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General Discussion => Share Your Badassity => Topic started by: toucansurfer on September 12, 2020, 03:30:45 PM

Title: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: toucansurfer on September 12, 2020, 03:30:45 PM
Hi Guys,

Just thought i'd get a view of how long you've managed to run your beater/econo box car for.  I currently have a 2007 Toyota Yaris with 186k miles.  Hoping to push it another 5-10 years or around 100,000 extra before parts start to become scarce.  Share your beater! I'm interested to see how long the average mustachian keeps their car for.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: iris lily on September 12, 2020, 04:32:15 PM
DH drove a Nissan .hardbody (small truck) for 20 years and barely hit 100,000 miles. It was his work truck, so it was rusty where it got dinged up.

He is 10 years into this current Ford Ranger truck that was hit and “totaled” by the insurance company, but was repaired and still going.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: secondcor521 on September 12, 2020, 04:52:16 PM
Previous was a 1995 Toyota with 223K miles.  I sold it to upgrade to my 1993 sedan with 187K miles.  Barely broken in.

Won't be surprised at all if someone beats me.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: StashingAway on September 12, 2020, 05:25:18 PM
I cheat the game and buy cars with a lot of miles already on them ;)

Dodge RAM van, 315K miles
Saab 900, 320k miles
Saab 900, 250k miles
Nissan Sentra, 280k miles
Jeep XJ, 200?K miles. Don't recall what I sold that one at...
Toyota Sequoia, 190K miles
Toyota Pickup, 240K miles
Current: Pontiac Vibe, 135K miles, adding maybe 3K miles a year... so that one is going to take awhile.

All of them except the first Saab 900 and Ram van were sold in running condition
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: toucansurfer on September 14, 2020, 10:03:36 AM
Nice!  For the cars you're buying to you get them at auction or private sale?  I've been toying with the idea of just buying an auction car for cheap and driving it till it dies and repeat.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Chris Pascale on September 14, 2020, 10:48:59 AM
Had a '97 Ford Explorer with about $242k miles. When it was totaled the 2nd time in January, 2019 the tire rod was knocked off the wheel.

Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: StashingAway on September 14, 2020, 11:40:04 AM
Nice!  For the cars you're buying to you get them at auction or private sale?  I've been toying with the idea of just buying an auction car for cheap and driving it till it dies and repeat.

All private sales. Well, the first Saab was my dad's that he bought new in 1985. I didn't hold on to too many of them for that long, really. They all fit a purpose that I was filling at the time. I was out in Colorado and Arizona at the time as well, and it's easier to buy cars that aren't rusting away out there.

They all took varying amounts of maintenance; more than may people would prefer. I am really enjoying this Vibe and don't miss working on a Jeep every other weekend!
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: ketchup on September 14, 2020, 12:47:30 PM
We had a 2009 Hyundai Accent that made it to 261k.

Currently have a 2001 Volvo V70 at 204k and not ready to croak anytime soon (bought at 140k).
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: cincystache on September 14, 2020, 07:26:37 PM
Some impressive numbers already...

I had a 2002 CRV that crossed 205k and I traded it for a 2009 honda fit that currently sits at 135k, practically new.

The more mustachian metric for car ownership is the oldest car with the FEWEST added miles since purchase, indicative of someone who rarely drives a car in the first place! Admittedly harder to track :-)
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: draco44 on September 14, 2020, 10:19:08 PM
I'm not a big driver mileage-wise, but definitely still enjoy being in the "keep that paid-off car forever" club. Hopefully my 2008 Subaru has another decade left in it.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: marty998 on September 14, 2020, 11:45:10 PM
All of these high mile totals sound like a lot of unmustachian driving to me!

I owned a Nissan Pulsar for 13 years. Only put 60,000km on it in total during that time.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Adventine on September 15, 2020, 05:16:10 AM
Are there really not going to be any pictures of your precious babies? ;)
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: StashingAway on September 15, 2020, 05:25:11 AM
I have looked at some old Westfalia VW campers for sale recently and am surprised at how low the mileage is (relative to ours). My thought was people buy these adventure vehicles, then don't go on as many adventures as they thought they would.

Pretty hard to put miles on a vehicle that's broken down all the time!
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: StashingAway on September 15, 2020, 05:31:43 AM
All of these high mile totals sound like a lot of unmustachian driving to me!

We put a lot of miles on our Dodge van because we used it as a traveling campervan for a couple of years. Even then, We bought it at 245K and drove it to 315K. All of the other vehicles for me were already bought at high mileage. Jeep was 180K ~ 200K over the course of 2 years (DD & Recreation & Road trips, pre-mustachian days for me). Sentra was a high school and college transport vehicle, probably another ~7K miles a year, etc. Toyota pickup was used to haul motorcycle parts around (again, pre-mustachian). I wouldn't "win" in the miles/year category compared to many people on here, but I certainly don't stack them on like my vehicle mileage indicates!
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Car Jack on September 15, 2020, 09:10:44 AM

The more mustachian metric for car ownership is the oldest car with the FEWEST added miles since purchase, indicative of someone who rarely drives a car in the first place! Admittedly harder to track :-)

My mom's cars probably would do well with those requirements.  Her 2018 Subaru has 3500 miles.  This includes me driving it 1350 miles from Massachusetts to her in Florida.  She gave me her old car, rather than trading it in.  09 Ford Fusion that had 41k miles on it in 18.

I can't say we sit around.  I've only put 6500 miles on our 19 Crosstrek bought new, but we have 5 cars (4 drivers) in the family and I actively choose that old Fusion to put the miles on when one of my sons isn't heading to work at Amazon, 25 miles away.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: ketchup on September 15, 2020, 11:48:59 AM
The more mustachian metric for car ownership is the oldest car with the FEWEST added miles since purchase, indicative of someone who rarely drives a car in the first place! Admittedly harder to track :-)
My about-to-turn-100 grandpa has a purchased-new 2003 Buick with 20-something thousand miles on it.  He might win that contest.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: SunnyDays on September 15, 2020, 12:43:44 PM
Okay, I'll brag on my 2003 Toyota Matrix, yet again.  143,000 kms and in great shape. I'm hoping to keep it forever.  My previous car (and my first) was a Toyota Corolla and I traded it for the Matrix when it was 16 years old and had 164,000 kms.  I love Toyota, yes I do!
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Chris Pascale on September 15, 2020, 02:23:16 PM
All of these high mile totals sound like a lot of unmustachian driving to me!

I owned a Nissan Pulsar for 13 years. Only put 60,000km on it in total during that time.

I always lived close to work, but drove it from Louisiana to New York, shuttled the kids around, and used it to get to school, which was 20+ miles each way.

Also drove it from one state to the next to see friends.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: sailinlight on September 15, 2020, 03:26:36 PM
I have a 2005 Wrangler Rubicon LJ (long wheelbase) with only 38000 miles. It was purchased new by my father-in-law and given to us. I assume it's appreciating in value at this point since I've never seen another one and get a lot of comments on it anytime I take it out. Probably doesn't count as a beater though :)
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: amberfocus on September 16, 2020, 05:14:10 AM
The SO's car is a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle inherited from his parents in 2010 with ~95K miles on it at the time.

