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What vehicle do you drive?


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2022 May 17, 6:47pm   5,937 views  90 comments

by BayArea   ➕follow (1)   💰tip   ignore  

I ask because I’ve thrown around the idea of buying an electric vehicle but just not totally sold for the following reasons:

- large buy in price commit
- road-trip charging anxiety
- battery losing efficiency over time (and with weather)

I currently drive a 21yr old Lexus sedan - 2001 GS430
This was a $55k luxury car when new and I picked it up for $12,500 back in 2011 with 90k miles in a condition that looked like it had just rolled off the showroom floor. It has 165k miles today and is worth about $6-7k if I had to guess based on condition/mileage. I can probably drive the car another 5yrs and I estimate it will be worth the same amount given that it’s fully depreciated.

The car still looks sharp, gets about 20mpg, and still keeps me happy.

My friends think I’m batshit insane to make as much money as I do and drive a car this old but I have strong convictions about not buying shiny depreciating assets to impress other people. Additionally I prefer to put my money into investments, travel, family than things like cars or jewelry.

I estimate that I drive about 150 miles per week for work which translates to about $200 of gas per month.

I may not drive quite enough for the economics to make sense to go electric given my current reference point. I guess I need to also consider that a 21yr old car won’t run forever although I’ve seen these cars go well over 200k miles, even over 300k in some cases.

It’s remarkable how reliable this luxury Toyota has been. It’s never left me stranded, never had any high dollar repair - only brakes, tires, and some suspension bushings. Also had a check engine light once during the 10yrs I owned it… turned out to be a $80 oxygen sensor that was replaced this year (labor included). Not a drop of oil in my driveway and AC still blows ice cold. I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t experience it.

In a strange way, I’m almost eager to keep driving it just so I can see how long I can stretch this out…

What car do you drive and where do you stand on the gas vs electric topic?





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42   BayArea   2022 May 20, 1:33pm  

Having to replace a HG at 60k and referring to it as standard is mind boggling
43   EBGuy   2022 May 20, 1:35pm  

Interesting, I bought a vehicle several years ago with a similar price and mileage to what Bayarea's vehicle had. Is that some sort of sweet spot? First time buying from a dealership (was a trade in with complete service history). That said, there is usually a timing belt change (which can be expensive depending upon the vehicle) in the 80-100k mile range. I finally completed the last two major service items: spark plugs and inverter fluid change, so (in theory) am good for another 100K (?) -- as long as the hybrid battery doesn't go boat anchor on me (16 years old).
Anyone have thoughts on how long a oil drain plug should last? Vehicle was always dealer serviced. At around 100k they informed my wife that drain plug was leaking (she asked about replacement), and was told an oil pan replacement would be needed next time around. This was in the middle of the pandemic and I was a bit suspicious. At any rate, I thought it absurd and bought a Fumoto valve for the oil pan. I hadn't been under a vehicle in a while but drained the oil. It was clear the the drain plug had been cross threaded a bit at one point (perhaps do to negligence from "dealer service professional"). I crossed my fingers, screwed in the Fumoto valve and hoped the oil pan threads would hold. Oil was leaking a bit, but I continued to give it a quarter turn until the dripping stopped. So far it's been holding, and even survived a subsequent dealer oil change.
44   Eric Holder   2022 May 20, 1:43pm  

BayArea says

Having to replace a HG at 60k and referring to it as standard is mind boggling


Yep, my relatively ancient vehicles don't even require fucking spark plugs replaced until 105K miles. Subaru has screwed the pooch on this one. Same goes for Nissan and their fucking CVT disaster.
45   BayArea   2022 May 20, 1:53pm  

Drain plug is not a wear item.

It needs to be replaced when there is user error from over-tightening.

Keep in mind that the threads on the plug are softer than the threads in the oil pan. It’s that way by design so that the plug fails before the oil pan fails.
46   Eric Holder   2022 May 20, 2:02pm  

BayArea says

Drain plug is not a wear item.

It needs to be replaced when there is user error over over-tightening.

