Lets revisit the whole car thing, huh?
December 19th, 2006 by Atomictumor
OK, when last we discussed cars, I was thinking that a VW would be nice. You guys all pretty much turned me around with regards to that, so now I think they suck. Woot for having malleable opinions!!
In a decision that would shock and anger the me of 6 months ago, I’m kinda thinking those Chargers make a bit of sense. They’re somewhat roomy, they certainly have some sort of curb appeal, and they go fast. In a hurry. I mean, all cars go fast, but this seems to be one of those fast off the line things.
Problem is, the damn thing doesn’t fit any of my earlier criteria.
It only comes in manual. I mean, it has that stickomatic thing, but what the hell good is that? Its like drinking o’douls or something.
The gas mileage sucks. The Hemi engine’d one is measured by gallons to the mile, as I understand, and the more conservative 6 cyl 3.7 engine gets something like 19 in the city. Not too exciting there.
Dodge reliability sucks balls. I’ve never heard anything good about Dodge transmissions. On a related note, Bullet tells me that the resale value for Dodges is poor.
Its a hair expensive. Used, I’d be putting about 20k into it, which isn’t outside the range of possibilities, but would get me back into a higher payment. Again, not what I’m paying for the van here, and about what I figured the VW would cost, but still more than I’d like, which is if it were free. Like, if somebody with a dealership told me that this one “fell off the truck”, and is mine for, say, 50 bucks and some web design.
Yes, that’d be wicked cool.
But in that world, waterfalls would flow with honey. People would fall up. Everybody would dance to where they’re going, instead of walk. I would have rocket shoes, and, because of that, wouldn’t need a car.
Yep, all sorts of things would be different.
Hmm….
—
My enthusiasm for the car situation has dimmed somewhat, as it has for moving, and everything else. The idea of change isn’t the balm that it was a week ago. The tidal pulls of my emotions are massive and quick, and that takes some getting used to, for sure.
Perhaps next week I’ll be wanting to join a French mime college? Who knows? Its weird in here.
The idea of keeping doing things the way they are seems way too hard, tho. Thats the problem. Going to the same old job (although I was recently told about an opportunity for a higher paying job with the company, I turned it down because I don’t think I’d be able to apply myself worth a damn), driving the same old cars, taking the boys to the same old schools, it sounds really hard.
However, as I sat on the back porch, I was thinking about how much I like that weird little town, Oak Ridge, and how much I’d hate to lose what we’ve built in there.
Hell, who knows. Where I was excited by the realm of possibilities open to me, now I just get discouraged and angry. I’d love for BJ to be here to tell me what to do, because she was smarter than I. Problem was, her answer was always “whatever you want to do”.
I can just pretend she’s saying that now, for all the good it was!
December 19th, 2006 at 11:26 am
Yeah, I wouldn’t go for the Dodge. In fact — and I know I’m going out on a limb here — I still think the Honda has more “curb appeal” and is a much better car/deal.
On a related note, I just picked up my VW from the shop (again). Believe me, if I could travel back in time and stop Future K.C. from buying it, I would.
Happy car shopping.
December 19th, 2006 at 11:27 am
After my latest car trouble drama, I’d avoid the Dodge. I’ve got a dead one sitting at the mechanic’s right now. I always thought they were pretty good, since I’d had two late model Dodges that never had any engine trouble at all until this recent. What the mechanic told me last week was that when they start going bad, it’s really bad. It’s still sitting out there dead right now with some mystery ailment, but he got my also-dead 20 year old (but with less than 20K miles) GM car out on the street in less than 2 days. So I’m sold now, no more Dodges or related for moi!
December 19th, 2006 at 11:41 am
i know of a dented purple dodge neon with a slippy transmission (ironically) for $50 (keep your web design) … come to thing of it, i’d GIVE you $50 to take it and hide it, drive it into the freakin river, so i can claim it stolen. in light of a purple dodge neon, do “whatever you want to do” and you really can’t go wrong.
December 19th, 2006 at 11:58 am
All cars are the same, you will get some people that say all they have had is bad luck- but with anything you have some good and some bad with all things. I personally have not had any problems from my charger. I have two Dodge cars and both have been wonderful. But I know of people that say that they have had terrible luck. If you do a search on the web you will find hate blogs on all cars.
December 19th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
“just do whatever you think is best”– don’t you just HATE that?!
I’ve heard it all my life, sometimes all I want is for a decision to be made for me!
(I hear ya)
December 19th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
We had Toyotas for 12 yrs. Nothing but a Toyota. They ran well, got decent gas mileage, and trade in value was good.
Then 9/11 hit and we swelled with American pride (and were tempted by the 0% interest rate) Goodbye Toyota, hello Chevy.
Goodbye reliability and durability, hello hunk of crap. After 3 weeks I couldn’t WAIT to get out of that van. Break downs, road noise, parts flying off when you least expect it…not my idea of a good time. Finally 3 1/2 yrs later we traded it in for a Camry and I couldn’t be happier.
