Sticker shock....!!!

[ultrarunner]

We had a 70, 72 and 74 Chevy 1/2 pickups at different times, all with a 350 and Auto.

The only reason we liked the 74 was because it had A/C

The 70 had coil rear springs which greatly limited it's usefulnes.

If I could choose one today... it would be a 72 with A/C.

Great Truck... Dad sold it to a family that moved to Washington State and they had it another 15 years one only sold when they could no longer drive... it could still be out there... rust is seldom a problem in California.

 

[ultrarunner]

On a separate note...

My one and only new car was bought in 2002 in Germany... I was working there at the time.

It has been a great vehicle... BMW 325it sport wagon.

Plan was to sell Stateside and liked it so much decided to keep it.

Anyway, driving home Wednesday night, it lit up like a Christmas tree... car went into limp mode and every sensor was illuminated...

Panicked and called the Dealer and was told it would be a week before they could diagnose... said a $1000 would be a minor problem.

Decided to get my old multimeter out and do some detective work... long story short I'm back on the road.

The integral voltage regulator crapped out and voltage was off the scale.. at least my battery voltmeter tops at 16.5V

Was able to source one in LA and they delivered the next day and total cost $42.

The high voltage caused everything to shut down and blew several light bulbs too...

I've got 70k miles on mine and it shows like new... prices have not quite doubled in 12 years... talk about sticker shock!

 

[nc redneck]

For old guys like me ( 57 ) if you cant pay cash you probably don't need it. IMO.

 

[ultrarunner]

For old guys like me ( 57 ) if you cant pay cash you probably don't need it. IMO.

This was always my Grandparents point of view... especially Grandmother.

She said she knew too many that got over their head in debt and lost it all... speaking of the Depression.


The only thing they ever had a note was on a first Deed of Trust for their home and put down 25% and had it paid off in 10 years...

 

[KenB2920]

Just curious but here is a thought.


In 1999 at 17 years old I made $5.15 per hour minimum wage a couple days a week ( more less to have fun with friends). I also worked another job once a week for 3.50 an hour CASH lol (also to work with friends) and my main job was about $7.50 an hour until I graduate HS when I received a nice raise and had this as a full time job until I started my current profession at age 19. (Same profession but I have since changed locations). At that time (1999) I purchased a used 1990 Lincoln Mark VII for $9,000. (Great car, I still have it with 63,000 miles and its now garage kept and covered.). I had plenty of money to afford the car and then some.

Fast forward to today. If I made 5 times my minimum wage ($25.75) shouldn't I be able to buy a $45,000 car? Or if I made 4 times my $7.50 ($30) would I be safe to get a $36,000 car? Now with that said, if I only have 1 car payment and two incomes (wife / husband) and we buy one car at a time, would it be ok to double that?

Just picking brains as things cost more today but salaries have also risen quite a bit too since the 70s 80s... So purchasing a brand new 1970 fully loaded ( meaning it came with a locking trunk, an extra ignition key and a "clear coat" finish) does that compare to a car of today's technology


When I was growing up, there was a such think as winter snow tires, tell that to a kid today. Technology consisted of an analogue trip reset on the dash and possibly "stereo".

Are cars overpriced today? Sure they are. But they ARE safer. Do they crumple and blow Into a million pieces? Sure they do. That's what they are designed for. Cars back in the day were tanks. They could hit a building and be fine. Granted the occupants had be tossed around inside like ping pong balls but the car is fine. Next time your at a car store, price out a new front clip, head lights, radiator or the parts to complete a car. Then price out someone left hand or leg. I'd rather be safe than my car intact. Our new car now has inflatable rear seatbelts. Crazy! But anything for my kids safety.

Our car talks to a satellite and tells me where I am located!!! Yeah, GPS is yesterday's news but its overall impressive. Our car has some pretty sweet options.

I am not justifying it, but my car doesn't need a tune up every 10,000 Miles's. it won't rust out after 15,000 miles.

 

[ultrarunner]

Guess I'm missing a lot since my "New" car is 12 years old and my work truck is 29 years old.

All I can say is new cars are great when they work... a real nightmare when they don't.

More and more people I know will simply not own a high end car withour a warranty... just won't do it.

Never bought anything on time except property...

I do think it is easy to buy on time... the receptionist at work is 23 and so is her boyfriend... she drives a 50k truck and he drives a Charger RT... both bought new... so yes, a person making $12 and hour can buy a 50k truck.

 

[fordmantpw]

Just curious but here is a thought.