As of last month, it's got 127K miles -- so he puts ~3000 miles on it per year. He likes to joke that it's literally older than half the students at the university he works at.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: toucansurfer on September 16, 2020, 07:45:04 PM
And the 2007 Yaris attached.  Cost me $2k and didn't require too much love to get it humming.  Simple, nice and cheap parts.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: middo on September 16, 2020, 08:38:57 PM
We have a 2004 Holden Commodore at 300,000 kms (about 186K miles).

We bought it because our son wrote off our earlier identical model Commodore, that we bought at 120,000 kms and died at a bit over 600,000 kms (375K miles).  We were living in the country and had regular 400 km trips for children's state level sport.

I think I had to replace a radiator, and do the spark plugs and oil occasionally.  They just keep running.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Catica on September 17, 2020, 04:39:48 AM
Currently have 2005 Toyota Prius with 252,000 miles.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: scottish on September 17, 2020, 06:13:17 PM
I have a 2004 Tacoma crew-cab with 260K km on it.   I bought it new in April 2004.    The only thing that will kill it is rust or a major collision.   Toyota put in a new frame in 2014, and I oil spray it every other year.

I might replace it with something smaller and more cost-efficient now that the kids are grown, but it's really a nice truck.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: markbike528CBX on September 17, 2020, 06:32:21 PM
The SO's car is a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle inherited from his parents in 2010 with ~95K miles on it at the time.

As of last month, it's got 127K miles -- so he puts ~3000 miles on it per year. He likes to joke that it's literally older than half the students at the university he works at.

In certain circles the visible paint chips and baked-on bug splatter might make my 2000 Porsche Boxster a "beater" :-)
Only 73K miles though.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Theadyn on September 18, 2020, 06:42:50 AM
My husbands beater is a '95 Chevy 1500, just rolled over 320k miles on it.  Got it for $1600 3 years ago, still fires up every day.

Mine not quite as old, an '07 Sebring with 178k miles, found it for $400, pretty good gas mileage on her.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: DesertRatNomad on September 18, 2020, 07:12:22 AM
Mine is a 2003 Ford Ranger long bed with a camper shell that I’ve accumulated almost a year’s worth of nights slept in over the course of various trips.  It’s just past 285,000 miles (purchased @ 70k).  Aiming for 300+

It’s pretty cheap to see the country if you’re getting 30+ mpg, cooking on the tailgate, and regularly stealth camping for free.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: DesertRatNomad on September 18, 2020, 08:01:06 AM
My most beater-ey car would have to be the 86 Volvo 740 I bought for $200 and drove for 2 years before scrapping it for $80 when the transmission finally gave up.  Only put a couple used tires, a water pump, and set of brake pads into it.

Complete eyesore, everything not strictly required for getting from point A to point B was broken.  But it ran good and I couldn’t have cared less if it got scratched or damaged ... I miss that car.

I have no idea how many miles were on it because the odometer died at 186k before the previous owner got it.

Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: maisymouser on September 18, 2020, 03:20:18 PM
Currently have 2005 Toyota Prius with 252,000 miles.

No battery replacement yet? We just had to replace DH's at 220k at $2250, hoping we get another solid 100k+ miles out of it. Will have to check back on this thread later!
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Catica on September 18, 2020, 08:17:17 PM
Currently have 2005 Toyota Prius with 252,000 miles.

No battery replacement yet? We just had to replace DH's at 220k at $2250, hoping we get another solid 100k+ miles out of it. Will have to check back on this thread later!

I did have the battery replaced at 153,000 miles. It was out of warranty but I called Toyota headquarters in CA and they replaced it for free.  I paid ~$400 for labor.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: wkumtrider on September 20, 2020, 09:07:07 AM
I know I won't come close to the longest running, but I had a 2000 Dodge Dakota I bought new in 1999 (pre-mustachian days), drove it for 21 years and had 210,000.  Sold it on July 4th weekend.  Surprisingly it was very reliable (manual trans) and had very little work done to it other than routine maintenance.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: catorbe on September 21, 2020, 03:59:52 PM
All of these high mile totals sound like a lot of unmustachian driving to me!

I owned a Nissan Pulsar for 13 years. Only put 60,000km on it in total during that time.

All relative perspective, 200,000 miles driven is still much more Mustachian than 200,000 miles flown, and may be indicative of camping vacations and road trips instead of flights and expensive destination vacations.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: LovinPSDs on September 21, 2020, 04:24:20 PM
Just picked up a 2004 Accord for $1,200! I have a face punch of a commute so this car will help!!

Car is alil rough visually, but well maintained mechanically, brand new tires and brakes, timing belt (which is the one thing these cars need) was done roughly on time.. I’m looking forward to it! Literally just bought it yesterday. I also have a face punch truck so this is a step to reducing vehicle footprint and doing it all much cheaper and less impactful.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: regenaeb on September 22, 2020, 02:59:03 PM
I have a 2006 Honda Pilot I bought new when it had 18 miles on it. Now has 156,000 on it. I work from home so I don't drive much. My hubby usually drives it at least 1 day a week into the office to keep it running and reduce the commute on his new truck. I plan on having my 12 year old twins learn to drive on it and keep it through high school graduation. It will be 20 years old that summer. If it makes it through the 2 years of the twins driving it I will probably take it back and keep driving it. It's shouldn't be too hard the three of us sharing it those 2 years. Like I said I work from home and can walk/bike to all my store locations that I need. They will get out of school each day by 2:00, so I can always run errands in the late afternoon early evening.

156,000 miles for 14 years old I think is pretty good. We are a military family so we have had to move several times and the car has always been driven there. Since we don't live close to family we always make a trip back home at Christmas time and driving has always been cheaper for the 4 of us and our dog. It has a very smooth ride and I had all the bells and whistles as the time, so leather heated seats and power moon roof. All have held up really well given it's age. Many years of twins in car seats, eating in the car and 2 accidents and she is still going strong. One accident all side airbags blew so was not cheap to fix, but luckily it was the other drivers fault and it was all covered.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: alsoknownasDean on September 22, 2020, 09:46:52 PM
Haven't we already got a thread?

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/share-your-badassity/brag-on-your-mmm-high-mileage-or-old-car/

I've got a 2002 Holden Barina, purchased in late 2014 with 111000km, now it has 171000km. A fair run from a $3000 car. It's losing a bit of coolant which I think is from the water pump, but replacing the water pump means taking the timing belt off, and I don't know if I'll bother when I'm ready to replace the car anyway. Although with the current state of the used car market, I'll probably need to wait a while longer.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: norajean on September 23, 2020, 06:12:54 AM
We like to purchase 100k mile Lexi. We don’t drive much so the current pair may last another 50 years. They don’t really require anything more than an oil change every few years.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on September 23, 2020, 06:32:23 AM
I have a 2006 Honda Pilot I bought new when it had 18 miles on it. Now has 156,000 on it. I work from home so I don't drive much. My hubby usually drives it at least 1 day a week into the office to keep it running and reduce the commute on his new truck. I plan on having my 12 year old twins learn to drive on it and keep it through high school graduation. It will be 20 years old that summer. If it makes it through the 2 years of the twins driving it I will probably take it back and keep driving it. It's shouldn't be too hard the three of us sharing it those 2 years. Like I said I work from home and can walk/bike to all my store locations that I need. They will get out of school each day by 2:00, so I can always run errands in the late afternoon early evening.

