The realities of owning a paid off car | What no one tells you!

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 22 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @atpgarageatl
    @atpgarageatl  4 місяці тому

    If you enjoyed this video check out some of my other content like this video
    ua-cam.com/video/jPm1q0gLrbE/v-deo.htmlsi=qnrTFtUYIt-NgJ1x

  • @BBC42618
    @BBC42618 7 місяців тому +785

    Who else is driving a 20 year old car and truck and absolutely loving it. My ford ranger got 200k miles and still going strong.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +26

      Solara is 22 years old 262k still rollin. What engine is in your Ranger?

    • @curtisj2165
      @curtisj2165 7 місяців тому +17

      My 16 year old car is still going strong

    • @bodbn
      @bodbn 7 місяців тому +17

      Rocking a lime green 2003 Hyundai. Do most of the work on it myself.

    • @lorihamlin3604
      @lorihamlin3604 7 місяців тому +24

      2007 Toyota 220,000 miles with very little maintenance. My last Toyota had 250,000 with no major expense. I drive a car until I no longer feel secure. I’d never buy a new car again. The interest I’ve paid on car loans would buy me a new car. As long as AC and radio works I’m good.
      . I only get liability insurance which is minimal next to full coverage required with a loan. Buy used, save your payments for maintenance or to replace. If with new car you still have to buy tires, change oil, get tuneups, etc.

    • @powerseostrategy
      @powerseostrategy 7 місяців тому +9

      2004 Yukon Denali with 230k and running great.

  • @aaronburratwood.6957
    @aaronburratwood.6957 8 місяців тому +315

    I’ve always said owning a 200k+ mile is an art form. You’re always listening and smelling for oddities and make a three ring binder of date & mileage of services and you’ll be good.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +50

      Definitely gives you something to do while Sitting in traffic. 😂 what was that noise? Is that the normal chirp or something new.

    • @markokrasinski8033
      @markokrasinski8033 8 місяців тому +16

      People are too stupid or/and lazy today.

    • @chrishart8548
      @chrishart8548 8 місяців тому

      ​@@markokrasinski8033people are stupid that's true. Most of the stupid poor people I know have 4 kids. The stupid is increasing rapidly. And people are Lazy in general why waste energy.

    • @tgj5680
      @tgj5680 7 місяців тому +10

      I am mechanically disabled, but after 5 years and 200,00 miles, even I learned when it was time to do various maintenance items even if I had no ability to do it, local mechanic did all the work. Binders for sure :) it turned 21 before I traded it in. Ended up costing me 11 cents per mile over the life of it.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +5

      @@tgj5680 11 cents per mile of ownership is amazing!

  • @Disruptedgarage
    @Disruptedgarage 7 місяців тому +264

    I bought and financed ONE new car. A painful, long lasting lesson I will never forget.

    • @aylmer666
      @aylmer666 7 місяців тому +30

      I learned my lesson after financing a USED car. She’s still mine though, 12 years later. These 2005 Toyota Matrixes never die.

    • @wildprodigy
      @wildprodigy 7 місяців тому

      That's what I drive too, what trim do you have? ​@@aylmer666

    • @mick_muffin
      @mick_muffin 7 місяців тому +4

      Once as well. Never again

    • @I_know_what_im_talking_about
      @I_know_what_im_talking_about 7 місяців тому +23

      Why, what happened?
      I bought a Mazda 3 new in 2014. Paid it off in 5 years and have now been driving it for 5 years with no payments and no maintenance because the car is still fresh and healthy (100,000 miles) 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • @rocketchico.2149
      @rocketchico.2149 7 місяців тому +5

      @@I_know_what_im_talking_abouta lot of people get car payments that they can’t really afford

  • @ironclaw6969
    @ironclaw6969 8 місяців тому +397

    My current daily driver has been paid off since 2007 and I have to say that I LOVE not having modern "features" like start-stop annoyance, displacement on demand or a stupidly large tablet in the middle of the car that needs to be tapped to do anything at all. I LIKE having analog switches and dials that can be found and adjusted by feel as I keep my eyes on the road. I don't mind having to use my phone for navigation as a newer radio did allow me to connect it via bluetooth which allows the audio and navigation data to go through the car instead of having to play with a phone while driving.
    The best feature? NO PAYMENT and cheap insurance. The car gets me where I want and to costs almost nothing doing it.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +12

      That’s great! The no payment and cheap insurance is the best features of all!

    • @MarzNet256
      @MarzNet256 8 місяців тому +16

      2006 Matrix 4WD with 224,000 miles, and it still runs great. Bought used with 25,000 miles for $12,500 in 2010. I maintain and repair it myself, so I taught myself auto mechanics and spent a few grand on tools. Now, when the CEL comes on, I get excited, curious instead of fearful.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +3

      @@MarzNet256 those are great cars!

    • @dynamarkets
      @dynamarkets 8 місяців тому +8

      I love mechanical simplicity! This new fangled electric this, electric that, it's all bullcrap. Not to mention much more expensive to maintain.

