I have been going through a rough patch with repairs on my vehicles, and have been considering buying a new vehicle.
I have always driven well-used beater type of cars and trucks, and when adding up all the expenses of this, I feel like it would be better (even if not strictly from a $ sense) to go with something new that can have a good maintenance history and last a good long time.
I am thinking about stuff like:
- purchase price
- tax/title/tags/fees, etc
- initial tune-up/oil change, repairs needed, tires needed, etc to have the car roadworthy
- often these cars are dirty so the big initial cleanup
- these cars end up needing repairs, some of which I can't do due to lack of time/tools/skill/confidence
- not always having ac/heat
I am 34 years old, and since I started driving at 17, I've gone through the following:
1992 Taurus
1991 Firebird (admittedly a dumb 17-year old purchase)
1995 Sable
2001 Dodge Ram
1996 Dodge Ram
1996 Cavalier
2004 Cavalier
2008 Dodge Ram
2009 Chevy Cobalt
Some of these were owned concurrently, I've usually had a truck and a gas-sipper at the same time. the 2008 Ram and the 2009 Cobalt are the current fleet, with 140k and 150k miles respectively.
When I think of all the purchase price/tune ups/repairs/tax, etc. paid on these vehicles, plus all the time and effort spent to keep them roadworthy, I feel like I am at the point that I would rather have something bought new that I can just maintain and drive.
I spoke to my neighbor a few weeks ago, she is 49 years old, and since she started driving, has had a 1994 Jeep Wrangler, and a 2008 H3 Hummer, both bought new. 24 years of service from 2 vehicles, both well-maintained and hardly any problems according to her. A stark contrast to the effort of finding these used cars, getting them home, and the time/money/effort put into keeping them going.
I'm wondering if anyone else has gone from driving beaters to buying something new and have you enjoyed/regretted that decision?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
I have always driven well-used beater type of cars and trucks, and when adding up all the expenses of this, I feel like it would be better (even if not strictly from a $ sense) to go with something new that can have a good maintenance history and last a good long time.
I am thinking about stuff like:
- purchase price
- tax/title/tags/fees, etc
- initial tune-up/oil change, repairs needed, tires needed, etc to have the car roadworthy
- often these cars are dirty so the big initial cleanup
- these cars end up needing repairs, some of which I can't do due to lack of time/tools/skill/confidence
- not always having ac/heat
I am 34 years old, and since I started driving at 17, I've gone through the following:
1992 Taurus
1991 Firebird (admittedly a dumb 17-year old purchase)
1995 Sable
2001 Dodge Ram
1996 Dodge Ram
1996 Cavalier
2004 Cavalier
2008 Dodge Ram
2009 Chevy Cobalt
Some of these were owned concurrently, I've usually had a truck and a gas-sipper at the same time. the 2008 Ram and the 2009 Cobalt are the current fleet, with 140k and 150k miles respectively.
When I think of all the purchase price/tune ups/repairs/tax, etc. paid on these vehicles, plus all the time and effort spent to keep them roadworthy, I feel like I am at the point that I would rather have something bought new that I can just maintain and drive.
I spoke to my neighbor a few weeks ago, she is 49 years old, and since she started driving, has had a 1994 Jeep Wrangler, and a 2008 H3 Hummer, both bought new. 24 years of service from 2 vehicles, both well-maintained and hardly any problems according to her. A stark contrast to the effort of finding these used cars, getting them home, and the time/money/effort put into keeping them going.
I'm wondering if anyone else has gone from driving beaters to buying something new and have you enjoyed/regretted that decision?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
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