156,000 miles for 14 years old I think is pretty good. We are a military family so we have had to move several times and the car has always been driven there. Since we don't live close to family we always make a trip back home at Christmas time and driving has always been cheaper for the 4 of us and our dog. It has a very smooth ride and I had all the bells and whistles as the time, so leather heated seats and power moon roof. All have held up really well given it's age. Many years of twins in car seats, eating in the car and 2 accidents and she is still going strong. One accident all side airbags blew so was not cheap to fix, but luckily it was the other drivers fault and it was all covered.

My co-worker passed his Pilot down to his daughter, and he even jury-rigged a backup camera for just a few hundred dollars and a car stereo upgrade from best Buy.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Cadman on September 24, 2020, 04:25:40 PM
Ah...I see the subject is LONGEST RUNNING beater, not oldest daily beater. I was really scratching my head at all these 'late model' 2000+ vehicles bandied about.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: chops on September 27, 2020, 07:14:45 PM
1995 Buick Century with 34,725 miles!  Never needed many fixes as it's barely broken in!


I live very close to work/grocery/library (yes I planned that thanks to MMM) and bike a lot so this has really kept the miles down
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: dignam on September 29, 2020, 02:46:14 PM
I don't drive it much anymore (sits at the family cabin), but have a '95 Jeep Cherokee with 260,000 miles on it (purchased in 2002 with about 90,000 miles).  Rust is really starting to take a toll but it runs perfectly.  What a wonderful engine that thing has.  Owned several vehicles with the 4.0 inline 6 without a single issue.

My current daily is a 2011 Ford Escape with 122,000 on it.  We'll see if it becomes legendary like the Jeep, but rust again is starting to show.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: CraigLePaige on September 29, 2020, 09:27:10 PM
Not crazy high miles but my 2010 Kia has 122k and has been a phenomenal small SUV. It was bought new and I plan on "selling" it to my son when he turns 15/16yo and is ready to drive. He's currently 7yo.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: WSUCoug1994 on September 30, 2020, 03:15:19 PM
My husbands beater is a '95 Chevy 1500, just rolled over 320k miles on it.  Got it for $1600 3 years ago, still fires up every day.

Mine not quite as old, an '07 Sebring with 178k miles, found it for $400, pretty good gas mileage on her.

My 1991 K1500 went 393K before I sold it.  Only replaced a muffler and 4wd solenoid outside of regular maintenance.  Bought it with 120K.  That was likely the best ride I have ever owned from a durability standpoint but it had lost a lot of umph by then as most of those miles were pulling a trailer or very heavy loads.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Cadman on September 30, 2020, 04:29:31 PM
My husbands beater is a '95 Chevy 1500, just rolled over 320k miles on it.  Got it for $1600 3 years ago, still fires up every day.

Mine not quite as old, an '07 Sebring with 178k miles, found it for $400, pretty good gas mileage on her.

My 1991 K1500 went 393K before I sold it.  Only replaced a muffler and 4wd solenoid outside of regular maintenance.  Bought it with 120K.  That was likely the best ride I have ever owned from a durability standpoint but it had lost a lot of umph by then as most of those miles were pulling a trailer or very heavy loads.

I'm on my 3rd square-dash 1500, and when the midwest salt has had its way with the frame, I'll park it, pick up another '93 (likely with 200k+ miles), and carry on. You just can't beat 'em.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: eostache on October 18, 2020, 12:31:40 PM
My 2001 Subaru Outback only has 165,000 on it. I bought it 12 years ago for $4600, it had 110,000 on it then. I do not drive a lot, sometimes less than 2000 miles per year. It's not worth much to sell: the paint job is cracking and faded and the transmission makes noise (it has done this for 10 years), but it runs well otherwise and I drive it about once a week. I plan to keep it at least a few more years.

We also have a 1996 Toyota Tacoma truck with 170,000 on it. The paint and body is slightly rough but it runs great, I'd take it on any road trip. Bought it 11 years ago for $7000 with 130,000 on it. Like the Subaru, it only gets driven about once a week. We walk and bike most days.

We could write checks for newer cars today but we are fine with what we have.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Morning Glory on October 24, 2020, 11:56:16 AM
Our farm truck is a 1975 Chevy K10. No idea how many miles it has because the odometer only goes to 99,999. Husband just replaced the drum brakes on the back and thinks they were the original ones. We don't drive it very often because it gets something like 8 mpg.

So we win the prize for oldest vehicle, but it's not our daily driver and we could probably live without it if we put a trailer hitch on my husband's car, so maybe we need a punch in the face instead.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: 2Birds1Stone on November 05, 2020, 01:31:38 AM
Currently driving a 1997 Subaru with almost 200k miles =p
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: valsecito on November 26, 2020, 09:17:42 PM
Simply not possible anymore for many people in Belgium or Germany because of per-city emission standards. Any diesel fueled car not up to the 2009 Euro 5 standards
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: ColoAndy on December 13, 2020, 08:46:23 AM
2012 Honda Accord. 109k miles.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Dee18 on December 13, 2020, 01:55:52 PM
My Honda Accord just had its 16th birthday with 138,000 miles. I was planning to get a new vehicle in 2020 (a doctor friend is constantly urging me to get new safety features) but haven’t wanted to do test drives during the pandemic.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Cadman on December 13, 2020, 02:40:34 PM
I finally put the '88 Oldsmobile out to pasture (literally); still runs great with a quarter million miles on her and 5 years under my ownership, but between COVID/WFH, recently FIREing (no longer commuting), and the clearcoat starting to peel, it was time. Now currently parting her out, and with luck, parts should completely offset the purchase price.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: markbike528CBX on December 13, 2020, 04:22:37 PM
I finally put the '88 Oldsmobile out to pasture (literally); still runs great with a quarter million miles on her and 5 years under my ownership, but between COVID/WFH, recently FIREing (no longer commuting), and the clearcoat starting to peel, it was time. Now currently parting her out, and with luck, parts should completely offset the purchase price.

I was almost going to say WTF?? but then I noted your 5 year ownership, so I assume the purchase price was extremely low.
But still WTF, someone is still buying parts for a '88 Olds?
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: thorto0803 on December 14, 2020, 01:12:57 PM
I was fortunate to be gifted a car starting college: A 2003 Honda accord with about 195,000 miles on it (this was in 2013).

I'm still driving it and it's about to roll over to 250,000 with no significant issues since I started driving it.

Fortunately DW has a Prius that we are able to use for most things. I'm planning to replace my Accord with an EV once (if ever) it dies. Hopefully we can make it another 5 years or so.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Cadman on December 14, 2020, 02:28:51 PM
I was almost going to say WTF?? but then I noted your 5 year ownership, so I assume the purchase price was extremely low.
But still WTF, someone is still buying parts for a '88 Olds?

