Since i am in the enviable position of having someone buy me my next ride, is there any way i can justify having them opt for a used sedan with a stick (60's era) or wagon of later years versus some horriffic american/import "practical" car? Please be creative.
Safer?
Recycling vs. new production?
Keeping down the trade deficit??
Aesthetics?

Think of something, please. (Even if you might not think its uh totally valid.)

I have observed many creative minds during my short time on this forum.

Save me from an automotive apocalypse.


(ex owner of w108 and w126)

Older cars can be far less expensive, easier to work on and far more reliable if properly maintained. Plus you can get far more bang for the buck on an older vehicle.

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Sent from an agnostic abacus

2014 C250 21,XXX my new DD ** 2013 GLK 350 18,000 Wife's new DD**

- With out god, life is everything.
- God is an ever receding pocket of scientific ignorance that's getting smaller and smaller as time moves on..." Neil DeGrasse Tyson
- You can pray for me, I'll think for you.
- When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.

Insurance is lower if you register as an Antique vehicle in some states. no electronics so maintaining will be easier. Junkyards abound with parts and you'll be preserving for posterity and future generations to come a wonderful symbol of classic motoring. there, howd that sound?

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

very persuasive.

are you in sales? politics? marketing? diplomatic corps?

latest offer is.......a new ford ranger pickup

surely someone has a nice old wagon that i can use for my painting business

daily driver, 80's? maybe a stick

(no amg wheels, no blaupunkt, etc. necessary)

i am on the west coast

i will even change my religion and political affiliations

(ok, maybe i exxagerate slightly)

I've been told I'm as diplomatic as a brick...

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

as diplomatic as Attila the Hun . . . .

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

tell your dad you want to maintain it. my dad was a strong believer in me doing as much for myself as possible. I know some parents are not like that. but if you make it a point of pride maybe they will let you get an older car. I can tell you I'm 24 and I've never had my car towed with a tow truck. I always have a tool bag on me and since I've worked on every car I've ever owned I've been in a position where I'm able to keep an ear out and fix every problem that comes my way.

I work for an engineering firm, and its amazing the stuff people will not do on their cars. very capable people, engineers, simply because they don't want to deal with it. I can tell you that every guy i know who takes their car to a mechanic is disappointed when they pick it up and pay the bill.

if you are the type of guy who has it in you to take on the challenge of keeping an older car on the road (I'm betting you are if you are on this forum) you will be more satisfied with your ownership experience.

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its an idea, keep 'em coming

Unless you really really need a truck, Ford Rangers are terrible.

Sure they're very reliable and tough but they ride like crap, dog slow, and get terrible gas mileage.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Get the new Ranger P/U w/manual trans. What are you some kinda nut?

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

Get a 1983 K-car if you want to impress your parents by your mechanical ingenuity.

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

They aren't engineers at heart then, it's just a job.

It is amazing the things people can't or won't do. Simple little things. Paying $100's of dollars to do things they could do in an hour or less. I'm really starting to think incompatence is becoming fashionable.

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

All my engineering co-workers are impressed that I can maintain my cars.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Precisely how much is the "budget" for this set of wheels.
Hit us back with the high limit and I will bequeath the benefit{which many here can vouch for}of my experience.