Author Topic: Talk me out of upgrading a car?  (Read 11593 times)

KBecks

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2350
Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« on: March 26, 2016, 09:36:49 AM »
Current ride -- 2007 Honda Odyssey, 125,000 miles.
dirty, dented, scratched up and beat up but still running well.

Prospective ride -- on craigslist, private sale -- 2013 Honda Odyssey, 60,000 miles
beautiful with (upgrade) leather seats, Weather Tech floor mats

Price for new ride about  $20 - $22k (I would need to work on negotiating with private seller)

Here is where I am at.  We could buy the car private sale for cash and get a nice upgrade in the year and amenities of the car.
The down side is that it's a lot of money.  Most of the miles on the newer care are highway miles.

Should I even go and look at it?   







tobitonic

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 549
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2016, 09:40:46 AM »
I wouldn't do it, and we own an '07 Ody with more miles than you and will likely upgrade to another Ody several years from now.

former player

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8822
  • Location: Avalon
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2016, 09:45:12 AM »
You need to take "dirty" out of the equation: if you don't clean the one you've got now you won't clean the one you'll have in the future.

Syonyk

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4610
    • Syonyk's Project Blog
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2016, 09:56:07 AM »
Replace a Honda that has 125k miles on it?

Are you mad?  It's just broken in.

Go detail it and you'll be perfectly happy.

SeanMC

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 152
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2016, 11:28:40 AM »
$20K is a lot of money for a 60,000 mile car. Is the private seller someone you actually know so you really know the maintenance history of that specific car? An upgrade in year, miles, amenities and cleanliness is worthless if you are trading a well running car for one that will cost more $ for mechanical stuff. At 60,000, the new car is right where you'll need to start spending on routine replacement anyway.

ptgearguy

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 137
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #5 on: March 26, 2016, 12:17:12 PM »
Waste of money...dont be stupid. Take a cold shower and get rid of that car fever because hives are appearing all over your face

pbkmaine

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8927
  • Age: 67
  • Location: The Villages, Florida
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2016, 12:44:47 PM »
Whenever I have a yen for a new car, I wash, clean and detail the old one. It always cures me.

RWD

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 6527
  • Location: Arizona
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #7 on: March 26, 2016, 12:46:06 PM »
125k miles is not something I'd be concerned with on a Honda.

ToughMother

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 373
  • Location: Western Mass.
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #8 on: March 26, 2016, 01:27:30 PM »
Spend a bit of money to pretty-up your current car (detail, re-paint, de-dent) and smile at the $20K beaming back at you from your savings account.

GetItRight

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 627
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #9 on: March 26, 2016, 01:43:56 PM »
You have a practically brand new car. Only reason to upgrade might be to upgrade to something cheaper that has depreciated to a stable value so as to extract maximum value from what you have (which is a nice, new car), or if your car is genuinely not practical for your needs adn you need an entirely different type of car. The cheapest way to have a car is to figure out exactly what you want keep it for the rest of your life. Do whatever it needs, whenever it needs it, using only quality parts and be meticulous with cleanliness, particularly washing off salt from if you live north. Disposable changing cars every few years is just a marketing gimmick the masses have accepted, because you "deserve it". No thanks, I'd rather retire sooner.

bobechs

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1065
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #10 on: March 26, 2016, 02:38:13 PM »
Trading cars when they get dirty only makes sense. 

If you just never wash the car while you own it, take the money you would have spent and pour it back into investments with compunding growth, by the time you are ready to retire and stop driving, the cash from selling off that last car plus all the money you have stashed (and earned on the stash) will amount to a tidy sum.

CupcakeGuru

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 222
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #11 on: March 26, 2016, 03:45:46 PM »
I have an 07 Ody as well. I Just spent about $1,000 fixing the dents and paint and then did a great detail job.  Way cheaper than $20k and looks fantastic!

Chavak

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 28
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #12 on: March 26, 2016, 05:41:47 PM »
Replace a Honda that has 125k miles on it?

Are you mad?  It's just broken in.

Go detail it and you'll be perfectly happy.

I agree. I drive a 1999 Toyota Camry with 321,000 miles on it and it's still going strong.

EnjoyIt

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1386
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #13 on: March 26, 2016, 05:51:21 PM »
I drive a 2003 with 131K and it is going strong.  I do keep the car clean inside, park away from other cars, and maintain it myself.  I have pride in it and its longevity.

Something to consider like other posters said, clean up the dings and get it polished up.  You can also consider going to the junk yard and picking up some used leather seats.  Clean them up, soap and conditioner, and now you have a pretty, comfy car that will last another 100K miles.  The whoe thing will cost under $2K

But this does go to show you how important it is to keep the car in good shape.

pdxmonkey

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 364
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #14 on: March 26, 2016, 07:29:13 PM »
What the FUCK? You are basically proposing to pay a shitload of money to get a slightly nicer version of the SAME THING you already have. How did your current one get all scratched up an dented. By you or by a previous owner? If it was by you expect the new one to be in a similar condition in short order. I could see needing to be talked out of this if you were switching to a completely different car that could do different things, etc. However what you are proposing is purely about your own vanity.

cchrissyy

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1045
  • Location: SF Bay Area
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #15 on: March 26, 2016, 08:18:10 PM »
the "new" car sounds way better than the old car

not $20k better

maybe 1/4 of that. 1/2 that. don't be tempted on this upgrade, it costs $20k.