    • @jasoncrandall73
      @jasoncrandall73 8 місяців тому +5

      I actually like the tablet. It offers you a lot of features & spec readings. Stop/start is pretty cool. Never had a issue with the last 2 cars that have had it. I drive a lot (about 25k/yr) so a local driver I am not. If I didn't drive so much a older car would suit me fine.

  • @dasboototto
    @dasboototto 8 місяців тому +1124

    getting married (then divorced) is the biggest expense a guy will ever have

    • @izz5946
      @izz5946 8 місяців тому +87

      Yup cost me like $600,000 plus

    • @myintegruns12s51
      @myintegruns12s51 8 місяців тому +63

      Agreed, around 250k here.

    • @aaadamt964
      @aaadamt964 8 місяців тому +65

      Plus the destroyed credit.

    • @aaronburratwood.6957
      @aaronburratwood.6957 8 місяців тому +54

      I’ve been married to the same woman for 21 years and we were only set up as bootie calls for each other and we got married in eight months later. Sometimes when you know you know.

    • @user-ek5nl1jc4b
      @user-ek5nl1jc4b 8 місяців тому +45

      And the worst decision a guy will make

  • @engrishsheep
    @engrishsheep 8 місяців тому +573

    My coworkers don't understand how come I'm the only one not struggle with the inflation right now, and I'm the only one able to save money and set money aside to invest. (none of them know how to invest money anyway...) Because I'm the only one driving a 15 years old car, while all of them either leasing/bought new cars and making payment on them...
    Btw, there was an anecdote about my phone usb port broke. All of my coworker told me to get a new phone, but I was like, nah, I fix it with $30 part, and they all look at me like I'm crazy. You know how to fix cell phone? I don't, I told them I looked up a video show how to do that and I think I can handle it, and then I fixed it. Yes, it just cost me $27 and I have a fully functional phone now. No wonder everyone at work is struggling financially nowadays and I'm not...🤷‍♂

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +84

      We definitely live in a disposable society now. Planned obsolescence!

    • @kesayo
      @kesayo 7 місяців тому +27

      I can relate. I drive a 2009 Honda Accord and have a Samsung phone from 2019 with a cracked screen. I track my total expenses year to year and it has not changed in past 5 years, in fact it went down last year because I stopped eating out as much when fast food and restaurant prices went up.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +12

      @@kesayo same we stopped eating out as much and started cooking more of our own meals. Despite groceries going up significantly we are still saving. The phone thing is honestly something people overlook. I try to keep my phones as long as possible and the savings there adds up. How many miles does your accord have?

    • @JC-jk3kl
      @JC-jk3kl 7 місяців тому +21

      EXACTLY! I am like you as well. I am the owner of a 2010 Mitsubishi Galant I bought brand new. I have taken religious care of that car and always had it serviced at Mitsubishi and it now has 220,000 miles and runs great! Honestly, the Galant looks and runs like new... I gave that one to my Vietnamese wife and I bought a new 2019 Mazda CX-5 paid-off as well. We also bought a smaller house back in 2014 for $103,000 brand new build, now appraised at $246,000. I told her we needed to hustle and pay off which we did 8 years later. Now we have extra money to invest and save.

    • @JC-jk3kl
      @JC-jk3kl 7 місяців тому +3

      @@kesayo screens can be taken in and fixed not that expensive of a fix.

  • @RedEyeC
    @RedEyeC 7 місяців тому +179

    Avoid any car with "auto stop / start" feature.

    • @diegotr1903
      @diegotr1903 7 місяців тому +37

      The least electronics the better

    • @RedEyeC
      @RedEyeC 7 місяців тому +8

      @@diegotr1903 definitely agree.

    • @garymiller7218
      @garymiller7218 7 місяців тому +13

      You can turn them off when u start engine

    • @RedEyeC
      @RedEyeC 7 місяців тому +6

      @@garymiller7218 - while a small hassle, that isn't the problem. This is (explained by a master mechanic): ua-cam.com/video/TTBN8Ic57Gg/v-deo.html

    • @mrgarrison3516
      @mrgarrison3516 7 місяців тому +10

      U can't avoid it now, just turn it off before u drive off....yes, all these new things suck

  • @freddyhollingsworth5945
    @freddyhollingsworth5945 8 місяців тому +224

    my 03 Grand Marquis that I have owned since 86,000 miles(2011), 460,000 miles now, $28 month insurance, $35 yearly tax, less than $1,000 in repairs since I got it from the original owner for $3,700...runs and drives like new still, it has allowed me to pay off a house and stay debt free.....for sure keep your old car until it totally falls apart....great video!!

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +14

      That’s awesome!

    • @guzmancharles7
      @guzmancharles7 8 місяців тому +14

      Grand Marquis they were made to last forever👍

    • @0rnery
      @0rnery 8 місяців тому +14

      At 67 years old, I have NEVER owned a new car. Never had a car payment. Do 90% of my own maintenance and repair. In Northeast Ohio, my cars die from rust, not mechanical issues. I buy them at about tens years of age with about 75K. Drive 'em till the wheels are square, or rust takes its toll.
      Drove General Motors till the abortion of a '77 Pontiac Bonneville. POS! Switched to Ford with a '76 Grand Marquis, and never looked back. Owned that, a '77 Grand Marquis, '77 Town Car I kept as a garage queen for 20 years. Also, '78 Town Car, '94 Town Car, '99 Grand Marquis, '04 G. Marquis, '06 Explorer (wife wanted mini-van, so this was compromise, because i will NEVER own a FWD vehicle), '06 Town Car Designer (garage queen shipped from Alabama), '06 Town Car Executive, and recently purchased '03 Expedition shipped from S. Carolina.
      IMO, don't bother with a G Marquis if you can snag a Town Car. You'll NEVER find a G. Marquis with a sun roof, or as much rear legroom as the Town Car.

