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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    I guess you guys are too young to remember an '89 SHO.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934

    I guess you guys are too young to remember an '89 SHO.

    Was that a V6 though? The Mustang V6 could be out raced in a Yugo.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    @andres3,
    You are definitely too young with much to learn. :s
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934

    @andres3,
    You are definitely too young with much to learn. :s

    Google is my friend: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15142141/1989-ford-taurus-sho-road-test-review/

    The braking and skid pad numbers don't inspire any confidence. Also, just a few reviews down, a commenter mentions the extremely low quality of "Ford" in the 80's. I think the low quality is the reason no one saw any of these running on the road. I had heard of Taurus SHO's before, but not the 89 version. 3,300+ pounds in '89 was fairly heavy.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    edited December 2020

    I guess you guys are too young to remember an '89 SHO.

    That actually does barely pre-date my driving years, but more likely I completely ignored it because I was raised anti-Ford back then. PLUS, I did technically write "Japanese family sedan." ;b And, no, I don't care that the Ford had a Yamaha engine and Mazda transmission. lol.

    But, yes, according to specs, it matched the Nissan's 0-60 that came a full 11 yrs later.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34957337/2021-audi-a4-45-by-the-numbers/

    Is this what the market wants right now? Impressive 0-60 time, 13.5 quarter mile and it's just an A4. The price isn't cheap though.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    qbrozen said:

    I guess you guys are too young to remember an '89 SHO.

    That actually does barely pre-date my driving years, but more likely I completely ignored it because I was raised anti-Ford back then. PLUS, I did technically write "Japanese family sedan." ;b And, no, I don't care that the Ford had a Yamaha engine and Mazda transmission. lol.

    But, yes, according to specs, it matched the Nissan's 0-60 that came a full 11 yrs later.
    Now I'm curious why Mazda ended up with the Ford V6 instead of the Yamaha version for the Mazda 6 and 626.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    just remembered, my Maxima was a 1998. The end of that classic mid-90s generation. I think the updated design came out in 1999.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    andres3 said:

    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34957337/2021-audi-a4-45-by-the-numbers/

    Is this what the market wants right now? Impressive 0-60 time, 13.5 quarter mile and it's just an A4. The price isn't cheap though.

    A 3700-lb compact. Yikes.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    qbrozen said:

    andres3 said:

    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34957337/2021-audi-a4-45-by-the-numbers/

    Is this what the market wants right now? Impressive 0-60 time, 13.5 quarter mile and it's just an A4. The price isn't cheap though.

    A 3700-lb compact. Yikes.
    I think that's about what my G37 weighed.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    nyccarguy said:

    I’ve often wondered if I could live with a Wrangler. The whole 4 door, 4WD, Convertible is very appealing to me. My best friend has a JK 2 Door Rubicon Hard Rock with a stick and a soft top only. A lot of what he loves about the wrangler is the fact that he doesn’t have to drive it every day (he daily drives a 2018 Raptor). He loves driving it with the top flipped back or down completely. It’s small and very easy to drive. His cars are always immaculate. If he can’t hand wash the Wrangler & has to run it through the car wash, he has 2 spare side windows and a spare back window he puts in.

    I don’t keep up keeping the cars clean like I used to when I was younger. The soft top windows would get messed up sooner rather than later. My Jeep (I like the look of the Willys) would have a hard top only. As far as the top, if I wanted the open air I’d most likely just take the freedom panels off.

    While not as limited use as say a Ferrari, a Wrangler IMO isn’t really a daily driver unless you’re out in the country and going off the pavement. As a fun toy though, go for it.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    corvette said:

    Did my socially distanced entertainment yesterday and today and drove around listening to podcasts in the Tundra. Hit the tow/haul button to see how it would behave, and during normal driving, it felt like it only sharpened the throttle response. The shift points felt the same if you were accelerating gently (it just required less throttle). Seems like GM changes the shift points in tow/haul mode, but I'm not sure about other manufacturers.