Yeah, the 80's GM front-drivers have a small, but fervent following. It seems like yesterday you could find these in the junkyard as used-up cars, but 30 years-on, trim pieces, lights and interior pieces are getting tougher to find. And now that they qualify for antique plates, registration is cheap, insurance is cheap, and the car guys that grew up in the 80's now have some disposable cash to throw around. This '88 was a deal because it needed a $10 brake line, and the family was eager to move it (gramps' car?). Perhaps I'll move up to an '89 in the spring.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: bcbaseballman on December 17, 2020, 03:26:22 PM
I have a 2000 Ford Ranger with 295,000 miles on it. My dad bought is new in 2000 gifted it to my brother in 2014 who gifted it to me in 2018. It is not my main driver but it still get driven at least once a week and runs great. Hoping for it to be my boys first vehicle when they come of age (currently they are 5&6).
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Decibel on December 17, 2020, 04:57:20 PM
1996 Suzuki Sierra with 470000km on the clock....
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: WhiteTrashCash on December 17, 2020, 05:13:33 PM
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid with 90,000 miles on it. I should easily get another 10-15 years out of it.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Morning Glory on December 17, 2020, 05:16:57 PM
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid with 90,000 miles on it. I should easily get another 10-15 years out of it.
My 2003 dodge neon only has 89,000 miles. AC and heat still work perfectly, but it's starting to rust. I bought it in 2005, when I was still in college. I live 4 miles from work and bike in the summer, so it doesn't get much use these days.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: WhiteTrashCash on December 17, 2020, 05:21:00 PM
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid with 90,000 miles on it. I should easily get another 10-15 years out of it.
My 2003 dodge neon only has 89,000 miles. AC and heat still work perfectly, but it's starting to rust. I bought it in 2005, when I was still in college. I live 4 miles from work and bike in the summer, so it doesn't get much use these days.

Paint over the rust spots with POR15 paint and then cover that with matched paint to your car’s paint color (which you can buy for a few bucks on eBay.) It’ll take care of the rust problem for a long time.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: sonofsven on January 02, 2021, 09:31:26 AM
My previous work rig ('96 Ford turbo diesel van) I ran to 306,000 in miles in 2012, then sold it for $5,000.
Current work rig 2012 Nissan Frontier is at 176,000 miles.
The Frontier has been fabulous, the powerstroke van was nickel and diming me for a few years (everything is expensive on a one ton diesel!)
Frontier is on second battery, third set of tires, everything else save oil and filters, atf and coolant, is original.
The two vehicles average very similar mpg, 16-19 depending on load and conditions.
I vastly prefer driving the Nissan.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: JAYSLOL on January 09, 2021, 10:48:59 AM
1995 Toyota Tercel @ almost 330k, owned since 2002.  First car, it’s a true beater, 4spd manual, no a/c, no air bags, no cruise control, nothing power, not even intermittent wipers.  With the exception of having a new clutch installed at 310k, I do all the work on this car (brakes, starter rebuild, fuel filter, spark plugs, cv boots etc).  Really nothing that isn’t supposed to wear out at some point has worn out or broken, it’s reliable to the point where it’s almost annoying, I might die in this car lol.  Doesn’t have rust, but clear coat is starting to go on hood, front fenders and roof, even though it’s a high mileage econo beater I’m considering painting it in my own garage later this year when the weather warms up, even though I’d be spending about what the car is currently worth just in materials to do it, not to mention my time.  DW’s car is an 06 Hyundai Santa Fe, for most people a 14 year old Hyundai isn’t something to be impressed by, but compared to the old Toyota it’s basically the pinnacle of luxury with AWD, V6 power, automatic trans, heater leather seats, A/C, cruise control, power everything and a sunroof.  It hasn’t been as reliable as the Toyota, but hasn’t been too bad either, it’s a great vehicle for the price, old Hyundai’s are dirt cheap even if they are nice models in good shape
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Dicey on January 09, 2021, 11:04:38 AM
Our oldest vehicle is DH's 2002 Ford F150. However, since he's been walking to work for the past seven years, it just hit 100k. We hope to keep it for at least another decade. My biggest fear is that it will get stolen.

Our newest car is a 2014 that hopes to one day deserve mention on this thread.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: JAYSLOL on January 09, 2021, 04:05:30 PM
Our oldest vehicle is DH's 2002 Ford F150. However, since he's been walking to work for the past seven years, it just hit 100k. We hope to keep it for at least another decade. My biggest fear is that it will get stolen.

Our newest car is a 2014 that hopes to one day deserve mention on this thread.

Pretty cheap to install an immobilizer switch hidden somewhere in the cab, also one of those steering wheel locks can be picked up at a garage sale for under $5, and is usually enough to deter someone looking for a quick getaway, lots of easier F150s to steal out there
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on January 14, 2021, 06:21:07 AM
Yeah, I learned about immobilizer switches from "Mad Max: Fury Road".

If people start installing those, we can see which direction things are heading this year.

As for me, I have a 2009 Camry that's barely gotten 300 miles in ten months. I'm kinda hoping someone steals it so I don't have to find a buyer.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: norajean on January 14, 2021, 07:31:15 AM
I'm currently shopping for a used Toyota Tacoma with at least 200,000 miles.  I may go higher, but probably not over 300,000 miles.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: jeromedawg on February 02, 2021, 07:35:18 PM
This isn't going to count anymore since we donated the car for scrap in 2018 but I used to drive this 1993 Camry:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3el_S6jU2saa23W0rc1HW5QtKzrWAN9qhesunbCzBU1wqVjc9jZCzTN_8LLILWjHZ2veHBmNHTE1jkxzs5iAQDhL9mMf7JKz945pZc84L1sz-JQJK-FMNg9p_lRVFP96ryucOydiSx-0Yrw_Z4drYfzdw=w1263-h947-no?authuser=0)

Story behind the car and mismatched door and fender: One morning I was backing out of the garage and, half-awake (dad brain after having our first), I opened the door to go grab something I forgot WHILE the car was in reverse and my foot off the brake. Somehow I was able to quickly react as far as getting back in the car but the door was open and basically hit the side of the carport and bent itself forward:
(https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=51f0f61b49&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1502116035943628458&th=14d896937dd67eaa&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-iOtpDP7b98U5Lm0BRm5gRWVeznAY4QxtMwUkn-u9jls29dvSf-Eg_Tv8NPX2Et-TH3UPfLhbVj6MKgbpi89cwmwUmPDK7W7FElufDo-D_Xa42cgJCc_gytPg&disp=emb&realattid=ii_i9yho4qr0_14d77a6bc17044ac)

