Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

oldfarmer50

breld said:

Just got back from a long weekend trip to Moab, so we definitely saw our share of Jeeps, Tacomas and 4Runners, many of which are probably utilized toward their potential there.

Us? We ventured onto a non-paved trail with the XC90 for a little while, but decided to turn back at the first large dip in the road. Man, look at that dirt though!



In any case, it was beautiful there - we visited Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches National Park (we also drove through Canyonlands).

Beautiful.

Sandman6472

Turns out the recall was for a transmission issue, not the trunk issue. All in all, it's done now and with the new oil & filter change, good for another year.
Got on the website of the Toyota store I work at and they now are showing the new Corolla Cross CUV. Only have a few of each but at least they're coming to dealer lots now. I'd want the top XLE with the JBL audio system but so far, none with the JBL on the lot yet. But since I'm still not ready to buy yet, no big deal. Vehicle looks to be 175.6" and guessing it'll fit on my side since my old Honda Civic did and it was about 176" as I recall. But will bring one home when I do test drive for the definitive test. So far, no dealer has refused this request as guessing they know if it won't fit, no way I'm buying anyways so why not go see first hand.

corvette

Emailed US Bank about extending the lease. Got a response back that I should contact the collections department. Replied back to clarify that I'm not asking for some sort of payment relief, but am interested in continuing to make on-time payments and extend the term of the lease beyond the termination date. They replied back that that is still under the purview of the collections department and I should call them for more info. This should be fun...

stickguy

popped into another Ford dealer today to ask if they knew when they would see their first Maverick. Got a basic "who knows" with a guess of 3 weeks maybe. They did say they had a couple of customer orders in the works.

I was thinking it was weird that dealers elsewhere have already gotten and delivered multiple units, and the local guys were thinking November maybe. Wondering if they just did not do much pushing for orders, so they don't have many or didn't get early adopters. Can't take that much longer I would think to get to NJ. Though maybe it did since the places I know that got them (AZ, Texas, Kansas) could be getting shipped via train from the staging ports in Mexico, and they get loaded on a ship to NJ for deliveries to the north east.

someday maybe I can see one in person! They now have my name too to contact if one arrives to try and see/sit in before the new owner (everything is pre-orders now) picks it up!

stickguy

I did have to run out today to do some errands, which happened to take me over near one of the auto rows in the area, so was going to stop in a dealer to chat about another car that caught my eye. But when I pulled up google maps for directions, came up as closed today. Guess they decided since they have no cars to sell, might as well close for the holiday! Maybe later in the week.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I did have to run out today to do some errands, which happened to take me over near one of the auto rows in the area, so was going to stop in a dealer to chat about another car that caught my eye. But when I pulled up google maps for directions, came up as closed today. Guess they decided since they have no cars to sell, might as well close for the holiday! Maybe later in the week.

The BMW/MINI/Honda dealer that @breld, @jpp75 and I frequent is now closed on Mondays.

All dealers are closed on Sunday, per Colorado law.

I suspect it's for the same reason - when there's nothing to sell, no reason to have the sales and admin staff standing around.

corvette

From my Facebook feed...


My take:

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

popped into another Ford dealer today to ask if they knew when they would see their first Maverick. Got a basic "who knows" with a guess of 3 weeks maybe. They did say they had a couple of customer orders in the works.

I was thinking it was weird that dealers elsewhere have already gotten and delivered multiple units, and the local guys were thinking November maybe. Wondering if they just did not do much pushing for orders, so they don't have many or didn't get early adopters. Can't take that much longer I would think to get to NJ. Though maybe it did since the places I know that got them (AZ, Texas, Kansas) could be getting shipped via train from the staging ports in Mexico, and they get loaded on a ship to NJ for deliveries to the north east.

someday maybe I can see one in person! They now have my name too to contact if one arrives to try and see/sit in before the new owner (everything is pre-orders now) picks it up!

You got me thinking so I did an inventory search for Mavericks in my area. 24 came up within 20 miles of me. All in transit.

So I guess there’s no way to actually see one in the flesh.

There’s one thing I did notice, there’s about a 10k spread between the XL and the XLT trims. That’s significant.

fintail

Is that original MSRP? Can't be much lower if at all.

That got me looking - This is nearly 15K higher than my residual, with fewer options and more miles

corvette said:

From my Facebook feed...

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

popped into another Ford dealer today to ask if they knew when they would see their first Maverick. Got a basic "who knows" with a guess of 3 weeks maybe. They did say they had a couple of customer orders in the works.

