My neighbor keeps buying these old, worn out beaters. He's been through
about 5 or 6 in the past 2 years. They're always FWD GM cars, usually
with the 3100, 3300, or 3400 V6 engines. They always have like at least
120K or up to 170K miles, are at least 10 years old, and they always
cost around $1500-$2000 (he doesn't negogiate well). The pattern is
always the same. After he buys it, a month or so goes by, and then
something major happens to it (because of its age and because he's hard
on cars). And it costs $500 to fix it. Then another few months goes
by, and then something else major happens to his car, another $500 --
maybe more or less. Then the car invariably blows up totally and becomes
a 3000 pound paperweight. Then other expenses occur -- several towing
bills at about $100 a pop per year (he doesn't believe in AAA), missing
work a few days per year, gas to drive his huge gas guzzling old GMC
truck for a week or so before buying another car or fixing the present
one. It costs him $150/week in gas to commute with his old GMC truck
(he works far away). Plus, he's stressed and has almost gotten into
some accidents over mechanical problems -- slipping trannies, bad
brakes, etc.. So I figure he's out about $6000-$8000/annually on these
clunkers and their repair, about $600 per month, averaged out. I
suggested that he go down and finance himself a nice new car or nearly
new car for $200/month. His credit is good. "I can't afford it", he
said!!!!!!!! Then you try to tell him, he's already out more than that
per month on the clunkers, but his eyes glaze over. Then I say no more,
not wanting to pry into his personal matters too much more than I have
already done so.

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"grappletech" <noone@removenowhere.biz> wrote in message
news:1154148118_8991@sp6iad.superfeed.net...
> My neighbor keeps buying these old, worn out beaters. He's been through
> about 5 or 6 in the past 2 years. They're always FWD GM cars, usually
> with the 3100, 3300, or 3400 V6 engines. They always have like at least
> 120K or up to 170K miles, are at least 10 years old, and they always
> cost around $1500-$2000 (he doesn't negogiate well). The pattern is
> always the same. After he buys it, a month or so goes by, and then
> something major happens to it (because of its age and because he's hard
> on cars). And it costs $500 to fix it. Then another few months goes
> by, and then something else major happens to his car, another $500 --
> maybe more or less. Then the car invariably blows up totally and becomes
> a 3000 pound paperweight. Then other expenses occur -- several towing
> bills at about $100 a pop per year (he doesn't believe in AAA), missing
> work a few days per year, gas to drive his huge gas guzzling old GMC
> truck for a week or so before buying another car or fixing the present
> one. It costs him $150/week in gas to commute with his old GMC truck
> (he works far away). Plus, he's stressed and has almost gotten into
> some accidents over mechanical problems -- slipping trannies, bad
> brakes, etc.. So I figure he's out about $6000-$8000/annually on these
> clunkers and their repair, about $600 per month, averaged out. I
> suggested that he go down and finance himself a nice new car or nearly
> new car for $200/month. His credit is good. "I can't afford it", he
> said!!!!!!!! Then you try to tell him, he's already out more than that
> per month on the clunkers, but his eyes glaze over. Then I say no more,
> not wanting to pry into his personal matters too much more than I have
> already done so.
>
> ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet
> News==----
> http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+
> Newsgroups
> ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption
> =----

Different side of the coin. If you can find a 100K-150K mileage vehicle
that gets good gas mileage, small (definitely not a truck) that's had
regular maintenance through its life, it can be more economical in fuel
costs/maintenance/repairs/collision and comprehensive and liability
insurance combined costs vice a current vehicle. These are not usually
domestic vehicles, and repair costs do hurt alot because of parts costs.
Overall, its less expensive. Sometimes, very much so. It is a bigger
gamble in any respect with a used vehicle. Takes some shopping and
mechanical knowledge to get a good one, and some luck not knowing how the
vehicle was driven in the past.
--
Jonny

I have had relatively good luck buying late model high mileage cars, my
latest being a 00 Grand Voyager with 177k. I have found that a car does
not get that kind of mileage without being maintained regularly. Befor
that was a 98 Lumina that had 267k when I got it, and 315k when I sold it
(it's still being driven)

"mike53818" <madmike1066@keepguessing.com> wrote in
news:f9e9ab486acffa6a099b729dfb0f63f3@localhost.ta lkaboutautos.com:

> I have had relatively good luck buying late model high mileage cars, my
> latest being a 00 Grand Voyager with 177k. I have found that a car does
> not get that kind of mileage without being maintained regularly. Befor
> that was a 98 Lumina that had 267k when I got it, and 315k when I sold it
> (it's still being driven)
>
>


Plus racking up that many miles so quickly means most of the miles were
highway miles, which are very easy on a car, relative to city miles. Plus,
it's also a function of how the previous owner maintained and operated the
car. I know people who can put a car in the junkyard in 60K miles, and
others who can drive it to 300K.