    In my old cargo van the tow button let’s the motor rev a bit higher between shifts. Never towed anything so I don’t know how it should shift under load.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    Just for educational purposes, here are pics on of Gen 1 and Gen 2 SHO engines.




    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    andres3 said:

    I guess you guys are too young to remember an '89 SHO.

    Was that a V6 though? The Mustang V6 could be out raced in a Yugo.
    A Mustang with a V6 or an electric motor isn’t a Mustang.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    A4 looks nice. and that footprint (L and W) are just about perfect (the "mama bear" size). But that price is certainly steep. Even a premium plus I guess will tickle $50K. Though I suppose it is comparable to a 330 BMW.

    at least it is quick.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,588
    I realize cars are better than ever with luxury and safety features and wonderful driving dynamics. Even with inflation factored in I have an issue paying more than $25k for a vehicle. Call me cheap, thrifty, that’s my pain point. No financing over 60 mo, generally shorter. That’s a primary reason I gravitate to lightly used 2-3 year old vehicles.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    I used to have a lower price cap before I got heart palpations. But, scope creep has been happening there. But only for my wife's car (aka the family mobile) since that is the one we generally take on trips, and plan to keep a long time. But I still refuse to break $40k even for that. No way I could spend that much on a 2nd car for me. Though leasing, well, clouds the issue.

    $25K is a nice price point. Can get something new if you want, in more basic but still nice trim. And real easy to get something in the 2-3 YO range that is very nice. Your Passat was way under. a 2018 or 2019 GTI. And many other options.

    60 months financing is also a good benchmark (if the rates are low). If you need more than that just to get a payment you can swallow, you are spending too much on my car IMO.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,506
    sda said:

    I realize cars are better than ever with luxury and safety features and wonderful driving dynamics. Even with inflation factored in I have an issue paying more than $25k for a vehicle. Call me cheap, thrifty, that’s my pain point. No financing over 60 mo, generally shorter. That’s a primary reason I gravitate to lightly used 2-3 year old vehicles.

    $25K is a good barometer. Before I leased my truck, I used it twice. Once successfully (my Infiniti) and once unsuccessfully (my Legacy). As a Chronic Car Buyer, I always have a wandering eye. With a lease, I know for certain when I’ll be in the market for a new car. I know my depreciation costs will be fixed.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    I used to have a 3 year rule for my car (the wife's car was buy new, keep it as long as reasonable).

    it worked well, for a while. But a 3 YO car, keep it 3 years, then sell and start over. I think price did not matter, but I would only spend what the old car sold for, + $300/month max for 3 years (unless I had extra cash to put down). After the first couple I was flipping in all cash deals at least.

    a pretty good plan IMO. Not spending tons of money, and not living with the same car too long. Plus, never really having an "old" or out of date car.

    but in the end, it really did work about the same as leasing repeatedly!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    qbrozen said:

    andres3 said:

    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34957337/2021-audi-a4-45-by-the-numbers/

    Is this what the market wants right now? Impressive 0-60 time, 13.5 quarter mile and it's just an A4. The price isn't cheap though.

    A 3700-lb compact. Yikes.
    It seems that while some doctors might allow you 1 extra pound per year, cars have been adding about 40-50 pounds per year the last 25 years.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    edited December 2020
    sda said:

    I realize cars are better than ever with luxury and safety features and wonderful driving dynamics. Even with inflation factored in I have an issue paying more than $25k for a vehicle. Call me cheap, thrifty, that’s my pain point. No financing over 60 mo, generally shorter. That’s a primary reason I gravitate to lightly used 2-3 year old vehicles.

    My prior A4 beat that price point, while my S4 goes well over it especially when adding all the extra fees and taxes. Still, I'm happier with the S4; that's the one I actually want. Premium, sport, and exclusivity/rarity cost a few extra $$$.

