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Beaters Out Of Choice, Not Necessity

59 messages,  Last post on May 06, 2013 at 6:55 AM

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Messages Page 6 of 7

#46 of 59 I think I'm slowly starting to shrug off my beater phase by andre1969

Oct 16, 2012 (10:55 am)

A little over 3 weeks ago, I bought a new Dodge Ram. We used my uncle's '97 Silverado, which was fast becoming a beater itself, as a trade-in, so it hasn't replaced any of my vehicles. Yet, at least. Eventually I think my '85 Silverado will succumb to something, but it seems to be holding on. And I'm holding onto it as a work truck, because, well, the new one is too purty to dirty up!
 
Originally, I thought about just driving it till it drops, but then the more I thought about it, as little as I drive these days, it probably won't have 35,000 miles on it by the time the 5 year powertrain warranty is up Heck, it might not even need any maintenance in that time, other than oil changes and a couple air filters and, at the worst, front brake pads. So, I wonder if it might be a good idea to trade it around that time, and get into something brand-new again, with a warranty? With only around 35K on it, it should have pretty good trade-in value, even for a Dodge! So, that'll be a bigger down payment, so that whatever replaces it won't cost all that much.
 
But, I'll just see what happens when the time comes. A lot can happen between now and then.

#47 of 59 ten years may be the magic number by steve_ HOST

Oct 25, 2012 (7:39 pm)

"Whenever a new part—like that gas-pedal hinge—is designed, the first question an engineer must ask is, how long does it need to last? Ford’s standard warranty guarantees all parts for three years and engines and transmissions for six. But Ford wants to be sure its products last longer than this. To ensure that parts easily surpass warranty claims (and hopefully ensure that buyers feel they own a reliable product), Ford aims to have everything last 10 years. Upholstery, transmissions, paint—all of it is built to last at least a decade. Ford has not only constructed nearly all of its elaborate lab testing around the 10-year mark, it has also built tracks that are designed to, over a number of runs, roughly simulate a decade of regular driving."
 
Why Things Fail: From Tires to Helicopter Blades, Everything Breaks Eventually (Wired)

#48 of 59 it's just a car by steve_ HOST

Mar 13, 2013 (9:28 am)

"People who keep a vehicle for more than 10 years tend to value comfort, reliability and security. "They're more likely to garden and go to coffee shops," he says, "and do home DIY projects." They're more likely than the average consumer to have libertarian political views, he says, and have little interest in luxury features—unless they have a practical purpose."
 
Breaking Up With a Broken-Down Car Is Hard to Do (WSJ)

#49 of 59 Re: it's just a car [steve_] by andys120

Mar 18, 2013 (10:56 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Mar 13, 2013 9:28 am)
Except for the part about coffee shops (espresso Junkie) none of that description fits me nor does it make sense, if comfort reliability and security is that important why would you drive a ten y/o car, shouldn't you be in something new?
 
For the record I have two cars, one is 13 the other is 12, I'm a liberal, don't garden or DIY much and value performance style and bang for the buck more than comfort or security.

#50 of 59 Re: it's just a car [andys120] by steve_ HOST

Mar 19, 2013 (6:17 am)

Replying to: andys120 (Mar 18, 2013 10:56 pm)
Well, if your current ride never breaks down, why take a risk on a new lemon?
 
I love coffee shops - not the Starbucks kind of places as much as the diners though. Around here I can get a good breakfast for what a triple shot caramel macchiato would cost at 'bucks.
 
Liberals don't like cars and certainly wouldn't have more than one (remember your slotting LOL).

#51 of 59 is there a class action? by steve_ HOST

Apr 03, 2013 (9:45 am)

I mean jeeze, only 13 years old and 182,000 miles. Just quit without warning. Who do I sue?
 

#52 of 59 Re: is there a class action? [steve_] by qbrozen

Apr 03, 2013 (10:29 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Apr 03, 2013 9:45 am)
Oh, man. I bet you never buy nissan again! What a POS!
 
 

#53 of 59 Rust... by andre1969

Apr 03, 2013 (10:50 am)

I know that, for the most part, it's a thing of the past, but in the past couple days, I noticed a few oddities that were showing some serious rust. The first was a Buick Century, of 1997-2004 vintage, that looked good for the most part, but the rocker panel on the passenger side appeared to be mostly rust.
 
Then, on the way to work this morning, I spotted a 1995-99 era Nissan Maxima that had some pretty serious rot in the rear right quarter panel.
 
Now, to be fair, these are cars that could be as old as 16-18 model years! Still, the rust-out just seems so out-of-place on a car that still looks modern.

#54 of 59 Re: is there a class action? [steve_] by michaell

Apr 03, 2013 (10:52 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Apr 03, 2013 9:45 am)
So, you gonna repair or replace, steve?

#55 of 59 Re: is there a class action? [michaell] by steve_ HOST

Apr 03, 2013 (11:08 am)

Replying to: michaell (Apr 03, 2013 10:52 am)
My guess is that it's the timing belt, but I suppose it could be the fuel pump or something else. My mechanic has it and it'll be a while before he gets to it.
 
Will likely get it fixed - told my sister on the phone a few minutes ago that I planned to drive it another ten years. My wife was rolling her eyes during the call.

Messages Page 6 of 7

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