I traded the ol cavalier for the focus because it needed an oil pump, and even with a new cat, and new o2 sensors, the "Catalyst efficiency below threshold" CEL wouldn't go away. The oil pump was the final straw.
When do u buy or trade?
- Thread starter CourierDriver
- Start date
- Status
for my around town/city car until is dies as evidenced by my 1992 Camry. For a trip car it has to be dependable and in great shape, current one is 10 years old. Basically when the engine or transmission die, other parts are worth replacing
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
When a vehicle isn't reliable enough to get in and drive it anywhere at any time.
I don't care about age, mileage or appearance. But I won't have a vehicle that might leave my wife or me stranded somewhere.
I usually purchase new and pay cash up front-I haven't had a vehicle loan since the 1970's and never will again. As I drive a vehicle I put away the amount of the payment every month. Then at the end of the vehicles life I can afford to pay cash for a new one, and I have a nice tidy sum left over that would have gone to pay interest.
I do pretty much the same thing. I was going to buy my Jeep outright, but for 0% finance and the great deals the lousy economy had going on at the time I bought mine and used their money. I have one payment remaining, after that I will start paying myself the money each month I was spending on the loan. I'll bank those payments and use that money when I'm ready for another vehicle.
When a vehicle isn't reliable enough to get in and drive it anywhere at any time.
I don't care about age, mileage or appearance. But I won't have a vehicle that might leave my wife or me stranded somewhere.
I usually purchase new and pay cash up front-I haven't had a vehicle loan since the 1970's and never will again. As I drive a vehicle I put away the amount of the payment every month. Then at the end of the vehicles life I can afford to pay cash for a new one, and I have a nice tidy sum left over that would have gone to pay interest.
I do pretty much the same thing. I was going to buy my Jeep outright, but for 0% finance and the great deals the lousy economy had going on at the time I bought mine and used their money. I have one payment remaining, after that I will start paying myself the money each month I was spending on the loan. I'll bank those payments and use that money when I'm ready for another vehicle.
I've changed over the years as I can't do as much as I used to (age). When I could rebuild a carburetor and distributor or change a wheel bearing, Id keep a vehicle for 150,000 miles or so. Now with $1,500 anti lock brake systems, $2000 this and that, I chose to trade at ~ 80-120,000 miles, depending on the vehicle. My old Subaru's, Volvo's and Saab's and JGC 4.0 would be sold at ~ 150,000+ miles but, I will sell my Mazda turbo at ~ 80-100,000. I also fold trade-in value into the equation as to MY best time to move on.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
I don't really have a set time. We did get the Equinox when my CTS hit 160,000 miles. It was just easier to get my son in and out of it. Since the Buick has 75,000 miles on it and the Trans Am has 55,000 miles they will be here for a long time. The Trans Am, most likely, will never leave
The truck is fast approaching 200,000 miles, and while it still runs very well and tows my 5th wheel with no problems. We are going to update this winter to somehting that has overdrive and 4 doors.
The truck is fast approaching 200,000 miles, and while it still runs very well and tows my 5th wheel with no problems. We are going to update this winter to somehting that has overdrive and 4 doors.
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I don't really have a set time. We did get the Equinox when my CTS hit 160,000 miles. It was just easier to get my son in and out of it. Since the Buick has 75,000 miles on it and the Trans Am has 55,000 miles they will be here for a long time. The Trans Am, most likely, will never leave
The truck is fast approaching 200,000 miles, and while it still runs very well and tows my 5th wheel with no problems. We are going to update this winter to somehting that has overdrive and 4 doors.
What are you thinking as far as a new truck? You should pick up a new F-150 with the 5.0L.
Or a new F-250 with the new Ford Powerstroke.
I don't really have a set time. We did get the Equinox when my CTS hit 160,000 miles. It was just easier to get my son in and out of it. Since the Buick has 75,000 miles on it and the Trans Am has 55,000 miles they will be here for a long time. The Trans Am, most likely, will never leave
The truck is fast approaching 200,000 miles, and while it still runs very well and tows my 5th wheel with no problems. We are going to update this winter to somehting that has overdrive and 4 doors.
What are you thinking as far as a new truck? You should pick up a new F-150 with the 5.0L.
