When I was working, I rented by the month and never owned (with the miles I could put on a vehicle, renting was actually more cost effective than any lease). Now, when I use any of three or four apps on my pocket network connected supercomputer, a car shows up in a minute or two . . . and I may never drive while in the US again.
@jqubed I stepped away after selling my interest in January. Went shopping for a place in South America. Bought one. Can’t get the wife and boy to go down south full time. Am now considering Alaska. Considering the climate I insisted upon in South America, Alaska would be just fine. Pretty sure they’ll go to Alaska. Also considering Maine (again) as Mediocre does not ship to Alaska. Not yet ready though to completely give up on South America.
@jbartus I got a 2017 Crosstrek and couldn’t possibly love it more. I appreciate that Subaru makes their vehicles AWD and they include a backup camera standard on all models. Gives some peace of mind if you have children and/or pets.
@jbrookebarrow We looked at Subarus in 2002 when I bought the Jeep, in 2006 when my wife bought her Mini, and again a few months ago when the Mini was totaled. Same problem each time; the Forester (sans sunroof) had enough headroom but I was pressed against the door when driving, and the Outback didn’t have enough headroom even without a sunroof. I was bummed because I always liked the Subarus I rode in.
@username Noooooo it wasn’t anything like that. Any maintenance she needed I was able to do. I just meant nothing crazy major expensive. In fact, she’d be back up and running w just a new water pump. But it’s time to upgrade to a bigger car since I now have a toddler. A 2dr GTI is a pain to get a kid into and out of.
Depends on which one. I love my '71 Challenger. I almost want to be buried in it, but admittedly mostly to stop it from being sold by my estate to some punk teenager’s overindulging parent; the kid would promptly lose control and wrap it around a telephone pole. I’ve heard that horror story too many times over the years.
The Jeep is fine, like it, very used to it, but don’t love it. I’ll miss it when we replace it in the next year or three (its 15 years old).
The Dodge truck before the Jeep I loved but the midwestern salt just did too much damage to keep it going. Driving over snowplow berms while owners of lesser vehicles had to dig themselves out was a particular joy.
My car can put a smile on my face when I’m in a bad mood. Said smiles might be the result of shattering speed limits, however, or taking turns at entirely unreasonable speeds, things like that.
I love my car, I spend entirely too much time in it not to care about it as more than just an A-to-B solution. So much so that I spent over $600 on parts this past week or so to add little features like Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Side Mirror Turn Indicators, and Approach Lighting to my Crosstrek. $430ish of that was on a used set of Forester mirror assemblies alone to harvest wiring harness bits from, I hope to recover a good chunk of that money by flipping the still mostly functional internal assemblies once I’m done, and possibly the glass (worth $150 new, $200+ MSRP). Either way I have spools of automotive wire in my future.
I still have my first new car, a 2004 Infiniti G35X sedan. I got every option available and was thrilled. Shortly thereafter I got a job in the city and take the train everyday. Punchline is my 2004 has only 68K miles, runs great and still rocks a cassette player (but also in-dash CD and integrated navigation). All of which is never used in favor of an aux-in I installed about a year after I got it.
I have a Tesla Model 3 on reservation, so this old girl may be replaced next year. But no car payments, and no complaints.
I love my Jeep Hard Rock. I ordered it just for me. I’ve spent a ton of money just to get it all scratched up (trail paint) and break parts on a semi-regular basis. Put tons of time removing/installing parts and accessories. I drive it daily, even though I owned other cars. It makes me smile. I may be a little too attached to my Jeep.
I dislike my car, but it has been reliable, mostly. And cheap. Cheap is good. It did shove a piece of foil from the door handle under the skin of one of my fingers recently. I had to pull it out with tweezers.
Cars cost too much for being involuntary purchases.
I love my truck, but also my mattress… I wouldn’t live in my truck, but it’s a great truck that I appreciate using to take me and my tools/mulch/etc. from place to place. I will keep this truck until it doesn’t reliably get me from point A to B, then I will try to find another one I appreciate as much. Since I keep my trucks an average of 15 years (average of one - the one I have now is only my second) I’d say that’s pretty good. Longer than my average house. Longer than my average wife… but I’m NOT marrying the truck.
I love my truck. It is 16 years old and does everything I need. My car is okay. It is 4 years old and I guess does everything I need, but is definitely not my style. Only bought it because of the gas savings.
Hate it, hate it, hate it. Seats are uncomfortable, has rough suspension, plus I got rooked on the deal so bad that I’m deep underwater and can’t find a reasonable way to get rid of it. I could buy a brand new car for what I owe…
I drive my sedan. It’s just a car. But it’s a very comfortable car with reasonable power and fantastic fuel efficiency considering it’s a full sized four door sedan (27mpg to/from work, closer to 33mpg on road trips). But I never really bonded with it.