In 1999 at 17 years old I made $5.15 per hour minimum wage a couple days a week ( more less to have fun with friends). I also worked another job once a week for 3.50 an hour CASH lol (also to work with friends) and my main job was about $7.50 an hour until I graduate HS when I received a nice raise and had this as a full time job until I started my current profession at age 19. (Same profession but I have since changed locations). At that time (1999) I purchased a used 1990 Lincoln Mark VII for $9,000. (Great car, I still have it with 63,000 miles and its now garage kept and covered.). I had plenty of money to afford the car and then some.

Fast forward to today. If I made 5 times my minimum wage ($25.75) shouldn't I be able to buy a $45,000 car? Or if I made 4 times my $7.50 ($30) would I be safe to get a $36,000 car? Now with that said, if I only have 1 car payment and two incomes (wife / husband) and we buy one car at a time, would it be ok to double that?

Just picking brains as things cost more today but salaries have also risen quite a bit too since the 70s 80s... So purchasing a brand new 1970 fully loaded ( meaning it came with a locking trunk, an extra ignition key and a "clear coat" finish) does that compare to a car of today's technology


When I was growing up, there was a such think as winter snow tires, tell that to a kid today. Technology consisted of an analogue trip reset on the dash and possibly "stereo".

Are cars overpriced today? Sure they are. But they ARE safer. Do they crumple and blow Into a million pieces? Sure they do. That's what they are designed for. Cars back in the day were tanks. They could hit a building and be fine. Granted the occupants had be tossed around inside like ping pong balls but the car is fine. Next time your at a car store, price out a new front clip, head lights, radiator or the parts to complete a car. Then price out someone left hand or leg. I'd rather be safe than my car intact. Our new car now has inflatable rear seatbelts. Crazy! But anything for my kids safety.

Our car talks to a satellite and tells me where I am located!!! Yeah, GPS is yesterday's news but its overall impressive. Our car has some pretty sweet options.

I am not justifying it, but my car doesn't need a tune up every 10,000 Miles's. it won't rust out after 15,000 miles.

Very well said!

 

[fordmantpw]

Just curious but here is a thought.


In 1999 at 17 years old I made $5.15 per hour minimum wage a couple days a week ( more less to have fun with friends). I also worked another job once a week for 3.50 an hour CASH lol (also to work with friends) and my main job was about $7.50 an hour until I graduate HS when I received a nice raise and had this as a full time job until I started my current profession at age 19. (Same profession but I have since changed locations). At that time (1999) I purchased a used 1990 Lincoln Mark VII for $9,000. (Great car, I still have it with 63,000 miles and its now garage kept and covered.). I had plenty of money to afford the car and then some.

Fast forward to today. If I made 5 times my minimum wage ($25.75) shouldn't I be able to buy a $45,000 car? Or if I made 4 times my $7.50 ($30) would I be safe to get a $36,000 car? Now with that said, if I only have 1 car payment and two incomes (wife / husband) and we buy one car at a time, would it be ok to double that?

Just picking brains as things cost more today but salaries have also risen quite a bit too since the 70s 80s... So purchasing a brand new 1970 fully loaded ( meaning it came with a locking trunk, an extra ignition key and a "clear coat" finish) does that compare to a car of today's technology


When I was growing up, there was a such think as winter snow tires, tell that to a kid today. Technology consisted of an analogue trip reset on the dash and possibly "stereo".

Are cars overpriced today? Sure they are. But they ARE safer. Do they crumple and blow Into a million pieces? Sure they do. That's what they are designed for. Cars back in the day were tanks. They could hit a building and be fine. Granted the occupants had be tossed around inside like ping pong balls but the car is fine. Next time your at a car store, price out a new front clip, head lights, radiator or the parts to complete a car. Then price out someone left hand or leg. I'd rather be safe than my car intact. Our new car now has inflatable rear seatbelts. Crazy! But anything for my kids safety.

Our car talks to a satellite and tells me where I am located!!! Yeah, GPS is yesterday's news but its overall impressive. Our car has some pretty sweet options.

I am not justifying it, but my car doesn't need a tune up every 10,000 Miles's. it won't rust out after 15,000 miles.

Very well said!

 

[satellite]

Just wait until your "new technology" is a few years old and it starts to break down. That technology will be outdated and no longer able to be fixed.
At least you can troubleshoot and work on older cars and trucks. Not so lucky with the new ones. I'll keep my old ones thanks. My old trucks aren't rusty either.

 

[fordmantpw]

Just wait until your "new technology" is a few years old and it starts to break down. That technology will be outdated and no longer able to be fixed.
At least you can troubleshoot and work on older cars and trucks. Not so lucky with the new ones. I'll keep my old ones thanks. My old trucks aren't rusty either.