I don't even know how I came away from it uninjured let alone still alive. After that incident I made a family trip (wife and newborn) to the local junkyard to pull a door and fender off a couple other Camrys. I highly recommend *NOT* doing this btw...lol
Ended up pulling the old fender and door off and reinstalling the mismatched ones. Drove it around for a couple years like this before the radiator died and we were stranded on the side of the highway (this was with my wife and two kids now) 60 miles away from home and in 100 degree weather.
Fortunately we were close to an exit where our friends lived at the time, and they were able to help take us back to their apartment to hang out for a bit before we finally got to our in-laws.
We ended up leaving the car at the crappy/shady auto shop my FIL used to bring his cars to until the owner got mad at me for taking up spaces at his shop. So at that point I just decided to donate the stupid thing rather than deal with trying to sell it that far away. I really liked that car and if it wasn't for the circumstances that it died under, we might have very well kept it or at least sold it in running condition.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on February 03, 2021, 07:11:26 AM
https://www.theonion.com/toyota-recalls-1993-camry-due-to-fact-that-owners-reall-1819577805 (https://www.theonion.com/toyota-recalls-1993-camry-due-to-fact-that-owners-reall-1819577805)
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: SEAK on February 03, 2021, 10:15:44 AM
Still driving my 2001 Tacoma with 145,000 miles. Runs great but unfortunately the frame is completely rusted out and the brackets that hold the bed onto the frame have rusted/broken on drivers side. I've literally driven it into the ground and seriously need to replace it due to safety issues.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: jeromedawg on February 03, 2021, 02:51:23 PM
https://www.theonion.com/toyota-recalls-1993-camry-due-to-fact-that-owners-reall-1819577805 (https://www.theonion.com/toyota-recalls-1993-camry-due-to-fact-that-owners-reall-1819577805)

LOL...good one. I'm curious why they wouldn't have included pre-93' Camrys for that matter.... :D
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Just Joe on February 04, 2021, 12:12:42 PM
1996 Suzuki Sierra with 470000km on the clock....

I think you got your money's worth no matter what you paid for it.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: esmith2039 on February 05, 2021, 10:21:02 AM
I don't consider ours as beaters but here's our old cars.. 04 Escape owned it since 06 with 32k, now has 174k. A couple snags but nothing expensive. Rust will eventually take this one. I've already replaced the rear wheel wells. 02 Focus.. had it since 2010 I think, it was my sisters she bought in 03 with 30k. After she got ill we started driving it and inherited it after she passed. Didn't pay anything for it but has cost us $2600 over the years and has been a royal pain most of the time, something is always broke on it lol (sisters curse I like to say!).

I work on our vehicles so i'm able to keep them going fairly cheap, I can see how this would be hindrance to some. We also have 05 Jayco Escapade with 77k, 2000 Dakota with 97k and 91 Festiva with 221k (bringing this back to life).
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on February 05, 2021, 10:57:48 AM
I've heard of the "Mother's Curse" (unfortunately, I married someone who was a victim of it)

Is the sister's curse something like, "I hope you have to drive something just like you!?!"
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: BlueMR2 on February 13, 2021, 12:21:53 PM
Maybe not an econobox, but my daily beater is 1991 Toyota MR2 with 298,500 miles on it now.  Getting that one to that mileage was pretty easy, it's been super reliable.  Spare parts still exist for common features, but no longer exist for special options (example, the cruise control speedo sensor broke and is no longer available, so I just don't have cruise control anymore). 

My fun car is a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse with 140,500 miles on it.  It's been a tough road getting it there, not a reliable car at all.  Parts are getting real hard to find.  Had to swap the whole rear end to a different set of brakes due to one sticking caliper and that not being available anywhere.  Rear axles are also impossible to find now (other than junkyards and they tend to be trashed parts).  Has numerous parts that I can't even think of to list now that have been swapped in from other make/models of cars just to keep it on the road.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: keyvaluepair on February 16, 2021, 08:44:05 PM
'94 Civic DX Hatchback stick, 107K miles. Should go another ten years easy. Probably less once son starts driving it in another 6 years. My bicycles have more miles than my car....
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: ColoAndy on February 18, 2021, 07:57:47 AM
2012 Honda Accord that I bought new. 110k miles.  100% problem free to date.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: abbeydabbey on February 26, 2021, 10:02:16 AM
So, basically I drove an $800 car for 8 years and got $5000 out of it!

My first car was a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. I bought it for $800. I drove it for 8 years, putting very few miles on it. I lived in the country but still managed to put less than 5,000 a year on it. It had 260,000 miles on it and was going strong, until an old lady turned left in front of me and totaled it. I got $4500 out of it from the insurance company, I sold the totaled car to my parents for $500. They have been using it for parts. I used that money to buy a $4000 Toyota 4Runner, but I'm ready to get out of my SUV driving days. It's not very mustachian of me...
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: zolotiyeruki on February 28, 2021, 12:17:54 PM
'94 Civic DX Hatchback stick, 107K miles. Should go another ten years easy. Probably less once son starts driving it in another 6 years. My bicycles have more miles than my car....
My second car was a '94 Civic DX (but a sedan) with manual everything.  I freakin' loved that car.  There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the car--it was just an honest, simple, high-quality car.  It had 165k miles on it, and was just rock-solid reliable.  I sold it two years later for the same price (about $2500) when it came time to buy a minivan.  I still sorta miss it.

My '95 Corolla's seatbelts are stiff with age, so yesterday I took a trip to the salvage yard and pulled a pair of seatbelts from a scrapped car.  I'm sending them off to get new webbing, and I'm really looking forward to getting them back so I can put them in my car.

I also spent a chunk of the afternoon with one of my kids, replacing shocks.  I'm a bit ashamed to admit it, but I think the shocks were original (25 years, 238k miles), and they are well and truly shot.  The first one I pulled off was completely collapsed, and makes funny slurping sounds when I push and pull on it :)  In all likelihood, this car is either going to die from rust or an accident.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: keyvaluepair on April 02, 2021, 09:26:38 PM
'94 Civic DX Hatchback stick, 107K miles. Should go another ten years easy. Probably less once son starts driving it in another 6 years. My bicycles have more miles than my car....
My second car was a '94 Civic DX (but a sedan) with manual everything.  I freakin' loved that car.  There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the car--it was just an honest, simple, high-quality car.  It had 165k miles on it, and was just rock-solid reliable.  I sold it two years later for the same price (about $2500) when it came time to buy a minivan.  I still sorta miss it.

My '95 Corolla's seatbelts are stiff with age, so yesterday I took a trip to the salvage yard and pulled a pair of seatbelts from a scrapped car.  I'm sending them off to get new webbing, and I'm really looking forward to getting them back so I can put them in my car.

I also spent a chunk of the afternoon with one of my kids, replacing shocks.  I'm a bit ashamed to admit it, but I think the shocks were original (25 years, 238k miles), and they are well and truly shot.  The first one I pulled off was completely collapsed, and makes funny slurping sounds when I push and pull on it :)  In all likelihood, this car is either going to die from rust or an accident.

Hallelujah brother! The Civic does NOT have:

1) Power windows
2) Power steering - parallel parking it is a forearm builder.
3) Any cachet whatever

My very first car when I came to the US for grad school was a Ford Fiesta hatchback I bought for $50 from another grad student. My friends called it the Rolling Prophylactic .....
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: SunnyYellow on April 05, 2021, 01:43:22 PM
I truly love my 1999 Corolla. I just use it for errands, so it has only 28,000 miles and runs like a dream. I'm the original owner, bought her new. I don't think of her as a beater, but as a reliable old friend who lives in my garage (so she looks good, too, for a 20+ year old). Really, what's not to love about a car that costs next to nothing to own?
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on April 07, 2021, 11:56:33 AM
@SunnyYellow You are either the best mustachian ever (for driving only 150 miles a month for two decades) or the worst mustachian ever for owning a car when you might be able to rent a car once/twice a month and handle all these errands and not even own one.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: StashingAway on April 19, 2021, 10:37:42 AM
@SunnyYellow You are either the best mustachian ever (for driving only 150 miles a month for two decades) or the worst mustachian ever for owning a car when you might be able to rent a car once/twice a month and handle all these errands and not even own one.

