Almost a classic car

I tend to keep cars until they are no longer economical to repair. Some even eventually start going up in value. I’ve never been one to change cars every year or so. Although, I'm more likely to buy another and still keep the older one, or older ones, as at times I’ve owned several at the same time.

I seem to put a lot of time and effort into deciding what car to buy, each one chosen for different reasons, and different purposes. Then I find that, mostly, I can't part with it, as I’ve formed an unwitting connection with it. It would be like selling part of my own history, depending on the level of connection I had formed.
 
squatting dog said:
I'm with you when it comes to cars Deb. As long as it does what you want or need, stick with it. Nobody really needs all the doo dahs they hype on new cars anyway.
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You’ve got that right!

I was laughing because I can unlock my new car with my iPhone from anywhere on the planet but I can’t figure out how to turn off the air conditioning.
 
If I want to feel really stupid all I need to do is get in my newish car and try to figure out how to do something beyond just the basics. I do like the feature where you can hit a button to get an overhead view of the vehicle to help get centered in a parking spot.
 
I should clarify my feelings, that being a mechanic, there's nothing worse than trying to track down an electrical problem in an automobile. Therefore, I look with jaded eyes at all the modern electronic devises that are installed in todays cars... and trucks.
It is always just a matter of time until a problem will arise.
 
squatting dog said:
I should clarify my feelings, that being a mechanic, there's nothing worse than trying to track down an electrical problem in an automobile. Therefore, I look with jaded eyes at all the modern electronic devises that are installed in todays cars... and trucks.
It is always just a matter of time until a problem will arise.
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I’ve always kept my cars until they became totally unreliable but my new little Kona is so tech heavy that I won’t feel comfortable owning it after the warranty expires.

I was talking with the salesman and he told me that the cost to replace the computer that collects data and feeds it into the screen is approx. $7,000.00, or approx. 25% of the original cost of the car.

IMO the days of private ownership of vehicles are numbered.
 
I have an acquaintance that buys a new car every 3 years. That seems like such a hassle and suggested that she lease, that way she can turn in the old car for a new one every 3 years. She, in effect, told me to mind my own business. Of course we can see solutions to other people situations but often not our own. I am guilty...I ask for advice and seldom take it.
 
squatting dog said:
I should clarify my feelings, that being a mechanic, there's nothing worse than trying to track down an electrical problem in an automobile. Therefore, I look with jaded eyes at all the modern electronic devises that are installed in todays cars... and trucks.
It is always just a matter of time until a problem will arise.
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Ain't that the truth. Also everything's linked together thru your cars brain (electronic control modual), so if something fails it starts throwing alarms and fault codes and can make the car undriveable.

Perfect example is recently my daughter's car had a spark plug foul out, pretty much shut the car down, she had to have it towed. In the old days a plug fouls out and the car would run rough but it wouldn't shut down leaving you stranded.
 
Tom52 said:
If I want to feel really stupid all I need to do is get in my newish car and try to figure out how to do something beyond just the basics. I do like the feature where you can hit a button to get an overhead view of the vehicle to help get centered in a parking spot.
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if I was reversing then that automatically comes up in my car
 
debodun said:
I have an acquaintance that buys a new car every 3 years. That seems like such a hassle and suggested that she lease, that way she can turn in the old car for a new one every 3 years. She, in effect, told me to mind my own business. Of course we can see solutions to other people situations but often not our own. I am guilty...I ask for advice and seldom take it.
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The salesman at the showroom today, told me he gets a new car..gratis from the company as do all the salesman, every 4 MONTHS!!.. they don't have to pay insurance, or taxes... but they do have to change the car after 4 months even if they like what they're driving.

He's due to have a new car given to him in 2 days... currently he's driving the 2025 Kia Ceed and he loves that.. but the next one he has to drive will be an electric model which he's not keen about... but anyway can you imagine getting a Brand new car every 4 months ?
 
debodun said:
I've had my 2002 Honda Civic 23 years today (July 29th). It still gets me where I need to go.

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Well done Deb, back in the late 1990's my wife's eight year old BMW was running up some serious servicing and repair bills. Time for a change I said. Just get an easy run-around like a VW Golf she said. Twenty-seven years and two hundred thousand miles later, it's still going strong. The garage where it's serviced called it bullet-proof.

