You can't second guess yourself in life. Once you make your decision you just gotta roll with it and not get ulcers replaying it all. I think scope creep is pretty true in most facets of life really. I also don't think it's all bad in buying or leasing a car. When I was a young lieutenant just out of college I decided to save some bucks and buy a relatively stripped car. It was a decision I regretted and kind of spoiled my attitude toward the car until I traded it (for a much nicer equipped replacement).
I did that when I bought my first car as well, I went with the practical choice over the car I really wanted. I hated that car from day one, even though it was paid for and would have gone 200k easily I couldn't wait to get rid of it.
You can't second guess yourself in life. Once you make your decision you just gotta roll with it and not get ulcers replaying it all. I think scope creep is pretty true in most facets of life really. I also don't think it's all bad in buying or leasing a car. When I was a young lieutenant just out of college I decided to save some bucks and buy a relatively stripped car. It was a decision I regretted and kind of spoiled my attitude toward the car until I traded it (for a much nicer equipped replacement).
You are wise, my friend. I think I took 60 years to learn that.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I drove cheap cars because I couldn't afford better ones. Some of them were very reliable and even kind of fun, like my late 80s Mazda and the early 90s Civic. But I like things a bit more luxe now
'14 Buick Encore Convenience '17 Chevy Volt Premiere
I did that when I bought my first car as well, I went with the practical choice over the car I really wanted. I hated that car from day one, even though it was paid for and would have gone 200k easily I couldn't wait to get rid of it.
It's burned me a couple of times, but I almost never allow even a shred practicality to be the final arbiter of my vehicle selection- although I'm sure I'll wind up laying on my deathbed thinking: "I sure wish I had bought practical appliances instead of my M6, Club Sport, 2002, or Mazdaspeed 3..."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport 2020 C43 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My $.02 - if you decide to keep the Mazda6 for yourself 'cause you like the way it drives more than the Sonata, spring for the GT. You seem to like sunroofs so much, I think that alone would be worth it, not to mention the heated seats, real leather, and other goodies that come with the upgrade.
If it's for the daughter, the Touring is really nice and well equipped as is.
I assume you found the 19" wheels and low profile tires that go along with that to be okay? Unfortunately, no getting around that with either model.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
I did that when I bought my first car as well, I went with the practical choice over the car I really wanted. I hated that car from day one, even though it was paid for and would have gone 200k easily I couldn't wait to get rid of it.
It's burned me a couple of times, but I almost never allow even a shred practicality to be the final arbiter of my vehicle selection- although I'm sure I'll wind up laying on my deathbed thinking: "I sure wish I had bought practical appliances instead of my M6, Club Sport, 2002, or Mazdaspeed 3..."
I'll bet you will.
Stick, go for the Mazda and get the stick you prefer. The rest of the family will manage. You know who you are and you've taken care of your own. Treat yourself this time. Your daughter will love the hand me down Sonata.
I love my 5 but I miss a stick every day. At one point I'll get an old Miata to feed that need.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I remember Sandy uses the Waze app. I tried it and am very impressed so far. I never liked the accuracy of the traffic reports/detours on my Garmin, so I'm going to give Waze a shot. Very nice that it will often it will report a car stopped on the side of the road before you get to it.
You definitely need the car charger plugged in--GPS + data usage + screen on all the time = massive battery drain. Also, if people are reporting incidents while driving, I don't think the alerts are a net benefit to safety. If the people making reports are passengers, I do think it improves safety.
I really enjoy Waze. According to the data usage tracker on my phone it doesn't use much data. It does consume massive amounts of battery.
2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
so, discussed options with the wife, and have revised the plan. I have decided to just say to heck with it, and send my car off to school with the princess. I really don't use it that much, and will use it likely even less in the fall.
So instead of rushing into another payment, I will just continue to car share (2 for the 3 of us) the rest of the summer, and decide in late August what to do once she leaves. That way, I save another couple of month of car insurance, and no payments. Also gives me a chance to get the Acura paid off before I go shopping again. Will not be a huge problem if I have to share briefly with the wife.
cheap leases are always around. Can just wait for the end of summer/labor day blow outs.