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On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 23:41:58 -0500, grappletech
<noone@removenowhere.biz> wrote:

>My neighbor keeps buying these old, worn out beaters. He's been through
>about 5 or 6 in the past 2 years. They're always FWD GM cars, usually
>with the 3100, 3300, or 3400 V6 engines. They always have like at least
>120K or up to 170K miles, are at least 10 years old, and they always
>cost around $1500-$2000 (he doesn't negogiate well). The pattern is
>always the same. After he buys it, a month or so goes by, and then
>something major happens to it (because of its age and because he's hard
>on cars). And it costs $500 to fix it. Then another few months goes
>by, and then something else major happens to his car, another $500 --
>maybe more or less. Then the car invariably blows up totally and becomes
>a 3000 pound paperweight. Then other expenses occur -- several towing
>bills at about $100 a pop per year (he doesn't believe in AAA), missing
>work a few days per year, gas to drive his huge gas guzzling old GMC
>truck for a week or so before buying another car or fixing the present
>one. It costs him $150/week in gas to commute with his old GMC truck
>(he works far away). Plus, he's stressed and has almost gotten into
>some accidents over mechanical problems -- slipping trannies, bad
>brakes, etc.. So I figure he's out about $6000-$8000/annually on these
>clunkers and their repair, about $600 per month, averaged out. I
>suggested that he go down and finance himself a nice new car or nearly
>new car for $200/month. His credit is good. "I can't afford it", he
>said!!!!!!!! Then you try to tell him, he's already out more than that
>per month on the clunkers, but his eyes glaze over. Then I say no more,
>not wanting to pry into his personal matters too much more than I have
>already done so.
>

I think your last sentence sums up my opinion. If he can't learn a
lesson the hard way, what makes you think he'll take advice?

On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 23:41:58 -0500, grappletech
<noone@removenowhere.biz> wrote:

>My neighbor keeps buying these old, worn out beaters. He's been through
>about 5 or 6 in the past 2 years. They're always FWD GM cars, usually
>with the 3100, 3300, or 3400 V6 engines. They always have like at least
>120K or up to 170K miles, are at least 10 years old, and they always
>cost around $1500-$2000 (he doesn't negogiate well). The pattern is
>always the same. After he buys it, a month or so goes by, and then
>something major happens to it (because of its age and because he's hard
>on cars). And it costs $500 to fix it. Then another few months goes
>by, and then something else major happens to his car, another $500 --
>maybe more or less. Then the car invariably blows up totally and becomes
>a 3000 pound paperweight. Then other expenses occur -- several towing
>bills at about $100 a pop per year (he doesn't believe in AAA), missing
>work a few days per year, gas to drive his huge gas guzzling old GMC
>truck for a week or so before buying another car or fixing the present
>one. It costs him $150/week in gas to commute with his old GMC truck
>(he works far away). Plus, he's stressed and has almost gotten into
>some accidents over mechanical problems -- slipping trannies, bad
>brakes, etc.. So I figure he's out about $6000-$8000/annually on these
>clunkers and their repair, about $600 per month, averaged out. I
>suggested that he go down and finance himself a nice new car or nearly
>new car for $200/month. His credit is good. "I can't afford it", he
>said!!!!!!!! Then you try to tell him, he's already out more than that
>per month on the clunkers, but his eyes glaze over. Then I say no more,
>not wanting to pry into his personal matters too much more than I have
>already done so.


Never argue with an idiot. He'll defeat you every time by sheer weight
of experience.

Gee I buy a new vehicles every two years for $6,000 or less. My 2007 only
cost me $3,500



mike hunt


"NickySantoro" <NickySantoro@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:vclpc29cneodjita0oerdn8ie3fv8gufkb@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 23:41:58 -0500, grappletech
> <noone@removenowhere.biz> wrote:
>
>>My neighbor keeps buying these old, worn out beaters. He's been through
>>about 5 or 6 in the past 2 years.

>> I figure he's out about $6000-$8000/annually on these
>>clunkers and their repair, about $600 per month, averaged out. I
>>suggested that he go down and finance himself a nice new car or nearly
>>new car for $200/month. His credit is good. "I can't afford it", he
>>said!!!!!!!! Then you try to tell him, he's already out more than that
>>per month on the clunkers, but his eyes glaze over. Then I say no more,
>>not wanting to pry into his personal matters too much more than I have
>>already done so.
>
>
> Never argue with an idiot. He'll defeat you every time by sheer weight
> of experience.