Last edited:
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I don't really have a set time. We did get the Equinox when my CTS hit 160,000 miles. It was just easier to get my son in and out of it. Since the Buick has 75,000 miles on it and the Trans Am has 55,000 miles they will be here for a long time. The Trans Am, most likely, will never leave
The truck is fast approaching 200,000 miles, and while it still runs very well and tows my 5th wheel with no problems. We are going to update this winter to somehting that has overdrive and 4 doors.
What are you thinking as far as a new truck? You should pick up a new F-150 with the 5.0L.
Or a new F-250 with the new Ford Powerstroke.
After reading the RV boards, I am not getting a Ford. Those folks have the most complaints. I am going with a mid 2000 ish 6.0 ,6.6, or 8.1 GM or Chevy. After hearing the stories of spit out spark plugs on the 5.4 and 6.0 headgaskets, turbos and EGR coolers Ford came off the list. I was looking at them early on because used they were cheaper especially the Diesels. Now I know why. The only Ford they really talk good about is the V-10 and I do not know as much about that motor as I do GM stuff. I am not buying a new truck too pricey.
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I don't really have a set time. We did get the Equinox when my CTS hit 160,000 miles. It was just easier to get my son in and out of it. Since the Buick has 75,000 miles on it and the Trans Am has 55,000 miles they will be here for a long time. The Trans Am, most likely, will never leave
The truck is fast approaching 200,000 miles, and while it still runs very well and tows my 5th wheel with no problems. We are going to update this winter to somehting that has overdrive and 4 doors.
What are you thinking as far as a new truck? You should pick up a new F-150 with the 5.0L.
After reading the RV boards, I am not getting a Ford. Those folks have the most complaints. I am going with a mid 2000 ish 6.0 ,6.6, or 8.1 GM or Chevy. After hearing the stories of spit out spark plugs on the 5.4 and 6.0 headgaskets, turbos and EGR coolers Ford came off the list. I was looking at them early on because used they were cheaper especially the Diesels. Now I know why. The only Ford they really talk good about is the V-10 and I do not know as much about that motor as I do GM stuff. I am not buying a new truck too pricey.
My lead sled now has 272k on it, 2002 dodge van one ton B3500, One tranny, one computer, 3 water pumps, one alternator, 3 radiators, lots of tires, brakes on front mostly, wheel bearings once on front, alignments lots of them, air conditioner is still original, blower fan once, i think that's its so far. But I run it hard in the expediting world hauling freight. A new Sprinter is 35 to 40 thousand and with the economy like it is, a new ride is not on the agenda. The 318 engine is in good shape and never gives me problems yet, its all the other stuff that breaks or just wears out. At 6000 miles a month, average, u can see that severe duty takes it toll. PS there are no bullet proof parts out here,,if there were, i would have found them.lol
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I don't really have a set time. We did get the Equinox when my CTS hit 160,000 miles. It was just easier to get my son in and out of it. Since the Buick has 75,000 miles on it and the Trans Am has 55,000 miles they will be here for a long time. The Trans Am, most likely, will never leave
The truck is fast approaching 200,000 miles, and while it still runs very well and tows my 5th wheel with no problems. We are going to update this winter to somehting that has overdrive and 4 doors.
What are you thinking as far as a new truck? You should pick up a new F-150 with the 5.0L.
Or a new F-250 with the new Ford Powerstroke.
After reading the RV boards, I am not getting a Ford. Those folks have the most complaints. I am going with a mid 2000 ish 6.0 ,6.6, or 8.1 GM or Chevy. After hearing the stories of spit out spark plugs on the 5.4 and 6.0 headgaskets, turbos and EGR coolers Ford came off the list. I was looking at them early on because used they were cheaper especially the Diesels. Now I know why. The only Ford they really talk good about is the V-10 and I do not know as much about that motor as I do GM stuff. I am not buying a new truck too pricey.
Your choice man. I'm talking about the new Ford designed powerstroke, not the older navistar/international units that seem to be fairly unreliable.
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I don't really have a set time. We did get the Equinox when my CTS hit 160,000 miles. It was just easier to get my son in and out of it. Since the Buick has 75,000 miles on it and the Trans Am has 55,000 miles they will be here for a long time. The Trans Am, most likely, will never leave
The truck is fast approaching 200,000 miles, and while it still runs very well and tows my 5th wheel with no problems. We are going to update this winter to somehting that has overdrive and 4 doors.