    As I think I've mentioned before, the first really good Audi mechanic I got to know said "no one ever said going fast was cheap."
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    that's the most important thing Andre. As long as it isn't financially irresponsible, you should own and drive what makes you happy!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    sda said:

    I realize cars are better than ever with luxury and safety features and wonderful driving dynamics. Even with inflation factored in I have an issue paying more than $25k for a vehicle. Call me cheap, thrifty, that’s my pain point. No financing over 60 mo, generally shorter. That’s a primary reason I gravitate to lightly used 2-3 year old vehicles.

    My vehicles range from $31k new to $1800 slightly used.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    edited December 2020
    My old 2017 truck is still for sale on Vroom.
    Original msrp 68k+, paid 56k, asking 49,480.
    If they drop they price another 7%, I can buy it back for what I got for it.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934

    My old 2017 truck is still for sale on Vroom.
    Original msrp 68k+, paid 56k, asking 49,480.
    If they drop they price another 7%, I can buy it back for what I got for it.

    How long has it been for sale on Vroom now? Seems they don't mind holding inventory.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    stickguy said:

    I used to have a 3 year rule for my car (the wife's car was buy new, keep it as long as reasonable).

    it worked well, for a while. But a 3 YO car, keep it 3 years, then sell and start over. I think price did not matter, but I would only spend what the old car sold for, + $300/month max for 3 years (unless I had extra cash to put down). After the first couple I was flipping in all cash deals at least.

    a pretty good plan IMO. Not spending tons of money, and not living with the same car too long. Plus, never really having an "old" or out of date car.

    but in the end, it really did work about the same as leasing repeatedly!

    My problem with buying a 3 year old car is that you’re still paying for a lot of depreciation but run the risk that the previous owner abused it. On a much older car you don’t have as much invested in case you get a clunker.

    That’s why my used sweet spot is 10+ years old.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    10+ is much more likely to get problems that need to be dealt with (even if taken care of, just old age wear). And of course, you need to check what you are buying.

    and it makes sense only for certain cars. Domestics that depreciate like a rock in the first couple of year? Good option. Stuff that barely moves in 3 years, isn't.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    We just buy new and keep them a bit, usually 7 to 10 years. Figure if things stay the same with no drama, we'll do the same thing again. Think I'll be getting something newer before her this time unless I do end up with her A3, but that's highly doubtful. They just got home from Orlando a few hours ago and she's over 59K, 59,109 right now. Definitely needs a good bath now but will deal with that at a later date. Had the Accent for the last 4. days but let it sit outside since it rained a bit. Wanted to get it washed/waxed but will wait till next time she comes up. Still sitting on that $25 gift card but will probably use it on mine instead

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    corvette said:

    qbrozen said:

    andres3 said:

    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34957337/2021-audi-a4-45-by-the-numbers/

    Is this what the market wants right now? Impressive 0-60 time, 13.5 quarter mile and it's just an A4. The price isn't cheap though.

    A 3700-lb compact. Yikes.
    I think that's about what my G37 weighed.
    My G35x was 3750. An AWD v6 midsizer. Granted, my 330xi compact wasn’t much better. I think 3400? 3500? With all the hype around mileage, I still can’t understand why some manufacturers haven’t gone the route of simply losing weight.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387

    We just buy new and keep them a bit, usually 7 to 10 years. Figure if things stay the same with no drama, we'll do the same thing again. Think I'll be getting something newer before her this time unless I do end up with her A3, but that's highly doubtful. They just got home from Orlando a few hours ago and she's over 59K, 59,109 right now. Definitely needs a good bath now but will deal with that at a later date. Had the Accent for the last 4. days but let it sit outside since it rained a bit. Wanted to get it washed/waxed but will wait till next time she comes up. Still sitting on that $25 gift card but will probably use it on mine instead

    depending on the car, that is a fine plan too. Of course, you then have the same car a lot longer! Though it does usually mean you are fronting more money each time, so you need more resources to get into the game.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    qbrozen said:

    corvette said:

    qbrozen said:

    andres3 said:

    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34957337/2021-audi-a4-45-by-the-numbers/

    Is this what the market wants right now? Impressive 0-60 time, 13.5 quarter mile and it's just an A4. The price isn't cheap though.

