The Down Side of Regular Oil Changes....

Thomas Pyrek · May 8, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by jthorner:

quote:

fiance won't let me dump it for a new car until it dies (expensive repair)

Click to expand...

I have always shaken my head at people in relationships who "allow" or "don't allow" each other to do things.

Dominating and manipulating one another is not the basis for a good marriage. You are lucky that this is your fiance and not your wife as the impact of calling it off now is much less than later.

50%-60% of marriages end in divorce, and arguments over how to spend money are consistently reported to be in the top 3 problem areas. If you need or want a newer better vehicle and can responsibly afford it, then get one. Don't kill the poor car just because you don't know how to look after the basics of life.

John

I think this is the first time I have seen real intelligence on the internet.

JohnBrowning · May 8, 2004

First of all she is your fiancee and not your wife! If the money is your it realy is not any of her business what you buy or when you buy it. Second you are the man!!! My wife does not even tell me what or when I can buy. Obviously I but my familys needs ahead of my own but would not be told what to do or when to do it. If the money is their and it is your money do what you please.

I would start researching the vechiles I am intrersted in and makeing offers. When everything fell into place I would just come home with the new vechile.

mikemc · May 8, 2004

This thread has really made me appreciate my marrige (not that I didn't already). We always discuss major purchases and usually agree. When I wanted a brand new 4x4 Ranger in 2002 her response was, 'you deserve it, you work hard and we can afford it'. I would have bought it anyway, but its nice to have that kind of support.

mikemc · May 8, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by andyfish:
I have performed regular oil changes using dino every 4k miles. Anyway at 9 years and 210k I am sick of the uncomfortable seat (worn out) and car overall (Honda Civic) and lack of utility (2 door coupe). The car needs nothing but front brakes soon, fiance won't let me dump it for a new car until it dies (expensive repair). The car has never required an engine repair. The new oil from now on is SuperTech.

Just an opposing story to the preserving of a car.

Supertech is API/SL rated so I doubt it will lessen the car's life. If you want a new car and you can afford it, just buy a new car!!!

[ May 09, 2004, 12:52 AM: Message edited by: mikemc ]

TheNauseator · May 8, 2004

I'm surprised that you are almost unhappy with your old beater running well. I drive my cars "into the ground" to get every dime out of them. I prefer to put my hard earned $$ into savings acct instead of giving it to car dealers.....

Racerjk · May 8, 2004

Thank God we kept my wife's '90 Sunbird! It's had 3000 mile oil changes all it's life, and had good gas put in it. It's got 143,000 miles on it,and I would get in it and drive it anywhere,I would call it a semi-beater, as it looks pretty good except for a few paint chips and some interior rips. A few weeks ago it delivered a 35 mpg average with a bunch of town driving. This is a bonus with gas going through the roof. Beaters rock!

therion · May 8, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by ruking77:
Do you miss the tyranny of monthly payments?

Think of a 100-300 dollar used "new seat" as less than one monthly car payment on a new Civic.

Your car is a baby!

I am looking to run my 2003 VW Jetta TDI a min of 550k and with a little luck 1,000,000 miles.

Is that with or without a bypass filter?? with a bypass filter & preoiler 1,000,000 miles *might* be possible given you are careful.

Shannow · May 8, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by mikemc:
This thread has really made me appreciate my marrige (not that I didn't already). We always discuss major purchases and usually agree. When I wanted a brand new 4x4 Ranger in 2002 her response was, 'you deserve it, you work hard and we can afford it'. I would have bought it anyway, but its nice to have that kind of support.

Mike,
I thoroughly agree (althought the marriage bit is optional).
Kerry and I have been together for over 12 years now, and have been through some really toguh stuff.

But we are able to discuss and agree on where we are, and where we want to be. Deciding a new car took literally a few weeks, but we both ended up happy with the result.

Fortunately, we don't have champagne tastes, so it's not really a money issue, more balancing needs, wants, and the future.

(The epitome of the opposite was while on the phone to a sister in law the other day, the background conversation went "Take that belt off, and wear the other one. If YOU are going shopping with ME, then you will wear what I tell you to wear")

Matt89 · May 8, 2004

quote:

I would start researching the vechiles I am intrersted in and makeing offers. When everything fell into place I would just come home with the new vechile.

