A Confession: I love bad new cars

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
03/27/2019 at 11:08 • Filed to: None

I’ve been thinking recently how much I love bad cars. The shittier and more drawbacks, the better it seems. No AC? sign me up! No power seats? great! and preferably containing more Mexican plastic than a valley girl who just returned from an all inclusive “surgery vacation”.

I recently went to the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and couldn’t stop thinking about how expensive and complex cars are getting. There was even a Mirage sedan stickered at $16,000+ CAD, which would have put it $5000 above my Forte before extras/tax.

The new Mazda3 and Forte are both very nice, but I couldn’t help but think how much more upmarket they were than the cars they replaced. Only two cars at the show had a manual as far as I could tell, the Civic Type R and, for some reason, one of the Crosstreks.

Now, I like a fancy interior as much as the next person, but I also think about depreciation , future repairs and reliability. I also tend to prefer buying new rather than used. I do really get concerned about the lack of “affordable” new cars coming down the pipeline. I see a future where everything in my price range is an automatic crossover with a failing touch screen and worn “pleather” interior.

As much as I rag on my Forte, I actually have grown...not fond... but accepting(?) of it. It fulfills a purpose. For $9,000 USD I got a brand new car that gets me around perfectly well, has a rocking warranty/roadside assistance package and is OK to spend time in, albeit a bit toasty these days without AC.

Financially , it allows me to pocket most of my $600 CAD car allowance after the finance payment and insurance as well as keeps me off of the boss’s radar when it comes to gas charges on my fleet card.

Then there is my Fiesta ST. My first new car I ever bought.

Yes, the interior quality is horrible. Yes, the exterior quality is horrible. But I got this brand new for $22,000 CDN. For that price I got one of the best performance hatch backs ever made and certainly one of the best, if not the best to come to North America. It isn’t the fastest car, but for the curvy country roads near Fort Langley, it is set up perfectly.

It’s been in 3 accidents, has over 100,000km and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Yet, I have people ask me all the time if it is new. It’s held up extremely well and is always ready to rock when I feel the need for speed.

Again, when I look at the current market, there is nothing else that offers this level of value. Sure, the GTI is OK, but it isn’t a performance car. It is a “sporty” every day car. I’ve driven one with the DSG on the same roads as I drive in the ST and loved it, but I would have bought it to compliment the ST, not replace it. I actually ended up sitting with the salesman negotiating on the GTI , but we couldn’t meet in the middle.

Then there is the Micra. I know the Americans don’t get it and the only reason Canada does is Quebec, but it is a fantastic car for value. For $7000USD, you could walk out with a “new car” that feels so well set up. Decent manual, quick enough and handles actually really well. With some minor modifications, you would have a competent auto cross car for less than a used Fiesta ST. I’ve come close to buying one of these twice. Once I even put a deposit on it then backed out because the dealership wouldn’t let me put the whole car on my Visa (cash back yo!).

Lastly, the Jeep Wrangler.

I really think I am going to end up in a JK of some type this year. Maybe a 2 door, maybe a 4 due to the incoming puppy.

The base model sports (no ac, cloth top, steel wheels and a manual) really speak to me. Like the ST, I see a canvas that will allow for me to customize it in a way to fit my lifestyle and job.

As much as I like my dad’s Rubicon, the now $75,000CAD he’s into it for the purchase price/mods is insane. I am pretty sure that with big enough balls and slight modifications a JK sport could do most of the things you’d need from a J eep.

As a car buyer, it seems that I favor quantity over quality. I’d rather have a bad car for each task than a good all rounder.

DISCUSSION (46)

E90M3 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:15

So when are you getting a Versa then?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > E90M3
03/27/2019 at 11:16

I like “good” bad cars! Not bad bad cars.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:19

I like good used cars.

Tapas > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:21

Just curious, why didn’t Nissan allow you to put the whole car on your credit card?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/27/2019 at 11:21

I just have issues with used. I dunno. I don’t want to buy something that somebody has not taken care of.

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:21

Agreed on the opinion of the FiST. For $15,700 CAD used, it was a solid deal. It feels more lively now in the spring, too, which is making me like it a bit more.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Tapas
03/27/2019 at 11:22

They said it was because the transaction fee would be too high for it to work on their end. The car was already below the $9,000 Canadian MSRP

Tapas > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:25

Oh, I see.

I wouldn’t mind paying a little more if I’m getting 1% cash back (~$1000) if it ends up being a better deal.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:25

It’s perfectly fine. Plenty of CPO/Used cars that have proper maintenance history that is well documented, leased as a commuter and not trashed.

But there are exceptions. Wouldn’t buy something that has a “reputation” like an STi especially if it’s modded . Depends on the car.