    A 3700-lb compact. Yikes.
    I think that's about what my G37 weighed.
    My G35x was 3750. An AWD v6 midsizer. Granted, my 330xi compact wasn’t much better. I think 3400? 3500? With all the hype around mileage, I still can’t understand why some manufacturers haven’t gone the route of simply losing weight.
    Safety regulations/crash tests, sound deadening, etc. People generally expect a new car to be more refined than the one they're trading in. I don't think that infotainment is a major cause--adding a built in iPad isn't really significant--but the pano roofs, etc., probably are.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    edited December 2020
    stickguy said:

    10+ is much more likely to get problems that need to be dealt with (even if taken care of, just old age wear). And of course, you need to check what you are buying.

    and it makes sense only for certain cars. Domestics that depreciate like a rock in the first couple of year? Good option. Stuff that barely moves in 3 years, isn't.

    But what is your at-risk investment? If you invest $8k in a 10 year old car you risk less than if you buy a 3 year old car for $25k. In the end it can be a crap shoot. I just like to have less money on the table.

    I’m not saying my way is better, it’s just better for my financial situation. I guess I hate putting capital at risk on a depreciating asset.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    qbrozen said:

    corvette said:

    qbrozen said:

    andres3 said:

    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34957337/2021-audi-a4-45-by-the-numbers/

    Is this what the market wants right now? Impressive 0-60 time, 13.5 quarter mile and it's just an A4. The price isn't cheap though.

    A 3700-lb compact. Yikes.
    I think that's about what my G37 weighed.
    My G35x was 3750. An AWD v6 midsizer. Granted, my 330xi compact wasn’t much better. I think 3400? 3500? With all the hype around mileage, I still can’t understand why some manufacturers haven’t gone the route of simply losing weight.
    All that safety equipment would be my guess.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,506
    I’d like some input from the group on these 2 trucks. Really asking for a friend this time:

    https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Ford-F-150-d337?sourceContext=shareListingLink#listing=289767771

    https://www.houseofcarsct.com/2011-Ford-F-150-Meriden-CT-Cheshire-Middletown-New-Britain-New-Haven/used_car/REHujDa]saM=

    Thanks in advance. The guy is looking to help his son buy a 1st car. The kid is getting his license and has a small landscaping business. I’ve tried to educate him on the benefits of leasing to no avail.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    Right now, we both are satisfied with our daily drivers, and since the drama with my Golf has quieted down a bit, we're both happy to keep the current fleet. Once hers starts to have issues, it'll just be a matter of time when it goes. Like most women, her ride is just an appliance so she'll drive whatever she ends up liking. I'm a bit more particular so I'll look at almost anything that looks interesting. But like the Golf, I'll know within a few minutes which one will be the one and then, I'll usually get it within a week or two. I've found that if I do end up going for a test drive, it's a good bet I just might get it.

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    Oh I certainly know why cars get heavier. I’m complaining about the fact that most manufacturers put little to no effort in making them lighter.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,708
    I would imagine all of the electronics, be it safety or entertainment are large contributors for the weight increase. Safe to say sheet metal has gotten thinner when its even used and fenders or truck beds are not composite. Theoretically a smaller engine should be lighter as well.

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,292
    I always shake my head when these "how much to pay" discussions pop up here. Buy what you like and can afford. If you buy a car you can afford but don't like, you've made a mistake. Same if you buy a car that you like but can't afford. How hard can that be?

