Car shopping update: no car, but epiphany

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck) 10/02/2016 at 20:20 • Filed to: car shopping

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I think I gave it my all trying to “adult” with my next purchase, but it’s just not for me right now.

I had posted often of buying a more practical, safer, possibly automatic reliable vehicle so I could give up this game of buying cars every year. What I found is that I wasn’t very excited or willing to spend.

I’ve worked for the same company for almost six years. I’ve been promoted twice and already have a work vehicle. So I don’t need a commuter. And with that, fuel economy becomes even less important. As does reliability.

I could die any second anyway, in or out of a vehicle. If I had children, I would probably prioritize safety higher (for their sake; not mine — but then me not dying would also be for their sake AH WHATEVER) but as for now, it is frankly a perk and not a priority.

I like driving a manual too much to give it up. I don’t drive though downtown Seattle or any such thing, so it’s not like it’s a problem. Though I do lament local traffic, which is downright shitty even on weekends, every time I drive my wife’s car or my work vehicle I can’t wait to get back in my longbed and row those 5 speeds. There are exceptions to this (SC400, other tourers). My wife says, “But you already have a manual.” Yes, and if one is good, then two is better!

Practicality. What’s practical? My longbed is quite practical. My wife’s hatchback is. My Celica wasn’t half bad — you could fit four people and a small bag if you had to, but I was annoyed I could do simple tasks with it sometimes. I guess the better question is: what’s IMpractical? An MR2? Audi TT? A sedan (OUCH, BRO)?

TEE ELL DEE ARRR: Instead of finding vehicles that “check all the boxes,” I’m going to shop for what I know I like.

With that said, here is the updated incomplete list of contenders:

Pontiac Vibe, Pontiac Vibe GT (5-speed)
- pros: good little car. Happy with my wife’s
- cons: no low mileage GTs to be found, lots of rough examples, and EXPENSIVE!

SC400
- pros: SC400!
- cons: lol trunk, lol backseat, impossible to find a good deal

Tercel wagon SR5 4WD
- pros: I love them
- cons: all are rusty and dying, and would it really be as good as I remember? (YES!)

Allroad (2.7T, 6-speed ONLY)
- pros: I’m sorry, I still think they’re awesome, best looking Audi ever made. I’ve been doing more research on A6 and A4 wagons, but none tickle my fancy like the Allroad.
- cons: It’s an Audi Allroad. I would have to budget for future happenings. Doesn’t help that the 6-speed is rare and commands a huge price premium.

If I wait until after New Year’s to buy, I can add my Christmas bonus to my pathetic budget. I will take my time an find the best vehicle. And then I’ll post that I still bought some goofy old Toyota “You don’t get it, guys! This is the highly rare and desirable 1996 Camry SE V6 Coupe!”

TheHondaBro > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:23

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Wanna buy an Accord with a failing power steering pump?

S65 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:24

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I approve SC400, I’ve always wanted one. I know almost nothing about SR5 Tercels and the hatch thing in the Allroad scares the shit out of me.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TheHondaBro 10/02/2016 at 20:25

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NO

TheHondaBro > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:25

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I’ll sell it to you for exactly what your budget is AFTER your Christmas bonus.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:26

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just make sure the timing belt and air ride is in check. this is a good read. get the manual with the extra low gear. i think thats one of the only things I dont have in mine despite the gearing seeming pretty low.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/audi-allroad-27t-quattro-road-test

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:26

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Wanna buy my Si?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TheHondaBro 10/02/2016 at 20:27

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I were to Accord, I would get a 6-6 Coupe

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > OPPOsaurus WRX 10/02/2016 at 20:28

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There’s a EL gear option on an allroad? WHat??

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 10/02/2016 at 20:28

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NO

TheHondaBro > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:28

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PRETEND.

facw > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:28

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You need to stop thinking about what you want, and start thinking about what the dog wants!

Racin'Jason001 > TheHondaBro 10/02/2016 at 20:29

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How much does it cost to repair that? Is it a coupe?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:30

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:( okay

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:30

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from the all knowing wikipedia

The allroad was designed with the capability to tackle rough road conditions in mind; its standard adjustable air suspension system can lift the car high enough to provide 208 mm (8 in) of ground clearance and a low-range mode, absent from other quattro-equipped vehicles, can be selected with the touch of a button. When used in conjunction, the two systems made it possible for the allroad to complete an official Land Rover test-course, thus far it is the only car-based SUV that has been proven capable of doing so in testing.