Though my current grand scheme is to take advantage, and get a true 2nd car. Something fun maybe, like a sports car. Or a little PU. just something to have as a spare (and yes, I realize that I could have just kept the Volvo and had almost the same result. but not the fun).
not sure what I would get. or how old (no payments is nice!). But at least can have some fun looking.
all this, subject to change. but the Kid will be excited to find out she is back to getting the Sonata (which she really wanted anyway). And I can worry about later, later.
seems like a solid plan. If anyone sees holes in it, let me know!
We did it before. not that big of a deal right now. I work from home, and she works at a Panera about 5 minutes from our house. So if I need the car when she is working, I can just drop her off. My wife works close, and can WFH too if needed, so I pretty much can have one of the 2 cars whenever I need one. When the wife and I are together, only need one.
bigger issue when we are sharing 1 car. That will never work, but that doesn't happen until the end of August.
heck, if I found out on short notice that I had to go out of town (meaning, more old people issues to deal with), I could pick up a new car with about 2 hours lead time!
Anyone taking bets as to how long till ride sharing loses its charm?
LOL
I didn't make it two weeks. But, I also decided on the cheap option that stick mentioned (no payments ARE nice), so it was one of those cases where once you find what fits the bill, ya gotta jump on it. It's been a month so far and I'm still happy with the car.
Now, if only I could get the hitch dislodged from the receiver..... :@
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
Now, if only I could get the hitch dislodged from the receiver..... :@
Liquid Wrench? Smells awful, though.
Tried it. Nada. Maybe if I could literally soak it in the stuff for a couple days. Another suggested a vinegar bath, which I did a couple weeks ago. I managed to get it to move just a tiny bit (in, not out, unfortunately), but it did wash a fair bit of rusty crud out of there. I'm trying it again as we speak. I think I'll give it a few more chain-yanks with my truck afterward to see if I can get any movement. If not, I'm just going to replace the whole thing; it's just not worth the &*%&!# aggravation. LOL
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
My wife and I shared one car for seven years in the 80s and are a bit over a year of sharing the current van. We have access to a backup ride from a friend a few miles away if the car needs to go to the shop, and we're trying whether to decide to keep the van as a "pickup" when we finally get a new (and smaller) ride.
A spare could be handy but I'd really rather not have to stick two cars in the garage and with all the critters chewing the wiring around the neighborhood, I don't want to park one outside full time if I can help it.
can try heating it with a torch. might loosen it up. though I would take it off the car first, if you haven't already!
Yeah, I considered the torch option, but that's definitely tricky with the clearances I have on this car, and if I took the time to remove the thing, there's no way I would bother with it after that. At ~$150 for a new receiver (and a Class III at that), it's just not worth the time. Besides, it's easy to get leverage on something like this when it is attached to a 3500# anchor. Once removed from the car? Not so much. LOL
Anyhow, SUCCESS!!!! After a 36-hour soak in the vinegar bath and four yanks with a chain attached to my C20, the fifth pull had it free this morning. I was in a hurry, so I did not get a chance to inspect the condition of the receiver, but the hitch itself actually looked pretty good. A wire brush, oil, and some elbow grease should have it back in business.
It was actually a really great feeling as I was coming to a stop after the fifth pull, thinking that the chain had come loose again (it came loose after the second pull), to hear my son yelling, "You did it, dad! It came out!!!"
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
I just read your signature line and noticed the '74 Pinto. Have you posted pictures of it?
I don't believe I've seen more than 1 Pinto of any body style at the summer cruise ins I have hit in the last year. I'd estimate 2000 vehicles or more and don't recall a Pinto. Mavericks, a few.
I just read your signature line and noticed the '74 Pinto. Have you posted pictures of it?
I don't believe I've seen more than 1 Pinto of any body style at the summer cruise ins I have hit in the last year. I'd estimate 2000 vehicles or more and don't recall a Pinto. Mavericks, a few.
That's because they all got rear-ended and exploded...
Once daughter goes back I will have an empty bay. That goes against the laws of nature. not filling it with junk, so will need a car instead!
We also don't have chewing critter issues.
Yep, it's the law for sure - my other bay is more than half full.
My sister had about $4,000 worth of wiring problems with mice or something chewing in her engine compartment and she's back in NE Virginia. Some say Subarus have tasty wiring anyway though. I got major brownie points for telling her to call her insurance company and they covered it.
Emailed the local Honda dealer to see if the two HR-Vs in their online inventory are really in stock. That was an hour ago and no reply yet.
