Your auto- what you're driving now

[swguy]

2013 F150, bought used in March with 36k miles. Will be around for many years

Sent from my VS986 using Early Retirement Forum mobile app

[travelover]

Same as last year - 1975 Pacer

[2017ish]

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelover Same as last year - 1975 Pacer

Now that's frugal!

[Big_Hitter]

looks like you may need to splurge for some tires on that pacer

[Keim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelover Same as last year - 1975 Pacer

My 6 ft 8 in tall High School Vice Principal was still driving his in 1990.

I was impressed it lasted that long. Always fun to see him getting in or out of it.

[ExFlyBoy5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keim My 6 ft 8 in tall High School Vice Principal was still driving his in 1990. I was impressed it lasted that long. Always fun to see him getting in or out of it.

When I turned 16, I *almost* bought an MG Midget. Have I mentioned that I have been 6'3" since I was about 15 years old? Yeah, I couldn't even squeeze in the thing let along shift gears. Ah...what fun it *could* have been. If I was 4'10"

[travelover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Hitter looks like you may need to splurge for some tires on that pacer

They are only flat on the bottom.

[eytonxav]

I had a 2000 M5, and the car included attendance at BMW's M5 Performance Driving school in Spartanburg. It was a great experience that only required me to pay for airfare. In addition to driving instruction, got several nice gifts, and a caravan drive to the Biltmore mansion outside of Asheville. Not sure if BMW still includes that as part of the purchase price if you purchase a current M model.

[Keim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyBoy5 When I turned 16, I *almost* bought an MG Midget. Have I mentioned that I have been 6'3" since I was about 15 years old? Yeah, I couldn't even squeeze in the thing let along shift gears. Ah...what fun it *could* have been. If I was 4'10"

I feel your pain. I'd love a Kharman Ghia.

I'm 6' 5".

I went with an old Monte Carlo instead.

[UpAnchor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpAnchor You might be interested to know that the "remote mountainous area" to which I referred in my original post was a couple hours NNW of your southern abode. 😀

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danmar Interesting. Was this road near Sedona? I have a sporty convertible in Arizona. Maybe I should take a ride up there? The other thing to consider is as we get older (I'm almost 66) it seems easier to get a thrill driving. Maybe our senses have slowed down a bit and it just seems more thrilling?

The whole area between Sedona and Prescott is a driver's playground, the run through Jerome being the most aggressive. The roads I particularly had in mind were in the Prescott vicinity back when that area - and AZ in general - was much less populous. I think you'd enjoy it next time you're down there.

And +1 on the senses. Unfortunately those aren't the only things which have slowed down. Just getting in and out of certain vehicle configurations is less comfortable, probably ruling out a number of the smaller/lower sporty car options.

[MRG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpAnchor The whole area between Sedona and Prescott is a driver's playground, the run through Jerome being the most aggressive. The roads I particularly had in mind were in the Prescott vicinity back when that area - and AZ in general - was much less populous. I think you'd enjoy it next time you're down there. And +1 on the senses. Unfortunately those aren't the only things which have slowed down. Just getting in and out of certain vehicle configurations is less comfortable, probably ruling out a number of the smaller/lower sporty car options.

I remember some of 89A from Sedona to Jerome. Wow!

[Ronstar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRG I remember some of 89A from Sedona to Jerome. Wow!

Definitely!
I even had fun driving it in a Jeep Wrangler

Also 89A from Sedona to Flagstaff

And add Ca 1 Sw of Leggett to the coast

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpAnchor Just getting in and out of certain vehicle configurations is less comfortable, probably ruling out a number of the smaller/lower sporty car options.

+1.

Seems like this becomes more and more of a problem for us too, as we age. I am so glad to have an SUV instead of a cute little sports car.

[Shanky]

VW Golf TDI - Until they take it away!

[wyecrabber1]

MY daily drive is a 2000 Escalade with 192K miles. Bought the car off eBay about 10 years ago. Dependable and can tow the water toys. Hope to get another 40K miles before having to buy a newer vehicle. I do most of the repairs and maintenance, so I've got cheap transportation. I will never buy a brand new car. It's nice not having a car payment.

DW drives a 2012 Tucson with 50K miles, it's a nice vehicle and the 10 year/100K mile powertrain warranty is a nice feature.

[Looking4Ward]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aja8888 How do you like the Ecodiesel? I've been thinking about one in the event my VW diesel goes away.

I really like it and a couple of reasons top the list:

1. The fuel mileage is incredible for a three ton truck. I recently took it on a 3K mile road trip thru several states and averaged 27 mpg.

2. I've also been towing a travel trailer with it and average 18-19 mpg when doing so. Gas equivalents only see 9-12mpg.

I looked at Ford Ecoboost and while those trucks have almost drag-car acceleration and higher tow ratings the fuel economy really drops when towing a load. I think the Ram ED rides better but that's subjective.

Also looked at Chevy (couldn't get a diesel in a 1/2 ton) and the new Nissan Titan XD but it's a larger diesel in a somewhat larger truck and doesn't get anywhere near the fuel economy. Not to mention it's priced very high.

I think Ram nailed it with this combination. The only possible negative is there have been a high number of reported engine failures requiring total replacement. Formal cause is unknown but user forum buzz speculates inadequate oil spec because of viscosity issues and the crank bearings not receiving sufficient lube during cold conditions. This is also not a truck that's suitable for short trips to the grocery store. It needs to get warmed up and run at operating temps, something that can take awhile with a diesel. If I'm going somewhere that's less than 10 miles round trip, I'll take my Jeep.

I've had mine since March and have put 4500 miles on it. No issues so far.

[Danmar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_M5 I had a 2000 M5, and the car included attendance at BMW's M5 Performance Driving school in Spartanburg. It was a great experience that only required me to pay for airfare. In addition to driving instruction, got several nice gifts, and a caravan drive to the Biltmore mansion outside of Asheville. Not sure if BMW still includes that as part of the purchase price if you purchase a current M model.

No longer included in the purchase of an M5. Considered doing this school a few times but couldn't seem to find the right time.

[Danmar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpAnchor The whole area between Sedona and Prescott is a driver's playground, the run through Jerome being the most aggressive. The roads I particularly had in mind were in the Prescott vicinity back when that area - and AZ in general - was much less populous. I think you'd enjoy it next time you're down there. And +1 on the senses. Unfortunately those aren't the only things which have slowed down. Just getting in and out of certain vehicle configurations is less comfortable, probably ruling out a number of the smaller/lower sporty car options.

Thanks for the tip. We drive to Sedona ( from Phoenix) at least once a year. Next time I think I will get off I17 at 260 and take in some of 89A. Would be more fun in the M6 than the X3 for sure.

[Danmar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R +1. Seems like this becomes more and more of a problem for us too, as we age. I am so glad to have an SUV instead of a cute little sports car.

For sure, but as long as I can do it, I will. Maybe keeping the sporty cars keeps us young and flexible a little longer than otherwise?

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danmar Maybe keeping the sporty cars keeps us young and flexible a little longer than otherwise?

At least it lets you think you are still younger and flexible.