Keep in mind that the threads on the plug are softer than the threads in the oil pan. It’s that way by design so that the plug fails before the oil pan fails.


There are now such things as aluminum and even plastic oil pans. >8-[~]

If the dealearship is the only one who touched that plug they are responsible for fucking it up, period. Unless, of course, some kind of quickie-lube place was involved at a certain point - these are famous for cross-threading oil plugs every fucking time.
47   Ceffer   2022 May 20, 3:19pm  

Eric Holder says
Whaaaat? Facial recognition in a car? What for?

Supposedly a convenience feature. Some Euro cars also have facial recognition. You can make the car only recognize you to start, or your authorized family members (anti-theft?). The powered cars will also adjust the seats for you when it recognizes you and adjust for different family members. It will speed limit the sibs and rugrats, too, if they take your car and track them for you. It bleeps you when you take your eyes off the road too much, or engage in unsafe diddling around. However, it is capable of bringing the car to a stop if it decides the driver has passed out or become somehow disabled. It does some other things, but I got tired of reading them.

These cars are Starlink connected. Also internet connected when they are close to your home hub. They are kind of like big cell phones on wheels. Mine gives me a monthly check up report. All eerily Big Brother, but the facial recognition feature just smacks of NSA keeping track of you wherever you go and deciding whether to run you off the road, electrocute you, lock the doors and gas you, or drive you over a cliff. They could probably do that, anyway, but it feels icky invasive to have face recognition in your personal vehicle.
48   BayArea   2022 May 20, 3:25pm  

Aluminum oil pans typically have a steel threaded insert for where the plug threads into it. Again it has to be that way or there would be far too many costly disasters

I’ve never heard of a plastic oil pan
49   EBGuy   2022 May 20, 4:01pm  

Eric Holder says
If the dealearship is the only one who touched that plug they are responsible for fucking it up, period.

I probably pissed them off by using one too many $40 oil change coupons (which the dealership sends out after about nine months). Normal oil change is $80.
That said, all service was done by dealer, and 100k miles still seems premature to me for normal wear and tear on an oil pan and plug.
And I didn't even get to the best part. One week after the dealer oil change, the radiator dumped on my driveway. Again, highly suspicious. If the radiator was leaking at the time of oil change, I would have thought they would have caught something during 10 point inspection which they claim to do. At that point I had Stockholm Syndrome. You can live with an oil drip, but obviously a new radiator was needed so back to the dealership it went. I had them change out the water pump when they did the timing belt a couple of years back.,so, hopefully, coolant system is good for another 100k...
50   Booger   2022 May 20, 5:03pm  

BayArea says
I’ve never heard of a plastic oil pan


Lots of vehicles have them now. It cheaper to manufacture, and reduces reliability. That's a win for the manufacturer.
51   Booger   2022 May 20, 5:04pm  

BayArea says
Drain plug is not a wear item.


On some vehicles with plastic oil pans, it's a wear item.
52   HeadSet   2022 May 20, 7:09pm  

BayArea says
Keep in mind that the threads on the plug are softer than the threads in the oil pan. It’s that way by design so that the plug fails before the oil pan fails.

At the cab company we use slightly oversize drain plugs on drain pans with worn threads. Works fine.
53   BayArea   2022 May 20, 11:45pm  

They can’t really create a failure that only shows up in a week… sounds coincidental more so that fraudulent
54   gabbar   2022 May 24, 9:00am  

I am in the market for a new vehicle. My first choice make is Toyota Rav4. But Toyota dealer is quoting a Toyota Rav4 at MSRP plus 3000 in accessories that I don't want.

What do you think about this Mazda CX-5. This is the first offer that I got from a local dealer

55   Bd6r   2022 May 24, 9:16am  

gabbar says
My first choice make is Toyota Rav4.

try costco auto program: https://www.costcoauto.com/enterzipcode.aspx?gotourl=%2F

During more normal times (few yrs ago), you could customize car there.
56   zzyzzx   2022 May 24, 9:34am  

gabbar says
I am in the market for a new vehicle. My first choice make is Toyota Rav4. But Toyota dealer is quoting a Toyota Rav4 at MSRP plus 3000 in accessories that I don't want.