Cayenne pepper in an aqueous solution. Spray it onto surfaces that you do not want critters chewing/accessing. It is amazingly effective, and imagining the horrible suffering they experience upon their one and only attempt brings me an evil satisfaction.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
oh, I HATE the chromecast. It is sitting in a box somewhere now. I tried that very briefly before a Roku came up on discount one day. LOVE the Roku. Wound up getting 1 for the bedroom later, too.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
man, the women in my family. Can't please them. sprung the plan du jour on the princess. Apparently she was all psyched for a 6. But will probably come around to getting the Sonata after all. Not that she trusts me at this point, since the plan seems to change day to day (well, I guess that is accurate). At this point, she has removed herself from the process, and will take whatever I give her the keys to!
Wife just got tired of hearing from her, and would just go buy another car to be done with it, money be damned.
oh, I HATE the chromecast. It is sitting in a box somewhere now. I tried that very briefly before a Roku came up on discount one day. LOVE the Roku. Wound up getting 1 for the bedroom later, too.
The killer app with the Chromecast, for me, was being able to cast any browser tab from my laptop onto the TV. All those online video sites that aren't native to your DVD player or smart TV, you can just play on your computer and cast to the Chromecast.
The rear entertainment system in my Yukon only has RCA cable hookups. No HDMI. I think you can play a DVD from the audio system. Guess I will have to get some type of adapter if my dog wants to watch movies from the laptop/tablet back there.
man, the women in my family. Can't please them. sprung the plan du jour on the princess. Apparently she was all psyched for a 6. But will probably come around to getting the Sonata after all. Not that she trusts me at this point, since the plan seems to change day to day (well, I guess that is accurate). At this point, she has removed herself from the process, and will take whatever I give her the keys to!
Wife just got tired of hearing from her, and would just go buy another car to be done with it, money be damned.
Here's a crazy idea. A cheap, we got too many and they gotta go, lease on a Mini. Man, that would be quite a change from a bargelike Sonata!
Also would qualify as a fun toy type of car I guess.
pretty sure I better go look into this one by myself. Something to do tomorrow night! Though I am guessing it could have a high, "what the heck did I just do?" potential.
Stick, what investment does your daughter have in the process? If she isn't paying for any of it (insurance?), why expect her to be involved in anything other than the fun part? And the fun is getting old at this point. That's just human nature. If you told her that paying X more dollars than the Camry meant that much less for other things she might want, that might change things a little. Or not. You are weighing the pros and cons but I wouldn't expect her to be that interested until you actually produce a car. So enjoy the hunt on your own.
'14 Buick Encore Convenience '17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Stick, what investment does your daughter have in the process? If she isn't paying for any of it (insurance?), why expect her to be involved in anything other than the fun part? And the fun is getting old at this point. That's just human nature. If you told her that paying X more dollars than the Camry meant that much less for other things she might want, that might change things a little. Or not. You are weighing the pros and cons but I wouldn't expect her to be that interested until you actually produce a car. So enjoy the hunt on your own.
And.. after that, he can start picking out all of her clothes..
Here's a crazy idea. A cheap, we got too many and they gotta go, lease on a Mini. Man, that would be quite a change from a bargelike Sonata!
Also would qualify as a fun toy type of car I guess.
pretty sure I better go look into this one by myself. Something to do tomorrow night! Though I am guessing it could have a high, "what the heck did I just do?" potential.
Over in the MINI forum, a poster got a quote of $205/mo before tax on a Cooper Hardtop. Not many details, so I don't know how strong that offer is.
This same poster decided against a $160/mo lease on a Mazda 3 I Sport - too boring, she said.
BTW, when I took my daughter's MINI in for service, I got a new '15 Hardtop as a loaner. That new 3-cyl turbo engine is a hoot! I think you'd like it, though I suspect the premium fuel requirement would get old.
The killer app with the Chromecast, for me, was being able to cast any browser tab from my laptop onto the TV. All those online video sites that aren't native to your DVD player or smart TV, you can just play on your computer and cast to the Chromecast.
That's the thing I wanted it for, but it would not work right for me. Really low res, choppy pic, voices not synced with lips, etc.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Comments
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport 2020 C43 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
If it's for the daughter, the Touring is really nice and well equipped as is.
I assume you found the 19" wheels and low profile tires that go along with that to be okay? Unfortunately, no getting around that with either model.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
Stick, go for the Mazda and get the stick you prefer. The rest of the family will manage. You know who you are and you've taken care of your own. Treat yourself this time. Your daughter will love the hand me down Sonata.