    • @brighter22
      @brighter22 8 місяців тому +9

      It would be great if Ford would make another vehicle as reliable as the Panther platform. Ford is no longer capable for various reasons or willing.

    • @0rnery
      @0rnery 8 місяців тому +2

      @@brighter22 It could have been the venerable F-150, but due to the quest for ever more MPG required by the NHTSA, the formerly bulletproof engines have become nightmares with variable timing issues, along with over complicated sensors and EVAP crap.
      Just had a 2003 Expedition shipped here from S. Carolina, with a 5.4L 2V, for this very reason.

  • @MsFutureguy
    @MsFutureguy 7 місяців тому +53

    In the last 40 years, my most expensive car purchase was $4,000. I've had 0 car payments for more than 40 years.

    • @Matt-e8y
      @Matt-e8y 4 місяці тому +1

      Alas now any running car will be well over 4000

  • @watchmanonthewall14
    @watchmanonthewall14 8 місяців тому +98

    Bought a new car. Don't drive a lot. After 5 years, replaced the battery, just because of the age of the battery. Also, replaced the tires, just because of the age of the tires. Two years ago, went for an oil change at the dealership. When I picked it up, they informed me that I needed a new cabin air filter. "But good news! We can do that for you right now for only $89!" I said no. Went straight to an auto parts store and bought one for $15 and then replaced it in about 8 minutes. Decided to buy and replace my engine air filter, which took about 15 minutes. Replaced my own burned out tail light blinker last summer for the cost of it and a little bit of time. My mechanical aptitude is average, at best. But as you said, most of us can do the small stuff on our own.

    • @Theweouthereforrealclub-
      @Theweouthereforrealclub- 8 місяців тому +10

      It’s so easy to do simple stuff, and even the more complex stuff isn’t rocket surgery. I’m going to be putting in a new clutch here soon myself, it’s literally just nuts and bolts, anyone who can jack up a car can do it

    • @sporeranier
      @sporeranier 7 місяців тому +10

      Had a dealer quote me $600 to replace my car's blower motor. I did it myself for $40 in parts and 35 minutes of labor. And I'm a orangutan with a wrench.

    • @DonutVIP
      @DonutVIP 7 місяців тому +1

      80 bucks to change a serpentine belt on a corolla, nah 20 bucks for the belt at autozone and already have a short socket 19mm

    • @wolfzai786
      @wolfzai786 5 місяців тому

      How do you guys learn to do these minor changes?

    • @Theweouthereforrealclub-
      @Theweouthereforrealclub- 5 місяців тому

      @@wolfzai786 UA-cam, forums specific to your car, factory service manuals (you can find used copies on ebay or PDF scans online ususally)

  • @burmesebeef
    @burmesebeef 6 місяців тому +9

    it's refreshing to see a YT video telling me to save my money and not tempt me into buying things i dont need

  • @curtisj2165
    @curtisj2165 7 місяців тому +256

    Best part of a paid off car is no more monthly payments

    • @gb2828
      @gb2828 7 місяців тому +7

      That's the ONLY "part of it !!"

    • @jeffreylising6958
      @jeffreylising6958 7 місяців тому

      I agree

    • @AdamTreier
      @AdamTreier 7 місяців тому +2

      And insurance

    • @ahumanbeing6875
      @ahumanbeing6875 7 місяців тому +1

      @@AdamTreierI do the most basic insurance coverage. $30/month on my truck.

    • @wesdoobner7521
      @wesdoobner7521 6 місяців тому

      @@ahumanbeing6875 that's pretty good. Geico charges me $85 a month for me and my wife on 3 cars.

  • @AmandaHugenkiss2915
    @AmandaHugenkiss2915 7 місяців тому +181

    Face it you will either have a car payment, repair bills, or you will be out there wrenching yourself. We have a family fleet of 9 cars, all paid for. But there is always something that needs to be done on one or more of them.

    • @garybulwinkle82
      @garybulwinkle82 7 місяців тому +24

      Dad's car repair facility! The art of deferred maintenance!

    • @AmandaHugenkiss2915
      @AmandaHugenkiss2915 7 місяців тому +8

      @@garybulwinkle82 haha no McDaddy's full service auto keeps those suckers running in tip top shape. I even have my own branded oil change stickers.