What do you think about this Mazda CX-5. This is the first offer that I got from a local dealer


I think that you should wait at least a year. Two years would be better.
57   clambo   2022 May 24, 9:53am  

Toyota Rav4 are cool cars.

I will take Toyota over Mazda any time.

Maybe you can find one with 10,000 miles (used).

People get all of the kinks fixed under warranty so you’re getting a good deal and a good car.
58   zzyzzx   2022 May 24, 9:57am  

clambo says
Maybe you can find one with 10,000 miles (used).


If you can find it, it will be more expensive than a new one.
59   fdhfoiehfeoi   2022 May 24, 12:06pm  

If you're thinking long term, I wouldn't recommend buying any new cars. Chips have replaced most of the parts, and those chips are made mostly overseas, and in short supply. At minimum a new car will give up your GPS location all the time. At worst it may come with a shut off switch that can be remote activated.

Buy a used Toyota or Honda that uses mostly real parts.
60   WookieMan   2022 May 24, 1:48pm  

gabbar says
I am in the market for a new vehicle. My first choice make is Toyota Rav4. But Toyota dealer is quoting a Toyota Rav4 at MSRP plus 3000 in accessories that I don't want.

What do you think about this Mazda CX-5. This is the first offer that I got from a local dealer

I'm of the opinion if you like the car just get it. Most people just drive them until they stop working. And most cars have minimal issues before 200k miles. I've never driven a Mazda, so can't come at you with an opinion on it. Rav4 will do you good for sure as I'm in the Toyota family and know a Toyota engineer. Mazda is probably fine if you take care of the vehicle. Same with any make. Obviously some makes/models cost more if there's a major issue. I think you'd be fine with a Mazda I guess is my long winded point.
61   WookieMan   2022 May 24, 2:06pm  

NuttBoxer says
At minimum a new car will give up your GPS location all the time. At worst it may come with a shut off switch that can be remote activated.

Dude, anyone can throw a tracking device on your vehicle. Don't think all your peers are pure and don't have ill intentions. I think we agree on this point, don't trust anyone. I can track anyone I want for $8/mo if they leave their door unlocked.

I'd go for the modern car. Due to unforeseen circumstances and my Toyota guy, you'd be silly not to buy a more modern car. Could be slightly used. I'd go 2015 or newer for sure. Go older if one wants to, but I think longevity is a better value. Not new car, but slightly used to escape that off the lot depreciation. I wouldn't worry about the tech. I'm biased as I have a "guy" so take any of this with a grain of salt.

My Nissan (both) have 210k miles. Two major repairs between the two after they were paid off. Starter and AC. Otherwise normal maintenance. The Versa did chew through 2 mufflers, but I just paid for the first one and repair shop covered the next one. Wasn't a big expense for me anyway. Starter on the Armada was a bitch though. I've swapped them before, but that car you gotta open the fucking engine up.

TL:DR - I have two cars paid off because I bought slightly used. Maybe $3k total in non-regular maintenance over a decade. $25/mo. That's how much I spend on beer per month.
62   BayArea   2022 May 24, 2:42pm  

It’s true that cars can be tracked extremely easily.

Tracking devices are cheap and can be taped to the undercarriage of a car, aren’t noticeable, make no noise, and have low power consumption so battery last quite long.

Not only can someone track where you are, but can take all kinds of fun data on your driving habits, times, speeds, etc
63   EBGuy   2022 May 24, 2:48pm  

Here's what I ended up with as a drain plug replacement. Screwing it in, it was clear that there was some cross threading issues on the pan (and visible on removed plug) . Thankfully, only needs to go in once...
The Mighty Fumoto Valve: Oil Changes Made Easy

64   BayArea   2022 May 24, 2:51pm  

Nice, looks convenient

Another convenient one… my Wife’s 4Runner has the oil filter at the top of the engine. The SUV has a small lift so no jacking up of the vehicle needed to get to the drain plug. I can change oil in less than 10min.

