The Swamp

Posted: **Wed Oct 12, 2016 4:19 pm**

You seem pretty set on the Mazda so that's fine, but one man's opinion -- I have several friends and family members who have the Ford Escape that's built on the same platform and which should be similarly priced and they all love it.

For whatever reason, my anecdotal experience with people who've had Mazda's is the same as Dave's -- Mazda's are built like shit and I don't really know why.

Posted: **Wed Oct 12, 2016 4:45 pm**

brian wrote:You seem pretty set on the Mazda so that's fine, but one man's opinion -- I have several friends and family members who have the Ford Escape that's built on the same platform and which should be similarly priced and they all love it.

For whatever reason, my anecdotal experience with people who've had Mazda's is the same as Dave's -- Mazda's are built like shit and I don't really know why.

FWIW, (not much), to follow on Brian's post, we own a 2010 Ford Ecape hybrid. It's been a fine dependable vehicle, and I like it a lot. Going to hand it down to my daughter. Rides like a truck, though.

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2016 8:05 am**

brian wrote:You seem pretty set on the Mazda so that's fine, but one man's opinion -- I have several friends and family members who have the Ford Escape that's built on the same platform and which should be similarly priced and they all love it.

For whatever reason, my anecdotal experience with people who've had Mazda's is the same as Dave's -- Mazda's are built like shit and I don't really know why.

This was several years back (Saturn was still selling cars) but as I recall the Tribute and Escape were built in the same plant. Have to believe the craftsmanship is similar for both vehicles.

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2016 8:31 am**

brian wrote:Anyone else put a deposit down on a Tesla Model III? I'm like 180,000th in line. It's going to be awhile.

Just saw this. Had a Model S for a rental car in Norway in July and it was by far the favorite car that I've ever driven. And I used to valet, so I've driven a lot of cars $100,000 and under.

I have to imagine the new one will be at least comparable and I want.

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2016 9:26 am**

brian wrote:You seem pretty set on the Mazda so that's fine, but one man's opinion -- I have several friends and family members who have the Ford Escape that's built on the same platform and which should be similarly priced and they all love it.

For whatever reason, my anecdotal experience with people who've had Mazda's is the same as Dave's -- Mazda's are built like shit and I don't really know why.

We've had a couple of Mazdas (the 6 and a CX-9). Both have been/were great. We sold the 6 when we moved, we knew we'd need an AWD car in Colorado and didn't want to deal with moving two cars. Still have the 2010 CX-9, it's really low mileage but we've had almost zero issues with it. If my next car isn't a Tesla of some kind, it will probably be a Mazda.

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2016 9:31 am**

wlu_lax6 wrote:
brian wrote:You seem pretty set on the Mazda so that's fine, but one man's opinion -- I have several friends and family members who have the Ford Escape that's built on the same platform and which should be similarly priced and they all love it.

For whatever reason, my anecdotal experience with people who've had Mazda's is the same as Dave's -- Mazda's are built like shit and I don't really know why.
This was several years back (Saturn was still selling cars) but as I recall the Tribute and Escape were built in the same plant. Have to believe the craftsmanship is similar for both vehicles.

Mazda CX-5 is built in Japan (with parts from Russia and three other countries), the Escape is built in Minnesota.

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2016 12:59 pm**

Gunpowder wrote:Had a Model S for a rental car in Norway in July and it was by far the favorite car that I've ever driven.

Where did you go in Norway? We were there in August.

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2016 1:32 pm**

Steve of phpBB wrote:
Gunpowder wrote:Had a Model S for a rental car in Norway in July and it was by far the favorite car that I've ever driven.
Where did you go in Norway? We were there in August.

Bergen this time. I've been to Oslo and Tromso as well in past trips. Norwegian flies hella cheap from FLL.

Norway is awesome.

Posted: **Thu Oct 13, 2016 2:41 pm**

Is that Pulpit Rock? We did a cruise along the fjord to see it, but it was socked in.

We were on a cruise in August that went up the Norway coast, with stops in Stavanger, Bergen, Alesund and Geiranger. It was awesome, except for all the rain.

Didn't you also go to Budapest last year - about a week after I did?

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2016 12:16 am**

I get uncomfortable just looking at you in that picture. (I don't like heights. Especially cliff edges.)

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2016 8:14 am**

That's Trolltunga. The platform is a lot wider than it looks in pictures. Hundreds of people on it every day, and only one has fallen to their death from what I could find.