    • @GoldenEagleXTND
      @GoldenEagleXTND 7 місяців тому +24

      Exactly. I'm tired of these type of people not seeing value in their own time. It's a mid-level "pinch-a-penny" millionaire mindset. It's great to have paid off cars if you can afford the time to maintain them or you have "cheap" cars. I'm sorry but if you're looking to attain further wealth and enjoy high-end cars, you simply do not purchase a high-value depreciating assets. You put enough in it to hopefully break even and do not try to "pay" for the car unless you want to collect it. You finance, enjoy it, trade it/sell it.
      We've gotten to a point in society where so many people either believe you need to spend so little money you live as a hermit and use your time fixing things vs the spend spend spend, credit mentality.
      There is an in-between that actually let's you enjoy your life and your time while still be responsible. I also have a feeling a lot of the miser mentalities, think that scrounging for pennies for 20-40 years to only retire with $1.8M in the bank is somehow a good life.
      . I've rarely seen a non-welathy elderly person enjoying their retirement. They're usually left broken and broke, so stuck in their misery ways that they essentially self hate themselves into not living life. Always aspire for more and for better, but be realistic and don't overspend trying to pretend..
      Rant over

    • @keny46
      @keny46 7 місяців тому +2

      ​@@GoldenEagleXTNDDefinitley a balance is key. It all depends on what you value I suppose. I don't get the crowd that over spends on new cars and has little money left over to do anything fun. I've never bought a new car bc I just don't like having a car payment plus having full coverage.

    • @GoldenEagleXTND
      @GoldenEagleXTND 7 місяців тому

      @@keny46 I can understand when you have the type of view that cars are simply a tool for transportation between your destinations. But, even when those types of people you describe but cars (at least fun performance ones) they are typically getting transportation, a hobby, entertainment, and networking from having that car. It's the same argument of why would someone buy Snap-On tools when they could just buy Harbor Freight and continuously exchange them. But, yes balance is key. If you can truly afford to have a high car payment and you desire to buy let's say sacrificing having a bigger house/apartment, going out to eat, travel, etc then who cares? I could have this same argument with people who buy too large or nice of a house, vacation, night out to eat etc.

  • @imaxjunior6531
    @imaxjunior6531 7 місяців тому +49

    Once paid off keep paying same monthly amount into a special savings account. This will be the 'Car Account' which is only used to pay for parts & repairs and eventually pay cash for next 'Needed' car purchase.

    • @mattwigs9
      @mattwigs9 7 місяців тому +5

      This is what I do. The problem most people have is they don't ever set money aside for routine maintenance. Then when something breaks it turns into a big deal and a struggle to pay for it.

    • @bfbrmm
      @bfbrmm 7 місяців тому +3

      Never thought of this!! Will start now🤯

    • @vzeq24
      @vzeq24 4 місяці тому

      I do the same.

  • @watchmanonthewall14
    @watchmanonthewall14 8 місяців тому +164

    Correction: The third largest expense is a car.
    The second largest expense is a house.
    The most expensive is a wife.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +11

      😂

    • @jimhanty8149
      @jimhanty8149 7 місяців тому +4

      No …no no.. wife is 5x totally the first… you just ain’t been around enuf…🤣

    • @watchmanonthewall14
      @watchmanonthewall14 7 місяців тому +3

      @@jimhanty8149 You don't have to convince me. Ha ha. I've seen it, first hand!

    • @peter9274
      @peter9274 6 місяців тому +3

      My wife makes way more than me, I'm the expensive one...haha.

    • @yxmichaelxyyxmichaelxy3074
      @yxmichaelxyyxmichaelxy3074 6 місяців тому +2

      We stand corrected. 👍

  • @Matthew-bc9mr
    @Matthew-bc9mr 7 місяців тому +16

    One thing not mentioned in this video that not alot of people do, but i cannot recommend enough is; whenever you get a car (new or used) the first thing to do is buy a notebook. Keep the notebook in the glove box and inside the front cover write the year, make and model, VIN, and any other info (like the interior and exterior paint codes, found on the sticker inside the driver door jamb, etc) the date you bought it, and the mileage it has when you first bought it. Then, EVERY SINGLE TIME that you do any kind of work or maintenance on it, write down what you did, the date you did it, and the mileage you did it at. And, put the receipts for the work/parts in the notebook.
    This will save you alot of headache keeping up with when you last did something, and can really help troubleshooting issues if you notice a certain component you're replacing too frequently or something. Also, if you go to sell that car down the road, just having that notebook/receipts will increase the value considerably. Especially if its clear you have been diligent about both maintaining and logging in it, but even if you weren't that on top of maintenance, just having that info at the ready adds value. I wish every car I bought from someone had already started a maintenance log, and the one time I did buy an old used car that the guy did have a good log with receipts in it, I was happy paying a few hundred over KBB because I had that info coming with it, and could see it was well cared for and didn't have any persistent problems.
    Plus alot of cars have oil lights that come on a bit prematurely IMHO. Some cars you can adjust the miles before the oil change light comes on, but some cars are just locked in at 3k miles, and my SUV is locked in at 5k miles. And considering I run full synthetic in all my cars (and this car takes 0w20 which is only available in full synthetic anyway) and I would check my oil when the change light came on and it was still golden clear, looking brand new, i don't go off the light. I used to run my car with extended life mobile1 10k miles between changes, so I could do it every other light, but then you have to remember, "oh did I do it last light, or was I supposed to do it this time?" And now that the car is a bit older and I'm trying to take better care of my vehicles, I do it around 7500-8k miles, where the oil is just starting to get dark, but isn't black yet by any means, so the maintenance log is crucial with this. I currently have 2 old Fords; 01 Focus and 06 Freestyle (its like an Explorer but with a little bit longer rear end for 3rd row seats) that both have over 300k miles on them. The Freestyle has the CVT in it. And I've literally never touched it. I only just had to go into the engine for the first time a couple months ago because the timing chain tensioner was worn out, so I put in new chains and tensioners and now its ready to go another 300k miles. I think i changed the plugs in it 1, or maybe 2 times. Other than that it was little outside-of-the-engine stuff. Changed the waterpump twice, the starter 1 time, and the serpentine belt once (and went ahead and did it a second time while doing the timing chain because I was in there) and then just various coolant hoses and batteries. Then just changing fluids and filters, brake pads and tires, and wiper blades. That car has been great.
    The Focus is a wagon and I use