Perhaps he likes working on the cars . It beats hanging out in bars. Cheaper
too.


"Jonny" <spamyourself@blackworm.net> wrote in message
news:x7Lyg.6918$157.4822@newsread3.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> "grappletech" <noone@removenowhere.biz> wrote in message
> news:1154148118_8991@sp6iad.superfeed.net...
> > My neighbor keeps buying these old, worn out beaters. He's been through
> > about 5 or 6 in the past 2 years. They're always FWD GM cars, usually
> > with the 3100, 3300, or 3400 V6 engines. They always have like at least
> > 120K or up to 170K miles, are at least 10 years old, and they always
> > cost around $1500-$2000 (he doesn't negogiate well). The pattern is
> > always the same. After he buys it, a month or so goes by, and then
> > something major happens to it (because of its age and because he's hard
> > on cars). And it costs $500 to fix it. Then another few months goes
> > by, and then something else major happens to his car, another $500 --
> > maybe more or less. Then the car invariably blows up totally and becomes
> > a 3000 pound paperweight. Then other expenses occur -- several towing
> > bills at about $100 a pop per year (he doesn't believe in AAA), missing
> > work a few days per year, gas to drive his huge gas guzzling old GMC
> > truck for a week or so before buying another car or fixing the present
> > one. It costs him $150/week in gas to commute with his old GMC truck
> > (he works far away). Plus, he's stressed and has almost gotten into
> > some accidents over mechanical problems -- slipping trannies, bad
> > brakes, etc.. So I figure he's out about $6000-$8000/annually on these
> > clunkers and their repair, about $600 per month, averaged out. I
> > suggested that he go down and finance himself a nice new car or nearly
> > new car for $200/month. His credit is good. "I can't afford it", he
> > said!!!!!!!! Then you try to tell him, he's already out more than that
> > per month on the clunkers, but his eyes glaze over. Then I say no more,
> > not wanting to pry into his personal matters too much more than I have
> > already done so.
> >
> > ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet
> > News==----
> > http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+
> > Newsgroups
> > ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption
> > =----
>
> Different side of the coin. If you can find a 100K-150K mileage vehicle
> that gets good gas mileage, small (definitely not a truck) that's had
> regular maintenance through its life, it can be more economical in fuel
> costs/maintenance/repairs/collision and comprehensive and liability
> insurance combined costs vice a current vehicle. These are not usually
> domestic vehicles, and repair costs do hurt alot because of parts costs.
> Overall, its less expensive. Sometimes, very much so. It is a bigger
> gamble in any respect with a used vehicle. Takes some shopping and
> mechanical knowledge to get a good one, and some luck not knowing how the
> vehicle was driven in the past.
> --
> Jonny
>
>

How does that work?

"Mike Hunter" <mikehunt2@mailcity.com> wrote in message
news:7pScnSbur5xwvFDZUSdV9g@ptd.net...
> Gee I buy a new vehicles every two years for $6,000 or less. My 2007 only
> cost me $3,500
>
>
>
> mike hunt
>
>
> "NickySantoro" <NickySantoro@optonline.net> wrote in message
> news:vclpc29cneodjita0oerdn8ie3fv8gufkb@4ax.com...
> > On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 23:41:58 -0500, grappletech
> > <noone@removenowhere.biz> wrote:
> >
> >>My neighbor keeps buying these old, worn out beaters. He's been through
> >>about 5 or 6 in the past 2 years.
>
> >> I figure he's out about $6000-$8000/annually on these
> >>clunkers and their repair, about $600 per month, averaged out. I
> >>suggested that he go down and finance himself a nice new car or nearly
> >>new car for $200/month. His credit is good. "I can't afford it", he
> >>said!!!!!!!! Then you try to tell him, he's already out more than that
> >>per month on the clunkers, but his eyes glaze over. Then I say no more,
> >>not wanting to pry into his personal matters too much more than I have
> >>already done so.
> >
> >
> > Never argue with an idiot. He'll defeat you every time by sheer weight
> > of experience.
>
>

"Scott Buchanan" <t120rv@pacifier.com> wrote in
news:12d4akl40g97274@corp.supernews.com:

> Perhaps he likes working on the cars . It beats hanging out in bars.
> Cheaper too.
>

Maybe on a 1970's car with a straight 6, before cars had ecm's, fuel
injection, 30 sensors, etc.. But on the newer cars, unless you have
scanning equipment, you could simply be swapping out parts until you find
the cause, which is expensive. Nah, he doesn't like working on cars,
anyway. He's out there cursing, and 9 times out of 10, he can't even fix
it. People who like working on cars usually work on a classic or old car,
not their daily driver cars and only work on their daily driver cars when
they need repair.


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