Racin'Jason001 > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 10/02/2016 at 20:30

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Does it have any issues? Is is a coupe? How much you asking? Is it for sale on a website?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > facw 10/02/2016 at 20:30

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Doggo wants comfy backseat or large hatch space. Doggo does not find the front seat of longbed pleasant.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:31

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http://www.audiworld.com/forums/audi-allroad-18/6mt-low-range-ecu-module-2773534/

TheHondaBro > Racin'Jason001 10/02/2016 at 20:31

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Should cost me about $500.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:33

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also i want this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-04-Audi-A6-Avant-or-AllRoad-Third-Row-Bench-Rear-Jump-Seat-/232101202228?hash=item360a4f4934:g:eeUAAOSwZVlXoe8H&vxp=mtr

LongbowMkII > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:35

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Then is it really a dog?

interstate366, now In The Industry > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:35

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I’d offer to sell my 3rd gen if we were on the same side of the country.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > OPPOsaurus WRX 10/02/2016 at 20:35

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Oh yeah I’ve seen that before! Couldn’t be much worse than the hilarious 3rd row in my sister’s 1st gen Highlander.

Boxer_4 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:37

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Why not import something?

Like this:

http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/usedcars/TOYOTA/COROLLA_FX/700054002230160201005/index.html

Or this:

http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/usedcars/TOYOTA/SPRINTER_CARIB/700903031230150313004/index.html

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > LongbowMkII 10/02/2016 at 20:37

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In the most technical sense: yes.

E90M3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:39

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Wanna buy a one series?

Oh wait, Beepi already took it off my hands.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Boxer_4 10/02/2016 at 20:40

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Not interested in RHD :/

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > E90M3 10/02/2016 at 20:40

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That would have been far out of my budget

E90M3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:44

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Fair enough.

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:44

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Makes sense to me. Yeah, be safe when you have kids, but before ... eh.

I actually listed the Roadmaster this morning, because the rust is getting rustier, but there’s pretty much nothing right now within my budget that I’d want to replace it with.

Milky > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:47

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IMHO the SC400 trunk/backseat is actually useable. Trunk isn’t huge but its enough and I had adults in the back on 4 hour trips.

Boxer_4 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:47

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Fair enough...

...but...

...13,000 mile Tercel Wagon!

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Racin'Jason001 10/02/2016 at 20:51

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07 Si coupe

No issues

Not on sale yet as I’m waiting to see the price of the S2000 at my job

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:51

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TT because baseball stitched seats. You know you want these seats.

Nothing > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:53

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I made the mistake of listening to my wife. I’ve always swapped out cars every year or so. She told me “get something new that you’ll keep a long time”. Part of me said p, there’s mo such thing as a car I’ll keep a long time. The other part said, ok...i’ll try. Well, I’ve tried, but I still have a wandering eye.

Good luck in your search. The hunt is so much fun.

Racin'Jason001 > TheHondaBro 10/02/2016 at 20:55

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Ouch!

Racin'Jason001 > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 10/02/2016 at 20:58

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Keep me posted!

punkgoose17 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 20:59

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I saw a brown 4WD Tercel wagon this morning at the gas station. It made me think of you... It looked like this but with a roof rack:

Alfalfa > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 21:01

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You obviously need a Bronco.

This one isn’t for sale, but you could find one like it.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 21:03

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i was happy with the extra space over my WRX. that thing had a tiny rear cargo area. if you could have gotten a seat back there, it would be for double amputees only

Rico > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 21:12

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What about putting around in the cars you have now and keep saving your money that way even better options open up for you and you won’t have to settle on anything.

As you said you could die at any time so why not get a car you feel like you deserve. You sound like you work hard so even more of a reason to save up and reward yourself.

shop-teacher > Nothing 10/02/2016 at 21:22

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I’ve had my truck for over a decade now. The wandering eye started about six weeks after I bought it, and has never subsided. I just can’t bear to get rid of it though, it’s been such a noble steed.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher 10/02/2016 at 21:29

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Trucks are in their own class, because everyone NEEDS a truck, and for those that say they don’t, it’s because they ask to borrow their neighbors. Having a truck and a car sounds plenty fair.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Rico 10/02/2016 at 21:33

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Because the budget will never really exceed a certain amount. We have plans for a partial remodel (2 rooms), and two long vacations next year. And then we hope to be house shopping again in a few years. Can’t be dropping lots of Gs on car at any point within the next five years. Now if my income increases next year, that’s another story, but that doesn’t strike me as likely.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Rico 10/02/2016 at 21:33

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But yes, I could easily put around in the pickup indefinitely if need be.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Boxer_4 10/02/2016 at 21:35

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I know. I looked up how much one from Australia would cost to import. Answer: A LOT

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Alfalfa 10/02/2016 at 21:36

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If you ever sell that thing, the wrath of the Car Gods will smite thee... you.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Milky 10/02/2016 at 21:37

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Yes, comfort is something that I am looking for. Kind of why I’ve been window shopping old Acuras.