    • @Matthew-bc9mr
      @Matthew-bc9mr 7 місяців тому

      Was saying the Focus is a wagon and I use it like a pickup truck, and I run it hard. So I've had to do a bit more to it, it has timing belts so they don't last as long, I've changed it 2 times, but that little inline 4 is very easy to work on. Biggest issue i was having was it was going through wheel bearings, and they press in so it was a pain to do. But I realized the wagon has different alignment specs than the sedan or hatch, and the alignment shop had done it to hatch specs instead so that might have had something to do with it. So I took it to a better shop for a proper alignment. And then i finally stopped buying wheel bearings from Advance Auto, and I ordered a full set from Timken, went through the hassle of changing all of them out to the Timkens and never had another issue with them. Both cars have been great, and all the amenities still work, power windows, seats, ice cold AC, boiling hot heat, etc. Great cars, just gotta take care of them, and maintenance logs make taking good care of them so much easier..

    • @pftittl
      @pftittl 3 місяці тому

      I have a file folder too to hold anybreceipts from repairs

  • @ibiro868
    @ibiro868 8 місяців тому +82

    Paid off Corolla manual transmission in Arizona. No rust but the sun will beat the hell out of the car. Batteries only last 3 years max in 122 degree heat.

    • @Jody-kt9ev
      @Jody-kt9ev 7 місяців тому +5

      Same in central Texas.

    • @tdgdbs1
      @tdgdbs1 7 місяців тому +6

      @@Jody-kt9ev 02 Corolla purchased from Toyota of Killeen, best car I've ever owned.

    • @susancooper7701
      @susancooper7701 7 місяців тому +1

      Gee right next door in SW NM where it was 111* yesterday and my 2002 Subaru is on its 2nd battery in 23 years. Probably will need replacement within the next yr. Maybe you just do NOT understand the requirements of battery maintenance.

    • @Jody-kt9ev
      @Jody-kt9ev 7 місяців тому +1

      @@susancooper7701 You are probably just lucky. The battery in my Texas Nissan Frontier has survived for several years, but I have had to replace the battery in my wife's car three times in 9 years. The first just died, the second started leaking. and the third shorted. I had to also replace the alternator after the shorted battery.

    • @susancooper7701
      @susancooper7701 7 місяців тому

      @@Jody-kt9ev No, I have had many batteries over my past 60 years that have lasted a 8yrs or more. Its all in how they are actively maintained.

  • @manonmars2009
    @manonmars2009 7 місяців тому +46

    I bought a new 1993 Volvo 240 for $21,600. Back then that was a ton of money, but I had already owned many 140 series Volvos and knew how these cars ticked. I still drive the '93 240 to this day. I never took it to the dealership for anything. I told the salesman that he would never see me or the Volvo again and neither would anyone else at the dealership. I was true to my word. The 240 now has a shade over 160,000 miles. I have 4 other Volvos of various years (1965 - 1992) and have all the parts I need. Dealerships must despise people like me.

    • @GettingGood
      @GettingGood 7 місяців тому +3

      my 93 240 has 235k on it running strong ! Cheers to you for keeping a volvo on the road !

    • @scrambaba
      @scrambaba 7 місяців тому +1

      good on you, mate!

    • @coffeeat4pm
      @coffeeat4pm 7 місяців тому +2

      I have a 92’ 960 I will never get rid of it

  • @mattneil1449
    @mattneil1449 8 місяців тому +51

    I lucked into a lower milage 2004 crown vic from an ex cop who had got it for his daughter, he dinged it up a bit in parking lots but I love how it rides. I can't see ever getting rid of it.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +5

      Those are great cars!

    • @BryanChance
      @BryanChance 7 місяців тому +4

      Those crown vics last as long as a Toyota.