This could have been a 1994 Corolla (rather than a 1999 new one) with 100k miles on it and be no worse for wear.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Sugaree on April 19, 2021, 10:43:47 AM
My husband is driving my '99 Wrangler with 250k miles on it (engine was replaced a few years ago, so it has significantly less miles).
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on April 21, 2021, 09:40:41 AM
Update: I got my 2009 Camry--which isn't in the same territory as anything on this thread--out of the garage and drove 115 miles round trip for a COVID vaccine. Got the J&J, so just one dose (no need for a return trip). Turns out I could have waited a few days and gotten the same shot closer, so face-punch for me.

But It's been a year where I've only racked up about 1 mile per day with this car. I do like it, but at some point I need to start asking the tough questions about what its future with our family could look like.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: YoungGranny on April 21, 2021, 11:56:32 AM
My neighbor just got rid of his 38 year old Toyota Camry (sole owner) - he was sad, said it was the best car he's ever had but it was about time. Decided to get a Volkswagen EV.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: zolotiyeruki on April 21, 2021, 03:11:16 PM
Update: I got my 2009 Camry--which isn't in the same territory as anything on this thread--out of the garage and drove 115 miles round trip for a COVID vaccine. Got the J&J, so just one dose (no need for a return trip). Turns out I could have waited a few days and gotten the same shot closer, so face-punch for me.

But It's been a year where I've only racked up about 1 mile per day with this car. I do like it, but at some point I need to start asking the tough questions about what its future with our family could look like.
Aw, man, I had an appointment to get the J&J vaccine last week, but they cancelled the appointment when the CDC overreacted to the blood clot thing.  (serious, 6 cases out of seven million!?)
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on April 27, 2021, 01:25:34 PM
My wife is going to be driving our not very Mustachian 2014 Honda Odyssey to her second shot soon. For a while I'd try to persuade her to drive my camry places, but this is a part of mustachianism where I've failed to make the sale.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: HP on May 04, 2021, 04:52:37 PM
1999 Honda Accord - 328k miles on it when I sold it a couple months ago.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Decibel on May 26, 2021, 04:52:43 PM
I have a 1996 Suzuki Sierra. It is definitely a beater and my only car with over 450000 km on it. If it sees the year out it will be time to replace the old thing with something a little more modern and safer. The only hi-tech thing it has is intermittent wiper blades.....
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on June 04, 2021, 01:23:07 PM
My car is perhaps only half the age of the best cars here, but a friend mentioned that I drive it so little, I should "treat it like having a new car every time." I think he's onto something with that!
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: stealthwealth on June 04, 2021, 02:32:30 PM
My Dad has a 91 Chevy shortbed 1500 with around 500xxx on it.  I drive a 2003 Corolla I bought new in August 02, and it's sitting on 220xxx.  All US miles.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: pdxvandal on June 06, 2021, 11:12:19 PM
2009 Toyota Prius ... 300k miles. Bought in 2016 for $3k ... put on new tires, brakes, 12V battery and catalytic converter in the first 3 years. Last 18 months, $0 in maintenance (no oil changes or car washes either). I should probably change the oil this year, at least. Maybe. AC still blows cold, original battery still works OK, all electrical works fine. Hard to kill this car.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: drumstache on June 15, 2021, 10:18:17 AM
2008 Tacoma, about to hit 200K. 

My friend always bugs me about why I drive such a beat up vehicle when I could afford something nice.  Tried to explain, but it's like blowing a dog-whistle.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: zolotiyeruki on June 15, 2021, 11:02:58 AM
2008 Tacoma, about to hit 200K. 

My friend always bugs me about why I drive such a beat up vehicle when I could afford something nice.  Tried to explain, but it's like blowing a dog-whistle.
"Every month I drive this beater instead of making a car payment, I get to retire a day (or two or three or whatever) earlier."
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: MoneyTree on June 15, 2021, 11:30:17 AM
2004 Honda CRV, 190K miles. Has a dent on the side where a deer hit it (the deer hit the car, not the other way around). AC no longer works, but I'm too cheap to fix it.

I was actually considering selling this car and upgrading to an EV, but reading this thread...sounds like its got a ton of life left in it.

Maybe I'll fix the AC, but we were quoted over $2,000 to fix the compressor.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on June 24, 2021, 11:01:06 AM
I hear you guys are having a heat wave out west, that may affect your AC compressor decision.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: MoneyTree on June 24, 2021, 04:20:19 PM
I hear you guys are having a heat wave out west, that may affect your AC compressor decision.
Yes, we have, and yes, this has been pushing me in the “just pay up and fix it” direction.

What helps is that we do have another car with functioning AC and I’m still working from home.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: meandmyfamily on June 27, 2021, 12:23:15 PM
1997 Toyota T-100 with 170,000 miles and people ask if we will sell often
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Bateaux on July 31, 2021, 05:59:37 PM
My 2008 Honda Accord is nearly at 230,000 miles.  Almost all original parts.  Including the nonfunctional A/C.  Will suffer until October when it cools off a bit.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: middo on August 01, 2021, 04:51:25 AM
My motorcycle is about to click over to 120,000 kms.  It is my daily rider.  I hope that counts.

The wife's car is up to 315,000 kms, and needs an oil change.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Zamboni on August 02, 2021, 03:12:25 PM
I just learned a hazard of having an older car and not driving much: dry rotted tires that still have lots of tread. To be fair, it is a 2003 and 2 of the tires were from 2012 and the other two were from 2015, so I have no reason to be upset that I bought 4 new tires today. I guess the inspector last year must have just looked at the tread depth and decided they were fine, because the dry rot was really bad and I'm relieved that one when flat when I was taking my dog to the vet today instead of in a couple of days when I am driving to another state.

For awhile a decade ago I lived in a home construction area and used to pick up a lot of nails, so I'd replace pairs as that happened.  I don't think I've had 4 brand new tires at once on this vehicle since I bought it! Should get me through at least a few years at the rate I am not driving. :-)
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: zolotiyeruki on August 02, 2021, 03:25:26 PM
I just learned a hazard of having an older car and not driving much: dry rotted tires that still have lots of tread. To be fair, it is a 2003 and 2 of the tires were from 2012 and the other two were from 2015, so I have no reason to be upset that I bought 4 new tires today. I guess the inspector last year must have just looked at the tread depth and decided they were fine, because the dry rot was really bad and I'm relieved that one when flat when I was taking my dog to the vet today instead of in a couple of days when I am driving to another state.

For awhile a decade ago I lived in a home construction area and used to pick up a lot of nails, so I'd replace pairs as that happened.  I don't think I've had 4 brand new tires at once on this vehicle since I bought it! Should get me through at least a few years at the rate I am not driving. :-)
FWIW, if you get a puncture in the tread, it's a very straightforward DIY-able repair.  You can get a repair kit at your local auto parts store for not much more than $10.

