We've now been in Costa Rica for about a month, closed on the new house June 28th, moved in June 30th. Its a lovely house, complete with house geckos that, while they keep the bug population down, are noisy and think the house belongs to them. Nightly gecko wrangling is not unusual. We have a "pet" iguana that eats everything we don't want him to and looks at us with a "you know I'll be back tomorrow" look. There's also a huge family a howler monkeys that hang out in the trees near the side yard. They are so fun to watch. They don't seem bothered by us at all. The babies are adorable. They can get loud though.
I will say car shopping in Costa Rica is so different. Currently looking at a Geely Coolray which is what our realtor drives and she loves it. Its not super expensive and considering most 20+ year old cars at $10-$12k+, spending $23-$25k for a brand new car doesn't seem so bad. Gone are the days of wanting leather and a sunroof!
We've been renting a Hyundai Tucson, we are on #3 so far, the first one had a door that wouldn't open, a window that wouldn't open, and brake lights that were shorting out. We had a lady follow us in to a store parking lot to tell us we had no brake lights. The next one was guzzling gas, had no power, then a check engine light came on. This 3rd one is newer, a 2022, less miles, and so far is behaving. No way I would buy one!
It is and we love it! Hubby will be staying in Alaska for the winter and I'll be staying in Costa Rica so little man can start school here. It will be a little tough but doable. There is an amazing private school here and we want him to get started right away rather than have to switch schools 1/2 way through the school year. Not to mention it doesn't break my heart to not spend another winter in Alaska!
Especially for the money, the Outback is a lot more car than the Prius. I don't think that generation of Outback has ESC, but it does have cool frameless doors. I think the Gen3 Prius is prone to head gasket issues, but I don't think they are commonplace enough that it would deter me from buying one.
Sube looks nice. But there are no pictures of where the evil hides. If that lived it's live in Rochester there is going to be a lot of rust underneath. The evil beast can take out the entire subframe.
You know the drill. Put it on a lift, and start poking with a screwdriver! One good thing is NY actually safety inspects still, and will fail a car for frame rust-through.
If you go out and buy it, stop by on your way back. I am almost on the way if you go the scenic route!
Prius will use half the fuel while you have half the fun of driving it. Sadly, I think MA cars age in dog years as a result of the way folks drive there (ridiculously aggressive). But, aside from that, all three look solid.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Sube looks nice. But there are no pictures of where the evil hides. If that lived it's live in Rochester there is going to be a lot of rust underneath. The evil beast can take out the entire subframe.
You know the drill. Put it on a lift, and start poking with a screwdriver! One good thing is NY actually safety inspects still, and will fail a car for frame rust-through.
If you go out and buy it, stop by on your way back. I am almost on the way if you go the scenic route!
Just watch out for a dealer that slaps a sticker on a junker. This place is just south of Rochester.
Eric O. is the best. Poor guy deals with more rust than any man should ever have to.
He recently had to do a front subframe replacement on a 2013 OB. Rotted through bad enough to fail inspection. And this week, had to replace the entire rear subframe on a not all that old Altima because the rear control arms rotted out. Had one shipped up from Alabama that looked like brand new!
just watched the video. Depressing. and why it is insane to buy a used car in the salt belt without having a good PPI, with it up on the lift. Because the bad news needs to be seen from the bottom. at least bring a towel and squeeze your head underneath. You can see enough doing that to tell.
If I actually needed a cheaper used car like this, I would make a road trip to the south and buy a local unit.
just watched the video. Depressing. and why it is insane to buy a used car in the salt belt without having a good PPI, with it up on the lift. Because the bad news needs to be seen from the bottom. at least bring a towel and squeeze your head underneath. You can see enough doing that to tell.
If I actually needed a cheaper used car like this, I would make a road trip to the south and buy a local unit.
That’s one of the first things I do on a hooptie inspection. Right after looking at fluids and a cold start. Up on a lift is better though because some scammers spray black paint over the rust to fool you.
I remember once when a woman at work bought a used Ford Explorer from a large multi-line dealer. A few months later the front coil spring punched through the lower control arm because it was so rusted. The only time I ever saw rust like that was when the same thing happened to my crusty 88’ $900 GMC cargo van. The difference is I knew my van was a junker when I bought it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Sube looks nice. But there are no pictures of where the evil hides. If that lived it's live in Rochester there is going to be a lot of rust underneath. The evil beast can take out the entire subframe.
You know the drill. Put it on a lift, and start poking with a screwdriver! One good thing is NY actually safety inspects still, and will fail a car for frame rust-through.
If you go out and buy it, stop by on your way back. I am almost on the way if you go the scenic route!
I know. It is a Rochester car. Salt stays on the road there until May.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Even worse, as I learned from Eric O videos, in the country there they also brine the dirt roads to keep dust down. So you get the rotting chemicals all year round caked on with the dust spray from the roads
@oldfarmer50 - I think that video just made me cross northern owned Subarus off my list. Amazing how well the car drove even with the rust & mismatched tires
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Even worse, as I learned from Eric O videos, in the country there they also brine the dirt roads to keep dust down. So you get the rotting chemicals all year round caked on with the dust spray from the roads
In Indiana, they spray used oil on dirt/gravel roads in the Summer, to keep down the dust..
