Holy Crap! Another Big Boom!
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While this one didn't result in the deaths of many (see previous "Holy Crap! Big Boom!" thread), it still sucks. I heard a big boom in the parking lot while coming into work today: my front axel on my car broke! I've already spent the car's blue-book worth in fixing it, and now I must decide if I should fix it or get a newer used car. I've heard several times with the last repairs, "Why don't you just get a new car?" Well, there's additional cost associated with that, and now it's border-lined what I should do. My wife gets to drive our Saturn L200 which is a good car since she has to drive further to work. I'm considering an older Saturn or a Honda, perhaps even a manual tranny (I miss them, and they're good for in-town driving which is all this car would be doing). Any suggestions?
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
I suggest a used Toyota or Honda with 30 to 40K miles on it. If it's from 2 or 3 years back, it will cost you half of its original value and run to 100K miles with no problems, as long as you do all the scheduled maintenance. Regards, Alvaro
Give a man a fish, he owes you one fish. Teach a man to fish, you give up your monopoly on fisheries.
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While this one didn't result in the deaths of many (see previous "Holy Crap! Big Boom!" thread), it still sucks. I heard a big boom in the parking lot while coming into work today: my front axel on my car broke! I've already spent the car's blue-book worth in fixing it, and now I must decide if I should fix it or get a newer used car. I've heard several times with the last repairs, "Why don't you just get a new car?" Well, there's additional cost associated with that, and now it's border-lined what I should do. My wife gets to drive our Saturn L200 which is a good car since she has to drive further to work. I'm considering an older Saturn or a Honda, perhaps even a manual tranny (I miss them, and they're good for in-town driving which is all this car would be doing). Any suggestions?
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
If you're considering a used car, I drove a Honda Civic around for 5 yrs, until it was totalled last year in an accident. the car was great, and I never had any trouble with it. You might also consider a lease, especially if you don't drive more than 15k miles. I know, you don't own the car, blah blah, but cars are hardly an investment anyway. the benefit is you can drive a new vehicle cheaply, which means no repairs, no headaches, no new tires/brakes/etc for quite a while, which could make up for the difference. BW The Biggest Loser
"And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun" -
Heath Stewart wrote: I heard a big boom in the parking lot while coming into work today: my front axel on my car broke! IMO, time for a new car: I learned that it's hard to find good mechanics, and not all of them can properly fix a car suspension because it isn't easy to estimate the costs and detect all the damaged pieces upfront (some of them may not have visible damage and even may break in the near future). The result is a car that will need several trips to the repair shop, and maybe lots money more. And after expending all this money, what will you have? A used car, which will have the same value that you had until yesterday. Buying a new car may seem way more expensive, but at least you’ll limit the money you’ll expend and, after expending this money, you’ll have a new car. It sucks, things like this happened to me a lot of times, and I learned that the best thing is to get yourself a new car when the damage is too big. Due to technical difficulties my previous signature, "I see dumb people" will be off until further notice. Too many people were thinking I was talking about them... :sigh:
The last few times I took it to CarX here in town (I used a mom-and-pop-like place before, but their turn-around time wasn't as good and their prices were the same) and the last time they had to replace a couple joints. When they got the wheels off he also noticed something else (it was a while back, I can't remember and my experience with cars is limited to the engine block and older electronics). That, of course, increased their estimate, but understandably. I agree that if I fix it, I still have a clunker ('90 Ford Taurus, BTW) with the paint chipping off the wheel well hoods. The liability insurance is actually higher than the comprehensive insurance on our '02 Saturn L200. I guess that's also a factor was well.
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
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If you're considering a used car, I drove a Honda Civic around for 5 yrs, until it was totalled last year in an accident. the car was great, and I never had any trouble with it. You might also consider a lease, especially if you don't drive more than 15k miles. I know, you don't own the car, blah blah, but cars are hardly an investment anyway. the benefit is you can drive a new vehicle cheaply, which means no repairs, no headaches, no new tires/brakes/etc for quite a while, which could make up for the difference. BW The Biggest Loser
"And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun"brianwelsch wrote: but cars are hardly an investment anyway I've never thought about it that way at all before, but you're totally right. While houses are a good investment so long as you keep them up and even improve them - cars can only depreciate in value. You've definitely got a point there, and I may now consider a lease. Thanks!
