Do you REALLY need a new vehicle?

[DFB]

I got you beat. The last (and only) new car I ever bought was in 1970 when I graduated college and got my first "real" (ie-fulltime) job. It was a 1970 Dodge Dart with a 318. A true one owner car, drove it for 13 years and just under 300k before rust took its toll. Was actually pretty good on gas...I'd get mid-ish 20s on the highway.

Given the obscene prices new vehicles are going for today, it's highly unlikely I'll ever buy new ever again.



These days 100k is barely broken in, even the el-cheapo econoboxes will go that long or longer.

Wow 1970...hmm I don't think I was barely big enough to reach the gas and brake pedals back then :laughing:

Though I remember a buddy of mine had used Dodge Dart when we were in high school

My latest vehicle had the highest mileage of any of my used purchases at 88,000k

 

[brain55]

This topic is on my mind right now for a couple reasons. First is that tomorrow will be 3 years since I bought my used 2008 F450, I've put 96k miles on it and it came with 41k. I use this truck everyday and more than half of its miles it tows my nearly 17k lb trailer. I've put 46k miles on it since the short block and both turbos were replaced at 91k miles under warranty. I don't want to make any major repairs out of pocket. The other reason is that I just got my tax bill for last year. The cost and depreciation would nearly make the payment of a new truck and I really need more truck I need something that will last 10 years vs three or four. I'm definitely considering a class 7 truck instead of a pickup.

Brian

 

[Katahdin]

By most logic in this thread I'm due for a new vehicle, my Jeep TJ is now 10 years old, but I decided to buy a new Yanmar LX instead. My plan is to keep my Jeep TJ for another 10 years. That's one nice thing about buying a Jeep, the aftermarket is so good you can keep them running forever.

Owning and maintaining a used vehicle is also a great excuse to take that money you'd be spending on new payments, taxes, insurance, etc and purchase new tools instead!

 

[brain55]

To me a truck is just another tool. I spend a pile of money every year on tools and have since I was 19 it's just part of being a mechanic.

Brian

 

[troutsqueezer]

When I was young and handsome and on the lookout, I used to buy flashy cars to match my persona. Now that I'm old with a few dents here and there, my vehicles still match my persona.

These days I am a point A to point B person. I started becoming this way when one day, the wife, in her not-too-old Prius started down the driveway and remembered that she forgot something so she put the car in reverse and started backing up to the house. Backing up is not one of her strong points. Before very far, she ran into a tree on the side of the road. Rather than stop and pull forward, she kept it in reverse and tried to power through it, turning the wheels to steer away from the tree. That put dents and scratches all the way from the tail light to the headlight. I haven't had it fixed and I never will. She'll just back up again sometime and do it all over again. I just changed my attitude. Now life's a lot easier. :drink:

 

[Oaktree]

That's one nice thing about buying a Jeep, the aftermarket is so good you can keep them running forever.

Just the other day I was at the gas station filling up (something you do fairly often with a Jeep), and a total stranger walked up to me and asked me if it was for sale. Probably should have asked what he'd offer for it, but then I'd have to go out & find something else...I hate car shopping and besides this one's still in good shape and I like it.

Don't know what I'd look for when it comes time to replace it. I like the utility of it, but would like something a little less thirsty.
Test drove a Suburu, but it was way too cramped inside. Caravan maybe? Everyone I've known who's had one liked it, but on-line reviews aren't so good.

 

[JDgreen227]

So...you guys advise me what I should do:

Option 1: Replace my Y2K GMC XL that has a perfect body and near perfect interior that needs only about $500 worth of repairs this year, something I drive less than 2,000 miles yearly.

OR

Option 2: Replace my 2002 JD 4210 E-hydro that is nearing 1200 operating hours and accumulates about 110 more per year. Needs a new hood, a hydraulic system fluid and filter change but nothing else.

OR:

Option 3: Instead of making payments on a new Option 1 or 2..use my spare cash to pay down my current mortgage.

I am long past the age where I need to impress anybody with a new toy. An easy choice, isn't it?

 

[Diamondpilot]

So...you guys advise me what I should do:

Option 1: Replace my Y2K GMC XL that has a perfect body and near perfect interior that needs only about $500 worth of repairs this year, something I drive less than 2,000 miles yearly.

OR

Option 2: Replace my 2002 JD 4210 E-hydro that is nearing 1200 operating hours and accumulates about 110 more per year. Needs a new hood, a hydraulic system fluid and filter change but nothing else.

OR:

Option 3: Instead of making payments on a new Option 1 or 2..use my spare cash to pay down my current mortgage.

I am long past the age where I need to impress anybody with a new toy. An easy choice, isn't it?

Pay down your mortgage. Then you can pay cash for something newer.

Chris

 

[buickanddeere]

Given the obscene prices new vehicles are going for today, it's highly unlikely I'll ever buy new ever again.

Vehicles are cheaper accordingly and offer more than they did 25 years ago

With unleaded fuel and fuel injection. Engines now last 300,000 miles instead of a barely ruining rattling cloud of smoke at 100,000 miles like 1970's and early 80's vehicles where.

 

[Danny C]

Seems to me the OP might be a little jealous of his brother....Also seems to me that most of the "drive it into the ground" types have about 100 (exageration) cars they drive! Register, insure, maintain, saftery/polution check 3-4+ vehicles plus the pain of breakdowns and one's time to repair and it's a no-brainer to get a new (1 year or newer) vehicle every 4-5 years.