Dusty Ventures > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 21:37

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I know I’ve said it before, but if you’re looking at Allroads check out the Subaru Outback XT. Faster (mine runs to 60 in just a hair over 6 seconds after a few small mods), more reliable and cheaper to fix, handles winters and moderate off roading like an absolute boss, and since it was the premium trim it also comes with things like dual zone climate control, the softest leather you’ve ever felt, and a sunroof so big it covers both the front and back seats.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Dusty Ventures 10/02/2016 at 21:38

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But if you keep buying all of them for yourself, what am I to do? :D

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > OPPOsaurus WRX 10/02/2016 at 21:40

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Actually, why don’t you just buy that? $250 doesn’t sound bad at all to me. Logistics?

Dusty Ventures > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 21:41

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I wish I could buy them all

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 21:48

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If you like the old Tercel wagon, then you should look into a Ford Focus Wagon... 2003-2007. They’re decently fun and cheap... and very practical. 35 cu ft of trunk space with the seats up!

The 2005-2007 ones have a Mazda-based engine. For the 2003 and 2004 years, make sure it either has the 2L Zetec or the 2.3L Mazda-based engine. You will not have fun with the SEFI engine.

Alfalfa > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 21:56

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I’d like to eventually replace it with a manual third gen.

Boxer_4 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 21:56

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It’s around $2,000-$3,000 from Japan depending on who you ask... not insignificant.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Alfalfa 10/02/2016 at 21:57

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Ok FINE, but after than, I’m watching you

[not watching that closesly]

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 22:05

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the kids are not old enough to be back there. airride needs tending to first, clutch second, brake swap, other random shit that is sure to pop up. with a little help from a machine shop, you can pretty easily swap on the rotors & calipers from some type of Porsche.

Spaceball-Two > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 22:07

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Follow your gut, but listen to the your head.

jkm7680 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 22:07

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We all know which one I endorse. Test drive one and you will likey.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > OPPOsaurus WRX 10/02/2016 at 22:08

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Here’s a sad story: not long ago I went to a dealer lot because they had a manual allroad. It wasn’t anywhere to be found, and the owner told me it was out for some work “because it’s an allroad.” They did not call me back and the car appears to have been swept away from me.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Spaceball-Two 10/02/2016 at 22:10

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Sounds like a “not the allroad” suggestion

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 22:16

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Agreed. Doesn’t stop the wandering eye though.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 22:23

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Saturn (Opel) Astra 5-door XR.

They are well built, cheapish and easy to fix.

You’ll probably enjoy how they drive. I think it’s a boring car but my basis for comparison was an SVT Focus and now a GTI.

The pano roof option is worth finding. It does make the car feel enormous inside when the glass is open.

Milky > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 22:27

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LUXURY.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/02/2016 at 23:00

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That sux. Keep looking. It’s a nice car. You’ll like it.

Tapas > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/03/2016 at 01:53

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Lexus IS300? Maybe in wagon form, if you have an appetite of looking around a lot.

Chevy S10?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Tapas 10/03/2016 at 01:54

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IS Sportcross would be great but they’re FRUSTRATINGLY RARE. I have seen almost a dozen manual allroads for sale in WA this year; I have found in the same duration but ONE sportcross, and it had a rebuilt title.

Tapas > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/03/2016 at 01:59

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Get the normal IS300. Its pretty usable.

Just don’t expect to move stuff, unless they are skis or poles or something you can fit through the pass-through.

The earlier fun sedans never had a folding rear seat. Only the Sportcross did.

torque > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/03/2016 at 21:44

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You <3 you some Yodas so why not a 1st gen wide body (I.e. Early 90s) Camry Wagon? Yes rare, though not terribly sought after (except by a select few I suppose),

+s... tons of room, incredible reliability, inexpensive (should fit your budget), long roof goodness

-s... Getting pretty old, hard to find a well taken care of one