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Another reason you see a lot of high mileage is cars is people's daily commutes to work seem to have gotten father away. When I was traveling for work a lot I was always amazed how long rush hour was in major cities across the US. I remember it was almost bumper to bumper from Sterling Virginia to Fredericksburg, about 60 miles.
I'm talking about anything well over 200k. If money is a issue I understand but if not and one has a comfy job then what's the point?
Common answers include "I love the car" or "I want to get the full life from the car". I don't get it.
No reason to get rid of it. We ran our Tracker out to about 205K before it started having mechanical troubles. We got it patched up and bought a new car, but the Tracker remains a reliable second vehicle that gets used about once a week.
My Jeep has 218k, I only keep it to drive during the winter, but I still rarely drive it. I keep it just to have it, paid for, already fixed major things, don't want to spend money to replace it with another vehicle that I won't use much. I put it on storage for insurance for 7 months out of the year.
As far as car guys, this guy is tops in my book. He built a house centered around cars.
I'm talking about anything well over 200k. If money is a issue I understand but if not and one has a comfy job then what's the point?
Common answers include "I love the car" or "I want to get the full life from the car". I don't get it.
I drive a 1998 Acura with 308,000 miles. Reasons I don't want a new car and hope this one lasts include:
1. It's still a great car with an engine in great shape and aside from rebuilding the trans at 180,000, I haven't had to do much outside of regular maintenance. It is a great combination of quickness and good gas economy and still fun to drive.
2. I'm not a big fan of change in general...my car is like Archie Bunker's chair to me, old but comfy and I'm used to it.
3. There is a freedom that comes with having an older car...I don't care if it gets another ding (park over the lines, go ahead....I'm gonna squeeze in next to you anyway) or is dirty or has a lot of clutter in it.
4. Money. I haven't had a car payment in 8 years, and my insurance is about $700 a year. Because I don't have a car payment, I can spend my money on what is important to me...time. I have someone now who comes in and cleans the things I don't want to (oven, mini blinds, etc) and It enables me to only have to work 4 days a week....during summer I'll cut back to 3.
Given all that, I don't get why people would rather have a new car than more free time and more money for the things they enjoy. I can't imagine any car I'd give up an extra day off for.
I'm talking about anything well over 200k. If money is a issue I understand but if not and one has a comfy job then what's the point?
Common answers include "I love the car" or "I want to get the full life from the car". I don't get it.
What's the point of NOT keeping the car with high mileage?
How sure are you that you won't lose your comfy job due to many reasons? - outsourcing, layoffs, personal injury etc... we're all replaceable. Wouldn't it make sense to have a nice financial cushion that allows you to maintain a reasonable lifestyle while you're looking for a new job instead of worrying about car payments?
One man stupid is another man's wise decision. Its like asking why would someone risk their lives driving a car that is worn out even when maintained to standard degree and has less safety features than a new. one. I have a lot of friend who built Rods and they all limit the driving of them because of the safety risk if in a wreck. Its no different than looking a motor racing and the constant advances in safety which result in many less deaths and injuries by designing safety features compared to past. I have no problem spending what I can afford for safety reasons alone. But then some will be stupid enough in risking operating a motorcycle without even a helmet; IMO. Stupid is much I the eye of the person like many things.
IMO I see many reasons to keep your high mileage vehicle, and I know they are different for everyone. Between me and my wife we have 3 cars all are over 150k and 2 are over 200k. I do the work on them and for me the 257k on my ranger as almost a badge of honer. I know that it is only worth like $1k and that the tires it needs will be close to that but, I know all the work that has been done to it as well as what I have put off doing. I'm currently swapping the trans in her xterra with 224k. Again I know all the work that it has had done.We are not in a position to buy new cars but have the option of "now to us" cars and passed it up to keep what we have, not because it was cheaper but because she lover the gen 1 X and my ranger is a grate little work truck. Other that that it comes down to the maintenance most seem to not worry about the large maintenance intervals so eave getting a "newer" car with 50 -75k they are still coming up an a lot of work. but as I said I'm proud of the miles we have racked up. It also gives me to opportunity to show my boys that you don't have to be at the mercy of a dealer or shop for your repairs and maintenance. Some of my best memories involve our garage, and it gives a grate deal of satisfaction when you can do it. I can't forget the look i got from my 12yo when we finished a tune up on the ranger that had a miss from a fouled plug. He did not want to help at first but he did and was so excited when it fired up running proper and realized that he had a part in making that happen. Bus as I said it is different for everyone. Thanks
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