@oldfarmer50 - I think that video just made me cross northern owned Subarus off my list. Amazing how well the car drove even with the rust & mismatched tires
Not all is lost. Just buy from an elderly person who took the car to Florida in the winter. The cars tend to be boring but you don’t need the excitement of having parts fall off as you drive.
All these were owned by older drivers. No rust.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@oldfarmer50 - I think that video just made me cross northern owned Subarus off my list. Amazing how well the car drove even with the rust & mismatched tires
Old Subarus have a lot of quirks. Some are expensive but all end up bring a labor of love.
Might not be what you want for a HS kids first car.
Do you still vacation down south (NC maybe?). If so pick up something local down there and drive it back up!
@oldfarmer50 - I think that video just made me cross northern owned Subarus off my list. Amazing how well the car drove even with the rust & mismatched tires
Old Subarus have a lot of quirks. Some are expensive but all end up bring a labor of love.
Might not be what you want for a HS kids first car.
Do you still vacation down south (NC maybe?). If so pick up something local down there and drive it back up!
Funny you should say that. I just booked a hotel from 7/25-7/29 in Nags Head, NC:)- I'll have to keep my eyes peeled!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
———————————————— That’s why I thought I struck oil in the backyard of my first house that I lived in for 20 years. Did oil changes religiously every 3K miles back then.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Even worse, as I learned from Eric O videos, in the country there they also brine the dirt roads to keep dust down. So you get the rotting chemicals all year round caked on with the dust spray from the roads
In Indiana, they spray used oil on dirt/gravel roads in the Summer, to keep down the dust..
That's the way to do it!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I'll probably regret asking this question, but has anyone heard if Jeep has any decent lease deals for the Wrangler? I want a 2 door- either a Willys or a Rubicon.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I'll probably regret asking this question, but has anyone heard if Jeep has any decent lease deals for the Wrangler? I want a 2 door- either a Willys or a Rubicon.
Nope. Standard MF (I think .00363 for 36 month term), and no incentives.
I'll probably regret asking this question, but has anyone heard if Jeep has any decent lease deals for the Wrangler? I want a 2 door- either a Willys or a Rubicon.
Nope. Standard MF (I think .00363 for 36 month term), and no incentives.
Much better lease deals on the 4xe versions - big rebates and much smaller MF.
Just got an updated offer from Carvana for the Mustang. $27,382 up about $3k from a few weeks ago when they for some reason thought I had 40k miles on it. When I corrected them with the actual 17k miles the offer went up.
Now that car is in very good shape but it is 8 years old. I don’t know what they are smoking to offer that much. This is why I can’t take these stories of plunging used car prices seriously.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@nyccarguy said:
Funny you should say that. I just booked a hotel from 7/25-7/29 in Nags Head, NC:)- I'll have to keep my eyes peeled!
Coastal cars run the risk of having been driven through salt water, especially on the OBX where there are a few spots that are prone to tidal flooding. If you’re shopping too close to Nags Head, make sure they didn’t go to Rodanthe too much!
@oldfarmer50, Do they have any similar cars for sale? A guy up the street was selling a 2013 F150 XLT crew cab with 130k on it, asking 14,500. I looked them on Carmax am they were selling theirs for 22-23k.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
In Indiana, they spray used oil on dirt/gravel roads in the Summer, to keep down the dust..
In Indiana where there were still gravel roads in rural areas, the homeowners sometimes paid to have calcium chloride solution sprayed onto the road in front of their residence, e.g.. The calcium chloride is hygroscopic and attracted and held moisture, keeping down the amount of dust from the occasional passing cars.
@oldfarmer50, Do they have any similar cars for sale? A guy up the street was selling a 2013 F150 XLT crew cab with 130k on it, asking 14,500. I looked them on Carmax am they were selling theirs for 22-23k.
Closest comp on Carvana is a base GT with 7k for $35,000.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@nyccarguy said:
Funny you should say that. I just booked a hotel from 7/25-7/29 in Nags Head, NC:)- I'll have to keep my eyes peeled!
Coastal cars run the risk of having been driven through salt water, especially on the OBX where there are a few spots that are prone to tidal flooding. If you’re shopping too close to Nags Head, make sure they didn’t go to Rodanthe too much!
————————————————
That salt splash wouldn’t bother me because it’ll rain the next day and be washed off. Just get up to highway speeds for a few miles and you should be fine.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I don't have an itinerary nailed down, yet, but I'll try to keep you posted. I will probably take the entire week off work and hit up some of the auto museums in northern Indiana on the way up there.
In Indiana, they spray used oil on dirt/gravel roads in the Summer, to keep down the dust..
In Indiana where there were still gravel roads in rural areas, the homeowners sometimes paid to have calcium chloride solution sprayed onto the road in front of their residence, e.g.. The calcium chloride is hygroscopic and attracted and held moisture, keeping down the amount of dust from the occasional passing cars.