I learned about such kits several years ago, when we were 1,400 miles from home, in a smallish town on a Saturday night, when all the local tire shops were closed for the weekend, and we found ourselves with a flat tire.  In desperation, we asked for suggestions at the local Autozone, and they sold me a kit.  Since then, I've used it three or four more times.  It's way less hassle than taking a tire in to the shop.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: nedwin on August 04, 2021, 09:32:30 AM
I can add a few here.  The first is a 1979 Volvo 242 DL.  My parents bought sometime in the early 80s.  They drove it until I got my license, then passed it to me.  The odometer read 316,000 miles exactly and no longer clicked over, so it had many more miles than that.  The speedometer also broke and its dial would sometimes spin while driving.  I drove it for 6 months or so before the element in the catalytic converter broke and clogged the exhaust, then the timing belt broke.  My parents kept it around for awhile as a spare car but its drivability got progressively worse.  In the end reverse did not work and the transmission wouldn't hold the car from rolling forward, but would hold from rolling back.  I used it one summer to deliver pizzas, which was interesting give the state of the transmission.

My second car was a 91 Honda Accord 2 door.  It went through a hail storm that left six inches of golf ball size hail on the ground and had the dents to show it.  Around 235,000 miles I rear-ended a cop with it.  No one was hurt, except for my pride.  It was a small town and I knew the cop.

My current car is a 07 Honda Accord with 185000 miles.  I think it has repaired hail damage as the clear coat has significantly failed.  It was also flooded past the hubs a few weeks ago.  I was able to dry it out but now the AC compressor makes an awful noise.  Ill drive it another year or two, at least.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: jim555 on August 04, 2021, 12:33:51 PM
I had a Tercel from 1991 to 2007, 16 years.  I'm still on the new car from 2007.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Morning Glory on August 04, 2021, 06:10:15 PM
I sold the crown Victoria the other day and the guy who bought it sent a message today complimenting us on how well maintained it was. He said it's the first car he's ever bought that didn't need work right away.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: yachi on August 05, 2021, 12:11:15 PM
I just learned a hazard of having an older car and not driving much: dry rotted tires that still have lots of tread. To be fair, it is a 2003 and 2 of the tires were from 2012 and the other two were from 2015, so I have no reason to be upset that I bought 4 new tires today. I guess the inspector last year must have just looked at the tread depth and decided they were fine, because the dry rot was really bad and I'm relieved that one when flat when I was taking my dog to the vet today instead of in a couple of days when I am driving to another state.

For awhile a decade ago I lived in a home construction area and used to pick up a lot of nails, so I'd replace pairs as that happened.  I don't think I've had 4 brand new tires at once on this vehicle since I bought it! Should get me through at least a few years at the rate I am not driving. :-)
FWIW, if you get a puncture in the tread, it's a very straightforward DIY-able repair.  You can get a repair kit at your local auto parts store for not much more than $10.

I learned about such kits several years ago, when we were 1,400 miles from home, in a smallish town on a Saturday night, when all the local tire shops were closed for the weekend, and we found ourselves with a flat tire.  In desperation, we asked for suggestions at the local Autozone, and they sold me a kit.  Since then, I've used it three or four more times.  It's way less hassle than taking a tire in to the shop.
Make sure to always spend the extra buck for a kit with the T-shaped tool, God I hate the screw driver shaped tool.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Bateaux on August 17, 2021, 06:43:42 AM
Trying to keep my 2008 Honda Accord with 236K miles on the Road.  Alternator went out for the third time.  Original in 2015, changed to O'REILLY'S alternator with lifetime warranty.  In 2018, that one went out, exchanged free, last week went out again.  Yesterday exchanged free.  But, I broke a bolt off in the aluminum head that mounts the alternator.  Going to try and remove the broken bolt myself.  Very tight space.  May sell or donate the car if unsuccessful with the broken bolt.  Air-conditioning is already dead.  Struts are dead.  Four bald tires.  Brakes soon need rotors and pads.  Slight oil leak and starting to burn more oil.  Hate to give up but all that due maintenance is more than it's worth.  That's with me doing it.  I have another vehicle in good shape.  But I don't use it as much since I have the old beater.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Bateaux on August 18, 2021, 01:25:36 PM
Well my old Honda Accord is running again.  I was able to return the burned out alternator.  Kudosnto O'Reilly's for the exchange.  I was able to get another bolt screwed in place of the broken bolt.  Not perfect but it should last a while.  The main bolt on the bottom is rock solid and holds well on its own.  The top bolt is mainly just for tension.  The air-conditioning doesn't work but morning driving is predaylight hours for me.  I have a F250 with air-conditioning but the fuel mileage is about half the Accord and it rides like a log truck. Much rather drive the old car when possible.  Success for now.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Bateaux on August 18, 2021, 01:26:23 PM
Well my old Honda Accord is running again.  I was able to return the burned out alternator.  Kudos to O'Reilly's for the exchange.  I was able to get another bolt screwed in place of the broken bolt.  Not perfect but it should last a while.  The main bolt on the bottom is rock solid and holds well on its own.  The top bolt is mainly just for tension.  The air-conditioning doesn't work but morning driving is predaylight hours for me.  I have a F250 with air-conditioning but the fuel mileage is about half the Accord and it rides like a log truck. Much rather drive the old car when possible.  Success for now.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: zolotiyeruki on August 19, 2021, 09:08:22 AM
Well my old Honda Accord is running again.  I was able to return the burned out alternator.  Kudosnto O'Reilly's for the exchange.  I was able to get another bolt screwed in place of the broken bolt.  Not perfect but it should last a while.  The main bolt on the bottom is rock solid and holds well on its own.  The top bolt is mainly just for tension.  The air-conditioning doesn't work but morning driving is predaylight hours for me.  I have a F250 with air-conditioning but the fuel mileage is about half the Accord and it rides like a log truck. Much rather drive the old car when possible.  Success for now.
Let me guess, you have the V6?  We had to replace the alternator on our Odyssey last year (same V6 as the Accord), and I had the exact same thing happen with one of the bolts.  I ended up taking it to a mechanic (gasp!) to extract the bolt.  He ended up removing the right headlight in order to get a good angle on it, and it ended up costing me $180.  Considering I do almost all my own car work, I didn't feel too bad about this very occasional expense.  Our A/C also recently went out, but all it needed was a recharge.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: bmjohnson35 on August 19, 2021, 09:14:52 AM

We have a 2006 Ford Ranger with 244k miles.  I was told that previous owner installed a used engine in it, but I get the impression the information I received was questionable at best.  It's a simple truck with manual tranny and manual windows, but the A/C blows ice cold.  I had to troubleshoot a miss recently, but it only cost me $150 in parts before I found the root cause.  Great vehicle to carry my paddle board, kayak and weekly trips to the beach. 
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Bateaux on August 23, 2021, 12:24:10 PM
Well my old Honda Accord is running again.  I was able to return the burned out alternator.  Kudosnto O'Reilly's for the exchange.  I was able to get another bolt screwed in place of the broken bolt.  Not perfect but it should last a while.  The main bolt on the bottom is rock solid and holds well on its own.  The top bolt is mainly just for tension.  The air-conditioning doesn't work but morning driving is predaylight hours for me.  I have a F250 with air-conditioning but the fuel mileage is about half the Accord and it rides like a log truck. Much rather drive the old car when possible.  Success for now.
Let me guess, you have the V6?  We had to replace the alternator on our Odyssey last year (same V6 as the Accord), and I had the exact same thing happen with one of the bolts.  I ended up taking it to a mechanic (gasp!) to extract the bolt.  He ended up removing the right headlight in order to get a good angle on it, and it ended up costing me $180.  Considering I do almost all my own car work, I didn't feel too bad about this very occasional expense.  Our A/C also recently went out, but all it needed was a recharge.

