| dc_chef |
09-18-2003 07:35 PM |
All my friends know the low rider
Quote:
Originally posted by Bad_Rich_Chic
Yeah, see, that's what I don't get. I recognize there is a whole romantic technophile element to getting the latest thing. But I don't get it. (Even with shoes I never go trendy, and I cry when they wear out.)
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Technophile, yes, that has something to do with it. But there are other things, as well. For example, at the end of 2001, if you wanted to get a car that was fast, handled well, had all wheel drive, and a manual transmission for about $25,000, you'd be hard pressed to find something used. You could get an A4, with quattro and the V6, but it would not be that fast. You could get an S4, but you'd be hard pressed to find one for $25,000 that was not overloaded with miles. That's just one example.
Quote:
Originally posted by Bad_Rich_Chic
Yes, but if you get it new you don't know if you're getting one of the good ones or some misdesigned piece of shit. Why not wait and let someone else pay for the privilege of testing it out first?
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One could argue the same thing about a used car -- why take on a car that is a ticking time bomb? Someone sold it for a reason, right? I inherited two cars from my parents, both driven by my Jewish mother who is afraid of driving on the highway. Both cars had major and expensive mechanical problems within a couple of years of my taking over their ownership. I had another used car that also had a bunch of maintenance-type problems that were annoying to have fixed and expensive. New exhaust system, new brakes, new clutch, new head gasket, and a new battery were a few examples. That thing was still running 15 years after it left the factory, but that doesn't mean that it didn't drain the wallet and call for several trips to the mechanic. I loved that thing to death, but I'm much happier in my new car.
When it comes to something as mechnically complicated as a car, I'd rather have one that will be fixed for free, with a free loaner car, than one that breaks down at my expense. The only exception to this rule are the new certified used cars, where you get the benefits of a warranty and new car treatment at the dealership's service department.
Quote:
Originally posted by Bad_Rich_Chic
Hey, I'd plan to get a damn nice luxury car for what you'd pay for that Camry new.
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If you think that I'm buying a new 4 cylinder, automatic Camry, you've got another thing coming. ;) Besides, that's another quirk of my car buying habits -- I'll eschew a luxury car in favor of one with better performance and far less money.
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