Considering buying older vehicle

Money
1

I currently have a 22 Ford Maverick. It only has 95K miles on it and it is currently at the dealer as they troubleshoot the erratic transmission. I suspect that transmission needs to be replaced but it could be something like a computer, sensor, or valve body. If it is transmission, it will likely be about $7,000!!! WTF! That is insane price. With the modern computerized vehicles, there is limited things I can repair. Modern cars have multiple computers and you can’t simply swap out a transmission with out reprograming the computer. It is insanely frustrating!!!

I am seriously thinking about going backwards in technology to when cars were simpler.

  • Currently considering a foxbody mustang. Not sure if I would get the 5.0L or turbo a 2.3L. I wasn’t a huge fan of them when they were new but they are growing on me. There are TONS of aftermarket support for these as they are very common drag cars. I would get a manual transmission.
  • Also considering getting a older ford ranger and going 2.3L and converting it to Propane. Downside is I have kids and back seats are TINY!
  • Another option is the early 70’s Ford Maverick or Mercury Comet. I had a 73 a long long time ago.
  • Another highly reliable early 2000’s Toyota Camry is a solid choice. VERY reliable, easy to work on when they do need to be fixed.
  • The wholly grail would be 67 fastback but these are too expensive to use as a commuter car.

What is an older vehicle you would like to drive?

2

95k for a 3 year old car? Jesus that’s a lot of miles. I drive across the country and I have 15 on a 2 year one car

3

If I buy another car, getting to the age I may not have to, I would consider a crown vic or marquis. Figure on replacing motor and trans at their age, probably the AC. and anything else that was needed. Think I could do that for no more than $20k. Then I could drive without the car trying to tell me every time it didn’t like something. Too may buzzers and bells, most being totally useless.

4

My ex Father in Law did that back in the late 80’s and 90’s.

5

Part of the reason for buying simpler vehicle that I can easily repair and rebuild. Vehicle cost is substantial. The depreciation on newer vehicle far exceeds the tiny fuel savings from cars from 90-00’s.

6

I’d get a 2010-11 Honda Element with AWD and the 5 speed manual. They have the VTEC engine which is pretty decent.

7

I am looking at older Jeep Wranglers again.
I want to go pre-2008, when they still had the straight 6.
I drive 30 minutes each way to work, so I am torn between the smooth ride of the Nissan I currently drive and the fun of the Jeep.

8

Inline 6 are typically very durable. I have never ridden in the Wrangler but I suspect they don’t ride smooth.

9

You ever look at government surplus? High mileage but you can get a lot of well maintained vehicles cheap.
I have never looked into it but my friend buy them all the time as he likes to work on cars. It’s his hobby.

10

I have. I bought one years ago. I have bought other items in past on surplus auctions.

What I have learned is buyer beware. Cities and counties often run on shoestring budgets. They often don’t just replace good vehicles unless they are insanely high mileage. States and feds are way more wasteful and will replace items simply based on age and not condition. So before you bid on a gov surplus auction, it is advisable to personally inspect first otherwise your likely getting a basket case.

11

Look at federal. THat is what he buys. His focus is on diesels. Sometimes he will a lot of them just to have parts.

No idea if it is a good idea. He is happy doing it. He is also fairly well to do, so no clue if he is saving money or just fueling a hobby.

12

There was a year or two in the mid 90’s when Jeep made the suspension smoother.
Wrangle enthusiasts complained because it took away the true feel.

13

Tried to by a car for my daughter through one, but my wife didn’t trust it.

14

He only drives diesel. He hit it big, working for a startup, and started fixing cars as a hobby. Funny since he never showed any interest when we were younger. Now it’s his thing. He added on a garage to his property that would rival most dealerships.