- #51
mathwonk
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oh and the reason new cars cost more, is they are the only cars whose history is completely known. that is worth the price alone.
of course they drop in value as soon as drive off the lot because then the next owner no longer knows how well you kept the car. so keep records.
mainly, change the oil every 3,000 miles. so what if some study says it isn't needed? are you trying to save $20?
its cheap and it works, and its your money ($20,000) if you need another new one sooner than planned.
as the old saying goes: oil changes are lots cheaper than engine rebuilds.
also keep a record of all maintenance as done and as will be needed in future and when.
i.e.
brakes- every so many miles (30,000? 60,000?)
timing belts- every 90,000?
clutches, 60,000?
tires, 50,000?
belts check them regularly,
change water pumps when changing timing belts i think they say.
and don't freak out when one of these things needs replacing, that's part of owning a car. so anticipate it. even valves, rings, engines can be rebuilt, but most people want a new car at that time. but only novices think a car is worn out when it needs a clutch or brakes, or a CV joint.
and always carry a cell phone in the car for when the idiot hits you in a Ford truck and you need to call for help. If you don't have one and cannot call the police, take down not just his license and insurance policy number, but the description of his vehicle, license number , color, make model, and of him, so you can make a case if he decides to deny hitting you the next day, like my guy did.
Not being able to prove he hit me cost me $13,000 for another (used) car. It looked good even when my mechanic checked it out, but later it turned out to have a damaged wheel that could have cost my wife's life by causing the tire to fail.
of course they drop in value as soon as drive off the lot because then the next owner no longer knows how well you kept the car. so keep records.
mainly, change the oil every 3,000 miles. so what if some study says it isn't needed? are you trying to save $20?
its cheap and it works, and its your money ($20,000) if you need another new one sooner than planned.
as the old saying goes: oil changes are lots cheaper than engine rebuilds.
also keep a record of all maintenance as done and as will be needed in future and when.
i.e.
brakes- every so many miles (30,000? 60,000?)
timing belts- every 90,000?
clutches, 60,000?
tires, 50,000?
belts check them regularly,
change water pumps when changing timing belts i think they say.
and don't freak out when one of these things needs replacing, that's part of owning a car. so anticipate it. even valves, rings, engines can be rebuilt, but most people want a new car at that time. but only novices think a car is worn out when it needs a clutch or brakes, or a CV joint.
and always carry a cell phone in the car for when the idiot hits you in a Ford truck and you need to call for help. If you don't have one and cannot call the police, take down not just his license and insurance policy number, but the description of his vehicle, license number , color, make model, and of him, so you can make a case if he decides to deny hitting you the next day, like my guy did.
Not being able to prove he hit me cost me $13,000 for another (used) car. It looked good even when my mechanic checked it out, but later it turned out to have a damaged wheel that could have cost my wife's life by causing the tire to fail.