Chariotoflove > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:27

I think we are exact opposites except for preferring new cars. I like to get one all arounder with as many options as I can afford to keep me happy no matter what driving I’m doing. That comes with compromise though. I have to decide which itch to scratch with each car. This time it’s the luxury itch. I don’t have a sports car or convertible for when those moods strike me.

vicali > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:28

Slow car fast has always been my speed.. Or slow dub slow if I’m being wishful..

You will find a slightly modded 4x4 (tires, +2" susp) will get you to 98% of the places and still be able to daily . The other 2% you have to ask if you really want to go there..

Kinja'd!!!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Chariotoflove
03/27/2019 at 11:28

I just have such a hard time knowing that for a decent luxury vehicle ($60K CDN?) I could have like 3-4 other new cars.

Chariotoflove > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:40

Easier for me because I have nowhere to put them.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Chariotoflove
03/27/2019 at 11:42

Neither do I, but it apparently has not stopped me. Kia lives on the street about a 10 minute walk away and truck at my parents

Goggles Pizzano > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:42

My window regulator just pooped the bed. I could hear my father’s voice cursing power windows (and sunroofs) .

bob and john > Tapas
03/27/2019 at 11:43

your math aint checking out there bud. $1000 back on 1% cash back would be 100k. not 10

benjrblant > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:47

I think that generally, I really agree with you. Though I can see a time and a place for a “nice” car, most of the time it’s acceptable for a car to be the appliance that it once was- something to get you from A to B. That the average price for a new car in the US is close to $35k USD is just insane. It indicated that people seem to think it’s unacceptable to be seen in an entry level car with manual windows and cloth seats.

I’d happy with a daily driver that had manual everything and no options. A/C is pretty nice to have when sitting in summer traffic, but otherwise everything is meh to me.

Chariotoflove > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 11:54

So you sorta commute to your commuter!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Chariotoflove
03/27/2019 at 11:56

Pretty much. I’ve 100% been dropped off by my wife at my car when its raining.

fintail > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:01

I am in a related but dis-similar position - I can’t find much I like that I either can afford, or want to assume the risk. This lease end is my most difficult ever, as I still want to move on and sample something different, but there’s little in my desired range that gets me going, and it is hard to find a properly spec’d car new or used . The used cars I like are either going to be money pits in operating expenses or maintenance, which I fear more than abusive prior ownership.

I don’t have an attraction to basic commuter boxes (which would have been loaded models 20-25 years ago) - if I get a new car, I want it to have new tech, to be able to live in the present/future for at least a couple years.

On another note, I find it amusing that spec per spec, MBs are a bit cheaper in Canada than Murka right now.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:07

I find AC to be more important than any other feature in a car! I would gladly have manual locks, manual mirrors, manual windows, no radio, and even just a bucket as a seat before I would give up AC. Granted, I am being a cheap bastard at the moment by not fixing the AC in my Subaru. But its been “cold” this winter so I have been fine without it for the past few months. I guess its different in the frozen north but in mid summer, I would have to imagine the humidity up there is not fun. Temps above 30C cant be that rare either and are completely unbearable without AC.

Completely agree that newer cars are too complicated and expensive!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
03/27/2019 at 12:10

It’s above 30 from like April/May all the way to mid sept.

It is gonna suck. But so cheap!!!

bob and john > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:10

FFS are we really going to have this ‘new cars are too expensive’ argument again?

taking into account inflation and all the extra we get in a can now (AC, cruise, WAY better motors, safety, etc etc) cars really havetn gotten THAT much more expensive. Yes the prices have gone up. people want convinenace . They are paying for it. Why waste the time designing a car without AC and certing it when no one is going to buy it? it ends up costing them moeny to pull the 3 or 4 cars off the line that someone would order like that because of economies of scale.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/27/2019 at 12:11

Anything with a “ reputation” just needs more maintenance history documented , fewer owners, a thorough inspection, a good price, and some luck. My STi had 136k miles on it when I bought it. So it was very much a potential risky venture. But being stock, one owner, and well taken care of - it worked out. The fact that I have made it to 162k and have had zero issues so is a great thing. Sure things will probably start breaking soon, but I dont mind putting some money into it to keep it reliable.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > bob and john
03/27/2019 at 12:15

We don’t have to have the argument. Sure, with inflation, prices have not gotten to bad, but incomes are stagnant .

Also, given I have a ‘14, ‘16, ‘18 model year vehicle, I feel like I can talk about buying new instead of some people who wait 15 years before buying a car.

I own dead car brands only > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:20

I completely agree with you. There’s something so refreshing and honest about basic cars. There’s that feeling you could beat the shit out of it, drive it at 11/10, and still laugh and it will still start the next day.