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    nyccarguy said:

    I’d like some input from the group on these 2 trucks. Really asking for a friend this time:

    https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Ford-F-150-d337?sourceContext=shareListingLink#listing=289767771

    https://www.houseofcarsct.com/2011-Ford-F-150-Meriden-CT-Cheshire-Middletown-New-Britain-New-Haven/used_car/REHujDa]saM=

    Thanks in advance. The guy is looking to help his son buy a 1st car. The kid is getting his license and has a small landscaping business. I’ve tried to educate him on the benefits of leasing to no avail.

    The Ford’s in our fleet ride a little harsher than Chevy or Dodge but the consensus is the Ford is a superior work truck.

    Of those two I think I would take the one with the 5.0 engine. That Gen 1 Coyote is a beast and pretty reliable. The other truck has the 5.4L which I understand has a lot of expensive problems. (The car Wizard has a video on it)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    Definitely get a history report. The 2nd truck is more of a basic truck, so maybe better for work.
    1st one is more of a luxury truck with some aftermarket equipment(audio system and power folding step bars).
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,974
    If the 2010 checks out I think that is a much better deal than the 2011. Much less miles and fully equipped. The aftermarket radio wouldn’t worry me.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387

    stickguy said:

    10+ is much more likely to get problems that need to be dealt with (even if taken care of, just old age wear). And of course, you need to check what you are buying.

    and it makes sense only for certain cars. Domestics that depreciate like a rock in the first couple of year? Good option. Stuff that barely moves in 3 years, isn't.

    But what is your at-risk investment? If you invest $8k in a 10 year old car you risk less than if you buy a 3 year old car for $25k. In the end it can be a crap shoot. I just like to have less money on the table.

    I’m not saying my way is better, it’s just better for my financial situation. I guess I hate putting capital at risk on a depreciating asset.
    of course, you can (well, should) only spend what you can afford. But in terms of getting old/cheap, even if that could be cheaper in total, it also depends what you want in a car, and how you will use it. if it is just a around town spare car, really doesn't matter. But if it is a primary car for commuting, travelling long distances, etc. I want something newer with more features.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387

    nyccarguy said:

    I’d like some input from the group on these 2 trucks. Really asking for a friend this time:

    https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Ford-F-150-d337?sourceContext=shareListingLink#listing=289767771

    https://www.houseofcarsct.com/2011-Ford-F-150-Meriden-CT-Cheshire-Middletown-New-Britain-New-Haven/used_car/REHujDa]saM=

    Thanks in advance. The guy is looking to help his son buy a 1st car. The kid is getting his license and has a small landscaping business. I’ve tried to educate him on the benefits of leasing to no avail.

    The Ford’s in our fleet ride a little harsher than Chevy or Dodge but the consensus is the Ford is a superior work truck.

    Of those two I think I would take the one with the 5.0 engine. That Gen 1 Coyote is a beast and pretty reliable. The other truck has the 5.4L which I understand has a lot of expensive problems. (The car Wizard has a video on it)
    I think he voted the 5.4l 3 valve(?) one of the worst engines ever and said to never buy one. Inherent fatal flaws that can only be fixed with a new engine

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    qbrozen said:
    miles are good, and seems well taken care of. But I thought 2015 was a year to avoid (first year of the new model). Other than that, just the wrong color and wrong pedal count!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    Not sure about the year. What would make it any different, mechanically speaking? Same TSI 2.0 and DSG gearbox as years prior, I thought.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    edited December 2020
    I did some researching when I got interested in them a few months ago. Not sure what source, but there were definitely common problems with certain years. I think it was early Mk6, then the initial MYs of the MK7. Not quite sure what, and it might have been more significant with the 2010ish models. But there were definitely a few MYs to, if not completely avoid, at least be more careful with and look for certain problem areas.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,833
    There was a turbo issue on the 2015s. Also if you step up to a 2016, CarPlay is included even on the base S.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,387
    If I do get one, it will be 2018 or up. unless I go much older and cheap, though nice older ones still seem to hold their value.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

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