I recently bought an old 2002 S10 Blazer to replace my ugly crapply little 1998 S10 pickup. I DO love my Blazer. It’s in nearly mint condition and runs like a champ. Plenty well equipped without being tarted up with leather, moon roof or heated seats and such.
2007 Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4. I’m about 50/50… I spend too much time commuting to like it as a commuter car (seriously sucks driving in the city), but as an off-road monster, it’s, well, not as good as a Jeep. BUT for what I do for fun (search and rescue) it’s fantastic. Great base for HAM radio, tons of cargo space, and it’ll sit and idle all day and hardly use a drop of fuel.
Count another very satisfied Subaru owner. My 2014 Legacy 3.6R is the only vehicle I’ve ordered from the factory, and I configured it exactly how I wanted (while walking off the dealership multiple times to get the price I wanted).
I have a lengthy list of requirements for any vehicle I buy (250+ HP, leather, heated seats, sunroof, Bluetooth, room for skis, etc.), and this experience made me add AWD. It’s so useful in the snow, on the beach, and in the rain (here in the PNW) that I’ll never go without again.
I recently had some minor body work done that kept it in the shop for about a week, and I drove one of the vehicles that was a finalist in my purchasing decision back then (Nissan Altima). After that week, I was so glad to be back in my Legacy.
If it ever becomes available in a manual transmission (with the straight 6), I’ll buy it in a heartbeat and keep it for 10+ years. As it stands, my note will be paid shortly, and I’m already looking around.
@f00l I’ve got 300000 on the truck, It’s not burning oil but the blowby is pretty bad, so sometime in the not to distant future I’m gonna have to do a long block engine.
I love my truck. It’s an '83 Ranger. I don’t know how many miles it has on it, because the odometer only goes up to 99,999, and the title just says “Exempt” - my guess is 340,000. It’s loud, it’s rusty, it needs a lot of work, but it gets me where I need to go, and somehow still gets a lot of compliments. It was the best purchase I ever made, and I plan to keep it running for as long as I possibly can.
We used to have a rocky relationship until we discover the fun of the rocky roads. Now my Wrangler got lifted with 33" tires, probably spam bumper and new shocks, we discover places and make more memories together.
@Shrdlu@djslack - this user has been commenting around the forums and I generally give the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. I took the link out of this one, though.
@Thumperchick Thanks. I recognized those factors as well which is why my post was worded a lot nicer than usual. I wasn’t going to argue when you made your call, but it was not a helpful link. I couldn’t have found the bumper he’s got from it, nor was it the manufacturer’s site. But that vendor’s site would get some link rep with Google for that keyword, and I believe that was the game.
I have 15 - it’s strained at times
When I was working, I rented by the month and never owned (with the miles I could put on a vehicle, renting was actually more cost effective than any lease). Now, when I use any of three or four apps on my pocket network connected supercomputer, a car shows up in a minute or two . . . and I may never drive while in the US again.
@Pavlov Wait, did you retire?
@jqubed I stepped away after selling my interest in January. Went shopping for a place in South America. Bought one. Can’t get the wife and boy to go down south full time. Am now considering Alaska. Considering the climate I insisted upon in South America, Alaska would be just fine. Pretty sure they’ll go to Alaska. Also considering Maine (again) as Mediocre does not ship to Alaska. Not yet ready though to completely give up on South America.
@Pavlov Where in South America? My friend and I were considering moving to Central America, haven’t been to South America yet.
@Pavlov
Can you tell us what country in SA? Or is that too much detail?
Also: What about Montana?
Meh needs more Mehmbers there anyway.
@moondrake @f00l Northern Argentina in the mountains near Bolivia.
@f00l Even Montana will get too warm . . . eventually
@Pavlov There a big expat presence where you want to move?
@Pavlov Several people in my metals class are from Argentina. One of them is there visiting family right now.
@cranky1950 There are a handful of Mennonites from North Dakota (and a few from Canada), otherwise no.
I just bought a Subaru. I love it because I don’t pay for maintenance…yet
My Volkswagen finally died after 225,000 miles. She was a beast and never needed any work. RIP
@jbrookebarrow what model did you purchase?
@jbartus I got a 2017 Crosstrek and couldn’t possibly love it more. I appreciate that Subaru makes their vehicles AWD and they include a backup camera standard on all models. Gives some peace of mind if you have children and/or pets.
@jbrookebarrow That’s exactly why I bought my 2017 Forester. It’s my first Subaru and so far so good!
