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I'm so sick of car upkeep
- Thread starter Poltergust
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CapitalismSucks DonkeyBalls
Banned
I drive a Volvo and I gladly pay for the upkeep because it's a stellar fucking vehicle.
OP, I've dealt with a lot of these issues. I drove a Maxima with 230k+ miles on it for about 2 years. I loved it, but by the time I was creeping up to 250k, it was breaking down. Oil leaks, radiator problems, you name it.
Best thing you can do is study up cars that are reliable and easy to maintain. If you can afford a new or certified pre-owned that's at most 3 or 4 years old, you should definitely consider it.
OP, I've dealt with a lot of these issues. I drove a Maxima with 230k+ miles on it for about 2 years. I loved it, but by the time I was creeping up to 250k, it was breaking down. Oil leaks, radiator problems, you name it.
Best thing you can do is study up cars that are reliable and easy to maintain. If you can afford a new or certified pre-owned that's at most 3 or 4 years old, you should definitely consider it.
DrGonzo615
Banned
So you have cars with high mileage with one that was repaired by somebody who obviously did a half assed job and you dont understand why you have so many problems with them?
Nastrodamous
Member
op you need a corolla or a civic.
A lot of those sound like latent issues from the accident. Sounds like it may not have been properly fixed to begin with (frame, door alignment, radiator, engine issues).
If it wasn't your fault, why did you have to pay repairs?
And it really sounds like you need a new car. They both sound like cars no one has properly taken care of their entire lives, and they are now at the end of their limits (120-150k things just fall apart with no maintenance). A properly maintained car should last a couple of hundred thousand miles without breaking a sweat, especially no engine or frame issues at all, ever. But that does entail doing scheduled maintenance as you go including all fluids, belts and so forth, no just gas an oil.
Your best bet is buying a newer smaller car and take care of it from the beginning. Otherwise once the downhill starts, it costs too much money to ever bring a car back, much more than just getting a new one.
If it wasn't your fault, why did you have to pay repairs?
And it really sounds like you need a new car. They both sound like cars no one has properly taken care of their entire lives, and they are now at the end of their limits (120-150k things just fall apart with no maintenance). A properly maintained car should last a couple of hundred thousand miles without breaking a sweat, especially no engine or frame issues at all, ever. But that does entail doing scheduled maintenance as you go including all fluids, belts and so forth, no just gas an oil.
Your best bet is buying a newer smaller car and take care of it from the beginning. Otherwise once the downhill starts, it costs too much money to ever bring a car back, much more than just getting a new one.
Goro Majima
Kitty Genovese Member
Cars from post 2008 and the whole auto bailout thing are supposedly much more reliable and should go 200k+ miles with minor maintenance (unless your automatic transmission goes which can be a crapshoot). Since then, I also think some major car magazine declared that "bad cars" were dead.
I think things were still questionable for American sedans in 2002? Surprised to hear you had trouble with the Ford Escape since I was under the impression that the US truck platforms were far more reliable.
I think things were still questionable for American sedans in 2002? Surprised to hear you had trouble with the Ford Escape since I was under the impression that the US truck platforms were far more reliable.
A four year/50,000 miles service plan for a new Model S is just 2,100.
Leasing plans for new EVs are also quite cheap when you factor in gas and maintenance savings. With the Model 3 on the horizon I think they will also lose a fair bit of resale value. Used Nissan Leafs are already really cheap.
AstroNut325
Member
Uh take it to the dealer or a Euro shop? How is it a "pain in the ass" to do that?
NoblesseOblige
Banned
I have unfettered access to a car garage that my dad owns and runs (I actually was part owner at the start) with tens of thousands of dollars in equipment, and I still opt to lease a car because I get sick of investing time into repairs.
Dealership will rip you off. And my dad is a VW/Audi technician of 30+ years, running a euroshop meaning he gets to charge high prices on repairs and often has to turn away customers (or schedule them weeks down the road) because of a growing demand for a specialization that has low supply.
Dealership will rip you off. And my dad is a VW/Audi technician of 30+ years, running a euroshop meaning he gets to charge high prices on repairs and often has to turn away customers (or schedule them weeks down the road) because of a growing demand for a specialization that has low supply.
breadtruck
Member
Sounds like you need to visit a Toyota dealer, there is a nice boring, but dependable Corolla in your future.
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
I used to buy cheap cars and always run into trouble and repairs.
Started leasing my cars about 6 years ago. For a lower monthly payment, I never have to worry about any car maintenance, or issues. My lease includes maintenance and roadside assistance. Sure it's a constant car payment, but I always get a new car every 3 years, and I don't really have to worry about anything other than putting gas in and driving.
Started leasing my cars about 6 years ago. For a lower monthly payment, I never have to worry about any car maintenance, or issues. My lease includes maintenance and roadside assistance. Sure it's a constant car payment, but I always get a new car every 3 years, and I don't really have to worry about anything other than putting gas in and driving.