I was thinking it was weird that dealers elsewhere have already gotten and delivered multiple units, and the local guys were thinking November maybe. Wondering if they just did not do much pushing for orders, so they don't have many or didn't get early adopters. Can't take that much longer I would think to get to NJ. Though maybe it did since the places I know that got them (AZ, Texas, Kansas) could be getting shipped via train from the staging ports in Mexico, and they get loaded on a ship to NJ for deliveries to the north east.

someday maybe I can see one in person! They now have my name too to contact if one arrives to try and see/sit in before the new owner (everything is pre-orders now) picks it up!

You got me thinking so I did an inventory search for Mavericks in my area. 24 came up within 20 miles of me. All in transit.

So I guess there’s no way to actually see one in the flesh.

There’s one thing I did notice, there’s about a 10k spread between the XL and the XLT trims. That’s significant.

actually only about $2,500-$3,000 I think. But the XLT has some option packages (luxury package) so you can probably run one up to $30K if you check enough boxes. 2.0T is $1,000, AWD is about $2,200, luxury package is $3,300 or so.

wstut

I'm a high schooler looking for a car ($3000-$7000ish) that I can own for a year and then sell without losing any money or much money. What would you advise I buy?

stickguy

tough ask! Where in the country are you, and are there any particular criteria (car or truck? AWD?)

Right now, the entire car market is nuts, so the normal rules are out the window. Prices of everything are up significantly, and if that bubble bursts next year, you could get left holding the bag.

but in general, my thoughts are to get something as cheap as possible, but most important factor is mechanical condition. And you are usually better off getting a domestic to get a cheaper price (or at least a less popular import). And stick with a basic, cheaper to fix brand (Toyota or chevy, not a BMW!).

one thing people forget when shopping is total cost. You are looking at one big factor (depreciation). That can be mitigated by buying something cheap (a $2,000 car doesn't have much room to go down). But maintenance costs can easily swamp you on a cheap car that needs a lot of repairs (especially if you (or a friend/relative) can't DIY most stuff. So do a budget accounting for upkeep too.

Quite often, in terms of total cost to own, a more expensive to purchase car can be cheaper to own over 1-2 years when accounting for resale and upkeep.

If you are not planning to put many miles on it, something with higher miles but good maintenance records could be a good option if it passes a mechanics inspection. An old persons car can be a good deal. A nice dealer maintained low miles Buick with dents and dings can often come cheap but be very reliable.

in your case, always nice to find a clean, boring Corolla. They are just pricey, but get a good one, and they hold value and are dirt cheap to run. A Chevy Cruze could do the same thing, for a lower up front cost.

Oh, the best thing for a HS kid, find someone in the family that can pass down a car!

corvette

wstut said:

I'm a high schooler looking for a car ($3000-$7000ish) that I can own for a year and then sell without losing any money or much money. What would you advise I buy?

If current market conditions continue, pretty much anything should meet that criteria, but there is no guarantee that the current market conditions will continue. If they don't, what kind of car would you want? Why do you only need or want to keep it for a year?

xwesx

wstut said:

I'm a high schooler looking for a car ($3000-$7000ish) that I can own for a year and then sell without losing any money or much money. What would you advise I buy?

That's only going to work out if the market holds, because you'll definitely be buying on the high side right now.

Maybe an oughts (00-09) Camry, Corolla, Accord, or Civic? Those will often hold their value well, especially at their age and with miles typically in the 150,000-range.

au1994

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

I did have to run out today to do some errands, which happened to take me over near one of the auto rows in the area, so was going to stop in a dealer to chat about another car that caught my eye. But when I pulled up google maps for directions, came up as closed today. Guess they decided since they have no cars to sell, might as well close for the holiday! Maybe later in the week.

The BMW/MINI/Honda dealer that @breld, @jpp75 and I frequent is now closed on Mondays.

All dealers are closed on Sunday, per Colorado law.

I suspect it's for the same reason - when there's nothing to sell, no reason to have the sales and admin staff standing around.

Thats a good point, I’ll have to pay attention around here. They can open on Sunday here and pre shortage, many took advantage of that.

kyfdx

The local Toyota dealer where I bought the Tacoma is now closed on Sunday.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

popped into another Ford dealer today to ask if they knew when they would see their first Maverick. Got a basic "who knows" with a guess of 3 weeks maybe. They did say they had a couple of customer orders in the works.

