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Vehicle question
Posted on 3/31/13 at 10:48 pm
Posted on 3/31/13 at 10:48 pm
I've been trying to decide what to do with my vehicle situation. I have a 9 year old Nissan Titan with 150k miles on it. Still runs well and gets me where I need to go just fine. Little things have been breaking here and there lately and I am worried that if I continue to pile up miles, the maintenance costs will add up. To make matters worse I have to drive all over south Louisiana and east Texas for work, I get mileage reimbursement but with 13mpg, barely breaking even before maintenance costs.
I'd like to get something newer with low mileage that would be extremely fuel efficient. My issue is that I don't think I could go without a truck. I use the bed and towing capabilities frequently. And any truck that I get will not be much of an improvement in fuel economy. So I am considering getting something like a smart car because they can be had for under 10k with less than 20k miles on them and get 44mpg. I could then use that as my commuter vehicle and hang on to my truck for utility purposes for a few more years since I won't be racking up the miles.
Is my line of thinking correct in that this is the most fiscally sensible way to go? Is there anything else I should consider?
Thanks
I'd like to get something newer with low mileage that would be extremely fuel efficient. My issue is that I don't think I could go without a truck. I use the bed and towing capabilities frequently. And any truck that I get will not be much of an improvement in fuel economy. So I am considering getting something like a smart car because they can be had for under 10k with less than 20k miles on them and get 44mpg. I could then use that as my commuter vehicle and hang on to my truck for utility purposes for a few more years since I won't be racking up the miles.
Is my line of thinking correct in that this is the most fiscally sensible way to go? Is there anything else I should consider?
Thanks
10
Posted on 3/31/13 at 11:01 pm to BassHorn
Consider how comfortable you want to be driving all over. A smart car will be terrible. At least get a civic or equivalent.
Posted on 3/31/13 at 11:04 pm to BassHorn
Don't those new F-150s get close to 20 miles per gallon or something ridiculous?
Posted on 3/31/13 at 11:09 pm to BassHorn
A Smart is about the worst you can do. They're not any more efficient than some other much larger, more comfortable options. A civic would be an infinitely smarter decision. Even an old one would be better all around. Or a VW golf tdi, or a corolla or a sentra or anything but a smart car. Think about the physics: a Jeep CJ-5 rides like shite because of the wheelbase. The smart car has the same issue. And it has a shitty engine and no passenger room.
If I were you I would work the math to make sure a new vehicle is actually fiscally responsible (factoring vehicle and insurance costs) and then spend the bare minimum. Something like a $3k civic would be ideal. At $10k for your smart you'd have to drive it for years to recoup the investment.
If I were you I would work the math to make sure a new vehicle is actually fiscally responsible (factoring vehicle and insurance costs) and then spend the bare minimum. Something like a $3k civic would be ideal. At $10k for your smart you'd have to drive it for years to recoup the investment.
This post was edited on 3/31/13 at 11:12 pm
Posted on 3/31/13 at 11:37 pm to BassHorn
quote:
So I am considering getting something like a smart car because they can be had for under 10k with less than 20k miles on them and get 44mpg.
Before the inexperienced smart comments start to roll in, I'll give you some true feedback.
I currently own an 09 'vette and a '12 smart.
I prefer the smart over a C6 corvette for my everyday driving. In fact, it's one of my favorite vehicles I've ever owned.
Mercedes-Benz takes care of all the ordering, maintenance, warranties, etc. for these cars. There is a dealership in nola right off of clearview on veterans - go check it out. Despite what people may tell you, they are EXTREMELY comfortable on the inside. The wheelbase is slightly closer than a standard coupe, and the curb weight of these vehicles are 2/3 of that of a comparable coupe. But, with a car that is only 8ft long, you can snake your way into any parking spot you wish. Before anyone gets on the safety argument....they are very safe. The entire cockpit is encased in reinforced steel, much like a NASCAR-styled roll cage. Read about the current lease specials too: A Base Smart for only $99 per month for 36mos
A smart uses a Mitsubishi made engine. It's a 1.0L 3-cylinder that puts out ~70Hp. It doesn't sound like much, but for a car that weighs only 1,600 pounds... it's sufficient for commuting and urban driving.
Hope this helps.
This post was edited on 3/31/13 at 11:40 pm
Posted on 4/1/13 at 12:40 am to BassHorn
I'd look at the mileage on the ecoboost f-150s as well.
You also need to factor in the additional cost of owning another vehicle. That's maintenance on two vehicles as well as the insurance. Even though you wont be driving the truck as much it will still need to be maintained. I'd also ask your broker what the rates are on those smart cars. The don't seem all that safe, so I'd think insurance would be higher, but I could be way off here.
Also, are you in sales are driving customers or other people around all day? Personally I wouldn't want to ride in that if I was a client, but that's just me.
You just wanted an excuse to buy a new truck right?