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2016 8:15 am**

Steve of phpBB wrote:Is that Pulpit Rock? We did a cruise along the fjord to see it, but it was socked in.

We were on a cruise in August that went up the Norway coast, with stops in Stavanger, Bergen, Alesund and Geiranger. It was awesome, except for all the rain.

Didn't you also go to Budapest last year - about a week after I did?

Probably - I was there I think last September - it's so easy to get to Europe from Fort Lauderdale, we do a trip or two per year.

Posted: **Fri Oct 14, 2016 8:33 am**

Gunpowder wrote:That's Trolltunga. The platform is a lot wider than it looks in pictures. Hundreds of people on it every day, and only one has fallen to their death from what I could find.

Maybe they cleaned up all the others?

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 10:17 am**

Without inserting which way I'm leaning so as to not bias, I'll give the situation and you guys give the best option ...

Facts:
- Wife has a 3+ year old Rav4 that we plan on keeping for a while
- I have a ~12 year old Highlander w/ 140K miles
- The Highlander stuck around because it was paid off and we had a dog and I wasn't driving all that much
- Highlander would likely be described as "fair" condition because of numerous cosmetic dings and scratches and maybe a little puke and blood
- I'm now driving ~35 miles round trip for work on days I go into the office
- Highlander is bigger than needed (we can travel fine in the Rav4) and not gas friendly
- Highlander will eventually start needing money pumped in

Conclusion:
- Highlander's useless-to-us life seems to be up

Options:
1. Buy another car for a 10+ year expected life
Pros: Lower cost long term, cost certainty
Cons: Not sure what I want, no idea what our combined driving situation will be going forward, fucking daycare makes upfront money less appealing

2. Lease
Pros: Less locked in, can run 36 months out until the end of daycare and reassess, lower monthly cost
Cons: Probably costs more in the long run?

3. Stick with the Highlander
Pros: I don't have to do anything, more or less free 2nd car if viewed on a cash basis
Cons: Can change to drastically not free at any moment, bad fit for current usage

Things Worth Noting:
- I care very little to not at all about "fun to drive" cars
- I really like Toyotas and could see myself hating anything else because its not what I'm now very accustomed to

WHAT SAY THE SWAMP???

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 10:19 am**

I'm buying two cars in the very near future. Looking hard at an older highlander with low miles because we have a highlander right now that has been great.

In your sitch I'd get something with good gas mileage that will last 10 years, put it on an 84 for low payments. Accord/camry, etc.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 11:05 am**

My only issue with that is we're theoretically in an area where you could go with only one car. No idea what the job situation will be down the line, but walking to/from train with one car as the school shuttle and weekend ride would be quite ok.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 11:48 am**

mister d wrote: WHAT SAY THE SWAMP???

Find some Yokel in the heart of Coal Country looking for a Highlander, and sell it to him at an unreasonably high price.

I'll vouch for the Camry. Still driving my 2005 Camry without any issues. Closing in on 150,000 miles. I want a new car, as the exterior is all scratched up, and the kids have stained the interior, but I feel it's a waste to trade in a car in great condition. I would love to get a Tesla, but it sounds like it could be years before I could get one of the new, less expensive models, and I can't see spending $90,000 grand on a car.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 12:03 pm**

$90K sounds like a decent over/under for total purchase price of my next 4 cars.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 12:43 pm**

Leasing is great IF you like "fun-to-drive" cars. If not, it's not worthwhile.

I'd buy a new one and then sell it down the road if your needs change. You don't need to put down a ton of upfront money necessarily.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 12:48 pm**

I noticed a headlight is out this morning and it looks like a remove-a-fucking-tire pain in the ass.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 12:50 pm**

The ones where all you change is a bulb is the best.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 12:53 pm**

That appears to be the case, but I need to make room in the wheel well to remove a bunch of clips and then remove a casing and then reach the clip for the bulb and remove it and...

One video I watched, the guy said he managed to do it without removing the tire but admitted he was "small-boned".

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 1:02 pm**

Be sure to apply some lubricant on the bulb when you install it, otherwise removing it later will be a colossal pain in the ass.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 1:02 pm**

Gunpowder wrote:I'd buy a new one and then sell it down the road if your needs change. You don't need to put down a ton of upfront money necessarily.