    • @pepsiholic4084
      @pepsiholic4084 7 місяців тому +2

      I drive a '97 Crown Vic for the past 13 years. Its still running strong and I'll drive it til the wheels fall off, the only down side is the little things that break and parts are hard to come by

    • @mattneil1449
      @mattneil1449 7 місяців тому

      @@pepsiholic4084 I've found used parts on ebay for cheap and they have all worked

    • @clydedoris5002
      @clydedoris5002 7 місяців тому +2

      I've heard of taxi companies having buying police crown vics and some had 700k miles still ran

  • @bugnut82
    @bugnut82 6 місяців тому +8

    I daily a 62 vw bug, with the stock 1200cc 40 hp engine. Every 1500 miles, change the oil, and every 3000 miles, check points/timing, adjust valves, lube front beam and then get it back to work! It takes some maintenance, but i do it myself, saving me tons of money.

  • @Thomas63r2
    @Thomas63r2 8 місяців тому +37

    I was already a believer in having a plugger daily driver. I'm a senior who has owned 26 vehicles over the years; cars, trucks, vans ('70's craze), hot rods (10 second street freaks), a diesel VW (5 of my cars were VWs), a Corvette convertible (so many fun memories), a Jag XJ 350 Chevy conversion (still own), luxo barge Lincolns. I was blessed to live through an era of affordable new cars and cheap used cars - that era has been over for for awhile, and everyone knows that car costs have skyrocketed in the last couple of years. My current daily driver is a 25 year old Lincoln Continental factory stock with a zippy FWD DOHC 4.6 V8 and gets 25 mpg on the highway. Every guy used to be some level of DIY'er - but today's young people seem unwilling to get dirty and save big bucks and get the financial benefit of owning a paid off car. With average car payments being what they are, every month I keep this car in service is like saving $700. When you are driving down the road nobody really cares what car you are driving, they might like the car - but is it important to impress people you don't even know? Invest in tools nd technical knowledge - new cars are financially ruinous for the average person.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +2

      Sounds like a fun fleet of cars!

    • @c0583094
      @c0583094 7 місяців тому

      U had to go through so many cars and a 4.6 v8 is your daily driver. U already living g excess and preaching saving to kids.

    • @Thomas63r2
      @Thomas63r2 7 місяців тому

      @@c0583094 Every era has had its plusses and minuses . Most young people cannot recreate the life I have led - and not everything about the past was great. You work with what you have and make your choices. I suppose I am preaching when I suggest that no one cares what kind of car you drive (few people will remember your past cars), or when I suggest that buying a simple car and learning how to keep it going is wise. More than just saving money, I hope that some young people reading this will learn how being more intentional with your choices will lead to a more abundant lifestyle - there is great value in having the patience for the future.

    • @Dish.Washer
      @Dish.Washer 5 місяців тому

      He's a senior. Money saving times are over. ​@@c0583094

    • @simonfortune7279
      @simonfortune7279 5 місяців тому

      Wrong

  • @watchmanonthewall14
    @watchmanonthewall14 8 місяців тому +138

    Every notice how much better a paid-off car drives than a car with a payment?
    Ever notice how much better a clean car drives than a dirty car?

    • @JrSpitty
      @JrSpitty 8 місяців тому +23

      I see all the people on the road driving 20mph under the speed limit because they are scared of hurting the car they can't afford. So yes... feels much better to drive a car like you actually own it. lol

    • @DrMidnight-oz1rk
      @DrMidnight-oz1rk 7 місяців тому +4

      ​@@JrSpittythe person driving slower is a better driver, the way you drive the car wasn't built to be driven that way and will start breaking down.
      Doesn't matter if a car is clean or not makes no difference because other than getting from point A to point B, a car is completely worthless.

    • @DrMidnight-oz1rk
      @DrMidnight-oz1rk 7 місяців тому

      ​@@JrSpittyalso you're the one who is creating all accidents.
      The odds of getting into and accident increase with every MPH you drive over the speed limit.
      Realistically, they shouldn't even issue you a driver's license to begin with. Best thing is to keep you of the road so you don't go around killing babies.

    • @DrMidnight-oz1rk
      @DrMidnight-oz1rk 7 місяців тому

      ​@@JrSpittyI would race you for money anytime you want, I know I can drive better than you. And I'll put up money to prove it.

    • @BryanChance
      @BryanChance 7 місяців тому +4

      Yes yes!! Keep your car clean and wax your car every 4 months to keep the paint looking good. Most people don't take care of their cars. And yes change your oil every 3000-5000 miles.

  • @maineprimal7665
    @maineprimal7665 8 місяців тому +57

    Nothing brings more relief than a new paid off car (thats the real flex) thanks s&p500

    • @JohnSmith-dc1xf
      @JohnSmith-dc1xf 7 місяців тому +6

      haha yes, I bought a new F150 in 2018, financed it to get a 3k rebate, got the paperwork in 2 weeks and paid it off. Cost me about $30 in interest to get that 3k.