There is a possible explanation though, it shares a heated garage with my seventy-eight-year-old MG. Being kept out of the weather when not in use has paid dividends over and over again.
 
I have to take it to the Honda dealership garage tomorrow to have the corroded brake line inspected and to let me know if it can be repaired and if so, what will it cost. They might recommend that the whole brake system be replaced. Sounds like that would cost more than the car's wholesale value which is $1025 according to KBB. What usually happens is that the garage has to order the parts, then when they arrive, I have to make another 26 mile round trip.

The last time I was there , they removed the heat shield which had corroded and was hanging loose and causing a rumbling noise. They didn't even charge me for that. Now I just have to take it easy when I re-enter the atmosphere.

The problem I have is that if I own something for a long time, I tend to personify it. That car is like an old friend - we've been through a lot together. I've had that car even before my mom passed away. I moved a whole house's contents in it (except for what wouldn't fit in it).

Like someone mentioned - repairs are still less expensive that purchasing another one, even a used car. And like my computer, I am so used to how it works and where everything is, I'd have to learn a whole new thing. People are suggesting I buy a used car. My dad used to say that if you buy a used car, you're just buying a problem because nobody trades in a good car. I am even thinking about leasing, but not sure my lack of a credit rating would affect that.
 
debodun said:
I have to take it to the Honda dealership garage tomorrow to have the corroded brake line inspected and to let me know if it can be repaired and if so, what will it cost. They might recommend that the whole brake system be replaced. Sounds like that would cost more than the car's wholesale value which is $1025 according to KBB. What usually happens is that the garage has to order the parts, then when they arrive, I have to make another 26 mile round trip.

The last time I was there , they removed the heat shield which had corroded and was hanging loose and causing a rumbling noise. They didn't even charge me for that. Now I just have to take it easy when I re-enter the atmosphere.

The problem I have is that if I own something for a long time, I tend to personify it. That car is like an old friend - we've been through a lot together. I've had that car even before my mom passed away. I moved a whole house's contents in it (except for what wouldn't fit in it).

Like someone mentioned - repairs are still less expensive that purchasing another one, even a used car. And like my computer, I am so used to how it works and where everything is, I'd have to learn a whole new thing. People are suggesting I buy a used car. My dad used to say that if you buy a used car, you're just buying a problem because nobody trades in a good car. I am even thinking about leasing, but not sure my lack of a credit rating would affect that.
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Let the salesman worry about qualifying you for a lease.

I would seriously consider leasing and if in three years you are still driving lease again for another three, etc…

If considering a lease ask about the escape clause in the event that you need to stop driving prior to the lease end.

Good luck!
 
In Pennsylvania, any auto vehicle can apply for a classic plate when 15 years old
and an antique plate when the vehicle is 25 years old and over. Both tags are only a one-time fee.
I am not sure of the costs, but the owner only pays it one time.
 
911 said:
In Pennsylvania, any auto vehicle can apply for a classic plate when 15 years old
and an antique plate when the vehicle is 25 years old and over. Both tags are only a one-time fee.
I am not sure of the costs, but the owner only pays it one time.
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Just a thought, some states put severe limitations on vehicles that are issued antique tags. I lived in Iowa and Illinois previously and one of those states limited driving your antique vehicle only to and from car shows, etc. You were no allowed to drive an antique vehicle as a daily driver with antique tags on it. I have no idea about Pennsylvania antique tag rules, but I assume you will check this out.
 
debodun said:
Here is the estimate and the work would take about 8 hours. Now I have to make a tough decision - not my forte.

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I would only change the brake lines that need to be changed. Very doubtful all are corroded. I have been driving for 60 years and have had over 50 antique classic cars and I have only had to change a total of two brake lines during that time. Most of those years I lived in the rust belt where corrosion is more common than here in Florida. Dealer is ripping you off to change all the lines unless you asked them to quote replacing all the lines.
 
 
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debodun said:
Here is the estimate and the work would take about 8 hours. Now I have to make a tough decision - not my forte.

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I’m a bit surprised that the dealer hasn’t attempted to sell you a new vehicle, using the estimate as a bit of leverage to seal the deal.

It’s a tough call but for me it would be time to to buy or lease a new vehicle.

Considering your age and vision issues I would strongly consider leasing. Make sure you understand the process and the cost/penalty to terminate the lease early.

Good luck with your choice!
 
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