@jbrookebarrow I have a '14 Beetle and love her to death
@jbrookebarrow I went from a VW Passat to my 2004 Subaru Forester XT. AWD is the best!
@jbartus @Avalora @Moonhat @Muhr
The Volks/Sub club! We’re a decent bunch
@jbrookebarrow We looked at Subarus in 2002 when I bought the Jeep, in 2006 when my wife bought her Mini, and again a few months ago when the Mini was totaled. Same problem each time; the Forester (sans sunroof) had enough headroom but I was pressed against the door when driving, and the Outback didn’t have enough headroom even without a sunroof. I was bummed because I always liked the Subarus I rode in.
@jbrookebarrow “never needed any work and finally died”
@username Noooooo it wasn’t anything like that. Any maintenance she needed I was able to do. I just meant nothing crazy major expensive. In fact, she’d be back up and running w just a new water pump. But it’s time to upgrade to a bigger car since I now have a toddler. A 2dr GTI is a pain to get a kid into and out of.
@Avalora do you have the auto-dimming rear view mirror?
@jbrookebarrow I have a 2014 Crosstrek.
@jbartus Nope. I just went for the very basic model.
@Avalora darn, was hoping you could help me with an investigation.
@jbartus Haha, sorry!
@Avalora no worries! I’m just trying to stick Forester parts into my Crosstrek.
Depends on which one. I love my '71 Challenger. I almost want to be buried in it, but admittedly mostly to stop it from being sold by my estate to some punk teenager’s overindulging parent; the kid would promptly lose control and wrap it around a telephone pole. I’ve heard that horror story too many times over the years.
The Jeep is fine, like it, very used to it, but don’t love it. I’ll miss it when we replace it in the next year or three (its 15 years old).
The Dodge truck before the Jeep I loved but the midwestern salt just did too much damage to keep it going. Driving over snowplow berms while owners of lesser vehicles had to dig themselves out was a particular joy.
My car can put a smile on my face when I’m in a bad mood. Said smiles might be the result of shattering speed limits, however, or taking turns at entirely unreasonable speeds, things like that.
I love my car, I spend entirely too much time in it not to care about it as more than just an A-to-B solution. So much so that I spent over $600 on parts this past week or so to add little features like Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Side Mirror Turn Indicators, and Approach Lighting to my Crosstrek. $430ish of that was on a used set of Forester mirror assemblies alone to harvest wiring harness bits from, I hope to recover a good chunk of that money by flipping the still mostly functional internal assemblies once I’m done, and possibly the glass (worth $150 new, $200+ MSRP). Either way I have spools of automotive wire in my future.
I love my car! And some people say it looks like I live in it.
@PocketBrain
I still have my first new car, a 2004 Infiniti G35X sedan. I got every option available and was thrilled. Shortly thereafter I got a job in the city and take the train everyday. Punchline is my 2004 has only 68K miles, runs great and still rocks a cassette player (but also in-dash CD and integrated navigation). All of which is never used in favor of an aux-in I installed about a year after I got it.
I have a Tesla Model 3 on reservation, so this old girl may be replaced next year. But no car payments, and no complaints.
I love my Jeep Hard Rock. I ordered it just for me. I’ve spent a ton of money just to get it all scratched up (trail paint) and break parts on a semi-regular basis. Put tons of time removing/installing parts and accessories. I drive it daily, even though I owned other cars. It makes me smile. I may be a little too attached to my Jeep.
@PyxienTX I know what you mean, but I keep picturing this…
I dislike my car, but it has been reliable, mostly. And cheap. Cheap is good. It did shove a piece of foil from the door handle under the skin of one of my fingers recently. I had to pull it out with tweezers.
Cars cost too much for being involuntary purchases.
I just sold my car and am attempting to live carless for a while. I’m vaguely terrified!
I love my car, but I have no desire to live in it. My house is small, but it’s still a whole lot bigger than a Honda Civic Coupe.
I love my truck, but also my mattress… I wouldn’t live in my truck, but it’s a great truck that I appreciate using to take me and my tools/mulch/etc. from place to place. I will keep this truck until it doesn’t reliably get me from point A to B, then I will try to find another one I appreciate as much. Since I keep my trucks an average of 15 years (average of one - the one I have now is only my second) I’d say that’s pretty good. Longer than my average house. Longer than my average wife… but I’m NOT marrying the truck.
I think I love my car, but I haven’t seen it in over a month – it’s in the shop for repairs. I think I’m going to need a bigger checking account.
I love my truck. It is 16 years old and does everything I need. My car is okay. It is 4 years old and I guess does everything I need, but is definitely not my style. Only bought it because of the gas savings.