Very easy to replace compared to my Lexus sedan that requires you to get the car in the air and remove the lower engine cover. Takes me closer to an hour to change the oil on that one, hassle. It’s almost not worth doing if my confidence wasn’t so low in the oil changer guys who are totally sloppy and irresponsible.
65   EBGuy   2022 May 24, 3:31pm  

DooDahMan says
If that sticks down too far or just enough, it also looks like to would very convenient to get broken off as well

You can get it without the hose nipple attachment as well. That said, I wouldn't recommend it for your off road vehicle.
66   Eric Holder   2022 May 24, 3:52pm  

EBGuy says

DooDahMan says
If that sticks down too far or just enough, it also looks like to would very convenient to get broken off as well

You can get it without the hose nipple attachment as well. That said, I wouldn't recommend it for your off road vehicle.


Off-road vehicle would have that thing hidden behind a skid plate anyway.

PS. If Fumoto sticks too much try Fram SureDrain - it has lower profile and a solid bronze dust cover.
67   krc   2022 May 24, 5:15pm  

Subaru owner here too. Do enough off road and mountain snow driving (tahoe) to justify the extra cost. Just fan of Japanese engineering.
I would not say as reliable as toyota/honda, as I had a previous subaru that suffered the dreaded head gasket failure. I do have a 1996 honda
odyssey that starts up every day at 240k - I drive it a couple of times a week. A real beater it has a dent on every side of it. A truck for hauling/towing.
Honda Fit - good commute car but don't drive it on long trips.

Other cars I have had that I think are fairly reliable: lexus es300 late 90s, honda pilot mid 2000s (some known tranny issues).
All of these old cars still have value - and are actually getting more expensive to buy with all the general inflation and lack of auto supply.
I am surprised at what folks on craigslist are asking for mid 2000s cars...
68   RWSGFY   2022 May 24, 5:17pm  

DooDahMan says

Eric Holder says
Off-road vehicle would have that thing hidden behind a skid plate anyway.


What to you think the odds are that someplace in the country one or more people are driving around with the skid plates just because....


Odds are 100%: there are literally millions of trucks and SUV with skid plates driving around just because.
69   BayArea   2022 May 28, 6:47am  

Thanks for all the responses guys.

I’m going to go take a spin in my classic Lexus with cold AC blowing.
70   WookieMan   2022 May 28, 7:01am  

BayArea says
Tracking devices are cheap and can be taped to the undercarriage of a car, aren’t noticeable, make no noise, and have low power consumption so battery last quite long.

The ones attached to the diagnostic testing port are unknown to most outside of mechanics. The spot is usually hard to see in most cars. I'd guess 98% of women wouldn't notice is. And probably 70% of men wouldn't notice it either. A mechanic probably just assumes it might be a work vehicle and who they work for requested it be attached. Or some people use them for a couple months for a reduction in insurance, so mechanic aren't gonna be all paranoid and say someone is tracking you if they see it.

Not a joke, but I do peak at it maybe once a week to make sure nothing is plugged in. Takes two seconds. We don't lock our cars where I live. I also don't have anything of value in my car either. I also have multiple cameras on my cars (we have a carport). And I also have no reason to be tracked by anyone. But I still take a peak.

I don't sneak around with other women, I don't go to bars solo and I do nothing illegal beside maybe speeding (I'm a geezer driver) which whatever. The only person that would care about speeding is my wife and she speeds. I cannot think of a reason to track me outside of being a data resource for marketing or travel patterns.
71   GNL   2022 Jun 8, 3:59pm  

I just scored a pretty good deal on a pretty good car. A 2013 Toyota Camry XLE with 49,000 miles on it. Owned by a little old lady and hasn't been driven in about 2 years. $11,800. 4 cylinder gets 25/35 mpg.
72   gabbar   2022 Jun 8, 4:06pm  

WineHorror1 says

I just scored a pretty good deal on a pretty good car. A 2013 Toyota Camry XLE with 49,000 miles on it. Owned by a little old lady and hasn't been driven in about 2 years. $11,800. 4cylinder gets 25/35 mpg.