From personal experience I wouldn't recommend this approach

Neither of you should ever feel like they need to ask "permission" (can you say "parent/child relationship"), but the resentment that this kind of unilateral action creates is very painful in the long term. If your prospective ally for life is telling you they do not want to commit that much money to something, then you probably ought to listen very carefully.

She'll remember how you dealt with this when (after she finishes MD school, residency etc) she's in a position to buy you any car you want, or drop your a$& for greener pastures.

YMMV (Your marriage may vary)

[ May 09, 2004, 11:59 AM: Message edited by: Matt89 ]

JeepZJ4.0 · May 9, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by DavoNF:
Keep it. Replace the seat, install one of those Xmas tree smelly things, give it a cut and polish and good wax, and your outlook towards the car will change - and you will save a lot of money.

Dave

I agree. If it is still working, just give it some TLC right now..... If you want, go farther than the wax and seat, give it new shocks and struts and some new tires so its more enjoyable to drive. I know a place that sells some of the best shocks and struts for a really nice price.

andyfish · May 9, 2004

This thread has many good thoughts including advice on life ahead. Her mind was swayed this weekend after driving two hours each way on a short trip, somewhat miserable. Of course I'm on the fence too. But thanks for the directions.

Audi Junkie · May 9, 2004

My woman says I should buy some used cars for re$ale. I am considering it. For now, I like the idea of us having a nice car and an older car that we don't have to worry about miles and parking lot issues. 1987 Audi Coupe GT 180k with no engine repairs and original clutch, perfect body, interior and everything, including digital dash, works.

jthorner · May 9, 2004

quote:

I like the idea of us having a nice car and an older car that we don't have to worry about miles and parking lot issues

I've been enjoying a similar situation. Last year as my older Volvo started having more frequent problems I went looking for a new car (wife and daughter thought doing so was a great idea and went on many of the test drives). I ended up buying a new Honda Accord. The trade in on the Volvo would have been next to nothing, and with daughter 2 years from driving age we chose to keep it. Now we use the darn thing as the family beater car for things like trips to the recycling center, a car to leave at the airport for a few days when on a trip, etc. It is really nice to have a don't worry about it car in addition to nice newer vehicles.

John

PS My wife is a delight. We try very hard to support, advise and encourage one another. Sometimes we fall short, but the common goal is always there to come back to!

Eddie · May 9, 2004

Right on the mark Thomas; Under the circumstances I might want to revisit my lifes' priorities as I'm not good at being on my knees all the time.

GimmeTorq · May 9, 2004

This thread feels like it came from the "Dear Abby" site...

If you can afford it, consider a new vehicle. Shop around and see what's out there. It's really your decision... You're the one getting your back slowly messed up by riding on worn out seats...

T-Keith · May 10, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by andyfish:
I have performed regular oil changes using dino every 4k miles. Anyway at 9 years and 210k I am sick of the uncomfortable seat (worn out) and car overall (Honda Civic) and lack of utility (2 door coupe). The car needs nothing but front brakes soon, fiance won't let me dump it for a new car until it dies (expensive repair). The car has never required an engine repair. The new oil from now on is SuperTech.

Just an opposing story to the preserving of a car.

Wow everyone I know can't believe I actually repair my cars. Your Supposed to buy a new one every couple of years.

I'm at 189k, the car is 16 years old. My seat is still good(a little worn), the car is holding up good except for rust(Grand Am), and I love the utility and lack of useless extra parts(Two-door).

-T

Gary Allan · May 12, 2004

quote:

When I wanted a brand new 4x4 Ranger in 2002 her response was, 'you deserve it, you work hard and we can afford it'.

\

Ah, a man ruled via seduction!!

She makes you feel more "like a man" when she supports you like this. Sure you could have done this without her consent ...but you asked for it none the less. These are great women if you can snag one!! They make you so happy that nothing is too good for them.

quote:

"Take that belt off, and wear the other one. If YOU are going shopping with ME, then you will wear what I tell you to wear"

And one ruled by antagonism

This wife doesn't have those skills to achieve what she wants.

[ May 12, 2004, 12:54 PM: Message edited by: Gary Allan ]

The Down Side of Regular Oil Changes....

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