@ConAndLibrarian and you never have to work on it and 4 tires cost the price of 2 Es. Got my 2500HD up to 16mpg now unless I’m towing.
Hate it, hate it, hate it. Seats are uncomfortable, has rough suspension, plus I got rooked on the deal so bad that I’m deep underwater and can’t find a reasonable way to get rid of it. I could buy a brand new car for what I owe…
I drive my sedan. It’s just a car. But it’s a very comfortable car with reasonable power and fantastic fuel efficiency considering it’s a full sized four door sedan (27mpg to/from work, closer to 33mpg on road trips). But I never really bonded with it.
I recently bought an old 2002 S10 Blazer to replace my ugly crapply little 1998 S10 pickup. I DO love my Blazer. It’s in nearly mint condition and runs like a champ. Plenty well equipped without being tarted up with leather, moon roof or heated seats and such.
2007 Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4. I’m about 50/50… I spend too much time commuting to like it as a commuter car (seriously sucks driving in the city), but as an off-road monster, it’s, well, not as good as a Jeep. BUT for what I do for fun (search and rescue) it’s fantastic. Great base for HAM radio, tons of cargo space, and it’ll sit and idle all day and hardly use a drop of fuel.
@fuzzmanmatt
I really miss this about my Tahoe. I could pack so much stuff into the back of that truck I even amazed myself.
My car’s about 25 years old, and somehow still running despite my unfortunate habit of not quite keeping up with maintenance repairs.
I just hope that by the time it kicks it, ZipCar has either expanded their fleet in my city or more car-sharing companies have moved in.
Strained.
@walarney You busted it. why’d you bust it?
Count another very satisfied Subaru owner. My 2014 Legacy 3.6R is the only vehicle I’ve ordered from the factory, and I configured it exactly how I wanted (while walking off the dealership multiple times to get the price I wanted).
I have a lengthy list of requirements for any vehicle I buy (250+ HP, leather, heated seats, sunroof, Bluetooth, room for skis, etc.), and this experience made me add AWD. It’s so useful in the snow, on the beach, and in the rain (here in the PNW) that I’ll never go without again.
I recently had some minor body work done that kept it in the shop for about a week, and I drove one of the vehicles that was a finalist in my purchasing decision back then (Nissan Altima). After that week, I was so glad to be back in my Legacy.
If it ever becomes available in a manual transmission (with the straight 6), I’ll buy it in a heartbeat and keep it for 10+ years. As it stands, my note will be paid shortly, and I’m already looking around.
@ScottN doesn’t the 3.6R have Subaru’s EZ36 Flat 6?
I like my vehicles when they get to 300k miles. I like them more at 400k miles. And more than that at 450k miles.
Nothing ever made it to 500k. : (
@f00l never got 400K, I think the Prius is gonna make 400K though.
@cranky1950
I’ve gotten there at least 3 times.
Each time I remember for sure getting there it was a Ford E150.
@f00l I’ve got 300000 on the truck, It’s not burning oil but the blowby is pretty bad, so sometime in the not to distant future I’m gonna have to do a long block engine.
I love my truck. It’s an '83 Ranger. I don’t know how many miles it has on it, because the odometer only goes up to 99,999, and the title just says “Exempt” - my guess is 340,000. It’s loud, it’s rusty, it needs a lot of work, but it gets me where I need to go, and somehow still gets a lot of compliments. It was the best purchase I ever made, and I plan to keep it running for as long as I possibly can.
(To clarify: the odometer rolls over at 99,999. It currently reads 40,XXX, and I’ve rolled it over once myself.)
My truck gives me on hell ofa ride
Nissan Frontier, we’re friends with benefits
We used to have a rocky relationship until we discover the fun of the rocky roads. Now my Wrangler got lifted with 33" tires, probably spam bumper and new shocks, we discover places and make more memories together.
@Rogart Nice story, but that looks a bit like spam. We don’t like spam.
/giphy I don’t like it
cc @thumperchick
@djslack thanks, but this one looks okay to me.
@Thumperchick Have to agree with djslack here. If you look at the link behind “smittybilt” it’s pretty clear that it’s an item for sale.
@Shrdlu @djslack - this user has been commenting around the forums and I generally give the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. I took the link out of this one, though.
@Thumperchick Thanks. I recognized those factors as well which is why my post was worded a lot nicer than usual. I wasn’t going to argue when you made your call, but it was not a helpful link. I couldn’t have found the bumper he’s got from it, nor was it the manufacturer’s site. But that vendor’s site would get some link rep with Google for that keyword, and I believe that was the game.