I drive a fairly loaded Durango and on some days I’m appalled with myself for buying this thing. I absolutely adore the basic commuter cars. I have the biggest soft spot for the Dodge avenger and the new Chrysler 200

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:21

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW no lol. For me here in Socal, at least at work it rarely even gets above 25C, usually a little lower than that. At home its closer to 40C+ most days in the summer but “its a dry heat” and I am not there during the day. But more importantly for going inland on trips or just being stuck in traffic, its just nice to have cold ac along with ceramic tinted windows. My electric bill at home is generally horrifying in the summer but such is life. At least this year, I dont need the AC at home. Last “winter” it was running all year round aside from a few days here and there. I needed it in the car too quite a few times so I got lucky this year with the “cold”.

bob and john > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:21

I will 100% give you the wages thing. those need to be adressed.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > bob and john
03/27/2019 at 12:23

Also, my ICBC rates go up like 6% a year, plus gas is $1.57 a litre outside my office right now.

We’re FUCKED!!!

thejustache > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:25

I see a future where everything in my price range is an automatic crossover with a failing touch screen and worn “pleather” interior.

I see that same future too and it makes me sad. Technically my wife’s car is already there, but it serves it’s purpose well. That doesn’t mean I want that to be my only choice of transportation!

Sure there are still some simple, light vehicles available used, but as they sell less and less it’s only a matter of time before that dries up too. Is the only option to buy such a car and keep fixing it forever no matter the price? Or just give up and give in to the soul sucking auto crossover? Or drive a motorcycle? That last option has been pretty good to me, but with 5 months a year of winter and more and more drivers paying no attention to the road it’s far from a perfect option too.

I wish there was a way to buy the equivalent of a ‘90s car (100hp-ish, 5 speed, single DIN radio slot, maybe ABS but no other driver aids) brand new with updated crash structure every couple years and nothing else.

bob and john > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:41

...jesus. gas is 1.20 here on ont.

granted, its supposed to jump 5 c next week -.-’

CompactLuxuryFan > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 12:47

That’s pretty out there! There are no suitable street spots within a 10 min walk from your house?

CompactLuxuryFan > fintail
03/27/2019 at 12:51

I am shocked how cheap the new Mazda 3 is in Canada! Per The Straight Pipes, for a top of the line AWD hatchback:

Kinja'd!!!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CompactLuxuryFan
03/27/2019 at 12:53

Nope. Our area is overcrowded. Most homes have 3-4 drivers with space for 1-2 vehicles.

fintail > CompactLuxuryFan
03/27/2019 at 13:01

I can believe it. I’ve noticed an easy USD 10-15K spread on comparably spec’d MB E wagons, and as I am in a county where sales tax is over 10%, taxation doesn’t help anything.

On a positive note, I picked up new skates and a stick in Vancouver last week, saved an easy $150+ USD over buying in Murka.

CompactLuxuryFan > fintail
03/27/2019 at 15:01

Isn’t bringing a car over relatively easy? What’s to stop anybody (especially a wealthy cash buyer such as E-class estate customers) from just hopping over and driving it down? Should I start a business?

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > bob and john
03/27/2019 at 15:02

I think gas is around the same here in Nova Scotia at the moment...1.25?

fintail > CompactLuxuryFan
03/27/2019 at 16:02

I think a lot of makers have firm policies about/against selling new cars to foreign buyers. You’d need to get a middleman involved somehow, then, it might not be so hard - but there’d be less margin to work with. There could be some room, though, until you get blacklisted anyway.

Future Heap Owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 16:07

But then there’s more reason to wrench! And you get to solve to puzzle of “what did the previous owners do to this thing?!” over and over again!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Future Heap Owner
03/27/2019 at 16:10

Full disclosure, I hate wrenching.

Future Heap Owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 23:28

Oh I could tell you were not a fan, I’m just out here trying to convince myself.

Future Heap Owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/27/2019 at 23:35

I can’t decide. I do like having both a fun wagon and a truck, but even that feels so excessive for just myself. As a lifelong bicycling hippiester from the Midwest, I have such guilt about having vehicles... but now also this strange desire? It’s weird.

I no need to do work on the truck again to justify having it (also, possibly from necessity). The warmth & dryness will come soon, and then I can finally take a look inside the engine of that $1200 truck, which should be interesting.

WD21 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/29/2019 at 18:49

Terrible cars today are actually on par with “good” cars of yesteryear

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > bob and john
04/03/2019 at 16:17

Gas is $1.61 here now :(

bob and john > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/03/2019 at 16:27

*cltuches heart*

wait are you talking prem or regular? our prem is about that atm

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > bob and john
04/03/2019 at 16:29

Regular ass pump gas man.

https://www.abbynews.com/news/gas-prices-hit-161-9-cents-a-litre-in-vancouver/