The 'new technology' typically lasts the life of the vehicle. If an electronic part breaks, it's normally within the first 6 months. Or, if it breaks later, it's as easy as pulling the old part out and replacing it. You don't even have to get your hands greasy!

Over the life of the vehicle, I'd bet lunch that you spend much less money on electronics than you do the other stuff to keep a car running.

 

[satellite]

I take it that you've never had an ignition control module go bad. They don't last anywhere near the life of the vehicle. If you've looked under the hood of the newer cars you'll see most have engine covers to hide the nightmare lurking underneath. Snap On makes millions of dollars selling the specialty tools required to install those new electronic parts. Without those tools, good luck. Most of my friends make a living working on cars and trucks. They spend a fortune buying those tools. They get pretty greasy too. Not trying to argue with you, but you'll find out when the new wears off and things start to break.

 

[ultrarunner]

Technology can retire some vehicles way before their time...

My Godfather bought a new a 1982 Lincoln and when the car was 10 years old it was really like a new car with 7,000 miles, garaged kept under a cover.

This car had one of the first all digital instrument displays and it couldn't be fixed... the Dealer couldn't do it, Lincoln said they no longer supported it and their was nothing aftermarket.

So here is a pristine car with every option down to the factory CB that he never could get repaired and he could not get a smog because of this problem...

He was in the merchant marines and gone a lot of the time and this is why the car was so well preserved.

My mechanic friend sees similar with late model High End cars having complex electronic components that fail and are quite costly if available...

 

[oldpilgrim]

My mechanic friend sees similar with late model High End cars having complex electronic components that fail and are quite costly if available...

they don't have to be 'high end' anymore. Most cars have very complex electronics.

The basic Tundra I recently bought has an LED section in front of the driver and an LED touch screen sound system/backup camera. This is a bare bones Tundra. They all come with it now...even my wife's new RAV4.

The touch screen electronic section cost $9000 to replace if it fails.

That's why I bought the 8 year bumper to bumper warrentee.

 

[fordmantpw]

I take it that you've never had an ignition control module go bad. They don't last anywhere near the life of the vehicle. QUOTE]

Actually, I did. It was on a 1986 Ford Bronco II with 130k miles. That paled in comparison to the mechanical problems it had.

Technology can retire some vehicles way before their time...

My Godfather bought a new a 1982 Lincoln and when the car was 10 years old it was really like a new car with 7,000 miles, garaged kept under a cover.

Newsflash...we're 32 years and tremendous technological advancements away from 1982.

they don't have to be 'high end' anymore. Most cars have very complex electronics.

The basic Tundra I recently bought has an LED section in front of the driver and an LED touch screen sound system/backup camera. This is a bare bones Tundra. They all come with it now...even my wife's new RAV4.

The touch screen electronic section cost $9000 to replace if it fails.

That's why I bought the 8 year bumper to bumper warrentee.

Right, even lower end stuff has electronics now. It's everywhere. Whomever told you it costs $9k to replace the touch screen in that truck was pulling your leg to try to get you to buy that extended warrantee...

 

[KenB2920]

The 'new technology' typically lasts the life of the vehicle. If an electronic part breaks, it's normally within the first 6 months. Or, if it breaks later, it's as easy as pulling the old part out and replacing it. You don't even have to get your hands greasy!

Over the life of the vehicle, I'd bet lunch that you spend much less money on electronics than you do the other stuff to keep a car running.

I agree, I have had a handful of vehicles and everyone has had more and more electronics. The only electrical thing I can recall going bad was on my 1995 GMC Sierra 3500. I had to replace the "HAZARD" mechanism. It went bad and caused the parking lights to stay on with no turn signals. The dealer quoted $350 or so to replace a bunch of stuff. I did my homework, found the part and I think it was $30 bucks. It literally pulled out and reclipped the new piece in. On the same truck, I replaced brake lines, brakes, tires, alternator and batteries. All things I was able to do myself. I can't imagine the bill if I couldn't. That was a plow truck and used as a "TRUCK" so I surely didn't complain. With all my other vehicles It typically been mechanical as well.

I take it that you've never had an ignition control module go bad. They don't last anywhere near the life of the vehicle. QUOTE]

Actually, I did. It was on a 1986 Ford Bronco II with 130k miles. That paled in comparison to the mechanical problems it had.

My 86 bronco was amazing too. This is the vehicle that paid for my lessons in backyard mechanics. GREAT VEHICLE as it was my winter truck when I stored my Lincoln. I learned ALOT. I also learned too, all mechanics are NOT equal. Great life experiences.



Newsflash...we're 32 years and tremendous technological advancements away from 1982.