Dicey

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 22318
  • Age: 66
  • Location: NorCal
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #16 on: March 27, 2016, 01:22:42 AM »
Whenever I find myself Jonesing for a new (used) vehicle, I simply calculate the amount of money I'd be pissing away in sales tax. If that's not enough, I add in registration and increased insurance costs. Works every time. You're welcome.

NearlyThere

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 252
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #17 on: March 27, 2016, 01:26:41 AM »
Go ahead, you're worth it. Why shouldn't you treat yourself to a new car. You'll be the envy of all your friends.

New car = happier life.

True bill

Bertram

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
  • I'm not a chef
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #18 on: March 27, 2016, 04:59:49 AM »
You are basically proposing to pay a shitload of money to get a slightly nicer version of the SAME THING you already have.

That's what I don't get either. The thread title was talking about an upgrade, so I thought the OPs needs had changed.
But what additional problems does the other car solve? What will you derive the additional pleasure out of?

I can only guess, but either you are bored with the old car and just want something new - in that case it makes zero sense to get the same car. Or you always skimped on proper maintenance and hence your current car looks and runs bad, in that case you should really find a good garage and spend the necessary money on maintenance.

SMCx3

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 111
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #19 on: March 27, 2016, 06:55:21 AM »
FACE PUNCH

KBecks

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2350
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #20 on: March 27, 2016, 07:03:25 AM »
Thanks for the feedback, everybody.  I am very tempted by the next trim level up, with the leather seats, and the sunroof and bluetooth and backup camera, the newer models are quieter.  These are small things really.

But it is true it is a ton of money and the car we have functions fine.  Mechanically it should be great, we have had it since new.  Cosmetically it is rough, and it is loud.

So really I am only looking at upgrading the minivan to a newer van with fewer miles and fancy amenities, like the sunroof and leather seats.  And if I get a newer van the plan would be to hold onto it for 10 years more or longer.

I am getting the new van urge almost every month!   Used Odysseys are $$$ and so I am trying to hold off as long as possible, one more year, one more year.   My kids are messy so keeping the old beaten in van is not a bad plan. 

Thanks again. I appreciate the reinforcement to keep away from the newer cars.

Another Reader

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5327
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #21 on: March 27, 2016, 07:05:51 AM »
The only person that can or should be talking you into or out of something is you.  You have posted several of these requests IIRC.    The impression I get is that you think about and want "stuff" constantly.  In my opinion, you need to learn on a very fundamental level to be happy with what you have and think about replacing "stuff" only when it no longer performs the job.  Retrain yourself to think about other, more important parts of your life.  Otherwise, you will never be satisfied.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2016, 07:56:11 AM by Another Reader »

KBecks

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2350
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #22 on: March 27, 2016, 07:11:00 AM »
Well, I probably do spend a lot of time thinking about stuff, to be honest.  I got the new(er) car bug pretty bad in the past several months.  Sometimes when I have free time I spend it on the internet trolling Ebay, Craigslist and other sites, looking for deals.  Perhaps I need to read some books, or do some cooking or cleaning. :) 

former player

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8822
  • Location: Avalon
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #23 on: March 27, 2016, 07:14:36 AM »
My kids are messy so keeping the old beaten in van is not a bad plan. 
What do you mean, your kids are messy?  What are they doing in the car that is messy?  If it is eating or drinking 1) they shouldn't be doing this in the car in the first place, and 2) you need to teach them not to be messy with their food and drink.

I mean, my dog can't help making the car a mess if I haven't protected it properly.  But not training your kids to take care of property is setting them and you up for failure at (mustachian) life.

Syonyk

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4610
    • Syonyk's Project Blog
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #24 on: March 27, 2016, 07:47:59 AM »
Well, I probably do spend a lot of time thinking about stuff, to be honest.  I got the new(er) car bug pretty bad in the past several months.  Sometimes when I have free time I spend it on the internet trolling Ebay, Craigslist and other sites, looking for deals.  Perhaps I need to read some books, or do some cooking or cleaning. :)

So stop doing that.

If I look for ferrets on Craigslist, I end up with more ferrets. So I don't do that unless I've got spots for a new weasel or two (all of mine are rescues and I like 3-4 at a time).

I used to test ride new motorcycles and test drive new cars a lot. I figured out all it did was reduce my satisfaction with my current vehicles. So I've  stopped doing that. My desire for newer vehicles has dropped radically.

I know I'd love a Model S - which is why I refuse to drive one or even ride in one. I *know* I'll like it. And owning one wouldn't improve my life in any way, but would actively make it worse. And I don't know that I can make my will save on that, since I could afford one if I wanted to. So I don't tempt myself like that.

If new car shopping makes you want a new car, stop new car shopping. And go read up on cleaning, maintaining, and repairing old vehicles instead.

