Gator Country

**g8orbill** · 02-26-2013, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorknights

Two words: Honda Civic.

Between the 2 I've owned over the past 20 years, I've piled on almost 400,000 miles, and the only repair costs were tires and maybe 2 or 3 oil changes. Best car ever.

Plus, they are real babe magnets.

what about us big sob's who cannot fit comfortably in a Civic

I love my Gator Blue F-150

**vertigo0923** · 02-27-2013, 03:53 AM

i didn't have a choice on 'fix' with my mustang. waaaaaaaaaaaah! deer lands on hood, that was it, plus that 166k miles i put on 'er.
am having fun with this eclipse. fabulous sound system. gotta love the butt warming seats up here, too. and it's another vroom vrooooom for me. (beep beep)

northgagator · 02-27-2013, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vertigo0923

i didn't have a choice on 'fix' with my mustang. waaaaaaaaaaaah! deer lands on hood, that was it, plus that 166k miles i put on 'er.
am having fun with this eclipse. fabulous sound system. gotta love the butt warming seats up here, too. and it's another vroom vrooooom for me. (beep beep)

Sorry for your lost on the Mustang. I knew that you loved that car.

gatorknights · 02-27-2013, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g8orbill

what about us big sob's who cannot fit comfortably in a Civic

I love my Gator Blue F-150

LOL!!

Sometimes there are advantages to being a smaller guy. But I have big feet, and you know what they say about us guys with big feet...

**MeyerIsBack** · 02-27-2013, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorknights

LOL!!

Sometimes there are advantages to being a smaller guy. But I have big feet, and you know what they say about us guys with big feet...

You need big shoes?

**OaktownGator** · 02-27-2013, 09:38 AM

If you need to buy, now is a good time. Interest rates are low and new car market is soft due to the economy.

Look for an entry level car with good reliability ratings. Should be able to get a new one under 15K. Payments less than 300 a month.

That payment cost should be considered against estimated ongoing cost of repairs, and delta in cost of fuel. If you get a car with significantly better gas mileage, and you drive much, that can be significant with today's gas prices... which will only get higher over time.

On the flip side, insurance cost is likely to go up with the new vehicle.

**G8trGr8t** · 02-27-2013, 10:02 AM

Based on reliability ratings for that car buy used. 3 - 5 years old direct from owner with less than 12k per year mileage is my target. Takes some time to find right deal but it is worth it. Look in parts of state with lots of snowbirds or lot of older folks that don't drive that much.

jmoliver · 02-27-2013, 10:12 AM

I drive daily a 2005 BMW 325i. I just turned 130,000 miles. It gets great gas mileage with medium grade fuel. I have been very lucky with the car. I change the oil and filters every 6,000 and have the mechanic check it out. I have averaged under $ 1,000 a year in repairs. I have recently changed some front end parts and the rear wheel bearings. I think it is getting to the point where I want to see how long it will last.

gatorknights · 02-27-2013, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeyerIsBack

You need big shoes?

Let's just say Mrs. Gatorknights ain't complaining if you nome sane.

deathroll · 02-27-2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorknights

LOL!!

I have big feet, and you know what they say about us guys with big feet...

Just an FYI, knights. I also have a pedicure thread running around here somewhere.

**g8orbill** · 02-27-2013, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorknights

LOL!!

Sometimes there are advantages to being a smaller guy. But I have big feet, and you know what they say about us guys with big feet...

J-I wear a 15 EEE - so yes I know what they say

deathroll · 02-28-2013, 06:50 AM

OK, so they decided to keep it and get it repaired. Spent the $500 on the fuse box but now, straight from the service station, the speedometer doesn't work. Technician/repair man says he knows nothing about it and it's not his fault. Still haven't had the transmission fixed. Might just be time to pull the plug, in spite of just having dropped $500 into that fuse box.

**dawny** · 02-28-2013, 07:23 AM

We just sold our 1999 silverado Ls $2000, with 300,000 miles a work truck, still ran great, best truck on the road, bought another one 2004 4door for $4500 with 150,00 miles 5.3 liter, this truck was perfect except the miles but will run for over 350,000 miles,my Daughter has one also, dont like payments.

mapagator · 02-28-2013, 07:55 AM

My rule of thumb - drive it until the repair exceeds the value of the car.
I routinely drive my cars near or over 200K miles, and since I live in Atlanta that usually takes 8-10 years. And I agree with the Honda recommendation - oil changes every 3500 and regular maintenance keeps those cars running. But I have a 2004 Ford Explorer with 180K now that same formula has worked.

tegator80 · 02-28-2013, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathroll

OK, so they decided to keep it and get it repaired. Spent the $500 on the fuse box but now, straight from the service station, the speedometer doesn't work. Technician/repair man says he knows nothing about it and it's not his fault. Still haven't had the transmission fixed. Might just be time to pull the plug, in spite of just having dropped $500 into that fuse box.

Yeh, being a Chevy it is a hard call. I would probably still hold my nose and continue to repair, as long as finance is the driving force. One thing you need to remember if you get a used car: do your homework as there a a bunch of Sandy cars hitting the market that haven't shown the signs of salt water intrusion yet. You don't want to be surprised when the cars rust out and the electrical fails.

**OaktownGator** · 02-28-2013, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tegator80

Yeh, being a Chevy it is a hard call. I would probably still hold my nose and continue to repair, as long as finance is the driving force. One thing you need to remember if you get a used car: do your homework as there a a bunch of Sandy cars hitting the market that haven't shown the signs of salt water intrusion yet. You don't want to be surprised when the cars rust out and the electrical fails.

Used cars are also a bigger risk in a bad economy - people don't maintain their cars properly because they'd rather eat and pay the rent.

brainstorm · 02-28-2013, 08:10 PM

My 2002 Mazda Millenia broke down today - the timing belt - and I will be $600 poorer tomorrow. But, I have to consider the car is in good shape otherwise, is paid for, gets 24mpg and I can put cheap insurance on it.

A new car comes with 6-7 years of expensive payments and a full coverage insurance requirement. It is a huge drain on your net worth and cash flow.