I love my 5 but I miss a stick every day. At one point I'll get an old Miata to feed that need.
Currently own: 2017 BMW M4, 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Used to own: 2008 VW R32, 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 1987 BMW 325IS
I'm too worn out these days to deal with that. easier to just drive a little slower.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So instead of rushing into another payment, I will just continue to car share (2 for the 3 of us) the rest of the summer, and decide in late August what to do once she leaves. That way, I save another couple of month of car insurance, and no payments. Also gives me a chance to get the Acura paid off before I go shopping again. Will not be a huge problem if I have to share briefly with the wife.
cheap leases are always around. Can just wait for the end of summer/labor day blow outs.
Though my current grand scheme is to take advantage, and get a true 2nd car. Something fun maybe, like a sports car. Or a little PU. just something to have as a spare (and yes, I realize that I could have just kept the Volvo and had almost the same result. but not the fun).
not sure what I would get. or how old (no payments is nice!). But at least can have some fun looking.
all this, subject to change. but the Kid will be excited to find out she is back to getting the Sonata (which she really wanted anyway). And I can worry about later, later.
seems like a solid plan. If anyone sees holes in it, let me know!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Otherwise, it seems like a solid plan.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
bigger issue when we are sharing 1 car. That will never work, but that doesn't happen until the end of August.
heck, if I found out on short notice that I had to go out of town (meaning, more old people issues to deal with), I could pick up a new car with about 2 hours lead time!
so, we shall see how being frugal works.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I didn't make it two weeks. But, I also decided on the cheap option that stick mentioned (no payments ARE nice), so it was one of those cases where once you find what fits the bill, ya gotta jump on it. It's been a month so far and I'm still happy with the car.
Now, if only I could get the hitch dislodged from the receiver..... :@
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
Although, I agree it is probably not worth the trouble.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
A spare could be handy but I'd really rather not have to stick two cars in the garage and with all the critters chewing the wiring around the neighborhood, I don't want to park one outside full time if I can help it.
We also don't have chewing critter issues.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Anyhow, SUCCESS!!!! After a 36-hour soak in the vinegar bath and four yanks with a chain attached to my C20, the fifth pull had it free this morning. I was in a hurry, so I did not get a chance to inspect the condition of the receiver, but the hitch itself actually looked pretty good. A wire brush, oil, and some elbow grease should have it back in business.
It was actually a really great feeling as I was coming to a stop after the fifth pull, thinking that the chain had come loose again (it came loose after the second pull), to hear my son yelling, "You did it, dad! It came out!!!"
I don't believe I've seen more than 1 Pinto of any body style at the summer cruise ins
I have hit in the last year. I'd estimate 2000 vehicles or more and don't recall a Pinto.
Mavericks, a few.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
My sister had about $4,000 worth of wiring problems with mice or something chewing in her engine compartment and she's back in NE Virginia. Some say Subarus have tasty wiring anyway though. I got major brownie points for telling her to call her insurance company and they covered it.
Emailed the local Honda dealer to see if the two HR-Vs in their online inventory are really in stock. That was an hour ago and no reply yet.
My poor old pinto has visited here a time or two. It's not show material.
in many cases as a more likely event.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Currently own: 2017 BMW M4, 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Used to own: 2008 VW R32, 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 1987 BMW 325IS
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Wife just got tired of hearing from her, and would just go buy another car to be done with it, money be damned.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The rear entertainment system in my Yukon only has RCA cable hookups. No HDMI. I think you can play a DVD from the audio system. Guess I will have to get some type of adapter if my dog wants to watch movies from the laptop/tablet back there.
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Also would qualify as a fun toy type of car I guess.
pretty sure I better go look into this one by myself. Something to do tomorrow night! Though I am guessing it could have a high, "what the heck did I just do?" potential.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Wife saw a 2015 Escape the other day and wanted to drive it. So, we did. Surprisingly nice vehicle. Sent offers out today and one bit....
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
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This same poster decided against a $160/mo lease on a Mazda 3 I Sport - too boring, she said.
BTW, when I took my daughter's MINI in for service, I got a new '15 Hardtop as a loaner. That new 3-cyl turbo engine is a hoot! I think you'd like it, though I suspect the premium fuel requirement would get old.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S