Need auto advice

[Saavik]

I am a full time college student working a minimum wage work study position. I basically just ride my motorcycle everywhere because its cheaper, but with the end of the riding season coming to an end soon enough, its back to the car for me soon. I have a minimum of 80 miles a day to commute and my current car, which I do regret buying back when I was in the military is too expensive to afford.

It costs most of what I make in a month just to buy a single tire and I buy the least expensive ones that I can. It takes 7 quarts of oil when I change the oil, costs about $40 to fill up, holds 16 gallons and I have been averaging 25 MPG out of a 4.6 litre V8.

My father is for some reason completely against the idea of trading in the car for something less expensive to operate and maintain, but his financial advice went out the window when he hit me up for $20 right after criticizing my idea to own something I can actually afford. I need to cut expenses and that car takes most of my money and I never even use it. I had to list my father as the primary driver just to afford the almost $80 per month insurance cost.

I don't know what to do or if I get a different car, what I should go with. I want an efficient vehicle, that I won't have to finance since my current car is worth a bit. I want something I find aesthetically appealing and is a bit unique at the same time. So far I have only managed to pick 3 cars, I would like advice and ideas of what to possibly go with.

1) older model mini in RHD
2) 99-00ish Honda Insight
3) VW Corrado

 

[Phoenix23]

Well first off if you're over 18, I'd tell my parents I'm here for your advice, I don't have to take it thanks very much.

Second off, it's your money do what you want with it.

Lastly, I'd stick with a Honda if you're looking for affordability. They're cheaper, they tend to be good running cars and they usually come in 4 cylinders. That right there saves you on insurance and gas alone.

 

[Saavik]

Well first off if you're over 18, I'd tell my parents I'm here for your advice, I don't have to take it thanks very much.

Second off, it's your money do what you want with it.

Lastly, I'd stick with a Honda if you're looking for affordability. They're cheaper, they tend to be good running cars and they usually come in 4 cylinders. That right there saves you on insurance and gas alone.

As stated in a song by Hole "You should learn how to say no". It's hard and I tend to avoid conflict at any cost. The car I have is a 2006 Ford Mustang GT and it is paid off, but as I said operational and maintenance costs exceed my limited student budget. Its a great car, but I know now I can't afford it anymore, never really could anyway.

The only Honda I like is the original model style of the Insight, but I have no experience trading in a vehicle without having to finance. I know my mustang is worth much more than an old insight, but I lack knowledge and experience here. I'm also talking to someone on the internet and trying to trade for his 1977 rhd Mini, which is 4 cylinders and has a cool, uniqueness factor for me.

 

[Phoenix23]

I'd go to Kelly Blue book.com and see how much your Mustang is worth in its condition. Then, go on craigslist and post it for 500 or so higher than what it's worth so someone can feel big and "talk you down" because they'll always try to talk you down. Then they feel like they got a deal, you got the money you deserve and then use the cash to buy the car you want and you may have some extra. I went to trade in my last car ( a 2006 Mustang Cobra ) and the dealer wanted to give me $5000. I was like, um no, it's in PERFECT condition! I went to kelly blue book, ,then posted on Craigslist for cash price. The person "talked me down" and I ended up selling it for 10,000 CASH and had it posted for 11,000. So, Craigslist is your friend. I had over 9 emails just in the first day of posting it! Never trade in a car, you get WAY less that way because they still want to make money. With that, I put the down payment on my new Scion and still had enough to go and have a bit in savings and a reaaaaaaaally fun weekend.... =D

 

[sonocativo]

how much you looking to get on the mustang?

 

[dereksbicycles]

Holy cow!!! You got a Mustang GT!!! Wow!!

If you check insurance, you may be surprised at how $$$ it is to insure a Corrado. I don't think they're being made now. It just seems like they didn't sell well in their heyday.

If you really want a good MPG, maybe look at older Civic hatchbacks. They last long time!! Also, don't look for anything turbocharged. For example, a Mustang GT will cost more than a plain Mustang to insure.

 

[jonnyghost]

Classic minis are fun but expect to pay a lot as people want them. They are pretty reliable for an old design but do need more maintenance so if your not mechanical get to know a mechanic well. Not a safe as new cars.