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
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The last few times I took it to CarX here in town (I used a mom-and-pop-like place before, but their turn-around time wasn't as good and their prices were the same) and the last time they had to replace a couple joints. When they got the wheels off he also noticed something else (it was a while back, I can't remember and my experience with cars is limited to the engine block and older electronics). That, of course, increased their estimate, but understandably. I agree that if I fix it, I still have a clunker ('90 Ford Taurus, BTW) with the paint chipping off the wheel well hoods. The liability insurance is actually higher than the comprehensive insurance on our '02 Saturn L200. I guess that's also a factor was well.
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
Maybe, as Alvaro wisely suggested, you don't even need a new car, but a newer car. A car with 2 or 3 years of use have a big bunch of its value depreciated and, if not in the hands of a psychopath driver, is almost as good as a brand new car. Due to technical difficulties my previous signature, "I see dumb people" will be off until further notice. Too many people were thinking I was talking about them... :sigh:
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Maybe, as Alvaro wisely suggested, you don't even need a new car, but a newer car. A car with 2 or 3 years of use have a big bunch of its value depreciated and, if not in the hands of a psychopath driver, is almost as good as a brand new car. Due to technical difficulties my previous signature, "I see dumb people" will be off until further notice. Too many people were thinking I was talking about them... :sigh:
Actually, I did say "newer used car". I don't plan on buying a new one, not for a while anyway. It's just for in-town driving, mostly to and from work (less than a mile away from home).
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
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Actually, I did say "newer used car". I don't plan on buying a new one, not for a while anyway. It's just for in-town driving, mostly to and from work (less than a mile away from home).
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
Heath Stewart wrote: mostly to and from work (less than a mile away from home). Ever considered walking? :-D Due to technical difficulties my previous signature, "I see dumb people" will be off until further notice. Too many people were thinking I was talking about them... :sigh:
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While this one didn't result in the deaths of many (see previous "Holy Crap! Big Boom!" thread), it still sucks. I heard a big boom in the parking lot while coming into work today: my front axel on my car broke! I've already spent the car's blue-book worth in fixing it, and now I must decide if I should fix it or get a newer used car. I've heard several times with the last repairs, "Why don't you just get a new car?" Well, there's additional cost associated with that, and now it's border-lined what I should do. My wife gets to drive our Saturn L200 which is a good car since she has to drive further to work. I'm considering an older Saturn or a Honda, perhaps even a manual tranny (I miss them, and they're good for in-town driving which is all this car would be doing). Any suggestions?
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
Heath Stewart wrote: my front axel on my car broke! I've already spent the car's blue-book worth in fixing it, and now I must decide if I should fix it or get a newer used car. Thats the way it always goes, after you pour money into it something else breaks. It is very rare for a broken axle to be fixed, usually the car is finished when it breaks an axle but it depends specifically on what broke and the value of the car. Another thing to think about is if you just put alot of money into it and it broke again do you really want to put a whole lot more money into it or cut your losses and replace it. Matt Newman
All rise for the honorable Judge Stone Cold Steve Austin - From Dilbert Episode 30
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Heath Stewart wrote: mostly to and from work (less than a mile away from home). Ever considered walking? :-D Due to technical difficulties my previous signature, "I see dumb people" will be off until further notice. Too many people were thinking I was talking about them... :sigh:
Apparently, you've never been to the midwest! :) When it gets nicer and the wind isn't ripping shingles off buildings, then I'll either walk or ride my bike. But there are times I drive into town (I work in a research park; they typically seem to be on the out-skirts of towns) to get some cash and grab some grub. Not only is it quite a ways into town, this is a college town: there is a lot of crazy drivers...especially during parents' weekend! :eek: (go figure)
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
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While this one didn't result in the deaths of many (see previous "Holy Crap! Big Boom!" thread), it still sucks. I heard a big boom in the parking lot while coming into work today: my front axel on my car broke! I've already spent the car's blue-book worth in fixing it, and now I must decide if I should fix it or get a newer used car. I've heard several times with the last repairs, "Why don't you just get a new car?" Well, there's additional cost associated with that, and now it's border-lined what I should do. My wife gets to drive our Saturn L200 which is a good car since she has to drive further to work. I'm considering an older Saturn or a Honda, perhaps even a manual tranny (I miss them, and they're good for in-town driving which is all this car would be doing). Any suggestions?