I had to google that one. Definitely never heard of it, but I grew up next to a golf course 😂
I don't have an itinerary nailed down, yet, but I'll try to keep you posted. I will probably take the entire week off work and hit up some of the auto museums in northern Indiana on the way up there.
Auburn cord Duesenberg and south bend studebaker museums?
Hopefully you don’t have to drive through much used car oil and calcium chloride😂
Dealer where I first leased the wagon kept me on their mailing list, I just received this offer on an EQE - some discount off MSRP I guess, and some mop 'n glo to boot:
Dealer where I first leased the wagon kept me on their mailing list, I just received this offer on an EQE - some discount off MSRP I guess, and some mop 'n glo to boot:
———————————————— That’s the first time I’ve ever seen a dealer advertise that their DOC fee is negotiable. How could you pass up a deal like that?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Comments
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
I will say car shopping in Costa Rica is so different. Currently looking at a Geely Coolray which is what our realtor drives and she loves it. Its not super expensive and considering most 20+ year old cars at $10-$12k+, spending $23-$25k for a brand new car doesn't seem so bad. Gone are the days of wanting leather and a sunroof!
We've been renting a Hyundai Tucson, we are on #3 so far, the first one had a door that wouldn't open, a window that wouldn't open, and brake lights that were shorting out. We had a lady follow us in to a store parking lot to tell us we had no brake lights. The next one was guzzling gas, had no power, then a check engine light came on. This 3rd one is newer, a 2022, less miles, and so far is behaving. No way I would buy one!
Definitely sounds totally different than Alaska.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Here is a https://www.autotrader.com/marketplace/buy/subaru/outback/2006/4S4BP61C966362149?listingId=687904753 2006 Outback with a stick and only 111K miles.
The we have a https://www.autotrader.com/marketplace/buy/toyota/prius/2009/JTDKB20U197839189?listingId=687838684 2009 Prius with under 100K miles.
And last, but not least, a https://www.autotrader.com/marketplace/buy/toyota/prius/2011/JTDKN3DU0B0315425?listingId=688040213 2011 Prius from the Bay state.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
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
You know the drill. Put it on a lift, and start poking with a screwdriver! One good thing is NY actually safety inspects still, and will fail a car for frame rust-through.
If you go out and buy it, stop by on your way back. I am almost on the way if you go the scenic route!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Not really, but had to make it happen.
'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
Prius will use half the fuel while you have half the fun of driving it. Sadly, I think MA cars age in dog years as a result of the way folks drive there (ridiculously aggressive). But, aside from that, all three look solid.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
He recently had to do a front subframe replacement on a 2013 OB. Rotted through bad enough to fail inspection. And this week, had to replace the entire rear subframe on a not all that old Altima because the rear control arms rotted out. Had one shipped up from Alabama that looked like brand new!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If I actually needed a cheaper used car like this, I would make a road trip to the south and buy a local unit.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I remember once when a woman at work bought a used Ford Explorer from a large multi-line dealer. A few months later the front coil spring punched through the lower control arm because it was so rusted. The only time I ever saw rust like that was when the same thing happened to my crusty 88’ $900 GMC cargo van. The difference is I knew my van was a junker when I bought it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Even worse, as I learned from Eric O videos, in the country there they also brine the dirt roads to keep dust down. So you get the rotting chemicals all year round caked on with the dust spray from the roads
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
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Just like the good old days!
I think they switched to salt mixture to avoid all the oil being sprayed. Might be better for the ground but at the expense of car bottoms.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
All these were owned by older drivers. No rust.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Might not be what you want for a HS kids first car.
Do you still vacation down south (NC maybe?). If so pick up something local down there and drive it back up!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
That’s why I thought I struck oil in the backyard of my first house that I lived in for 20 years. Did oil changes religiously every 3K miles back then.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
'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
I’ve not seen that. They did “chip and seal” on IN-67 a while back. Pea gravel and tar. What a good idea😂
I’ve not seen that. They did “chip and seal” on IN-67 a while back. Pea gravel and tar. What a good idea😂
It's been 25-35 years ago..
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Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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
Now that car is in very good shape but it is 8 years old. I don’t know what they are smoking to offer that much. This is why I can’t take these stories of plunging used car prices seriously.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Coastal cars run the risk of having been driven through salt water, especially on the OBX where there are a few spots that are prone to tidal flooding. If you’re shopping too close to Nags Head, make sure they didn’t go to Rodanthe too much!
Do they have any similar cars for sale?
A guy up the street was selling a 2013 F150 XLT crew cab with 130k on it, asking 14,500.
I looked them on Carmax am they were selling theirs for 22-23k.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
————————————————
That salt splash wouldn’t bother me because it’ll rain the next day and be washed off. Just get up to highway speeds for a few miles and you should be fine.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Hmm…wife and I could be tempted to join you.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I had to google that one. Definitely never heard of it, but I grew up next to a golf course 😂
Hopefully you don’t have to drive through much used car oil and calcium chloride😂
That’s the first time I’ve ever seen a dealer advertise that their DOC fee is negotiable. How could you pass up a deal like that?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD