Every. Single. Time.

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
02/20/2016 at 22:59 • Filed to: None

My car starts going stupid I catch myself genuinely considering buying a 3-box, 4-cylinder beigemobile.

Maybe it’s the desire to have something that I can plop my happy ass in and put gas and oil in and not worry about the dash lighting up like a Christmas tree when I drive or having to observe the temperature gauge constantly because the car is known to be an overheating nightmare.

I don’t like when I start thinking practically like this. It makes me feel grown up. I guess that’s a good thing since I’m graduating in 3 months?

DISCUSSION (47)

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:05

It it’s a strange feeling when you grow tired of something you adore isn’t it? I’m counting down the days that I’m no longer being beaten to death on my daily commute, and it’s bittersweet.

whoarder is tellurium > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:07

You own a German car that is up there in age now.

It happened to me twice.

Sam > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:09

Just find something fun AND reliable!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
02/20/2016 at 23:11

I’m not so sure if it’s a growing tired, or more of a I’d love it more if it was a weekend toy I didn’t have to completely rely on. It’s definitely strange because I love my car more than anything but there’s been no period of time in my ownership where something didn’t need to be fixed. And love can’t buy German car parts.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:12

I don’t do well with my daily being a real enthusiast kind of car (at least since I became an old guy when I turned 25 or so), so I gravitate towards having two cheaper cars. Right now I've got a Crown Vic P71 daily and a fox Mustang as a toy...the CVPI starts every time and gets me where I need to go, and the Mustang lays down big fun lines of rubber. It's a fine system I have going.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:13

Find a V6 Malibu! I just hit 90k, and I’ve never had a transmission, drivetrain or engine issue. You make decent power (I get 252) they look decent IMO, fuel economy is not too shabby (average 26 MP6), and you can get a shiftable automatic, no manual, I know :(

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Sam
02/20/2016 at 23:13

Is this the part where I admit I should’ve bought a Camaro instead?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:13

Don’t drive it for three weeks. Find something else. If you don’t find yourself thinking of the M3, or subconsciously comparing the other car to it, you have your answer.

I’m starting to get worried that my 528 has ruined other cars for me because every time I drive something else I find myself constantly wishing to be back behind its wheel.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S.
02/20/2016 at 23:15

Eh, I drive an automatic M3 right now. A family sedan being an automatic certainly isn’t a deal killer. I definitely would love a V6 Malibu. The 3.6 is such a great motor.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
02/20/2016 at 23:17

I’d love to do this, except the only thing else I have to drive is the Safari. I’d rather do a lot of things than drive the Safari. Like walk.

ly2v8-Brian > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:17

Yes

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:17

That’s pretty much my situation, luckily the Slowrunner is quite cheap to insure and is currently worthless, so it will make for a good project. It’s just that when I left Florida, everything besides the speed sensor was more or less mint, and now everything that involves steering and suspension is shot due to the local roads. It’s to the point that it’s scary to drive, so it’s invest thousands into something that could fail even more the next day, or buy something I will enjoy. So Fiesta ST it is.

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:18

Dr Zoidberg just had a great idea. 8th Gen Accord Coupes are getting cheap, and can be had with 270HP and a 6 speed. Even cheap to do the suspension, too, with OEM Acura sway bars costing a whole $100 for the job,

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
02/20/2016 at 23:19

The big thing pushing me towards something more reliable is I can sell the M3 and lose nothing money wise. Use that for a big down payment and have a teeny-tiny car payment.

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:20

You don't have to get a four banger Malibu to serve as reliable transportation. Reliable doesn't have to mean boring. :)

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:21

Right! Its a big ass V6 that gets decent MPG and also decent power, so hey what the heck!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
02/20/2016 at 23:23

Honestly with me going to college and having to drive there and to work an enthusiast car as my main vehicle is probably a bad idea anyway. Wait until I’m out of school and then buy a toy. Like a nicer, manual E36 M3.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:23

I feel ya, the mirror bracket on my TA just broke and the right turn signal blinks super slow. Neither is serious, just annoying as all get out. I just want everything to work for once.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:24

Yeah, I don’t really have that luxury. Even with gas prices lower than they’ve been in years, I have the one generation of 4Runner that holds no value. On top of that it needs: complete front brakes, wheel bearings, likely front axles, tie rods, steering stabilizer, bushings, shocks, eventually a new trans, rear diff along with the housing that the POS previous owner welded shit to, windshield, dash, drivers seat, PS pump, and I’m sure there is more. I don’t have the time for that on a daily driver. Almost all of these were pretty much new before I moved here. These roads are shit. I miss Florida.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazda616
02/20/2016 at 23:25

I did really like my friend’s ‘09 LTZ I4 though. It was comfortable, fuel efficient, and surprisingly nice to drive despite the EPS and little 4 banger.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:26

Not a bad plan, given your situation. Though you don’t have to have a boring car for it to be reliable...I had a job where I had a 100 mile round trip commute, so I bought a 2003 Civic coupe. Thing was dead reliable, got almost 40mpg at 75mph, and was plenty of fun to drive.

I used to hate Camrys until I drove a new one back when I sold them, now I have a sort of grudging respect for them. They're just so...decent.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch
02/20/2016 at 23:26

The more I think about it the more I realize nothing in my car has worked all the way it should at once in the time I’ve owned it.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:29

My DSM makes me feel like that. That’s why I’ve been shopping for Crown Vics, and Volvos.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
02/20/2016 at 23:32

If I keep putting money into it the way I’m having to that luxury is going to quickly go away. We noticed today I’m getting unusual wear on insides of my front tires. I just did an alignment on the car not too long ago which tells me I probably need new springs or something. Woo.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:34

Besides, this way I can half ass things on the 4Runner, and not worry too much about it. If it breaks, I will have something with a warranty.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:38

Currently both of my headlight motors work, which is rare these days.

BKosher84 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:39

I did this exact transition back in September.. Went from a Mini Cooper that was a money pit to a 2015 Trax.. Best decision I ever have.

shop-teacher > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:47

Have you learned nothing from my Malibu and your mom’s Fusion?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > shop-teacher
02/20/2016 at 23:50

Your Malibu was a shining example of a lemon, imo. My friends had 145k on it when it met it’s unfortunate demise by a concrete mailbox and the only issues it had in the time his family owned it since it had 18k was O2 sensors. The Fusion is well, a Mexican built Ford.

Vinny K > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:53

I’ve got a Jeep Liberty with only one properly working window, a heater that only works when the throttle is applied, a reverse gear that only works when I talk sweet to her, and a tailgate that doesn’t lock. Meanwhile my wife has an Equinox in which everything works, the fuel economy is good, and it’s all around a pretty decent car. I’ll take my Jeep over her Chevy any day. The Jeep has a personality, the Equinox doesn’t.

shop-teacher > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/20/2016 at 23:55

I know. Just saying beige mobiles can be a pain in the ass too. I’ll never buy one again, life is too short.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > shop-teacher
02/21/2016 at 00:04

The odds of a beigemobile being a pain in the ass are significantly lower than a good bit of the “fun” cars out there. That’s what I’m getting at.

Under_Score > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/21/2016 at 00:05

I’m trying to find a car that I’m hoping will last me at least ten years. I want something that has a roomy interior, a backup camera, looks nice, is a good price, and preferably has higher ground clearance (I don’t want the bottom of the car scraping on anything). I’m young like you, and while cars such as a Honda CR-V may seem boring, it hits the right places I’m looking for (only issue is that they don’t have Hyundai-levels of depreciation).

shop-teacher > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/21/2016 at 00:12

Yeah, but still :)

Gone > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/21/2016 at 00:16

‘Bu LX9 V6 in the garage. 241k. Leaks, but otherwise only costs us ins, gas, oil chamges, tires, and brakes. No major repairs, has a timing chain so no belt change. On original water pump and alt. Changed the batt a few times and some of the lights. Averaging a little over 20k/yr on it. CEL for the front cat. It’s been like that for almost 2yrs. Otherwise everything works.

Would buy again.

Wife’s relative has 265k on hers. Same lack of running costs. I’m guessing these aren’t anomalies but I’ve been wrong before.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Gone
02/21/2016 at 00:19

My friend’s had 145k on it when it met an unfortunate demise via ice and a brick mailbox. Ran like a top and only needed O2 sensors.

DKerstan > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
02/21/2016 at 04:01

This is a really good point. I had a 2000 323i which I had to sell because the repair costs finally outweighed the value of the car. Six months later I still find myself comparing my new car to the BMW.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/21/2016 at 05:03

buy a Mitsubishi Lancer perhaps.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > shop-teacher
02/21/2016 at 06:53

We just had a 2014 Malibu with 30k miles roll into the shop that needed a whole new transmission. Not a rebuild. A whole new one.

shop-teacher > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
02/21/2016 at 09:10

Ooof!!! That hurts. Still under warranty at least?

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > shop-teacher
02/21/2016 at 16:30

Yes luckily still powertrain.

The 2013 Equinox that had the whole AC condenser fail wasn’though. About $900 all said and done.

And luckily the 2012 Equinox had an extended warranty when the water pump and timing system broke and basically took out the engine with it. $250 deductible for over $6000 in work.

Oh and the Spark that tried to pass someone on a highway and had the lifter fail requiring a whole new engine.

shop-teacher > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
02/21/2016 at 17:00

Dang. That’s a lot of no Bueno.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > shop-teacher
02/21/2016 at 19:55

Just goes to show that the “good old safe” beige mobile can be just as bad to maintain

shop-teacher > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
02/21/2016 at 20:08

Yep. Been there, done that.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/21/2016 at 22:51

or just get a ‘beige’ bike. even the beigest of bikes will make a miata look like a boat :D

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > bob and john
02/21/2016 at 22:52

Big man no ride bikes.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/21/2016 at 22:57

6'4? you can ride them. might be a LITTLE cramped. but no worse then the M3