Exactly, 30 years of technoloy...


Right, even lower end stuff has electronics now. It's everywhere. Whomever told you it costs $9k to replace the touch screen in that truck was pulling your leg to try to get you to buy that extended warrantee...

I actually had an electronic issue with my 2000 Wrangler. I left it in 2 pretty bad rain storms with the top down and eventually the radio went out. Warranty covered it. Another well abused and great vehicle.

As for the guys who their older vehicles don't rust, I am happy for you guys as its hard up here in Michigan to keep things clean with all the Salt. Is it possible, sure. I have a 1986 F-350 that has minimal rust but hasnt been driven in 2 years either. I need to figure out what mechanical thing went wrong for why its not starting. I am hoping its just the batteries.

For the mechanically inclined guy it may pay to keep an older vehicle as well. Not many people know how to adjust a carb or do their own brakes let alone anything major. Most guys cant drop a trans or have the courage to do anything else major. Guys typically dont have more than an average set of wrenches let along a $30 set of coil compressors. The common man doesn't have ANY specialty tools.

I am fortunate and have a good basic knowledge of cars. Just about anything can be fixed with youtube and google images jk lol.

My wifes old G6 had the ball joints go on it. I had a couple quotes of $1700 as the lower control has to be changed since it one whole unit. I ended up buying the parts and doing it myself for about $400. The car still has yet to have an electronic issue and will most likely run forever it seems. We are currently selling it as we purchased the new "sticker shock" vehicle. Aside from driving off a lot and losing that initial value. Cars if kept a while will enventually hold a good value.

 

[KenB2920]

I was just thinking, my grandfather had a timing light. Yup, I have it now. NO CLUE HOW TO USE IT.

 

[fordmantpw]

I was just thinking, my grandfather had a timing light. Yup, I have it now. NO CLUE HOW TO USE IT.

Ha! I remember watching my dad use one, but never had a clue how to use one myself!

 

[satellite]

I had to learn to work on cars and trucks from friends who were kind enough to teach me and from books and magazines. I started off with just a few basic tools. Just about every new repair required a trip to Sears for a new tool or two. Over the years I've saved a lot of money doing it myself. Keeping my old trucks running is a whole lot less expensive than trading on a new $50,000 truck. If new ones are your style, more power to you. I can replace a worn part here and there or rebuild an engine for a lot less money than that new truck costs. I like mine, you like yours. We'll just do things differently.

 

[ultrarunner]

Newsflash...we're 32 years and tremendous technological advancements away from 1982.

Newsflash... car had 7,000 miles and was 10 years old and not repairable.

Funny thing is I was still buying parts for my 1930 Model A Ford from the local Ford Dealer in 1980... Fifty years later and I could still walk into any Ford Dealer and order a new carburetor and I did... plus lots of other things... just goes to show the price of technology...

 

[KenB2920]

I had to learn to work on cars and trucks from friends who were kind enough to teach me and from books and magazines. I started off with just a few basic tools. Just about every new repair required a trip to Sears for a new tool or two. Over the years I've saved a lot of money doing it myself. Keeping my old trucks running is a whole lot less expensive than trading on a new $50,000 truck. If new ones are your style, more power to you. I can replace a worn part here and there or rebuild an engine for a lot less money than that new truck costs. I like mine, you like yours. We'll just do things differently.

Impressive you can rebuild your engine. I am unable to. Plus, I require use of my vehicle daily. If I dint have kids, I probably would still have my 95 standard cab. I figured cost wise, it would be able to replace the engine in that truck every year for 10 years rather than purchase a new vehicle. However, I need the dependability of a vehicle the starts and runs every time without down time. I agree a new vehicle can have a glitch. Heck I am having some glitches/ hickups with my new tractor. I agree and am pretty frugal when I need to be and purchase high dollar equipment / cars when I feel it necessary. Another thing I felt was interesting is my 2009 GMC 2500HD Duramax was cheaper to insure than my 95 3500 standard cab. They said it was due to the safety features.

I like to buy vehicles and not lease just to have a vehicle longer and save money. I work on my stuff when capable and when time allows.

Back to the original posters topic. The price paid for new cars is extreme but can also be justified.

I think my parents 1990 Dodge Ram 250 conversion van with 360 V8 was 17,000 and our neighbors purchased a cherokee sport V6 for 17,500 if I believe. There my father said he could fit that jeep inside his van and felt he received a better value for his dollar. The van fit 6 comfortably and the jeep would squeeze in four. I guess it all comes down to personal perception, needs, wants and what we can afford. I'd like a Corvette but their sticker is out of my budget for the time being.