JustErin said:

used. I don't believe in buying new cars.

My plan was to get a late 80's/early 90's bmw convertible and not spend more than $4000. But now I know I have to be more practical. I still don't want to spend more than $4000, though.

CarrieMpls said:

Do you buy a new car every time your current one won't start? No wonder you're a member of our poor people's club!

cborgman said:

I have a bright pink wool coat (about knee length), big black scarf, big black mittens and I was wearing black capri pants, (with black knee socks underneath) and black boots.

And oh, as you requested:

You're pitiful!

retina said:

No, see, I bought this car 3 years ago for $500. It has over 250,000 miles on it, is missing a muffler, the front left tie-rod is 'bad' and it doesn't like to accelerate very fast some times. If it won't start when it's cold out, it's not worth putting any money into.

CarrieMpls said:

that's a pimp ride sister!!!

jerseykrs said:

yeah, that's how I roll.

CarrieMpls said:

Don't get the convertible, silly, but still get the BMW.

Or. . . let's see. . . my other favorite car is the Geo Metro (post-1996).

I loved my Corolla too. Yeay Toyota.

But honestly, nothing compares to the fun of 6 German cylinders.

the parts for the BMW will cost significantly more than say a japanese import. And trust me, you'll always need parts.


If it has tits or tires, it will give you problems.

jerseykrs said:

CarrieMpls said:

For some reason this sounds like you're talking about a boyfriend you're unhappy with. "Yeah, he's got way too much mileage, his rod is "bad", he doesn't accelerate well and when it's cold out he won't even start! I think I'll get a new one."

jerseykrs said:

That's why I think it won't be practical.

CarrieMpls said:

it's a catch 22, they last longer, but when they break it costs more to fix.

we as the consumer will always get screwed.

CarrieMpls said:

retina said:

Pretty much. He's just not cutting it any more!


oh - and there's not stereo!! I didn't mind so much when I was driving only about 10 minutes to work. Now that I have a 30 minute commute, I can't do it.

CarrieMpls said:

yeah, i am a sucker for capri pants even in winter too.

CarrieMpls said:

I don't believe in buying used.

But don't little volkswagens last forever? Maybe a Jetta?

Actually my first car was a Chevy Sprint and that little thing lasted forever, was "peppy", always started in Winnipeg's -40 weather (without being plugged in), and when I got stuck in snow I was able to push myself out alone.

cborgman said:

I am too. I love how they look with boots. I admit, though, its partly cause I am still in despearte need of clothing since I've lost weight. I was doing the skirt thing for so long, but now it's too cold for that and I realized I only have about 5 pairs of pants I can wear to work.

JustErin said:

maybe! do like volkswagons a lot.

AS for the new car thing, part of it is, I just don't like the idea of a car payment. I've never had one my entire life and I'm out of debt now and I just don't like the idea of having to pay for something for years that will depreciate 1/3 of the value after I drive it off the lot.

CarrieMpls said:

I completely understand. Now that I am totally debt free myself, the idea of not paying totally upfront is so unappealing.

All my friends who have Volkswagens love them, and they are tough and great for winter.

Good luck on your car search.

JustErin said:

thanks!

CarrieMpls said:

I sympathize with you Carrie. I know what frozen toes feel like. It feels like someone hammering carpenter nails into your feet. Here's a tip for you. Put together an emergency kit for situations like that and leave it in your car. Include a pair of snow shoes or warm stylish boots to keep them feet warm.

ThePunisher said:

You're so right! I can't believe I've lived all these years without warm boots. It's just plain silly of me.

Why are you buying a car because this one didn't start?

ThirdandFinal said:

see reply #64.

CarrieMpls said:

Sorry, I didn't make it to page three. But hey! http://motors.search.ebay...sacatZ6018

ThirdandFinal said:

I would if I didn't live here. I really would.

I work in automotive service and parts, and I'd say you might as well go for the car you love, like a reasonably priced BMW. Yes the parts and service cost more, but in the long run the car is so much better made that it is not as expensive as one would guess. Lower priced cars are not as servicable as the more expensive ones, recently I worked with a woman with a chevy metro, she needed one inner tie rod. She had to buy and have replaced the entire steering rack for around $700.00 because the part is not replaceable seperately.

Key to european cars (yes I am biased towards them) is maintenace, do the upkeep and they usually won't let you down (you need to make an emotional atachment with the car)

And the worlds worst financial decision is to buy a new car. nothing will eat up your money faster, and you have no more garantee of reliability than with a one or two year old car.

ThirdandFinal said:

Thanks for the advice. That makes total sense.

My car still wouldn't start tonight when I got home from work (I thought maybe being 13 degrees warner would help) so hopefully I can find something quickly.