NoblesseOblige
Banned
That's only 155k and 63k miles. My first car had 515000km.
old manatee
Banned
I bought a car from a dealership with 10,000 miles and a week later it broke down. I got it towed to the dealership and they told me there was nothing wrong with it. I picked it up and for the last year and half it has had a problem accelerating and when I bring it back to then they tell me there is nothing wrong. It's the most money I've ever spent on anything and they sold me a broken car and won't fix it. Literally every time I get in the car now I imagine driving it to the lake near my house and pushing it in and never looking back.
I find that people that "hate" cars don't bother to maintain them then complain they are always breaking down.
I remember being young and dumb (and poor) water pump was leaking like mad on my golf but I was like "naw its fine! I'll just top off the water at the gas station" engine finally seized on the highway lol.
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
Some people buy a car and don't expect to pay for maintenance and upkeep, then they complain that it's breaking down all the time.
Lys Skygge
Member
After owning several used cars, all having their share of issues; buying a brand new car was one of the best things I did. 4 years and I've only had to deal with basic maintenance. Just took it in for a tune-up/checkup the other week and hearing the mechanic tell me that everything is perfect was music to my ears.
User 479360
Banned
I like driving, but this is one reason as to why I never want to buy a car. That, and insurance.
The Lamonster
Member
On reason to buy new. Accidents can really fuck up cars in weird ways.
Fortunately, I've had my Honda Accord for 7 years and all I've had to do is the standard maintenance stuff.
Fortunately, I've had my Honda Accord for 7 years and all I've had to do is the standard maintenance stuff.
A Fish Aficionado
I am going to make it through this year if it kills me
So true.
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
If you don't drive a lot, look into Pay-per-mile insurance, it's a much cheaper option. I have Metromile and it's the best thing ever.
Lys Skygge
Member
I've known multiple people who tell me they've never had as much as an oil change. They usually have many car troubles.
QuantumZebra
Member
This.
Japanese (and Korean) cars FTW.
My 2005 Honda Accord 5-speed will be around after the apocalypse, and will probably still run.
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
Volvocycle!
m_shortpants
Member
Buy a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.
Ford
Fix or Repair Daily
Ford
Fix or Repair Daily
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
This. It's basically the best selling car in the world since the 70s.
Stop buying american cars, that's gonna be a first step on getting something that has any semblance of quality.
Get a Subaru or even a Toyota.
Look at those reports.
http://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability/most-and-least-reliable-cars-by-class/
Least reliable, all american!
Get a Subaru or even a Toyota.
Look at those reports.
http://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability/most-and-least-reliable-cars-by-class/
Least reliable, all american!
CapitalismSucks DonkeyBalls
Banned
Butts-a-plenty
Banned
One of the reasons I specifically moved to a city where I don't need a car.
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
A lot of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram which are all owned by Fiat.
QuantumZebra
Member
That's pretty damning right there
Its not about buying an American over a import. Its about maintaining your car. A car will last forever if you keep up on it.
shinshoryuken
Member
like what everyone is saying.
buy a honda or a toyota.
You can buy there lowest model and they will run forever with minimal maitenance. Learn to drive a manual and it will be even better.
Parts are plenty full and every mechanic knows how to fix them.
buy a honda or a toyota.
You can buy there lowest model and they will run forever with minimal maitenance. Learn to drive a manual and it will be even better.
Parts are plenty full and every mechanic knows how to fix them.
A Fish Aficionado
I am going to make it through this year if it kills me
Get a Subaru. Lol.
Tell me when you have to pay for gaskets.
Tell me when you have to pay for gaskets.
User 479360
Banned
I've never heard of it, and don't think it's offered here. Thanks, though.
I want to try to avoid buying a car if I can. I don't want the expense and have a very limited income that doesn't really allow for one.
Where I live, it's tough to get anywhere without one, but I'm going to have to move.
Come on guys it aint that bad, at least the European market Fords are alright ;(
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
Where do you live?
Yikes lol : CARCOMPLAINTS.COM NOTES: The 2002 Ford Explorer is hands-down our worst vehicle on record. "Avoid like the plague" is putting it lightly.
Anyway stay away from 00's American and Euro makes, they are not worth risking the below-average reliability. Toyota is king here.
But since you barely drive and like EVs, might as well lease one if it fits in the budget. GM Volt sounds like it would be best for Florida since its battery doesn't rely on air cooling unlike the Nissan Leaf; and unlike other EVs it doesn't have range anxiety by having a backup gasoline engine so you can still have those highway trips
Snkfanatic
Banned
I am definitely debating whether i need a car. I have the cash for something middling (50-75,000 miles in the $10k range). They're budget drains, but so is public transportation $5/day to commute here, over $1200 a year if you take out vacation time and offdays and presuming no for-fun travel, and the convenience of having it when you need it for non-routine travel (like going to pick up my dry cleaning yesterday) definitely trumps the alternative. Going without, even in a city, can make some simple things into a schlep.
Maybe a carshare service like zipcar is what i should look into instead. Once i iron out where i'm going to be working for the next year (left one temp job for a temp-to-hire, but that's still not guaranteed).
Maybe a carshare service like zipcar is what i should look into instead. Once i iron out where i'm going to be working for the next year (left one temp job for a temp-to-hire, but that's still not guaranteed).
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