I know, I know, it’s not an American company, but it is MADE IN AMERICAN and AMERICANS are building them! :) And when American companies start putting quality into their cars, I’ll consider buying another one—that is, if Toyota (or Honda) goes out of business. :)
December 19th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
I’m comfortably in the heights of blasphemy as I state that cars are cars. Whatever. Some look okay, some look stupid, but if it drives well and I’m nice to it, we’re all good. I just put 150,000 miles on a Saturn in 6 years, loved that car, but I didn’t buy another one because I’m currently embracing my soccer-mom-suburbia motif.
As for the “whatever you want”… yeah, I hate that. But I’m an oppositional snot, so as soon as someone actually TELLS me what to do, then I don’t want that, either.
December 19th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
“The tidal pulls of my emotions are massive and quick.”
Welcome to life as a woman. Before you know it, you’ll be concerned about how your ass looks in your favorite jeans. :)
December 19th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
Well, file this in the For What It’s Worth column, but I love my VW. I have an 02 Jetta TDI. 45/50 mpg and zero problems since I’ve had it. I’m at almost 100k and it’s still a great car and so fun to drive.
December 19th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
I’m 6′2″ and both Dodge Charger and Magnum are like driving a tank. Blind Spot City, man. The windows are a narrow slot at shoulder height and you can’t see a dang thing to the front right from the driver’s seat because the rearview mirror blocks the view.
December 19th, 2006 at 3:10 pm
We just bought a Honda Accord and love it. We did a lot of research before we bought and had narrowed it down to Honda, Nissan, or Toyota based on cost, saftey, and reliability. We have a 95 Nissan Sentra that has over 500k and the odometer stopped long ago. It has also been hit a few times and is safe in my opinion. I love the Maximas for style, room, and get up and go. Got the consumer reports book if ya need it.
December 19th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
Now! This is something I know about! Dodge = junk. Long and short. If your set on dodge, look at the Caliber. It’s basically a neon with a nice body, which means most all the kinks have been worked out. I do like Honda, Nisan and toyota, but the main problem with them is the cost of parts. They are reliable, but when something breaks, you PAY. About a year ago I bought my ford focus, base model. The only real problems you have there are the DPFE (EGR Posisition Sensor)and valve cover leaks. If you are buying used ask them to replace the DPFE before you buy it, and look for leaks on the engine. If it’s been cleaned when you drive it turn the heat on and you’ll be able to smell the burning oil. So, my vote? Focus.
December 19th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
Think Camry. Buy Camry. I am on my second one after the first was totaled last year. I love these cars. There is room in the back seat for adults with average legs, not just short legs. It rides well. It doesn’t bother me. Yes, Camry. No to anything else.
December 19th, 2006 at 5:19 pm
I have a VW Jetta too, and my complaints aren’t with the car as much as the dealership. Takes forever to get in for an oil change, etc.
I’m thinking seriously about one of the hybrids, maybe the Saturn Green Vue. Mostly because I like having actual air to breathe, but also because it’s made in Spring Hill, Tennessee (folks I know like having actual jobs to go to, too…)
December 19th, 2006 at 5:21 pm
AT as you well know I have a Dodge. You have ridden in it. I have owned it for two years this spring and the only maintenance this beast has had is scheduled oil changes. Not one single problem. That’s the good part.
The bad part is that this 5.9 Liter V-8, while fun to drive, sucks up some serious gasoline. About 12.5 MPH.
Don’t get the Dodge dude.
December 19th, 2006 at 6:10 pm
i always say do what you want as long as you know what you want. If you dont know, then don’t do anything. As far as cars go, I love my Yukon. Since you probably dont need the third row yet, look at the envoy. If you don’t go with the gmc’s my vote goes to toyota. Are you in Chatt’sville for Christmas?
December 19th, 2006 at 6:19 pm
Think Honda Accord. Mine is 10 yrs old and I have had only two major mx issues in all those years. I love this car. About the other stuff…..wait a year and then see how you feel, now is not the time to be having any more major changes in your life. Try to sit back and relax. Merry Christmas.
December 19th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
I had a 1990 Honda Civic Hatchback for 10 years until I gave it up. That sucker was 16 years old and still getting me from A to B without a problem. More importantly, I just bought a newer Honda for like 2000 under sticker. Never forget, there’s room to negotiate! And they do retain their value really, really well. I’m pulling for you to get the Honda, man.
December 19th, 2006 at 8:59 pm
Toyota Tacoma — extended cab.
That, or a Honda element.
December 19th, 2006 at 9:04 pm
Had a Focus. Loved it.
DH had a mazda. Hated it.
Have a Honda Accord. Love it.
Have a Ford Freestlye. Triple love it. (Bigger than Accord. Fabulous for Road trips)
December 19th, 2006 at 10:59 pm
I love Honda’s, tis what my last four vehicles have been. HOWEVER, a good friend of mine got a new charger about a year ago. I thought “charger..ick, redneck, what the hell is this yuppy dentist thinking?” till I saw it. It’s sweet, drives great, and they love it. And come on, ya get to tell people you have a HEMI. (they have a two year old whose third word actually was “hemi” just like that commercial. later AT,
PT
December 19th, 2006 at 11:31 pm
It’ll all come to you — it’s just not time yet, as you’re still percolating. You’ll make decisions. Some of them will be better than others, but it’ll all be good.