the same.  If I used mathematics, I'd have to commit Hari Kari to justify car buying.  You guys are a lot more practical than I - practicality is not in my car buying vocabulary - UNFORTUNATELY!!! 

Not on ALL cars. My Mustang was the most emotional investment I ever made. The only math I used was to consider if it was cheaper than a mistress.

Definitely cheaper (the Mustang) in the LONG run!!! 

berri

You guys are using mathematics to select/sell/trade your cars.  I use emotion and desire to do the same

Now Mike, aren't you the guy who likes casinos?

abacomike

berri said:

You guys are using mathematics to select/sell/trade your cars.  I use emotion and desire to do the same Now Mike, aren't you the guy who likes casinos?

If I used mathematics in my casino trips, the same is true - the house always wins - in the LONG run! 

driver100

abacomike said:

@driver100
@oldfarmer50

You guys are using mathematics to select/sell/trade your cars.  I use emotion and desire to do the same.  If I used mathematics, I'd have to commit Hari Kari to justify car buying.  You guys are a lot more practical than I - practicality is not in my car buying vocabulary - UNFORTUNATELY!!! 

Some trades you actually come out ahead on....at least one I believe. That never happens to me.

I don't use mathematics as a tool for buying or selling cars, I use it to justify why I bought the car I did.

explorerx4

My 'Stressless' recliner which I have had for 30+ years (wife says a 100), just broke.
It looks like there are repair parts and the bottom of the seat cushion unzips.
Hoping I can save it.

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

My 'Stressless' recliner which I have had for 30+ years (wife says a 100), just broke. It looks like there are repair parts and the bottom of the seat cushion unzips. Hoping I can save it.

My condolences, explorer.  Maybe the powers that be are telling you it's time to visit a LazyBoy showroom.  I had to do that recently.  It's like losing a close friend - but there are other chairs that can become just as close!  

thebean

Hancock and Moore recliners are the best out there, IMHO.  The La-Z-Boys of today are, in my opinion, have really declined in robustness.  I don't know where they are made these days, but I didn't like them at all.  Of course, I paid about 3X the price of a La-Z-Boy for a H&M, but it's rock solid and should last me for the rest of my life.

suydam

explorerx4 said:

My 'Stressless' recliner which I have had for 30+ years (wife says a 100), just broke.
It looks like there are repair parts and the bottom of the seat cushion unzips.
Hoping I can save it.

Your significant other has already consigned it to history I'm betting.

abacomike

thebean said:

Hancock and Moore recliners are the best out there, IMHO.  The La-Z-Boys of today are, in my opinion, have really declined in robustness.  I don't know where they are made these days, but I didn't like them at all.  Of course, I paid about 3X the price of a La-Z-Boy for a H&M, but it's rock solid and should last me for the rest of my life.

You are usually right on target, bean.  I haven't been sitting in my recliner as much as I used to.  I have it next to my bed in my bedroom.  But since the surgery, I find it more comfortable and less painful to be in bed watching my TV.  So to me the comfort in recliners is wasted since I have more difficulties sitting with my legs up.  When I feel better, hopefully I can recline more often. 

jipster

abacomike said:

explorerx4 said:

My 'Stressless' recliner which I have had for 30+ years (wife says a 100), just broke. It looks like there are repair parts and the bottom of the seat cushion unzips. Hoping I can save it.

My condolences, explorer.  Maybe the powers that be are telling you it's time to visit a LazyBoy showroom.  I had to do that recently.  It's like losing a close friend - but there are other chairs that can become just as close!  

Stressless? You must have it hooked up to a pony keg.

nyccarguy

nyccarguy

It's pinewood derby time for my scouts. Rules are pretty simple. Cars must weigh 5pz or less. No modifying axle placement. Cars must ride on approved axles. No springs.

The car on the top (work in progress) is my 7 year old's. I drilled out a few strategically placed holes & filled them in with epoxy to add weight.

The bottom car is my 10 year old's. It is 1/4" thick. We cut it with a hacksaw. It weighs 0.6 ounces. I put a layer of epoxy to add weight.

I can't wait until they sand & paint.

abacomike

nyccarguy said:

It's pinewood derby time for my scouts. Rules are pretty simple. Cars must weigh 5pz or less. No modifying axle placement. Cars must ride on approved axles. No springs. The car on the top (work in progress) is my 7 year old's. I drilled out a few strategically placed holes & filled them in with epoxy to add weight. The bottom car is my 10 year old's. It is 1/4" thick. We cut it with a hacksaw. It weighs 0.6 ounces. I put a layer of epoxy to add weight. I can't wait until they sand & paint.

Bradd, my offer is $20.00 OTD for both cars, fees, taxes, tags included!!!  

tjc78

Make sure you head to the craft store and get some decals and the that graphite lube they sell. If you are a little shy on weight (after the epoxy) they sell weights too.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

My 'Stressless' recliner which I have had for 30+ years (wife says a 100), just broke.
It looks like there are repair parts and the bottom of the seat cushion unzips.
Hoping I can save it.

I think you posted a picture of it once:



BTW, how's your bad hip doing?

driver100

explorerx4 said:

My 'Stressless' recliner which I have had for 30+ years (wife says a 100), just broke.
It looks like there are repair parts and the bottom of the seat cushion unzips.
Hoping I can save it.

Your "stressless" recliner seems to be giving you a lot of stress.

I have no desire to buy or own a stressless recliner.....once I sit in it I may never want to get out.