Cars

[fan-of-fans]

I currently drive a 2001 model car with only about 120,000 miles on it. It's been a great car, very few problems, although the electric stuff is going out. Rear window motors went out (guess better than front) and I figured the cost to fix them wasn't worth it. CD player quit, beeping if you leave headlights on stopped too. So nothing major but little things here and there. The car still looks pretty good for its age and runs good but I think will need a spark plug work soon as it seems to hesitate a bit very recently.

At times I'd like to get something newer and a little bigger. I'd like something with bluetooth, side airbags, etc.

I've always liked the crew cab trucks since a friend got a 2007 Silverado LTZ back then. I could get a used one but they're still about $20,000 with 60,000 miles or more on them. I know a family member has an 05 they bought new and it's still going fine at close to 170K, but it's a very basic one.

I also like the Hyundai Sonata Limiteds and Kia Optima EXs. The used ones seem like great value for the money, but I don't know how they drive.

I thought about getting a second older car for travelling/when I need more room and keep mine for a daily driver. I've always liked the jellybean Chrysler/Dodge vans... I see late jellybean Town and Country Limiteds with the Stow and Go on Craigslist all the time for around $3-5K depending on the mileage. However I have been told they won't be reliable because of the age - talking 2005-2007 years here, and most of the options will soon be broken due to age and wear.

Any ideas/experience.

I know the most sensible thing is to keep my car until it's not worth repairing... and that's what I've been doing. Of course I always have trouble parting with things, so the thought of dumping seems unlikely. lol

 

[lordkenmore]

I know the most sensible thing is to keep my car until it's not worth repairing... and that's what I've been doing.

 

Yes. There is something to be made for that argument. I remember my father holding onto a car for years on the argument that the small repairs he needed to make meant that he could put off car payments a few more months. He got about at least 4 1/2 years extra out of that car with that philosophy...and could have probably gotten more.

 

I will point out one plus to keeping the current car as long as possible: you don't need to worry about the day when the rear windows/CD player/beeps break since they've already broken. LOL

 

As for Hyundai, I know a couple of people with Hyundais. I can't remember the model of one/never knew the model of the other, but both people are--as far as I know--happy.

 

[vacerator]

"rear window regulators"

Yep, I had an '01 Bonneville SLE and both broke. I no sooner bought the new parts, had a glass company install them for less than $300 because the dealer wanted $600, then the car was totalled.
I did get a good insurance settlement, but I miss that car. One of the best in GM's fleet then. That was 2007, and all but a light in the radio worked. Moon roof, both leather power heated seats, level control, auto A/C, memory seat adjust, Onstar too.

 

[twintubdexter]

Cole...

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">I sure understand it when you say you have trouble parting with things. I'm exactly the same way. I don't like selling things either and having to deal with buyers that are an embarrassment. With the exception of 2 vehicles, I have given away every car I've owned. I gave away my very nice Caprice convertible when I moved here, practically gave my friend my Corvette 2 years ago and sent him my 57 T Bird so he could sell it. I have a 2001 Lariat with 62K that I really should get rid of but just can't. It was a Christmas gift in 2000 from my partner who suddenly passed away (@45) a month later so the truck has sentimental value too. I still have a lot of stuff to give away. It's difficult.</span>

[this post was last edited: 9/2/2017-13:04]

 

[frigilux]

Apologies for this brief hijack.

Joe--I also hate the hassle of trying to sell things to strangers. That's part of the reason I tend to give things away, as well. It's a win-win scenario for the recipient and me. I don't always know the recipient, but contact is made through someone I trust. It isn't difficult for me to part with things--I parted with a lot of things in a recent move from house to apartment without batting an eyelash--it's the process of selling that grates.

 

Cole-- Definitely check out new/newer vehicles! I put nearly 275,000 miles on a 1994 Geo Prizm (rebadged Corolla) before acquiring a 2014 Ford Fusion about eight months ago. The Prizm had a manual transmission and crank windows.  Now I'm surrounded by relative luxury.  The car reads incoming text messages and sends/receives calls by voice command, which is very convenient. Be sure to get a back-up camera if available; people aren't kidding when they say visibility in new cars is very limited compared to, say, my '94 Prizm. It's the only feature I with my Fusion had, although I am getting better about knowing where the four corners are in tight maneuvers.