But selling inside of a hypothetical lease window means I'd be pretty solidly upside-down. This is where not having fully spelled out lease fees is annoying because as stated + ~$2-3K for various fees and taxes + purchase option isn't really that much worse than buying now with the free walk benefit.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 1:50 pm**

The Sybian wrote:
mister d wrote: WHAT SAY THE SWAMP???
Find some Yokel in the heart of Coal Country looking for a Highlander, and sell it to him at an unreasonably high price.

I'll vouch for the Camry. Still driving my 2005 Camry without any issues. Closing in on 150,000 miles. I want a new car, as the exterior is all scratched up, and the kids have stained the interior, but I feel it's a waste to trade in a car in great condition. I would love to get a Tesla, but it sounds like it could be years before I could get one of the new, less expensive models, and I can't see spending $90,000 grand on a car.

ha! Already bought one. Got two vehicles, both under blue book and sweet financing.Pretty pleased. Not thrilled about the tennager insurance, but hey. You live.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 1:52 pm**

Sabo wrote:...Be sure to apply some lubricant on the bulb when you install it, otherwise removing it later will be a colossal pain in the ass...

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 1:57 pm**

Sabo wrote:Be sure to apply some lubricant...when you in...her...colossal...ass.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:01 pm**

rass wrote:
Sabo wrote:Be sure to apply some lubricant...when you in...her...colossal...ass.

Would lubricant really be necessary in that scenario?

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:05 pm**

brian wrote:
rass wrote:
Sabo wrote:Be sure to apply some lubricant...when you in...her...colossal...ass.
Would lubricant really be necessary in that scenario?

Maybe not for you...

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:07 pm**

rass wrote:
brian wrote:
rass wrote:
Sabo wrote:Be sure to apply some lubricant...when you in...her...colossal...ass.
Would lubricant really be necessary in that scenario?
Maybe not for you...

Touche.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:14 pm**

Nice avatar. Pretend I'm photoshopping out "URGER", ok?

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:19 pm**

I'm in a 2009 Honda CRV.

Almost hate to type this (in case of a jinx), but never had any issue with it, even last winter when it was under 10 degrees every day for two months.

Posted: **Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:21 pm**

rass wrote:I noticed a headlight is out this morning and it looks like a remove-a-fucking-tire pain in the ass.

You can usually replace them without too much hassle.

Posted: **Wed Apr 19, 2017 12:27 pm**

Alright, what am I missing here ...

Camry SE MSRP: $23,840

Lease Down: $1,999
Lease Monthly: $5,724 (36 x $159)
Lease End Option: $13,711
Total Cost w/ Purchase: $21,434

So the lease, with zero negotiation, starts me $2,400 under MSRP? Does that mean buying should really put me in the $20-$21K range?

Posted: **Mon Aug 07, 2017 5:59 pm**

Just bought a new 2017 Hyundai Tucson. My 2007 Honda Element was hit and totaled while I sat at a red light.

Posted: **Tue Aug 08, 2017 6:02 am**

bfj wrote:Just bought a new 2017 Hyundai Tucson. My 2007 Honda Element was hit and totaled while I sat at a red light.

Was that supposed to be a picture of your fucked up Honda?

Posted: **Tue Aug 08, 2017 8:24 am**

rass wrote:
bfj wrote:Just bought a new 2017 Hyundai Tucson. My 2007 Honda Element was hit and totaled while I sat at a red light.

Was that supposed to be a picture of your fucked up ...d...?

Posted: **Tue Aug 08, 2017 9:37 am**

bfj wrote:Just bought a new 2017 Hyundai Tucson. My 2007 Honda Element was hit and totaled while I sat at a red light.

Aw man, I got high in that car!

Posted: **Tue Aug 08, 2017 11:31 am**

rass wrote:
bfj wrote:Just bought a new 2017 Hyundai Tucson. My 2007 Honda Element was hit and totaled while I sat at a red light.

Was that supposed to be a picture of your fucked up Honda?

No, that was supposed to be a picture of my new ride. The Honda looked fine until we removed the rear bumper and saw how the frame was bent and rippled.

Posted: **Tue Aug 08, 2017 11:31 am**

Giff wrote:
bfj wrote:Just bought a new 2017 Hyundai Tucson. My 2007 Honda Element was hit and totaled while I sat at a red light.

Aw man, I got high in that car!

Yes, yes you did. As did one other Swamper that I can remember.

The Swamp

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