| Subject: Re: Used vs. New |
Author:
MRNot
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Date Posted: 11:35:17 03/07/05 Mon
Author Host/IP: 66-95-73-2.client.dsl.net/66.95.73.2
In reply to:
Michael K
's message, "Used vs. New" on 20:23:17 03/06/05 Sun
"If you ever decide to go new, wait until the end of the year."
It seems probably I won't have this luxury. Since last Monday's scare, the car has been behaving completely normally, but this morning, just as I was getting to work (could it be prophetic?), the engine started to buck a bit and the temp guage climbed to above halfway (not critical, obviously, but considering in the entire 10 years I've had it prior to last Monday, it's never reached the midrange under any conditions..) I have to think that the coolant is once again disappearing, this time much more quickly. I'll know better when I get out there this afternoon and check it. There's still no external evidence of leaking or burning.
Bad news for my impatient psyche: I finally got 'hold of my usual mechanic (last week victimized buy that lovely flu that has knocked so many out for a week+ this year), and he has offered his opinion of my potential selections, and beyond the WRX wagon, he says they're mostly crap. He wants me to go back to Toyota or Honda. Hmm.. What to do, what to do. Since he knows my style of driving and car ownership propensities, he recommends against the Mazdas (initially quality, but no longevity or durability beyond a couple years), the Volkswagens (problematic maintenance), Volvos & Beemers (expensive maintenance & upkeep) & all American vehicles (still inferior to the Japanese big 3 in longevity & overall economy). I guess for now I'll keep looking for that elusive 2003 or 2004 WRX wagon w/5spd. There must be one somewhere.. (2005 is more money than I want to spend, but I suppose it's do-able. I also guess I could widen the search to the Impreza Outback 2.5L and/or Impreza RS if it comes in a wagon...?)
On new vs used: My father only ever bought one car new, the 1962 Impala SS hardtop (2spd powerglide 350ci, I believe). Otherwise, his practices have pushed us into buying intelligent used cars, and that's all I've ever done. (eh-hem.. Maybe they haven't all been intelligent, to wit: 1980 Datsun 210 hatchback 5spd; another 1980 Datsun 210 hatchback 5spd; 1980 Honda CB650Custom (sweet pre-Nighthawk bike); 1979 Dodge Omni 024 (Audi Fox engine) 4spd (hunk o' garbage); 1982 Toyota Cressida slant-6, auto; 1988 Toyota Corolla 5spd; 1992 Toyota MR2 2.2L non-turbo (boy do I miss this car); 1993 Honda Civic DX 5spd) I've never wanted to buy new, because I can't get around the salesmen's antics & the instant depreciation. I've found that it isn't too difficult usually to find a quality pre-owned vehicle if you take a good hard look at it, and have it checked out by a reputable mechanic. Right now, I'm finding my requisite manual trans to be a deal-breaker on finding cars.. ARGH!
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