Pretty good read ...

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/13/o...y-automobiles/

 

That is a good read. Thanks. I have a friend that moved into the city with his family and sold his cars and he is quite happy. And he is a Gen-X'r like myself.

 

I don't know anybody over the age of 23 who DOESN'T own at least one car. If you're relying of public transportation in my area you are walking.

 

The urbanization of America is not only responsible for different levels of car ownership, it's why we've become so polarized, politically, imo.

I know that when I am in my DC office, I refuse to drive and use mass transit, exclusively.

The question is, will the math work for mass transit in America? Either literally or politically.

 

Plus cars are ridiculously expensive these days ...

 

Compared to what?

Adjusted for inflation, cars are ridiculously cheap. As is gasoline.

And used cars have always been a bargain. $3k - $5k will get you into a car you can drive trouble free for a long time.

 

I would love to see a car like that ... For $5,000 you might be able to get a 8 years old Focus with 100,000+ miles on the odometer, that needs tuneup, new tires and God know what else ... It might last you a year or two max.
Even 10+ years old Toyotas and Hondas with 150,000+ miles cost over $3,000.

 

I own two $5000 cars. Both of which had 100,000 miles when I purchased them; a 2004 Dodge Caravan and a 2003 Buick LeSabre Limited. (both of which are in pretty near perfect condition) I typically drive these cars for an additional 10 years and 150,000 miles, and have yet to do major work on any of them. My 1988 Toyota went 350,000; my 1974 Subaru went 400,000.

I've never spent more than $5000 on a car. I've owned at least one car since 1976.

Even new cars are much less than they were "in the good old days", both in real, adjusted for inflation terms, and as a percentage of wages terms.

Do cars need maintenance? Yes, they do. But maintenance is silly cheap, and mainly consists of oil/filter changes and new flexible parts. I've not "tuned up" a car in 20 years. New cars just do not need a "tune up" if you do not beat them.

 

Oh yeah, my 22 year old daughter drives a $2400 1995 Jeep Cherokee, that I purchased in 2005 with just 100,000 miles on it. I've done nothing to it but change the oil, replace a belt and keep it full of fuel.

 

I recently sold my 2005 Focus with 110,000 miles for $4,800. Sure, it ran and it might run like that for the next 50,000 miles ... or the engine might die tomorrow.
And at 110,000 miles, it was time for a major "overhauling" ... Basically, it needs a complete tuneup, new tires, some body work (rust was already showing up) ... By the time you fix it, its no longer a $5,000 - it cost you much more. Do you have to do all that? Nope, it might last for years without any of that work ... or it might die tomorrow.
My 2000 Mustang is probably worth less than $5,000. 82,000 miles and it needs the same things that Focus did, plus the a/c is not working and it has much more rust.

If I was gonna purchase a $3,000-$5,000 car, I would have at least additional $1,000 put aside for all work that it will need in order to last for additional few years.

 

Paid 1500 for my 96 accord 5 speed, 334k miles on her. Doesn't leak/use oil, tires were fine. Everything works. It's not perfect but great for the money.


Knock on wood!

 

Two questions:

1. You keep using the word "tune-up". Other than spark plugs, what does one "tune up" in a modern car? (I no longer replace spark plugs. Evidently the modern cars I now drive do not require it, as I've never experienced wear)

2. What about a $3000 - $5000 car, plus the hypothetical $1000 for repairs, makes cars today, "hideously expensive?"

I will admit, the horrific Obama program "Cash for Clunkers" has really impacted the costs of used cars, but still, cars are pretty much a bargain. Especially since cars are no longer worn out at 100,000 miles.

Now, expense-wise, I'd say that parking and storage in large cities is rapidly becoming an issue.

 

Here's a short list of the things that my 2000 Mustang currently needs, which a new owner would have to (maybe not right away, but in the next 5,000 miles or so) if he wants from it to last for another few years. New timing belt and spark plugs, transmission oil has to be replaced, clutch needs to be adjusted (for this alone I was quoted $700), new tires ... And that's just regular maintenance on a car with 85,000 miles. Cars with over 100,000 miles are usually not trouble free ... In my Mustang's case, a/c is not working either, handbrake barely works and some body work will have to be done if the new owner wants to stop the rust from spreading above rear quarter fenders on both sides.

I think that a $5,000+ (plus above repairs) for a 8+ years old car with 100,000-150,000 miles (depending on a make and model) is a lot. Especially if you wanna a Toyota or Honda ... I honestly think that its a ridiculous for a 15 year old Civic/Corolla with 150,000 miles to cost $4,000.

 

Just like in most things, you make your money in the "buy" phase.

Judicious shopping, and avoiding "special interest" cars will get you all sorts of nice things. I think lots of people are just not very savvy in used car buying. That doesn't change the fact that real bargains are out there.

Right now I am a big fan of older Jeep Cherokees and pre-2004 Buicks. Lots of them around with plenty of life in them, and in the case of the Cherokees, they are relatively cheap to maintain.

Oddly enough, if you want a real bargain, look at vintage six cylinder Mustangs. Lots of less desirable models out there that are a) dirt cheap and b) extremely well-supported, parts-wise. My 1967 has about $3000 of "nice to have" parts in it, and about $500 of actual required maintenance items to update it/rehabilitate it.

 

Sure, brand new are expensive because wages have been stagnant or declining for many Americans.

The difference is, today's younger adults are so image conscious that most won't drive 'old' cars. Look at the young guys on this forum that are driving new Mustangs.

I drove clunkers for years, and admittedly, it wasn't too easy to date because of that. Which is a shame so many women are shallow like that. But I drove cheap, bought used tires, continued to invest in my accounts and the ranch, and when the time was right I bought nice new cars.


But then again, I wouldn't be caught dead living in an urban center relying on public transportation. Big cities suck. Had enough of that in my younger years.

 

if you did all that work yourself it would cost less then a grand.

 

Luckily Gary is trying to keep the balance of people and cars even. I help too as between the wife and I we have 3, and I would like a 4th.

 

If you notice the top of the article says "OPINION" in big letters,. Thats one mans opinion. it may not be the truth. And I think its not. Cars are alive and well in the people I know

 

Welcome to "push the 'global warming/urbanization/end of personal freedom/reduce private property' agenda" by the unobjective media goon squad.
Cars are bad now. Haven't you heard?

 

Well ours are certainly baaaaaddd!