Cars cheaper than guitars

[beecee]

The Expedition thread got me thinking.

Until I was well over 50 I never bought a new car for myself...we started leasing for my wife when my daughter was born at 45 but I was always thrilled to drive some interesting older used cars.

I own two Toyota T100s....a 95 and a 93 I picked up last fall. I have $3,700 into both and I've owned the $1,500 95 for over 12 years. Both 8' boxes....$3,700 is five monthly payments roughly for an F150!! The 93 still has the factory grease pen markings on the chassis!!

I mentioned my $1,500 99 Expedition.

My sub $3,000 Volvo wagons. $2,000 for my 99 4Runner I put over 100,000 mi.es on and sold it for more than I paid.

Yes, I've spent more money on a guitar than many of the cars I drove daily.

My 2018 Volvo may last forever.....they are being compared to Crown Vics for longevity and being used as taxis in N. Europe....but if it were to die soon I have my eyes on a 1987 Jaguar XJ 6 or a post 86 Mercedes 300SD.

At 64 I suppose I shouldn't be looking for car trouble but I had both the Jag and several Benz diesels years back. Yeah, swuarecwheel

I can't see myself driving a car I'd see coming at me in traffic....plus the smell of a Jaguar interior is intoxicating. And I'd like to recognize what's under the hood when I open it.

 

[Guildedagain]

When you're 64 ;[]

 

[GAD]

I recognize what’s under the hood in my car: it’s a giant cowling that prevents me from touching anything but the fluid fill openings.

 

[Brick]

I recognize what’s under the hood in my car: it’s a giant cowling that prevents me from touching anything but the fluid fill openings.

That used to really bother me, but when I decided I had better things to do with my time than be a shade-tree mechanic I got past that pretty quickly. As a bonus, its now really easy to find the fill openings.

 

[GAD]

That used to really bother me, but when I decided I had better things to do with my time than be a shade-tree mechanic I got past that pretty quickly. As a bonus, its now really easy to find the fill openings.

I agree. While I lament the common loss of self repair in most things, I have zero desire to work on my car anymore.

 

[Brick]

Mostly its become too big of a hassle (and part of the manufacturer's business model). Ever change the headlights on an Outback?

 

[adorshki]

Mostly its become too big of a hassle (and part of the manufacturer's business model). Ever change the headlights on an Outback?

I thought those were lifetime fittings and when they're dead it's time to replace the vehicle.
I always liked that it cost more to replace the seat in the '07 Mercury Milan in order to turn off the dashboard Airbag light than the car was worth.

 

[walrus]

Mostly its become too big of a hassle (and part of the manufacturer's business model). Ever change the headlights on an Outback?

No, but my mechanic has!

walrus

 

[GAD]

Mostly its become too big of a hassle (and part of the manufacturer's business model). Ever change the headlights on an Outback?

I tried once. The manual says something to the effect of, “Dude - don’t even try.”

 

[Stuball48]

Never had a car until 1969 - the summer before I got married that fall on September 6th. The car was a '66 GTO 389 four barrel and 4 speed stick. Paid $1750 and car long gone but girl I married is sitting right beside me. We are celebrating 54 years with an ice cone.

 

[Brad Little]

I recognize what’s under the hood in my car: it’s a giant cowling that prevents me from touching anything but the fluid fill openings.

I used to do basic maintenance and minor repairs, then we got a Saab. When I opened the hood, I recognized almost nothing.