What are you thinking as far as a new truck? You should pick up a new F-150 with the 5.0L.
After reading the RV boards, I am not getting a Ford. Those folks have the most complaints. I am going with a mid 2000 ish 6.0 ,6.6, or 8.1 GM or Chevy. After hearing the stories of spit out spark plugs on the 5.4 and 6.0 headgaskets, turbos and EGR coolers Ford came off the list. I was looking at them early on because used they were cheaper especially the Diesels. Now I know why. The only Ford they really talk good about is the V-10 and I do not know as much about that motor as I do GM stuff. I am not buying a new truck too pricey.
Your choice man. I'm talking about the new Ford designed powerstroke, not the older navistar/international units that seem to be fairly unreliable.
Every once and a while I simply buy a new car. It's all about me, and nothing is as thrilling as that first drive with 2 or 3 miles on the odo. Then I usually keep it at least 5 years or more. Depends on my mood.
We buy tons of used cars in this family, attend auctions regularly. We turn them for profit and we keep interesting ones for fun.
Our fleet trucks are always new. But we keep them a LONG time too.
For us you get another when you no longer trust what you got now.
We buy tons of used cars in this family, attend auctions regularly. We turn them for profit and we keep interesting ones for fun.
Our fleet trucks are always new. But we keep them a LONG time too.
For us you get another when you no longer trust what you got now.
Cannot afford to replace just yet; have to take care of some repairs so it can make it to the trade in date of probably 2 more years.
I generally only sell cars if I want a new project, or have too many cars, and need money more than I need one of the cars.
OR, if I have a chance to upgrade.
Currently I have my 85 corolla race car (blew the crank sensor wheel at 10,200 rpm (oops) so it's just sitting
the 89 cressida is the current daily driver, and the 88 4x4 truck (toyota) that's nearly trail-only these days. But I've been driving it to work the last few days anyway.
I have 4 more projects lined up, and a project for the wife (69 corona) as well.
OR, if I have a chance to upgrade.
Currently I have my 85 corolla race car (blew the crank sensor wheel at 10,200 rpm (oops) so it's just sitting
the 89 cressida is the current daily driver, and the 88 4x4 truck (toyota) that's nearly trail-only these days. But I've been driving it to work the last few days anyway.
I have 4 more projects lined up, and a project for the wife (69 corona) as well.
I still drive the car I bought for $3800 3 1/2 years ago with 88k on it. The previous owner had EVERY receipt for every oil change and maintenance done. He took good care of it. I put a new clutch in at 95k, intake manifold gasket at 120k and a few sensors and tuneups (wires, spark plugs, filters) and 2 sets of tires I've put about $2000 into it since purchase. That equates to about $50/month for transportation after my initial investment in the car.... $135/month including original cost. Not too bad.
Since used car prices have gone up, I could probably sell it as-is right now for $2000...but I will most likely keep driving this car until it needs major work or it becomes too unreliable to trust anymore.
When you equate the savings on things like insurance and all and it's good gas mileage, it has been a very frugal car for me to own. I don't even bother to have collision insurance on it.
I get heckled all the time by my friends, "just buy a new car already" they say when I bring it in to the indy mechanic for a minor repair. Meanwhile, they are paying $300/month plus insurance costs for a new vehicle.
Sure, I could afford a new car, but it was ingrained into me as a kid to be frugal. My parents always drove beaters. Old habits die hard.
Since used car prices have gone up, I could probably sell it as-is right now for $2000...but I will most likely keep driving this car until it needs major work or it becomes too unreliable to trust anymore.
When you equate the savings on things like insurance and all and it's good gas mileage, it has been a very frugal car for me to own. I don't even bother to have collision insurance on it.
I get heckled all the time by my friends, "just buy a new car already" they say when I bring it in to the indy mechanic for a minor repair. Meanwhile, they are paying $300/month plus insurance costs for a new vehicle.
Sure, I could afford a new car, but it was ingrained into me as a kid to be frugal. My parents always drove beaters. Old habits die hard.
Last edited:
I'm driving the first new car I ever bought. I would like to drive it until 600k or 700k miles, but I'm going to have to start driving more miles each year or I'll run out of time.
I plan on driving my Subie at least 200,000 miles. The car was a one owner and had good maintenance records. I have kept up the maintenance, obviously. The car has 108,500 miles now and is rock solid.
- Status
Similar threads
