"Vimto" (smudgey)
12/28/2014 at 22:32 • Filed to: None | 1 | 62 |
Situations are changing.
I'd rather not go into the details here - - lets just say I've been living in my Panther for a while, and I've slowly come to realize that keeping it because its sentimental to me is silly on a financial level and sad on an emotional level, because its time to experience adventures with a new type of vehicle I haven't owned yet.
Basically, I have two cars, one paid for, one not, I'm going to sell both and get one that I will live in until its paid off. Recently a coworker struck a deal with me and I now have a safe place to park where I won't be bothered.
I'm looking for something in the $10-15k range, weak resale value is great because you can get a newer, lower mileage vehicle for less money. Transmission doesn't matter, fuel economy doesn't matter, must be durable and not too difficult to work on. Must have a folding backseat or some way of accommodating horizontal sleep. Higher beltline is better for privacy, as are cargo covers, etc. if its a hatchback/wagon.
I've found that sedans generally have to be atleast 175 inches long to be able to accommodate flat horizontally sleeping with your legs in the trunk.
Driving dynamics are a big selling point for me.
Pictured: Suzuki Kizashi, one of my favorite cars that I would love to own
Jagvar
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:34 | 2 |
Just wanted to say that I've driven a Kiz (literally a week before Suzuki pulled out of the U.S.), and I absolutely loved it! You will not be disappointed.
Steve in Manhattan
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:36 | 0 |
I recently recommended one of the Car Guys' favorite cars to a buddy - the Ford Freestyle. Well within budget, spacious, comes with AWD if you want it. And probably easy to work on, but you tell me.
William Connor
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:37 | 0 |
Hyundai's are nice driving cars that can be had for cheap with low miles and fairly new. With the warranties they have it's also not a bad investment form that perspective.
jkm7680
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:37 | 0 |
The Suzuki Kizakziakziakshitikaikiikiki.
I own dead car brands only
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:38 | 0 |
sorry to hear about your situation.
I would get a caravan with stow'n'go
Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:38 | 0 |
There are two of those in my neighborhood lol. Have you thought of something like a Forester? Those seats fold flat, and r/Subaru circlejerk that so much, surely there is enough room to sleep. Plus, if you want to go explore the forests around here and camp, you can.
Vimto
> Jagvar
12/28/2014 at 22:38 | 0 |
I've heard they're great to drive, with an almost Audi-quality interior, there's a low mileage 2012 for like $12k loaded to the gills not far from me. Crazy.
Vimto
> I own dead car brands only
12/28/2014 at 22:41 | 0 |
Don't be sorry, I got myself into it. Caravan would definitely be the easy way out but I go on lots of roadtrips and would really like some character if possible. My Panther's backseat doesn't even fold so I have been diagonally sleeping from the back bench onto a pedestal in the passenger side rear footwell fairly comfortably, basically anything with some horizontal space would work quite well.
GhostZ
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:41 | 3 |
I'm confused. How much of this is sarcasm and what is literal? Because I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around someone owning 2 cars but not having a place to sleep.
Then again, this is oppo, so I shouldn't be surprised.
Textured Soy Protein
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:42 | 1 |
I would sell the car that's not paid for, keep the one that is, and put the rest toward an apartment.
Alternatively, if you can find something reliable that is cheaper than what you could get by selling the paid-for car, I'd sell the paid-for car and get something cheaper, then put the rest toward an apartment.
But spending $10-15k on a car that you have to live in, no. Cars can be had for way less than that.
Vimto
> William Connor
12/28/2014 at 22:42 | 0 |
The warranty cuts in half to 5 years/50,000 for the second owner, but I have been looking at Sonata SEs and Santa Fes. Thanks.
CRider
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:43 | 1 |
Pontiac Aztec with the tent attachment. Cheap, not too hard to find/find parts for, and it was literally built to sleep in. It also has a cooler.
Vimto
> GhostZ
12/28/2014 at 22:43 | 0 |
Its all literal, I chose to live in my investment to pay it off about 5 times faster than paying rent and a car payment simultaneously.
Kate's Dirty Sister
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:43 | 1 |
dodge caravan.
Inexpensive, not too hard to work on, plenty of parts, good to sleep in.
Manuél Ferrari
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:44 | 1 |
Ferrari Mondial is always the answer
I own dead car brands only
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:46 | 0 |
Well if i had to sleep in a car, i would prefer something with space and with the van, you would be able to put a mattress in it and the back windows should be tinted already. That would make it much more comfortable. If you look for a higher trim, they have tv monitors too...
If you can find one with the 3.6, theyrr properly quick. i hustled one in the Oregon mountains. I approve.
Aaron James
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:48 | 2 |
Keep the car you own, use car payment for an apartment or a room.
Vimto
> Aaron James
12/28/2014 at 22:49 | 0 |
Its upside down approximately the worth of the car I own.
GhostZ
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:49 | 0 |
Makes sense, but there is the issue of having a place to clean up for work.
Logansteno: Bought a VW?
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:50 | 2 |
Buy an Astro for like $4,000 and put the rest towards saving for an apartment or something. Why spend $10-15k on a car when you need a place to live?