Isn't the insight a hybrid? Most mechanics can't touch the batteries or electrical so expect to bring it to the dealer for that. $$$

Old vw are about the same as older minis. I've owned a few and there was litterally always somthing i needed to fix but they do seem to just keep going. Learn german electrical systems as they are a pain and your mechanic will charge you a ton for diagnostics.

New vw have the silver for premature catastrophic failures and wiring problems right behind audi. Sure you'll get the guy with the tdi that brags about his 350k but then you'll also find the jetta with a blown trans at 80k so it's a gamble.

If you're looking for something different expect it to cost you one way or another otherwise everyone would have one. If you're looking to save money get a civic, fit, focus or something.

I wish suzuki wasn't pulling out of the us. I still think the sx4 is the best small car out there. But parts may become hard to find.

 

[diehardbiker]

Smaller cars, higher insurance premium, larger car with better collision protection, the cheaper. If you buy smaller car, you pay more for insurance due to your age. Want cheapest one, then get a van cause Van usually offers cheapest insurance rate. My first vehicle is Van, and that is the sole reason why I bought van instead of car. I talked with Insurance, that is how I find out.

Motorcycle, usually the cheapest insurance rate of all.

 

[VacationGuy234]

Three words: Heated Motorcycle Gear

Heated Motorcycle Clothing | Motorcycle Superstore

If it is not snowing, you're riding.

 

[jonnyghost]

Smaller cars, higher insurance premium, larger car with better collision protection, the cheaper. If you buy smaller car, you pay more for insurance due to your age. Want cheapest one, then get a van cause Van usually offers cheapest insurance rate. My first vehicle is Van, and that is the sole reason why I bought van instead of car. I talked with Insurance, that is how I find out.

Motorcycle, usually the cheapest insurance rate of all.

I've never had my insurance go up from small cars. Are you talking mini cars? I've had toyota trucks, 4 runner, jeep cherokee, vw fox, corolla, subaru, new corolla, sidekick and probably others i'm not remenbering all insured about the same. Sports cars like the mustang will be sky high.

 

[diehardbiker]

age, and experience played role in insurance rate, go ahead ask your insurance agent, and u will find out.

I've never had my insurance go up from small cars. Are you talking mini cars? I've had toyota trucks, 4 runner, jeep cherokee, vw fox, corolla, subaru, new corolla, sidekick and probably others i'm not remenbering all insured about the same. Sports cars like the mustang will be sky high.

 

[jonnyghost]

age, and experience played role in insurance rate, go ahead ask your insurance agent, and u will find out.

Not if my truck and my car both cost the same. My aunt in law is my agent, i'll ask her next time i see her. I did a quick google search and found most people said smaller sportier cars had higher insurnce. So my corolla probably doesn't quallify as sporty.

 

[A Nihilist]

Have you checked out edmunds.com ?

I've heard bad things about the minis with reliabilities. As for Honda you can't go really wrong with the brand but a caveat is that it's not just the brand but the condition of the car for sale.

Even if you buy some cheap honda for only 1 grand you might end up with another money pit if it has a lot of problems. My suggestion is to look at hondas with mileages ranging from 50k-100k. Don't even look at cars with 200k or more miles, it's just a disaster waiting to happen.

Since you're in an area with snow and winters, make sure to look at the bottom of the car for rust. If there's a lot of rust walk away, no matter how cheap it is.

Good luck!

 

[diehardbiker]

Right, it depends on car, AND age too. My pu truck is mammoth, bigger than your toyota cute truck. Problem is that since my truck had cause intensive damages to smaller car than the truck itself, result my liability insurance rate shot up. Im pissed off because of an idiot cut in front of me. Problem is both of us are on two lanes going right, he decided go on the left lane, I can't go any left because upcoming car would come and crash into me. So I had to stay on same lane, causing over $2,000 on his ford five hundred. His rear drivers side was smashed, whoa! Mine, damage? Just a bent right side bumper, I could pull it a bit and sand then paint, looks like never happened. Same with my friend, he sold his because his truck insurance kept going up all because of its destructive power. However my collision coverage is very cheap cause usually not much damage on my truck. So is personal injury coverage for anyone inside my mammoth truck is very low, its almost impossible to get hurt inside during collision.

If you see superduty, don't screw with it if you got cute small car.