I was thinking it was weird that dealers elsewhere have already gotten and delivered multiple units, and the local guys were thinking November maybe. Wondering if they just did not do much pushing for orders, so they don't have many or didn't get early adopters. Can't take that much longer I would think to get to NJ. Though maybe it did since the places I know that got them (AZ, Texas, Kansas) could be getting shipped via train from the staging ports in Mexico, and they get loaded on a ship to NJ for deliveries to the north east.

someday maybe I can see one in person! They now have my name too to contact if one arrives to try and see/sit in before the new owner (everything is pre-orders now) picks it up!

You got me thinking so I did an inventory search for Mavericks in my area. 24 came up within 20 miles of me. All in transit.

So I guess there’s no way to actually see one in the flesh.

There’s one thing I did notice, there’s about a 10k spread between the XL and the XLT trims. That’s significant.

actually only about $2,500-$3,000 I think. But the XLT has some option packages (luxury package) so you can probably run one up to $30K if you check enough boxes. 2.0T is $1,000, AWD is about $2,200, luxury package is $3,300 or so.

Maybe in theory but this seems clear. I suppose that it depends the options you pick…or that you’re forced to accept.

https://shop.ford.com/inventory/maverick/details/3FTTW8E90NRA05935?fromPopularBuild=false&zipcode=12110&year=2022&ownerPACode=07554

https://shop.ford.com/inventory/maverick/details/3FTTW8F99NRA02031?fromPopularBuild=false&zipcode=12110&year=2022&ownerPACode=07554

qbrozen

@wstut said:
I'm a high schooler looking for a car ($3000-$7000ish) that I can own for a year and then sell without losing any money or much money. What would you advise I buy?

Crown Vic / Grand Marquis / Towncar

qbrozen

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

Me? I'd go for the SUV - no restrictions on where and when you can drive it.

As soon as you get the cart, there will be an occasion where you'd have to drive it after dark, and you can't.

And, since you can do your own wrenching (you were planning on having some tools at the condo, weren't you?) that should mitigate the running costs.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

What kind of $3K 17 year old SUV are we talking about here?

kyfdx

Golf cart

stickguy

There really weren’t any forced options. You really could pick what you wanted. Though a few things couldn’t (or had to) go together. Like getting a full sized spare with tow package. A bunch of stuff was grouped into the luxury package though, like heated seats.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

What kind of $3K 17 year old SUV are we talking about here?

Well, I've found quite a few, although I have not seen any in person. Front runner is a $2500 2005 Pacifica in the next town over. 120k miles and looks very very clean. Others such as an '04 Liberty with 170k for $2800; '03 Tribute with 135k @ $2500; '05 CRV with 125k @ $3500; '05 JGC w/118k @ $2500. And some non-SUVs like: '05 MPV w/134k @ $2800; '06 Uplander w/132k @ $2800; '05 Vibe w/177k @ $2500.

stickguy

Heck, I could use that Pacifica!

You? Just leave he ML down there. At least you won’t have to look at it every day!

qbrozen

I knew someone would say that. ML is way too pricey for that purpose.

stickguy

I really should have tried to buy my neighbors old Pilot. Or something like that Pacifica but I never find those deals BP near me. Just to use as a beater until we finally get relocated. Who cares if the wife frowns on it!

I really needed a used PU I think. But those just make no sense.

sda

@qbrozen I don’t know if rust is an issue where you are looking at vehicles.. What ever you leave in SC will be subject to salt air blown in from the beach a few blocks away. The more rust free purchase the better.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

I really should have tried to buy my neighbors old Pilot. Or something like that Pacifica but I never find those deals BP near me. Just to use as a beater until we finally get relocated. Who cares if the wife frowns on it!

I really needed a used PU I think. But those just make no sense.

Search FB marketplace in your area. Really does not seem to be a shortage of nearly used up vehicles.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

What kind of $3K 17 year old SUV are we talking about here?

Well, I've found quite a few, although I have not seen any in person. Front runner is a $2500 2005 Pacifica in the next town over. 120k miles and looks very very clean. Others such as an '04 Liberty with 170k for $2800; '03 Tribute with 135k @ $2500; '05 CRV with 125k @ $3500; '05 JGC w/118k @ $2500. And some non-SUVs like: '05 MPV w/134k @ $2800; '06 Uplander w/132k @ $2800; '05 Vibe w/177k @ $2500.

Interesting options. I'd cross the 170K '04 Liberty off your list. I like the '05 Pacifica & the '03 Tribute. Does your wife use the T&C as her daily driver? Ever thought of retiring it down there? Maybe give her the ML to drive while you wait for your Sprinter?

