Considering trading the gas-guzzler? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jim B. · #31 05-11-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

I'd look at Subarus too.

The used ones are hard to find. When I came in several weeks ago looking to trade my 1995 Outback in on a new one, that had 123k on it, and was garaged, had all records and books on it, fully detailed and serviced including a timing belt, the Subaru dealer at first could not understand why I was there at all, looking for a new Outback.

One they realized I was serious, though they jumped at the chance to take it in trade even though it was 13 years old.

They said used ones are impossible to find, because most of them get handed down in families from one member to another, and seldom come on the market. I had no idea of that.

But I do like the new one, it is excellent. I just also installed a factory accessory subwoofer, and the sound inside that wagon is just incredible, wonderful, now. Far better than anything I ever heard in the house.

Hatterasguy · #32 05-11-2008, 09:21 PM

Bot look at the new body style Rav4, not sexy but it will fill the bill. On the highway the 4 cylinder will cruise at 80-90 without breaking a sweat and return near 30mpg.

Plantman · #33 05-11-2008, 10:07 PM

To further complicate issues, think of how many people that were stuggling to get by before gas went thru the roof.

Now imagine that you want to rethink your driving philpsophy and want to buy a civic for example, a new one.

A lot of these same people are upside down on their trades, so if you were to by a 20k civic, and had no money to cover the difference in your cars value and the balance owed on the loan, you would be unable to buy the new civic, because no bank is going to finance 125% of a cars value.

Now you are really screwed.

I imagine that insurance companies will be taking a hit very soon with all those hummers and escalades that will mysteriously wind up at the bottom of a lake.

.02

Larry Delor · #34 05-11-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

What if I'm considering trading in a Jetta TDI with under 40K miles?

If it's a Mk V, you can get damn near what you paid for it.

I checked on Insurance costs...a Jetta TDI vs. the E420. The TDI would cost me $8 more, every 6 months.

With the kind of mpg I am getting right now, I would be tripling my mileage with ease.

aklim · #35 05-11-2008, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

The price of the gas at the pump is only one thing. The correct caluculator should be the OVERALL COST PER MILE. This includes insurance, cost of repairs, tax, license fees, purchase price of the new car, depreciation and many other things.

A sober flinty eyed car buyer could make a very cogent case for buying a 15 year old Ford Crown Victoria and running it for cheaper than a brand new Chevy Aveo, for example using the above approach

Exactly. However, the salesman is there for himself and will NOT tell you these things.

Depending on the circumcisions, yes.

As they say: A fool and his money are soon parted. A sucker is born every day. Survival of the fittest (and that includes mental fitness)

aklim · #36 05-11-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Bot look at the new body style Rav4, not sexy but it will fill the bill. On the highway the 4 cylinder will cruise at 80-90 without breaking a sweat and return near 30mpg.

I have a feeling it will be an underpowered POS though.

aklim · #37 05-11-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

With the kind of mpg I am getting right now, I would be tripling my mileage with ease.

Consider this. In 04, I had a T-Bone accident. I got hit on the driver door with the bumper of the other car. 99 C280 vs Honda Civic. I got of with lighter injuries than the girl did. Her strongest side vs my weakest side at 55 mph. I can earn more money AS LONG AS I AM NOT CRIPPLED OR DEAD. I cannot regenerate new limbs and organs.

Matt L · #38 05-11-2008, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

If it's a Mk V, you can get damn near what you paid for it.

It's a 2006.5. I bought it after looking for a decent used diesel sedan for more than six months. With the prices that the TDI's were getting with 50K miles, it made no sense not to buy new.

If I sell it while it's still a fresh body style and get high dollar for it, my cost per mile for this car will probably be a record for me.

Larry Delor · #39 05-11-2008, 10:54 PM

They are coming out with a wagon for 2009.
I was/am amazed at the prices they are fetching used.

aklim · #40 05-11-2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

I was/am amazed at the prices they are fetching used.

Why? Gas prices are jumping, people are panicking and ditching their vehicles for higher mpg ones. They THINK (not fully considering) that they will make up for it. All too often, they don't. Look around. See all sorts of new devices that give magic mpg pop up too?

Larry Delor · #41 05-11-2008, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Consider this. In 04, I had a T-Bone accident. I got hit on the driver door with the bumper of the other car. 99 C280 vs Honda Civic. I got of with lighter injuries than the girl did. Her strongest side vs my weakest side at 55 mph. I can earn more money AS LONG AS I AM NOT CRIPPLED OR DEAD. I cannot regenerate new limbs and organs.

The Jetta doesn't appear to be a tin can, compared to the E420.
The Jetta weighs 3197lbs. vs. 3745lbs. for the E420. I imagine most of those lbs. are in the engine. The Jetta has a great side impact rating, and side curtain airbags....the E420, has 2 plus whoever is in the passenger seat.

Certainly it's not a Mack truck...but it doesn't seem to be a tin can death trap either.

Larry Delor · #42 05-11-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Why? Gas prices are jumping, people are panicking and ditching their vehicles for higher mpg ones. They THINK (not fully considering) that they will make up for it. All too often, they don't. Look around. See all sorts of new devices that give magic mpg pop up too?

I've got some rare earth magnets, that when you attach them to your bumper, and attach the opposite pole to the guy behind you, will thrust your vehicle up to 60 mph, near instantly!

aklim · #43 05-11-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

I've got some rare earth magnets, that when you attach them to your bumper, and attach the opposite pole to the guy behind you, will thrust your vehicle up to 60 mph, near instantly!

Really? How much for a fellow MS member? I gotta get one myself? Do you ship overnight? With the amount I save, I can afford overnight shipping.

Larry Delor · #44 05-11-2008, 11:09 PM

Shipping can be near instant! I just need your coordinates, calculate the trajectory angle and all that stuff that goes along with it, somehow force two opposing magnets together, and let that sucker fly! You can pay me, when it gets there. Heck, I might just drop a few in my jeans back pocket, and launch myself to your place - have a beer ready.

aklim · #45 05-11-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

Shipping can be near instant! I just need your coordinates, calculate the trajectory angle and all that stuff that goes along with it, somehow force two opposing magnets together, and let that sucker fly! You can pay me, when it gets there. Heck, I might just drop a few in my jeans back pocket, and launch myself to your place -

have a beer ready.

Will go get the GPS and figure out the coordinates.

If you are in the Madison, WI area or I am ever in the FL area, why not.