It's the V-6 and for now running good.  I was confident enough to put a full tank of gas in it yesterday.  I had been only at 1/4 tank just in case I donated it to charity.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: iluvzbeach on August 23, 2021, 01:29:22 PM
We recently drove our 2005 Honda Pilot with 204K miles halfway across the U.S. and back and she ran like a champ. We even pulled a UHaul trailer full of stuff on the drive back. She rolled over to 209K miles when we got home. Best car ever. We bought the car new back in 2005 and still love it. I hope she’ll run for many years to come, but if she died tomorrow I’d still feel like we got our money’s worth.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Just Joe on September 07, 2021, 09:35:51 AM
2004 Honda CRV, 190K miles. Has a dent on the side where a deer hit it (the deer hit the car, not the other way around). AC no longer works, but I'm too cheap to fix it.

I was actually considering selling this car and upgrading to an EV, but reading this thread...sounds like its got a ton of life left in it.

Maybe I'll fix the AC, but we were quoted over $2,000 to fix the compressor.

if you are handy you could do a partial DIY. Is there Freon in the system? If not, replace the compressor and dryer. Return to the a/c shop and have them charge it. Buy the best compressor you can afford. I bought the middle of the road compressor from AutoZone for our Chevy. It lasted just over a year before it failed in exactly the same way as the original 15+ year old compressor lasted. I was really pissed. I'd buy something quality from NAPA. I'm tired of discount auto parts that only seem good enough to put on cars you are trying to sell soon.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Just Joe on September 07, 2021, 10:00:46 AM
Am completing a very slow DIY timing belt on our Acura MDX. Timing belt, spar plugs, serpentine belt, water pump, antifreeze, added trans cooler, AWD dual pump fluid, PTO oil, trans fluid x3 to solve a surging transmission (TSB procedure). Taking my time b/c we have two other old cars to drive in the meantime. Just about done with everything.

Our 22 year old Chevy ate it's waterpump. ~190K miles. I replaced it with a new one from a discount auto parts store. Replacement immediately leaked. Took it back for a refund. Bought one at NAPA. Installed it in no time. Great car. Pleasant to drive. Diddly resale value but that's part of its charm.

Our 22 year old CRV is back on the road. ~300K miles. Several years ago the oil pump broke. I think DW switched it off quickly enough to prevent engine damage but I didn't want to put a ~$250 oil pump into a high mileage engine. Bought a JDM replacement engine with ~36K miles on it for $650-$750 (?). Installed it but never completed the task so never started it.

Before I took the Acura apart, I completed the CRV project. Lots of cleaning inside and out. Mold/mildew/? Smelled like an old sneaker. Cleaned upholstery and carpets. Smells good now. Interior is still in excellent condition. Was excited to discover that the air conditioner still blows cold. I have never serviced the air conditioner in this car despite using it quite a bit here in the humid south. I did put about 1/2 a can of Freon into it about a decade ago. Spent a few hundred bucks on new headlights, new (used A+) sunvisors, wipers, etc. Not using the car on the highway so I think the tires will be okay. Lots of tread but age. The car has original struts and axles all the way round. Front struts were nearly rigid so I eased it through a ditch at my house to twist the suspension several times. Front end has loosened up and rides nicely now. Had the Takata airbag replaced under warranty.

Told DW how much I love driving this car. She agreed. It is really nice to drive on country roads tooling along with the windows down, tunes on the radio, etc. Also reinforcing that is its resale value approaches 'nil. We've owned it since new. It has been easy and affordable to DIY all its repairs all these years.

Next car will be electric but at the pace we're putting miles on our cars I don't know when that will be. 
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: MoneyTree on September 07, 2021, 10:33:40 AM
2004 Honda CRV, 190K miles. Has a dent on the side where a deer hit it (the deer hit the car, not the other way around). AC no longer works, but I'm too cheap to fix it.

I was actually considering selling this car and upgrading to an EV, but reading this thread...sounds like its got a ton of life left in it.

Maybe I'll fix the AC, but we were quoted over $2,000 to fix the compressor.

if you are handy you could do a partial DIY. Is there Freon in the system? If not, replace the compressor and dryer. Return to the a/c shop and have them charge it. Buy the best compressor you can afford. I bought the middle of the road compressor from AutoZone for our Chevy. It lasted just over a year before it failed in exactly the same way as the original 15+ year old compressor lasted. I was really pissed. I'd buy something quality from NAPA. I'm tired of discount auto parts that only seem good enough to put on cars you are trying to sell soon.

Thanks! I actually ended up getting the entire A/C system replaced. So it blows cold now, but now I've been hearing a weird croaking sound sometimes when I am on the freeway and the A/C is on. It only happens when the A/C is on. I took it back to the shop and they have no idea what it might be.

Starter also failed on the car, stranding DW at the grocery store a few times. So I got that replaced too. Lots of things coming up now, but given that I've had to do very little except routine maintenance on the car for over 15 years, I figure a lot of this stuff is coming due.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Just Joe on September 07, 2021, 10:58:06 AM
You can always check RockAuto and see what parts cost and then look for a YouTube video that details the replacement process if that interests you. I'm saving ~$1500 doing that this past week in my spare time.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: iluvzbeach on September 07, 2021, 12:33:54 PM
I’ve officially been kicked out of the club, or running for the prize. We bit the bullet and replaced the Pilot with a new Passport. Pilot was still running great but we knew we’d need to start putting some money into it soon and decided the new car was the way to go. Not mustachian for sure!
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: stealthwealth on November 01, 2021, 11:05:47 AM
My 2003 Corolla is still going at 220k miles.  I spend a few hours this weekend replacing the drivers side CV joint.  Seems like it can go quite a while longer.  Owned it new since August '02.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: zolotiyeruki on November 02, 2021, 05:48:16 AM
My 2003 Corolla is still going at 220k miles.  I spend a few hours this weekend replacing the drivers side CV joint.  Seems like it can go quite a while longer.  Owned it new since August '02.
Keep it maintained, and it'll last until rust takes it.  I daily drive a '95 Corolla with 243k miles, and it just keeps on going.  Oddly enough, I also need to replace the driver's CV axle, although it's not the original.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: Cassie on November 06, 2021, 10:06:50 PM
I am the third little old lady that has owned this Toyota Corolla. It’s a 2013 with 62k/miles on it. I only drive 4K miles a year since retirement. It’s only needed tires, brakes and oil changes.
Title: Re: To the longest running beater car goes the prize
Post by: talltexan on November 12, 2021, 07:24:33 AM
I put about $900 into my 2009 Camry recently because I thought my wife would need it for an out of state trip (trip got cancelled). I think that's roughly $1 per mile I've driven in the past year.

I am not proud. But this mechanic is pretty good about installing parts when I show up with ones I bought online, so I want to keep them happy.