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

What kind of $3K 17 year old SUV are we talking about here?

Well, I've found quite a few, although I have not seen any in person. Front runner is a $2500 2005 Pacifica in the next town over. 120k miles and looks very very clean. Others such as an '04 Liberty with 170k for $2800; '03 Tribute with 135k @ $2500; '05 CRV with 125k @ $3500; '05 JGC w/118k @ $2500. And some non-SUVs like: '05 MPV w/134k @ $2800; '06 Uplander w/132k @ $2800; '05 Vibe w/177k @ $2500.

Interesting options. I'd cross the 170K '04 Liberty off your list. I like the '05 Pacifica & the '03 Tribute. Does your wife use the T&C as her daily driver? Ever thought of retiring it down there? Maybe give her the ML to drive while you wait for your Sprinter?

Again, worth too much. Doesn't make sense to me to put a $15k vehicle down there for 1k miles/yr.

oldfarmer50

wstut said:

I'm a high schooler looking for a car ($3000-$7000ish) that I can own for a year and then sell without losing any money or much money. What would you advise I buy?

Well, if you’re looking to invest your money in an asset that won’t depreciate, a car is the worst choice.

Having said that I’d look around for a car that an older relative or neighbor owns. While the cars they own can be boring, these folks tend to not abuse their cars and you might even find one that’s low mileage as well.

Stay away from trucks or sports cars because they command premium prices.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

I’d nix the golf cart for something you can flee a hurricane in. Get an old Chrysler Sebring convertible. Cheap, kind of fun with the top down and not too bad for an around the town cruiser. I haven’t put a thousand miles on mine yet this year with the season pretty much over.

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

I’d nix the golf cart for something you can flee a hurricane in. Get an old Chrysler Sebring convertible. Cheap, kind of fun with the top down and not too bad for an around the town cruiser. I haven’t put a thousand miles on mine yet this year with the season pretty much over.

lol. no thanks. Funny how you think "flee a hurricane" equals "old soft top."

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

What kind of $3K 17 year old SUV are we talking about here?

Well, I've found quite a few, although I have not seen any in person. Front runner is a $2500 2005 Pacifica in the next town over. 120k miles and looks very very clean. Others such as an '04 Liberty with 170k for $2800; '03 Tribute with 135k @ $2500; '05 CRV with 125k @ $3500; '05 JGC w/118k @ $2500. And some non-SUVs like: '05 MPV w/134k @ $2800; '06 Uplander w/132k @ $2800; '05 Vibe w/177k @ $2500.

Pacifica’s were nice cars; avoid that Jeep Liberty, the 3.7L V6 was a head blower, 170k miles it might be worn out; Tribute is a Ford Escape; 125k miles on a CRV is nothing; JGC is nice if not in a rust belt; didn’t the MPV have some problems, can’t remember; 132k miles on an Uplander might be asking for trouble; 177k miles on a Vibe (Matrix) could be ok.

The prices on all those vehicles seem very reasonable unless they’re in poor shape. I’d be suspicious.

tjc78

@wstut said:
I'm a high schooler looking for a car ($3000-$7000ish) that I can own for a year and then sell without losing any money or much money. What would you advise I buy?

Crown Vic / Grand Marquis / Towncar

Always a safe bet. Maybe also a Lesabre or other GM 3800 car.

tjc78

@qbrozen said:
Well, I've found quite a few, although I have not seen any in person. Front runner is a $2500 2005 Pacifica in the next town over. 120k miles and looks very very clean. Others such as an '04 Liberty with 170k for $2800; '03 Tribute with 135k @ $2500; '05 CRV with 125k @ $3500; '05 JGC w/118k @ $2500. And some non-SUVs like: '05 MPV w/134k @ $2800; '06 Uplander w/132k @ $2800; '05 Vibe w/177k @ $2500.

If the cart is 6-7 years old you are looking at new batteries soon at around $800-$1000.

Because of the restrictions a golf cart may not work.

I’d say most of those SUVs options are perfect for done there.

28firefighter

I'd go with the 05 CRV or the 05 MPV.

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

I’d go with the SUV or any car for that matter. I’ve been to Myrtle Beach many times. In fact, we usually stay at a condo on the beach that is just a couple blocks away from a golf course. Without exception every year we have gone to Myrtle Beach I have seen at least one close call with a car, and mostly pickups, that have almost hit a golf cart. On top of that an SUV is way more versatile.