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
I've gotten to the point where I've spent so much on dishonest mechanics that nowdays I just buy a new car any time the warranty runs out. This doesn't mean you have to get a lexus every 5 years, but if you get a brand new neon or something, then your under warranty, you have a low payment, etc.
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I've gotten to the point where I've spent so much on dishonest mechanics that nowdays I just buy a new car any time the warranty runs out. This doesn't mean you have to get a lexus every 5 years, but if you get a brand new neon or something, then your under warranty, you have a low payment, etc.
Allen Anderson wrote: I've gotten to the point where I've spent so much on dishonest mechanics Do you go to independent mechanics or car dealerships (i.e. taking a chevy to a chevy garage, dodge to dodge etc) If you are going to independent mechanics that is most likely the problem. With car dealerships there is accountability. If you have a problem you can go above the dealership and they do follow up on it. Matt Newman
All rise for the honorable Judge Stone Cold Steve Austin - From Dilbert Episode 30
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While this one didn't result in the deaths of many (see previous "Holy Crap! Big Boom!" thread), it still sucks. I heard a big boom in the parking lot while coming into work today: my front axel on my car broke! I've already spent the car's blue-book worth in fixing it, and now I must decide if I should fix it or get a newer used car. I've heard several times with the last repairs, "Why don't you just get a new car?" Well, there's additional cost associated with that, and now it's border-lined what I should do. My wife gets to drive our Saturn L200 which is a good car since she has to drive further to work. I'm considering an older Saturn or a Honda, perhaps even a manual tranny (I miss them, and they're good for in-town driving which is all this car would be doing). Any suggestions?
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
Heath Stewart wrote: ...a manual tranny ...they're good for in-town driving... ...a manual tranny ...they're good FUN but not good for in-town driving...
There is much to be said in favor of modern journalism. By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, it keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community. - Oscar Wilde -
Heath Stewart wrote: ...a manual tranny ...they're good for in-town driving... ...a manual tranny ...they're good FUN but not good for in-town driving...
There is much to be said in favor of modern journalism. By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, it keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community. - Oscar WildeDepends on how well you handle a stick, I guess. :~ I was getting great gas mileage out of my old '76 Vega many years ago. Granted it was a light car, but even manufacturers' estimates on manual vs. automatic trannies sway toward manuals for better gas mileage. I'll definitely agree with you that they are fun! :)
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
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While this one didn't result in the deaths of many (see previous "Holy Crap! Big Boom!" thread), it still sucks. I heard a big boom in the parking lot while coming into work today: my front axel on my car broke! I've already spent the car's blue-book worth in fixing it, and now I must decide if I should fix it or get a newer used car. I've heard several times with the last repairs, "Why don't you just get a new car?" Well, there's additional cost associated with that, and now it's border-lined what I should do. My wife gets to drive our Saturn L200 which is a good car since she has to drive further to work. I'm considering an older Saturn or a Honda, perhaps even a manual tranny (I miss them, and they're good for in-town driving which is all this car would be doing). Any suggestions?
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
That sucks X|, does Bondo still have his car for sale, at least I thought he was selling his car? - Nick Parker
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Apparently, you've never been to the midwest! :) When it gets nicer and the wind isn't ripping shingles off buildings, then I'll either walk or ride my bike. But there are times I drive into town (I work in a research park; they typically seem to be on the out-skirts of towns) to get some cash and grab some grub. Not only is it quite a ways into town, this is a college town: there is a lot of crazy drivers...especially during parents' weekend! :eek: (go figure)
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
Heath Stewart wrote: there is a lot of crazy drivers... Don't forget stupid people too, especially during VEISHA! :mad: - Nick Parker
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brianwelsch wrote: but cars are hardly an investment anyway I've never thought about it that way at all before, but you're totally right. While houses are a good investment so long as you keep them up and even improve them - cars can only depreciate in value. You've definitely got a point there, and I may now consider a lease. Thanks!
Microsoft MVP, Visual C# My Articles
I've thought about getting ride of my car for the same reason, it is defintely something to think about. - Nick Parker
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