    • @chinito20fam
      @chinito20fam 7 місяців тому

      ​@@JohnSmith-dc1xfso I got a big load of a car.. for 80k😧😯😯👀 on a 2020 expedition and oo boyy let me tell you first 7 months alone... 800 in insurance!! And 1100 in the actual car payment.. the insurance has gone up and down... But now am paying a bit close to 600.. one point had it go as low as 450-435 something like that... So once I get this yr left am going to do yoube and learn how to edit.. get all the knowledge and do it right..since the age of 15 I worked in super hard labor small houses from top to bottom just the slab.. pouring forming digging. Prepping. Cutting rebar. Tieing rebar.. measuring.. laying down wire mesh.. then adding black chairs... Under the rebar of 5 ft leaving 5 incheswithin each rebar.. tie that off.. and also put chairs on the rebar for the sides to make that structure more durable.. and after all this... Pour another the same day.. take the wood stalks out.. organize it in the trailer to form.. or just lay it next to the other site... Start measuring.. and lastly also do 2-3 sidewalks from edging brooming and talking the wood out.. man remember like it was yesterday.. got a bad right shoulder being of the heavy lifting.. and a pretty bad back.. now I work in commercial.. which it isn't bad.. just pour concrete.. but the heaviest concretewe pour big slabs.. which is how I got to this position.. but it's not constant I come like I wish.. why I want to get my CDL for concrete trucker. And work that way.. invest that money into real estate a house . Make that a profit and slowly get 2 more at least to make me money in the long run.. and do UA-cam as well.. and a very very big goal of mine which is probably going to be around the same of if not more.. rebuild this house with actual block and rebar.. houses these days yes are expensive but it's not the most durable.. when I open the door or heavy days or wind the door just slammes itself or wanting to open the door you have to pull pretty hard or you won't open it... Noises from cutting grass pressure washing loud music.. would go away once I rebuild the entire house bigger rooms instead of grass pavers thicker durable concrete driveway.. replacing dranges with new ones.. black out tint for privacy.. and build a driveway for the cars so they last longer the color and shine to stay pretty nice throughout the years compared to letting them cook day in and day out rain humidity or beading sunlight.. and once I get rid of these payments first well be getting my CDL..why am learning it all and get out of this dumb.. want to keep my back as long as possible and use my license and brain to the max.. good for me to learn the roads..

    • @Mello675
      @Mello675 6 місяців тому +1

      If you actually knew how to invest you wouldn't have paid it off... you would have taken the APR on the car and made more in having the capital invested rather than paying off the balance. 7% is APR is free money nowadays with how much you can get back.

    • @JohnSmith-dc1xf
      @JohnSmith-dc1xf 6 місяців тому +4

      @@Mello675 The interest on 50k or whatver I consider a rounding error and not worth playing the makes a few dollars here or there. Its worth it to not have a payment and to have a clean title in hand.

    • @Goodyear1776
      @Goodyear1776 5 місяців тому

      ​@@Mello675that's bad advice now. Maybe when car loan rates were 2-3%.. but the Nasdaq lost like 9% in the past month

  • @keith62970
    @keith62970 7 місяців тому +8

    Still driving my 2004 Tundra. That sweet truck gives me zero problems. I keep it regularly maintained and it rewards me with great reliability!

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +2

      Great truck! That’s the million mile truck

  • @stendecstretcher5678
    @stendecstretcher5678 6 місяців тому +5

    Great advice. My 26-year-old Corolla is still going strong. Over maintained and garaged with careful driving over the years has paid off.

  • @baddoggie9745
    @baddoggie9745 3 місяці тому +1

    My Camaro just turned 30, looks and runs like new. You can do a lot of maintenance if you don't have a car payment. It's everything I need in a car and it's really comfortable. If it's within my scope I do the work myself. I also have 33 year old Miata (mint condition) and a 02 Honda with 54000 miles. Remember, in their time, they were the best cars on the road and everybody wanted one. I really don't like newer cars, they all look the same to me, and I work at a car dealership.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  3 місяці тому

      @@baddoggie9745 that sounds like a well rounded garage. Fun drivers cars!

  • @PerhapsGuy
    @PerhapsGuy 7 місяців тому +8

    I just bought a low-mileage 2024 Integra with the 6MT earlier this year. Saved several thousands since it was on the lot for 2 months. I love it, and on track to paying it off by next year. Let's see how long this one lasts!

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +2

      Nice! I’m sure it will last a long time. Acuras are well built!

  • @_JohnJohn_
    @_JohnJohn_ 8 місяців тому +13

    I bought my very first car, a 2007 328i BMW, while I was stationed in germany in 2006. I was 21 years old, and it is still the only car I've ever owned. Still looks brand new due to being garage kept, serviced every year, and waxed before/after every summer.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +1

      Those are great cars!

    • @trustyoungpierre9959
      @trustyoungpierre9959 7 місяців тому +4

      Got me one too! Paid off and it’s a 2011 . Awesome car! Definitely keeping it forever!

  • @justinkendall2746
    @justinkendall2746 7 місяців тому +3

    Right now, I intentionally purchased newer Subaru crosstrek and a 17 year oldSubaru car. More of a summer car than anything but biggest reason for these two purchases is ease of maintenance. Manual transmissions are reliable and less expensive to fix than a cvt and automatic transmission.
    The 17 year old Impreza yes has flaws but I know what they are and know how to fix it.
    Luckily the internet exists, pick a part exists. Video format tutorial exists. Some tool stores might not have the best quality tools but you can find most tools for cars at a harbor freight store for the average consumer.
    I’m fortunate to own a set of ramps, jacks, and tool set. And some friends that let me borrow some stuff once in a while.
    There is no shame in owning an older car you love. Consider it your project car and just take care of it. Take a chance at painting it yourself. Some body shop owners are happy to give advise on paint. Labor intense but worth it in the end. And you learn what works and what doesn’t.