We’ve gotten used to having you around these forums, don’t screw it up buying a golf cart. Especially since you ain’t no golfer.

jmonroe

au1994

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

What’s an 07-08 JK Unlimited going for these days?

qbrozen

au1994 said:

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

What’s an 07-08 JK Unlimited going for these days?

I think somewhere in the 6-figure range. ;b

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

Pacifica’s were nice cars; avoid that Jeep Liberty, the 3.7L V6 was a head blower, 170k miles it might be worn out; Tribute is a Ford Escape; 125k miles on a CRV is nothing; JGC is nice if not in a rust belt; didn’t the MPV have some problems, can’t remember; 132k miles on an Uplander might be asking for trouble; 177k miles on a Vibe (Matrix) could be ok.

The prices on all those vehicles seem very reasonable unless they’re in poor shape. I’d be suspicious.

They are all used up vehicles, so I don't find them suspicious. Every one of them is a $1k trade, at best. We had that same year Pac. Weak point is still the transmissions. Both mazdas had the 3.0 Ford Duratec. Not horrible, but the typical oil and water pump failures from Ford. And, yes, the only reason I'd consider a 170k+ Vibe is for the 1.8L toyota engine. JGC is a crapshoot. Some had the same 3.7 v6 as the Liberty, some had the 4.7 v8, and some had the 5.7 hemi. This one certainly isn't a hemi. I think the 4.7 was the most common, and I can't say I know much about those. For a JGC, I think, if I can't get the 5.7, I'd rather go a little older and find one with the 4.0.

stickguy

Advantage to the SUV is if you ever fly down, you have a car instead of needed to rent.

kyfdx

Speaking of cheap SUVs. In my neighborhood:

mjfloyd1

A new NUTREL switch. Nice

stickguy

Good deal. Even better if a manual!

tjc78

@jmonroe1 said:
I’d go with the SUV or any car for that matter. I’ve been to Myrtle Beach many times. In fact, we usually stay at a condo on the beach that is just a couple blocks away from a golf course. Without exception every year we have gone to Myrtle Beach I have seen at least one close call with a car, and mostly pickups, that have almost hit a golf cart. On top of that an SUV is way more versatile.

We’ve gotten used to having you around these forums, don’t screw it up buying a golf cart. Especially since you ain’t no golfer.

jmonroe

Wife wants a street legal cart for our place in Wildwood. I just don’t know. They are very convenient for running around the island, but another expense and yes you are surrounded by Tahoes, etc that one wrong move and “squish, just like grape”

Bonus points for the movie reference.

au1994

mjfloyd1 said:

A new NUTREL switch. Nice

Wonder if the breaks are good?

mjfloyd1

Probably new breaks too

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

I keep bouncing back and forth as to what makes more sense to leave down at the condo.

$6k for a 7-yr-old 6-passenger golf cart. Cheap to keep after initial purchase. Only good for around town, not allowed out after dark.

$3k for a 17-yr-old SUV. More versatile, roomier, no restrictions. More expensive upkeep.

Any opinions or something I’m missing? Keep in mind we’re talking about a vehicle that may see 1k miles a year at most.

What kind of $3K 17 year old SUV are we talking about here?

Well, I've found quite a few, although I have not seen any in person. Front runner is a $2500 2005 Pacifica in the next town over. 120k miles and looks very very clean. Others such as an '04 Liberty with 170k for $2800; '03 Tribute with 135k @ $2500; '05 CRV with 125k @ $3500; '05 JGC w/118k @ $2500. And some non-SUVs like: '05 MPV w/134k @ $2800; '06 Uplander w/132k @ $2800; '05 Vibe w/177k @ $2500.

Interesting options. I'd cross the 170K '04 Liberty off your list. I like the '05 Pacifica & the '03 Tribute. Does your wife use the T&C as her daily driver? Ever thought of retiring it down there? Maybe give her the ML to drive while you wait for your Sprinter?

Again, worth too much. Doesn't make sense to me to put a $15k vehicle down there for 1k miles/yr.

Got it. I was just thinking of a sanity perspective. Financially, it is never going to make sense. Say you buy something for $2,500. You know it is going to need $1,000 - $1,500 worth of some kind of work whether it be an age related repair or some upcoming or past due maintenance. Also, are you permitted to work on your vehicles in your new place in SC? I assume you plan on going down there for a few days to a week. Do you really want to spend your time down there waiting for parts and raising your blood pressure whenever something goes wrong?