Do you want to sell it for a profit?
73   Tenpoundbass   2022 Jun 8, 4:13pm  

$11 Thousand dollars for a 9 year old Toyota, is only a great deal in LaLa Land, and Joe Biden is the Mayor.
74   GNL   2022 Jun 8, 5:05pm  

Tenpoundbass says


$11 Thousand dollars for a 9 year old Toyota, is only a great deal in LaLa Land, and Joe Biden is the Mayor.

It's about mileage and condition. I'll have that car for another 250,000 miles. Do a cost analysis on that and get back to me. I'll be selling my 2012 Chevy Malibu. It has 190,000 miles on it and, guess what that car is going for? Here's one for $6,500 with 189,000 miles on it...
https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/85565435
This is the exact car I have now. I won't be greedy though and will happily take $3,000 for it. Now, lets see, that brings the cost of the Toyota to a grand total of about $9,000.
75   GNL   2022 Jun 8, 5:06pm  

gabbar says

WineHorror1 says


I just scored a pretty good deal on a pretty good car. A 2013 Toyota Camry XLE with 49,000 miles on it. Owned by a little old lady and hasn't been driven in about 2 years. $11,800. 4cylinder gets 25/35 mpg.

Do you want to sell it for a profit?

How much?
76   GNL   2022 Jun 8, 5:08pm  

Tenpoundbass says

$11 Thousand dollars for a 9 year old Toyota, is only a great deal in LaLa Land, and Joe Biden is the Mayor.

You crack me up, unless I misunderstand you. Here is what they're going for...

https://www.cars.com/shopping/toyota-camry-2013-xle/
77   Tenpoundbass   2022 Jun 8, 5:34pm  

I have drove Mazdas now going on 20 years. I've leased over 12 over the years.
Now I'm at the point, they all look the same, and so does about every other car on the market, in their associated class.
I've leased every one of those Mazdas. I'm looking for a pick up truck to buy outright.
Year don't matter, though the older and better shape the better. I want one bench seat, two windows, nothing behind the bench seat but the truck wall and rear window.
78   Tenpoundbass   2022 Jun 8, 5:35pm  

WineHorror1 says

You crack me up, unless I misunderstand you. Here is what they're going for...


:I know that's what they are going for, and we're in LaLa Land and Joe Biden is the Mayor of LaLa Land.

A 9 year old Toyota or most any car for that matter, should be worth a penny over $5 grand.
79   GNL   2022 Jun 8, 5:37pm  

Tenpoundbass says

I have drove Mazdas now going on 20 years. I've leased over 12 over the years.
Now I'm at the point, they all look the same, and so does about every other car on the market, in their associated class.
I've leased every one of those Mazdas. I'm looking for a pick up truck to buy outright.
Year don't matter, though the older and better shape the better. I want one bench seat, two windows, nothing behind the bench seat but the truck wall and rear window.

IMO, Toyota or Ford Ranger. The Ranger has to have the 6 cylinder though. I don't remember which 6 cylinder though. My father has had 2 Rangers and they both lasted to 300K.
80   GNL   2022 Jun 8, 6:18pm  

Tenpoundbass says

WineHorror1 says


You crack me up, unless I misunderstand you. Here is what they're going for...


:I know that's what they are going for, and we're in LaLa Land and Joe Biden is the Mayor of LaLa Land.

A 9 year old Toyota or most any car for that matter, should be worth a penny over $5 grand.

In 2017 I scored a 2006 Camry 6 cylinder with 25,000 miles on if for $2,400. I put all new tires on it and replaced the timing chain/belt and gave it to my daughter for graduation. Within 6 months she totaled it. F*ck. I told her to stay off the highway but...noooooo.
81   RedStar   2022 Jun 8, 6:22pm  

I'm saving my 2013 Camry for my daughter but if prices are this high I'm almost tempted to sell

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