The CNW "argument" isn't valid. Obviously making a new car takes resources. But operating a car for 150,000+ miles takes far, far more resources, whether you measure it in CO2 or other pollution. IF you can make an appreciable dent in the resources consumed in operation (by getting a car with say 30% better MPG), then buying a new car is a win for the environment. Even if your old car wasn't that much of a gas guzzler, replacing it may allow it to replace a gas guzzler in someone else's garage. Short of everyone driving less, the best way to reduce the pollution from America's auto fleet is to replace it with more fuel-efficient cars.
Thanks Sam! It's nice to be in the choir when the preaching is going on.
Additionally, more people who own old cars also means more parts availability, more used cars available, and more mechanics out there able to work on our old jalopies.
My 63 Chevy II Nova Wagon got me more tickets than any car ever will. The Talon Tsi seems to attract cops fairly well, but my wife's A6 Biturbo is practically invisible. I love passing cops on the freeway in that thing. They don't even look at it, it must be because it's white. Or, I look like a Republican in it.
I've got a silver 4Runner. About a week ago, I didn't see the cop leaning out of his cruiser with a radar gun until it was too late. I was doing 85+ in a 70 with no cars within 300 feet of me in either direction. When I saw him start to pull out, I thought he had me dead to rights.
The black Crossfire I blew past 10 seconds earlier got busted instead. The only way that truck could be more invisible is if it was literally transparent.
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was starred
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was unstarred
I have never, and will never buy a new car, for all the reasons you've listed and so much more. I don't buy new skis unless they are the previous year's models marked down 70%. Why? As soon as you use something, it's used. You get a door ding or core shot, and your fancy new equipment is just as used as if you had bought it that way. However, it is still just as enjoyable, if you don't care that it's not NEW. New cars turn ordinary people into overprotective pricks! You also get to enjoy the experience of repair and maintenance much more often.
Plus, in the case of a used car, it occaisionally smells like buttsex, and that's alot of work to accomplish by yourself.
Edited by that ain't the way to have fun, son at 11/24/09 10:27 PM
that ain't the way to have fun, son was starred
that ain't the way to have fun, son was unstarred
I watched a beautiful older model Viper tear up an SCCA Autocross track this weekend. It showed sexy and powerful amongst a group of more power hungry Euro and Rice tuners. It was not the fastest thing through the torturous twisties that Autocross relies on, that was relegated to abnormally aspirated AWD's and BMW's. It was however, the best looking, best sounding stock monster there. The Viper made the sheer 'get to the gate' brake, punch, brake, punch look incredible, even when it overpowered itself and spun into the grass.
"In those relatively rare cases where the rear cross-member is significantly corroded and can no longer safely support the spare tire, but the rear cross-member cannot be replaced due to excessive frame corrosion at the mounting location (e.g., if the side rails are too damaged), Toyota will develop an appropriate remedy for those vehicles on a case-by- case basis."
A properly contrite Japanese businessman would've seppuku'd himself by now. Toyota built themselves a gigantic reputation of stolid reliability, then built a mountain of hype on the Tundra, saying it would turn the fullsize truck market on its ear. Well, not so much - more like dropped the fullsize truck buyer on his ass.
I picked up a '99 Miata a little over a year ago. Average 1,000 miles a month in it. Drive it like an absolute idiot, like it was designed to be driven- redline shifts out of every light, squealing tires through the corners.
I am astounded that I've never even been pulled over and given a warning, to say nothing of a ticket.
I think it has everything to do with the Miata's reputation as a "cute" car, rather than the sports car that it is.
That whooshing sound was all your (nonexistant) new car advertising heading for the exits.
There are some good reasons to buy new cars. And lots of great reasons to buy used cars beyond your points:
Keeping the dollars in the local economy;
Supporting local repair shops and parts stores rather than international manufacturers;
More freedom to customize your car when you own it outright and don't have to hand it back at the end of the lease;
Saving your money for investments that will increase in value;
You can buy more, cheaper cars more frequently - allowing you to have a lot more automotive experiences.
03:42 AM
12:43 AM
Additionally, more people who own old cars also means more parts availability, more used cars available, and more mechanics out there able to work on our old jalopies.
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
The black Crossfire I blew past 10 seconds earlier got busted instead. The only way that truck could be more invisible is if it was literally transparent.
11/24/09
Plus, in the case of a used car, it occaisionally smells like buttsex, and that's alot of work to accomplish by yourself.
07:18 AM
What, what were we talking about here?
11/24/09
/NTN trivia sucks all the cleverness from my brain on Tuesday nights
11/24/09
I watched a beautiful older model Viper tear up an SCCA Autocross track this weekend. It showed sexy and powerful amongst a group of more power hungry Euro and Rice tuners. It was not the fastest thing through the torturous twisties that Autocross relies on, that was relegated to abnormally aspirated AWD's and BMW's. It was however, the best looking, best sounding stock monster there. The Viper made the sheer 'get to the gate' brake, punch, brake, punch look incredible, even when it overpowered itself and spun into the grass.
11/24/09
@ArtForge:
11/24/09
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11/24/09
Like, replace the frame? :)
11/24/09
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
11/24/09
Smooth move, Toyota. Way to drop the ball.
11/24/09
All I know, Toyota isn't the automatic home run it used to be.
#tips
11/24/09
I picked up a '99 Miata a little over a year ago. Average 1,000 miles a month in it. Drive it like an absolute idiot, like it was designed to be driven- redline shifts out of every light, squealing tires through the corners.
I am astounded that I've never even been pulled over and given a warning, to say nothing of a ticket.
I think it has everything to do with the Miata's reputation as a "cute" car, rather than the sports car that it is.
Not that I'm complaining...
11/24/09
Perhaps the police are scared of frisking a homosexual?
Just sayin... stereotypes are pretty damn widespread.
11/24/09
11/24/09
There are some good reasons to buy new cars. And lots of great reasons to buy used cars beyond your points:
Keeping the dollars in the local economy;
Supporting local repair shops and parts stores rather than international manufacturers;
More freedom to customize your car when you own it outright and don't have to hand it back at the end of the lease;
Saving your money for investments that will increase in value;
You can buy more, cheaper cars more frequently - allowing you to have a lot more automotive experiences.
11/24/09