That's Ford F-150, just 3/4 size of my truck, notice how much damage to that Ferrari and how much damage to that truck?

Hey another one, Car Vs Superduty, Im not sure which F-250 or F-350.

Not if my truck and my car both cost the same. My aunt in law is my agent, i'll ask her next time i see her. I did a quick google search and found most people said smaller sportier cars had higher insurnce. So my corolla probably doesn't quallify as sporty.

 

[soutthpaw]

I am a full time college student working a minimum wage work study position. I basically just ride my motorcycle everywhere because its cheaper, but with the end of the riding season coming to an end soon enough, its back to the car for me soon. I have a minimum of 80 miles a day to commute and my current car, which I do regret buying back when I was in the military is too expensive to afford.

It costs most of what I make in a month just to buy a single tire and I buy the least expensive ones that I can. It takes 7 quarts of oil when I change the oil, costs about $40 to fill up, holds 16 gallons and I have been averaging 25 MPG out of a 4.6 litre V8.

My father is for some reason completely against the idea of trading in the car for something less expensive to operate and maintain, but his financial advice went out the window when he hit me up for $20 right after criticizing my idea to own something I can actually afford. I need to cut expenses and that car takes most of my money and I never even use it. I had to list my father as the primary driver just to afford the almost $80 per month insurance cost.

I don't know what to do or if I get a different car, what I should go with. I want an efficient vehicle, that I won't have to finance since my current car is worth a bit. I want something I find aesthetically appealing and is a bit unique at the same time. So far I have only managed to pick 3 cars, I would like advice and ideas of what to possibly go with.

1) older model mini in RHD
2) 99-00ish Honda Insight
3) VW Corrado

I take it you are not in the USA if you want a right hand drive car? reliability should be concern #1 fuel economy #2 one major repair and you will loose everything you save and more in better gas mileage than what you have now.
so #2 is the only option. 25 years turning a wrench and I can tell you fixing either of the other 2 is gonna cost a lot. Less if you happen to live in the UK for #1 or Germany for #3

 

[Jiro]

Three words: Heated Motorcycle Gear

Heated Motorcycle Clothing | Motorcycle Superstore

If it is not snowing, you're riding.

 

[Jiro]

age, and experience played role in insurance rate, go ahead ask your insurance agent, and u will find out.

experience doesn't count. location + age + type of vehicle + engine size + age of vehicle.

my motorcycle insurance in NJ costs me like $165 a year whereas.... it can go up to about $2,000 in NYC.

and my motorcycle insurance costs me $165 because it's 650cc and if I replace it with 1,000cc... it will go up more.

 

[Jiro]

I've never had my insurance go up from small cars. Are you talking mini cars? I've had toyota trucks, 4 runner, jeep cherokee, vw fox, corolla, subaru, new corolla, sidekick and probably others i'm not remenbering all insured about the same. Sports cars like the mustang will be sky high.

me either. I thought what DHB said was very strange.

 

[Jiro]

Right, it depends on car, AND age too. My pu truck is mammoth, bigger than your toyota cute truck. Problem is that since my truck had cause intensive damages to smaller car than the truck itself, result my liability insurance rate shot up. Im pissed off because of an idiot cut in front of me. Problem is both of us are on two lanes going right, he decided go on the left lane, I can't go any left because upcoming car would come and crash into me. So I had to stay on same lane, causing over $2,000 on his ford five hundred. His rear drivers side was smashed, whoa! Mine, damage? Just a bent right side bumper, I could pull it a bit and sand then paint, looks like never happened. Same with my friend, he sold his because his truck insurance kept going up all because of its destructive power. However my collision coverage is very cheap cause usually not much damage on my truck. So is personal injury coverage for anyone inside my mammoth truck is very low, its almost impossible to get hurt inside during collision.

If you see superduty, don't screw with it if you got cute small car.

right. your insurance went up because of you, not what vehicle you drove.

 

[diehardbiker]

Nope its not what insurance agent told me. He told me that record overall shows that Superduty had cause intensive damages to other vehicles, it applies to all of superduty not just me.

I have other vehicle, and they cost me less than half of my superduty, guess what? My other vehicle had total of 7 accidents and running strong! PLUS both have same coverage.

right. your insurance went up because of you, not what vehicle you drove.