You also need to factor in the additional cost of owning another vehicle. That's maintenance on two vehicles as well as the insurance. Even though you wont be driving the truck as much it will still need to be maintained. I'd also ask your broker what the rates are on those smart cars. The don't seem all that safe, so I'd think insurance would be higher, but I could be way off here.
Also, are you in sales are driving customers or other people around all day? Personally I wouldn't want to ride in that if I was a client, but that's just me.
You just wanted an excuse to buy a new truck right?
Posted on 4/1/13 at 6:55 am to TigerDeBaiter
smart car= gay
dont waste your time with that POS, get a civic or a ford fusion or a nissan sentra. all are closer to or above 40 mpg and you wont be laughed at when you drive by or killed instantly when another car touches you
dont waste your time with that POS, get a civic or a ford fusion or a nissan sentra. all are closer to or above 40 mpg and you wont be laughed at when you drive by or killed instantly when another car touches you
Posted on 4/1/13 at 7:30 am to BassHorn
You'll have to do the math. In my experience, letting vehicles sit without running can cause issues as well. Going from 13mpg to 40mpg will get you about $200/month savings in gas, give or take. Consider additional insurance costs as well.
I'd look at going into a newer truck instead of getting a second vehicle.
I'd look at going into a newer truck instead of getting a second vehicle.
Posted on 4/1/13 at 7:50 am to BassHorn
We have had several Honda Civics and they have always treated us well
Posted on 4/1/13 at 7:50 am to BassHorn
We have had several Honda Civics and they have always treated us well
Posted on 4/1/13 at 9:38 am to BassHorn
Find a used Corolla or other compact "rental" grade car. Gas savings make them very attractive and they are good buys when used. A Cobalt or Focus can probably get around 35 mpg, and a Sentra or Civic might get 36 or 37. There's no sacrifice for mass in crash safety's, despite what a Smart car fanboy will tell you. Get something bigger than a Fisher Price. 44 mpg isn't that impressive for a tiny car.
And "Smart Car"? What kind of insecurity do you need to buy something with that brand name? ;)
FWIW, I just bought a 2013 Honda Accord for my wife. With the 4 banger and CVT, it gets 38 mpg average (I expected 32 or 33). I honestly didn't expect that kind of mpg from a mid sized car. That's about 17 mpg better than the SUV we traded for it. It's going to save us almost $30 per week in gasoline with her mileage.
I have a Silverado pickup truck. I really don't need a truck anymore. As reliable and versatile it's been, I'm not buying another one. They burn too much fuel and costs too much to run. Even compact trucks are guzzlers.
And "Smart Car"? What kind of insecurity do you need to buy something with that brand name? ;)
FWIW, I just bought a 2013 Honda Accord for my wife. With the 4 banger and CVT, it gets 38 mpg average (I expected 32 or 33). I honestly didn't expect that kind of mpg from a mid sized car. That's about 17 mpg better than the SUV we traded for it. It's going to save us almost $30 per week in gasoline with her mileage.
I have a Silverado pickup truck. I really don't need a truck anymore. As reliable and versatile it's been, I'm not buying another one. They burn too much fuel and costs too much to run. Even compact trucks are guzzlers.
This post was edited on 4/1/13 at 9:53 am
Posted on 4/1/13 at 9:53 am to TigerDeBaiter
I think the new F150s you are still looking at a real world MPG of around 18.
Also I have done the "keep the truck while getting a car to commute with" plan. Backfired bigtime. Not running that truck everyday ends
up adding up more on the maintenance end even more.
13mpg? Damn.. Thats horrific. My Tundra even gets 16.4mpg. Are pulling something or driving hard to get those numbers?
Also I have done the "keep the truck while getting a car to commute with" plan. Backfired bigtime. Not running that truck everyday ends
up adding up more on the maintenance end even more.
13mpg? Damn.. Thats horrific. My Tundra even gets 16.4mpg. Are pulling something or driving hard to get those numbers?
This post was edited on 4/1/13 at 11:18 am
Posted on 4/1/13 at 10:14 am to Crimsonsaint24
Do you have Tourette syndrome
Posted on 4/1/13 at 11:33 am to Catman88
quote:
I think the new F150s you are still looking at a real world MPG of around 18.
It's really hard to get more than 18 mpg in a four wheel drive truck. I think the V8 Chevrolet averages around 18, and the V8 Ford is around there as well.
Posted on 4/1/13 at 6:02 pm to Catman88
Even at 18 mpg, that's nearly 40% better efficiency and close to 30% savings on fuel alone.
Posted on 4/1/13 at 7:33 pm to BassHorn
Something doesn't add up. 9 yr old Titan w/ 150k miles and you drive "all over south Louisiana and east Texas". You either just got the truck, or you just got the traveling position.
Do you have to haul/tow for work?
If not, I would consider splitting up duties, work and play, into two separate vehicles. You can buy a 5spd Civic/Camry and darn near drive forever with minimal maintenance.
Do you have to haul/tow for work?
If not, I would consider splitting up duties, work and play, into two separate vehicles. You can buy a 5spd Civic/Camry and darn near drive forever with minimal maintenance.
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