You can control what you read! :)

EnjoyIt

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1386
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #25 on: March 27, 2016, 09:40:28 AM »
instead of trolling for new cars, search the web on how to install bluetooth into your current car.  There are tons of options and then search how to do it yourself.  Then search the internet on how to decrease the cabin noise.  There are great tutorials on how to accomplish that. 

These two projects will keep you busy, teach you how to do new things, and allow you to enjoy your car more

Rufus.T.Firefly

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 272
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #26 on: March 27, 2016, 11:46:56 AM »
Another cheap car upgrade: swap out the headlight covers. My uncle did this on a vehicle with 300K miles and the car looked almost new. It's amazing how much your eyes are drawn to headlights on a car ... I was really surprised by this.

He then turned around and sold the car for $3K, so the buyer must have thought it looked pretty good too.

StartingEarly

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 493
  • Age: 33
  • Location: Arizona but travelling
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #27 on: March 27, 2016, 04:08:35 PM »
High road noise is probably due to your tires. Have the car checked out and see if it needs anything such as ball joints or tie rod ends. If it needs any of these it WILL be much louder. After having replaced all the front end parts the car needs and getting an alignment get some tires that are designed to be quiet. Do some research online about quiet tires. If you are in a climate where you will need snow tires, Nokians tend to be on the quieter side for a snow tire, plus they're Nordic and go through anything and then some.

After you have done all that and you still have more road noise than you would like then you might need new door and window seals or you may want to look into adding sound deadening material. I believe there was a DIY on here, otherwise you should find one online relatively easily.

AZDude

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1296
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #28 on: March 28, 2016, 10:03:09 AM »
Spending $20K for the same vehicle with less dents and 60K less miles. Or roughly $1 for every 3 miles, which is a crazy amount of depreciation. Why not detail the old one, replace the seats, and get it painted? You said the engine still runs fine, so really you are considering paying $20K for new paint, clean interior, and upgraded seats. No way paint, seats, and a detail costs more than a couple thousand.

dougules

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2899
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #29 on: March 28, 2016, 10:31:44 AM »
Go ahead and get it, but make sure to get an aftermarket face punching machine installed immediately.

How long would you have to sit at work for the thing?  Do the math and think about it next time you're at work.

Also, this sounds like a case of retail therapy.  Is there something else unrelated that's stressing you out? 

big_owl

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1051
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #30 on: March 28, 2016, 10:32:24 AM »
Honda Odyssey!?  Isn't that basically a minivan?  That's no upgrade son...

Northwestie

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1224
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #31 on: March 28, 2016, 10:35:21 AM »
Current ride -- 2007 Honda Odyssey, 125,000 miles.
dirty, dented, scratched up and beat up but still running well.

Prospective ride -- on craigslist, private sale -- 2013 Honda Odyssey, 60,000 miles
beautiful with (upgrade) leather seats, Weather Tech floor mats

Price for new ride about  $20 - $22k (I would need to work on negotiating with private seller)

Here is where I am at.  We could buy the car private sale for cash and get a nice upgrade in the year and amenities of the car.
The down side is that it's a lot of money.  Most of the miles on the newer care are highway miles.

Should I even go and look at it?

Mine is a '98 subie with 200k and I think I have at least 2 yrs to go.   If the only concern is cosmetic I'd give it another 80k miles

HipGnosis

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1824
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #32 on: March 28, 2016, 02:00:37 PM »
Well, I probably do spend a lot of time thinking about stuff, to be honest.  I got the new(er) car bug pretty bad in the past several months.  Sometimes when I have free time I spend it on the internet trolling Ebay, Craigslist and other sites, looking for deals.  Perhaps I need to read some books, or do some cooking or cleaning. :)
Perhaps you'd be better off if you spent more time taking care of your Odyssey.  Wash it, wax it, clean it out.  Buy it floor mats.  Buy some touch-up paint and take care of the scratches.  Polish or replace the headlight covers.  Buy it some nice seat covers.

nick123

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 2
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #33 on: April 06, 2016, 07:27:33 PM »
20-22k is a lot of money for a vehicle with no warranty. Stick with your current vehicle if you can. The reason you buy Honda's/Toyota's is to drive them into the ground 200-300k miles. Keep your maint up and stick the money you would spend on monthly payments into some type of account. Pretend you have a payment and trick yourself into saving money. Take it from someone who makes a living selling vehicles.

hyla

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 177
Re: Talk me out of upgrading a car?
« Reply #34 on: April 06, 2016, 09:16:13 PM »
Thanks for the feedback, everybody.  I am very tempted by the next trim level up, with the leather seats, and the sunroof and bluetooth and backup camera, the newer models are quieter.  These are small things really.

But it is true it is a ton of money and the car we have functions fine.  Mechanically it should be great, we have had it since new.  Cosmetically it is rough, and it is loud.

If you want bluetooth, install an aftermarket radio, which should cost a few hundred dollars instead of $20,000.  If your car is loud, get the exhaust checked. 

In addition to the purchase costs for the new car, your registration and insurance costs will increase, and you will be replacing a vehicle with a known history (running well and mostly highway miles) with one with an unknown history, so you don't know if maintenence costs will crop up. 

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!