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55
Bd6r
2022 May 24, 9:16am
Bd6r
2022 May 24, 9:16am
gabbar says
try costco auto program: https://www.costcoauto.com/enterzipcode.aspx?gotourl=%2F
During more normal times (few yrs ago), you could customize car there.
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
zzyzzx
2022 May 24, 9:34am
gabbar says
I think that you should wait at least a year. Two years would be better.
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.
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
zzyzzx
2022 May 24, 9:57am
clambo says
If you can find it, it will be more expensive than a new one.
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
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.
Buy a used Toyota or Honda that uses mostly real parts.
60
WookieMan
2022 May 24, 1:48pm
WookieMan
2022 May 24, 1:48pm
gabbar says
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.
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
WookieMan
2022 May 24, 2:06pm
NuttBoxer says
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.
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
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
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
The Mighty Fumoto Valve: Oil Changes Made Easy
64
BayArea
2022 May 24, 2:51pm
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.
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
You can get it without the hose nipple attachment as well. That said, I wouldn't recommend it for your off road vehicle.
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
Eric Holder
2022 May 24, 3:52pm
EBGuy says
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.
DooDahMan saysIf 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...
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
RWSGFY
2022 May 24, 5:17pm
DooDahMan says
Odds are 100%: there are literally millions of trucks and SUV with skid plates driving around just because.
Eric Holder saysOff-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
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.
I’m going to go take a spin in my classic Lexus with cold AC blowing.
70
WookieMan
2022 May 28, 7:01am
WookieMan
2022 May 28, 7:01am
BayArea says
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.
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
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
gabbar
2022 Jun 8, 4:06pm
WineHorror1 says
Do you want to sell it for a profit?
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
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
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 5:05pm
Tenpoundbass says
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.
$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
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 5:06pm
gabbar says
How much?
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
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 5:08pm
Tenpoundbass says
You crack me up, unless I misunderstand you. Here is what they're going for...
https://www.cars.com/shopping/toyota-camry-2013-xle/
$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
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.
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
Tenpoundbass
2022 Jun 8, 5:35pm
WineHorror1 says
: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.
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
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 5:37pm
Tenpoundbass says
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.
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
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 6:18pm
Tenpoundbass says
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.
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
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
82
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 6:24pm
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 6:24pm
Tenpoundbass says
It isn't the best deal ever but, in this environment, I'll take it. Seriously, my total cost is going to be around $9,000 after I sell the Malibu. So, in essence, I'm trading a POS Chevy with 190,000 miles on it + $9,000 for a Camry with 49,000 miles on it. My mechanic has been screaming at me for 5 years to get rid of the Chevy and get a Toyota. When I told him about this car, I could hear him screaming through his text to buy it. Haha. Anyway, what are the total costs going to be for a car that you spend $9,000 + maintenance for the next 250,000 (ok, maybe I only get another 200,000) miles? Pretty damn cheap imo. Cars are a total waste of $$. I'll never buy a new car again until I have a good bit more $$.
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.
It isn't the best deal ever but, in this environment, I'll take it. Seriously, my total cost is going to be around $9,000 after I sell the Malibu. So, in essence, I'm trading a POS Chevy with 190,000 miles on it + $9,000 for a Camry with 49,000 miles on it. My mechanic has been screaming at me for 5 years to get rid of the Chevy and get a Toyota. When I told him about this car, I could hear him screaming through his text to buy it. Haha. Anyway, what are the total costs going to be for a car that you spend $9,000 + maintenance for the next 250,000 (ok, maybe I only get another 200,000) miles? Pretty damn cheap imo. Cars are a total waste of $$. I'll never buy a new car again until I have a good bit more $$.
83
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 6:33pm
GNL
2022 Jun 8, 6:33pm
It seems insane to me that people spend $50-$60-$100K on a car. The way I think about $$, I wouldn't purchase a $100K car unless I had at least a few million bucks.
84
BayArea
2022 Jun 8, 10:57pm
BayArea
2022 Jun 8, 10:57pm
I had a college reunion this past weekend.
Rather than drive separately, my good buddy picked me up in his $250,000 exotic.
I kept thinking about how his first year depreciation will be more than my annual mortgage amount. Seems to make him pretty happy and he can afford it though.
Rather than drive separately, my good buddy picked me up in his $250,000 exotic.
I kept thinking about how his first year depreciation will be more than my annual mortgage amount. Seems to make him pretty happy and he can afford it though.
85
GNL
2022 Jun 9, 4:08am
GNL
2022 Jun 9, 4:08am
BayArea says
Haha, who wouldn't love showing up to their HS reunion in a Lamborghini? Sweet.
I had a college reunion this past weekend.
Rather than drive separately, my good buddy picked me up in his $250,000 exotic.
I kept thinking about how his first year depreciation will be more than my annual mortgage amount. Seems to make him pretty happy and he can afford it though.
Haha, who wouldn't love showing up to their HS reunion in a Lamborghini? Sweet.
89
clambo
2022 Jun 9, 9:09am
The car I drive in Baja California Sur Mexico is a 2002 Jeep Wrangler 4x4.
It’s like driving a little truck or tractor, because the wheelbase is so short.
It feels squirrelly on the highway over 55 mph.
It gets shitty mileage, probably 17mpg.
The engine is an in line 6 cylinder.
Recently on a little excursion we drove down a random road in the middle of nowhere and got into sand and we got stuck.
I pulled the lever and in four wheel drive we just drove out, the little Jeep is an off road beast.
I put new BF Goodrich AT tires and KYB gas shocks on it before I went anywhere in it, in addition to changing all oils, fluids, spark plugs, etc.
It has gauges for oil pressure and temperature, which my Volvo doesn’t 😎
It’s like driving a little truck or tractor, because the wheelbase is so short.
It feels squirrelly on the highway over 55 mph.
It gets shitty mileage, probably 17mpg.
The engine is an in line 6 cylinder.
Recently on a little excursion we drove down a random road in the middle of nowhere and got into sand and we got stuck.
I pulled the lever and in four wheel drive we just drove out, the little Jeep is an off road beast.
I put new BF Goodrich AT tires and KYB gas shocks on it before I went anywhere in it, in addition to changing all oils, fluids, spark plugs, etc.
It has gauges for oil pressure and temperature, which my Volvo doesn’t 😎
90
WookieMan
2022 Jun 9, 10:19am
WookieMan
2022 Jun 9, 10:19am
clambo says
Older Jeeps are fine. Anything from my experience 2010 or newer is a trash vehicle for Jeep. We had a Commander for a while. We rent newer Wranglers in St. Thomas/John and they work fine there for the roads and speed limit, but I'd never get one stateside.
Haven't done much rough driving with the 4-Runner yet, but it feels and drives exponentially better than a Wrangler. I know they're as capable, if not more than a Wrangler. Can fit more. I can't stand long distance driving, but I could flip 4-Runners out in MT driving them from here. Could easily make $2-5k a 4-Runner even including IL taxes when I purchase.
The car I drive in Baja California Sur Mexico is a 2002 Jeep Wrangler 4x4
Older Jeeps are fine. Anything from my experience 2010 or newer is a trash vehicle for Jeep. We had a Commander for a while. We rent newer Wranglers in St. Thomas/John and they work fine there for the roads and speed limit, but I'd never get one stateside.
Haven't done much rough driving with the 4-Runner yet, but it feels and drives exponentially better than a Wrangler. I know they're as capable, if not more than a Wrangler. Can fit more. I can't stand long distance driving, but I could flip 4-Runners out in MT driving them from here. Could easily make $2-5k a 4-Runner even including IL taxes when I purchase.
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- 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?