Vimto
> GhostZ
12/28/2014 at 22:52 | 1 |
I've been doing this for a month. I go to Planet Fitness everyday, workout, then shower & shave (my job has a strict no facial hair except mustache policy).
GhostZ
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:52 | 0 |
Probably is a good way to build up savings, to be honestly, especially if rent is stupidly high. I'll remember this.
dogisbadob
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:53 | 1 |
Perhaps a minivan might work for you? Could you get a 4-cylinder Sienna in your budget? Or possibly a Mazda 5. Transit Connects should be within your budget by now. Would you consider a Magnum wagon? Not sure how new you want your new car to be, but it seems to meet your requirements.
Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
> Steve in Manhattan
12/28/2014 at 22:54 | 0 |
The Freestyle has serious transmission issues with the CVT.
Alfalfa
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:54 | 0 |
Mercedes-benz R500. Or R350, I suppose. I'm not sure how easy they are to work on, but hey, 300 hp minivan.
I own dead car brands only
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 22:54 | 1 |
Another thought is to purchase a motorhome. Seriouslt, theres so many for under 10k and theyre completely liveable. And a spot at a campground usually runs 15-30 a night. You can get a discount if you rent a long term spot.
Vimto
> GhostZ
12/28/2014 at 22:56 | 1 |
Its not for everyone, but if you set your physiological needs up before you actually get into a situation like this its not so bad - - number one thing being safe place to park/sleep. I work 35-38 hours a week so that's 5 days where bathroom and food is taken care of by work. I use work WiFi (it reaches out of the building, and is on 24/7) to catch up on social media and put books on my Kindle. I'm sure I'll be ready to live in a real building a year from now but I'll sure as hell appreciate it a lot more than I would otherwise, thats for sure.
Vimto
> Alfalfa
12/28/2014 at 22:57 | 0 |
I like the R-Class, I'm pretty sure its one of the most unreliable vehicles of the century though...I remember reading on the MB forums that the average owner spends about $5000 repairing broken electronics in the first year after buying a used example, hence why they're dirt cheap.
Vimto
> dogisbadob
12/28/2014 at 22:59 | 1 |
You definitely can't get a current generation Sienna for $15k, but you can get a Mazda5. I would definitely consider one. Magnums here in the pahandle are hard to find A) without the 2.7 and B) unmolested (i.e. without giant rims and pearlescent paint) but I do love them,
Dr_Doctor
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:00 | 0 |
Suzuki still sells in Canada, so unlike Saab you can still get parts even without the dealer infrastructure.
JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:00 | 0 |
Volvo 900 or 700-series wagon. I once plotted everything out. Small mattress in the back, two seats up front, room for storage and even working space (laptop, "desk" area, etc). You could also put a hammock going down one side of the car for even more room. I've considered it on and off for a while—travel somewhat comfortably, easily roadtrip, and live cheaply. A gym membership would be key most likely. It can't be a 200-series if you're over 5'10, but a 700 or 900 will accommodate up to a 6'4 mattress (not sure with which seat position, so perhaps more) with the two front seats in place. Best of luck!
dogisbadob
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:03 | 0 |
What's wrong with the 2.7? Is it a bad engine?
Vimto
> dogisbadob
12/28/2014 at 23:06 | 3 |
The Chrysler 2.7? I would definitely say so. It has a history of being unreliable in the Charger, 300, Intrepid, even dating back to the Concord, due to oil sludge problems among others.
dogisbadob
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:08 | 0 |
gotcha
Jay Lauer
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:08 | 0 |
04-09 Mazda 3 hatchback.
Buy it cheap for $5-7k, pay it off quick so you can stop living in your car.
Aaron James
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:14 | 1 |
that makes it a little more difficult.
Kate's Dirty Sister
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:19 | 2 |
maybe you shouldn't have two cars, or not even one
Ex. President Mack41
> Kate's Dirty Sister
12/28/2014 at 23:23 | 1 |
this. A thousand times this.
Alfalfa
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:23 | 0 |
Haha, I did not know that it was quite that bad. I figured the low price was due to luxury depreciation + minivan depreciation. But who need electronics, anyway?
Kate's Dirty Sister
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:26 | 0 |
what do you mean by "investment" a car ?
Vicente Esteve
> Vimto
12/28/2014 at 23:29 | 0 |
My choice here would be to go for a VERY cheap and reliable vehicle.
I don't know how easy it is for you, but i'd try and find the car that would make it the easiest to get to another appartment.
Id say go for a Honda Element with a manual, Jeep Cherokee with 4.0 and manual, Lexus LS, Off-Roadry SUV like 4 runner or X-Terra with a manual. Thats all I can think of that you can buy for dirt cheap.
Steve in Manhattan
> Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
12/28/2014 at 23:30 | 0 |
Did they fix the issue? Or are they fighting, as usual?
Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
> Steve in Manhattan
12/28/2014 at 23:32 | 0 |
I don't know if they ever recalled it, but there was a suit that came up.
FromCanadaWithLove
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 00:03 | 1 |
Sorry to hear about your situation.
Might I suggest a Volvo V50 R-Design? It might not be the most exciting to drive, but Volvos depreciate at ton, and the V50 is pretty practical and reliable.
If you want something a bit more exciting, you could look at a Mini Clubman. They're bigger than the regular Mini, less desirable, but still great drive. Not the most reliable, though.
MysticStick
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 00:06 | 1 |
I liked your earlier ideas of a Honda Element or Mercury Mountaineer, but those are pretty pricey rides. Instead you should get a super-comfy conversion van, they are so cheap and you can even somewhat work on the V8 engine from the inside. This one is a 1980 Chevy, $1500 on CL .
1980 Chevy Hi Top conversion van with a 350 V8 with only 78000 original miles. Has 4 captains seats and fold down bed. Has rear ac unit and interior lights with TV.
These were really expensive when new.
Maybe another example as this one is a bit dirty. Still, you could rip all that out and throw in a new mattress and have yourself an RV for really cheap.
norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
> dogisbadob
12/29/2014 at 00:14 | 1 |
mmmmmhhhmmmm, in the Charger it's dreadfully under powered and not the most reliable.
Vimto
> FromCanadaWithLove
12/29/2014 at 00:20 | 0 |
As I said to someone else, I got myself into this situation, no need to be sorry. I actually really like the V50 idea but of course there are only 2 for sale within 200 miles of me (Pensacola FL). I will see if there are any nice ones for sale near my parents' place in south FL. Mini reliability scares me, and I don't think they're very DIY friendly either.
mstrjon32
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 00:24 | 0 |
Get yourself a 2006 or 2007 model, and they're surprisingly reliable and economical cars. Plenty of room to sleep in, cheap to buy, cheap to insure, and pretty easy to find parts. The 2.0T is slightly less troublesome than the 2.8T. Avoid the 2008+ 2.0T, unless the price is really good or it's already had it's intake valves replaced.
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 00:25 | 0 |
The R-class is fine if.... you were in a different situation. They're great when well kept, but if you let something go things will pile up and before you know it you need 5k all at once. That 5k isn't usually just electronics, unless they mean the real problem caused a warning message/light in the instrument cluster.
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> dogisbadob
12/29/2014 at 00:26 | 1 |
My favorite with that engine is that when water pumps fail they will leak coolant right into the oil pan. Not to mention numerous other problems.
Vimto
> mstrjon32
12/29/2014 at 00:28 | 0 |
Closest one to me for sale on Autotrader is 300 miles away (any year) its a black 2008 with 60k miles...how would I know if the intake valves were replaced? Was it a recall?
Vimto
> AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/29/2014 at 00:31 | 0 |
Well I know the air suspension is finicky, the panoramic sunroof comes off its tracks, the power seat controls like to rebel against their intended purposes, etc...
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 00:57 | 0 |
You might be surprised how rarely I've seen these issues. They do happen, but I've seen other things more. Different regions see all sorts of different problems that some places might never see.
Vimto
> AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/29/2014 at 07:56 | 0 |
This is the closest one to me for sale on Autotrader - its 210 miles away - looks pretty clean but had an accident in 2009.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
Alex B
> Vicente Esteve
12/29/2014 at 09:00 | 0 |
Yeah, the LS would be nice. So comfy!
Alex B
> CRider
12/29/2014 at 09:00 | 0 |
This!
Vicente Esteve
> Alex B
12/29/2014 at 09:53 | 1 |
For some reason, a lot of talk about the Lexus LS has come up recently. Its as if its starting to be the answer of everything.
mazda616
> Jay Lauer
12/29/2014 at 09:54 | 0 |
I second this. I have an '08 Mazda3 hatchback and it has been very good to me for the last five years I have owned it. Also, with the back seats folded down, it will hold a ridiculous amount of stuff.
But yeah, sorry you have to live in your car. :( I hope you can find a stable living place soon.
boxrocket
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 10:41 | 0 |
I have a huge soft spot for Kizashis. They're a hoot to drive, reasonably safe, well-priced, and IME well taken care of. AWD models are an even better value. They're not the greatest with fuel economy, the CVT is a bit numb (but better than Honda's, Nissan's, or Subaru's), the dealer network is nonexistent here, and thus parts can sometimes be difficult, but they're worth it. I have a CarMax search set for blue ones with a tan interior, SLS trim, and AWD for myself.
mstrjon32
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 13:17 | 0 |
There wasn't a recall, but there was a service bulletin. A car with bad valves will have a rough idle when the engine is cold. The only way to know would be to ask if it's been done. If it hasn't, negotiate $1500 off the price, I understand that is the going rate in the US. Then do the job yourself.
Also, I forgot to mention, if the car is a "BioPower" it isn't affected—the remedy for the faulty valves is to replace them with the ones from the BioPower motor.
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 17:33 | 0 |
Doesn't look too bad. If you decide to go that route just make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection from someone who knows them well.
Justin T. Westbrook
> Vimto
12/29/2014 at 23:49 | 0 |
The East Coast feels like an abysmal pit of lousy used cars from my experience. I would say wagon. Find a decent Volvo or Subaru, get some window shades, and have you a lounge.