  • @alkandrosrichards4987
    @alkandrosrichards4987 7 місяців тому +5

    I bought a 2010 Toyota Highlander SE with 203k miles on it about 3 weeks ago, and it’s been a dream.

  • @Ben-jq5oo
    @Ben-jq5oo 4 місяці тому

    Great content! You hit the nail on the head with social pressure and feeling judged. We need more quality content which helps people get over this fear. Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose!

  • @Bankrollprimo
    @Bankrollprimo 6 місяців тому +10

    Driving a 2011 Crown Victoria PI. 79K miles on it right now. Every day I struggle with wanting to trade it in for a car payment vs keeping it and maintaining it. Currently thinking about buying a second cash car and continuing to live car payment free.

    • @jontv2729
      @jontv2729 6 місяців тому +1

      If I were you, I would keep the car because it is very reliable. I own one myself, a 2008 P71 with 71,000 miles, and I love every minute of it. Always buy OEM parts because they will save you more money in the long run, but I'm not saying it's perfect because it's a v8 east through gas and has minor problems but are fixable. I would buy a Honda Civic 2001-2005 because they are reliable, and Toyota as well. Do your research, and trust me, you will thank yourself later.

    • @MrCleonwarrior
      @MrCleonwarrior 5 місяців тому +1

      Keep the panther, it’s the last of its generation/ model

    • @hummerguy
      @hummerguy 4 місяці тому

      79k is insane, I'll keep it, that's very low for a crown vic

  • @zachg9065
    @zachg9065 6 місяців тому +4

    I have a 2016 Lexus I paid $18k cash for. Looks pretty modern today and has all the features I need. Plus it is super reliable. Epic car

  • @donreinholz8121
    @donreinholz8121 8 місяців тому +37

    I agree with everything you said. Dave Ramsey always says a good way to stay broke is to have a car payment. Ignore the haters!

    • @1972Ray
      @1972Ray 8 місяців тому +6

      It's fine if you can afford it. My wife and I have not made a car payment in years, but we could afford payments, without going broke. Look around when you're driving. You're surrounded by debt. Don't assume all these people are broke, because the majority are not.

    • @lobo176
      @lobo176 7 місяців тому +3

      @@1972Rayyour missing the point of having debt vs no debt

    • @kimberlymartin459
      @kimberlymartin459 7 місяців тому

      ​@@lobo176 and you are missing his point.

    • @GoldenEagleXTND
      @GoldenEagleXTND 7 місяців тому

      Dave Ramsay espouses that for people who have issues with their finances/will never truly achieve more than $40-60K/yr. He himself has a vast car collection and a private jet. His principles are good to get out of debt. But you need to be growing your value and your wealth rather than living like a miser if your debt free already. There is always more money to be made, and I'm not even talking about this dumb "grindset" BS that's all over social media these days. Sometimes you need to take a leap to get ahead. I doubled my salary at a job from $40K to $80K by striking up a conversation at a motorcycle dealership with a guy who was also getting his bike serviced. Be confident in yourself and/or learn a skill that's valuable. Both things payoff

    • @teagancombest6049
      @teagancombest6049 7 місяців тому +1

      I mean my car payment literally costs less than insurance for the same car. And making loan payments improves my credit while paying cash doesn't affect it.

  • @latonyasaffor152
    @latonyasaffor152 7 місяців тому +2

    Hello there! Love this vide! I am (was) in this mind set recently. My 2009 Toyota Venza is awesome however I took a ride a friend's new $600 a month Acura and wanted a new car. Leather, ventilated seats, sunroof, etc.!!! Suddenly the two things I don't like about my car began bothering me. Your video helped put things back into perspective; I never though about upgrading my radio for better features. I also wish I had a power tailgate but I can live with it. At 139,000 miles my Toyota has no issues. I paid $7K cash for it five years ago and there's no new car that serves all of my family's needs the way our car does. That's for helping me come back to reality!

  • @Argedis
    @Argedis 5 місяців тому +3

    Nailed it 100% I agree with everything said
    Also the beauty of older used cars is they are cheap and you can easily own more than one vehicle for different things.
    I wanted a truck to go fishing and outdoor activities so I bought a beater Tacoma with 200k miles for $3k cash.
    Dirt cheap insurance, easy to work on and maintain, don't care about dings and scratches, and I don't mind using it like a truck. Runs like a dream too!
    Plus you get the choice of what you feel like driving and if one of them has an issue you can drive the other!

  • @sirhcmi3
    @sirhcmi3 4 місяці тому +2

    Great video! I still have a 2002 pickup and it’s still my most reliable vehicle. +2008 and 2011 all purchased used and all running great.

  • @swansong487
    @swansong487 7 місяців тому +4

    My 2006 Accord has degraded paint and a ding in the rear bumper cover, but at 200K it runs like a champ. I've replaced the starter, blower motor, power steering reservoir, headliner, and the intake hose. Other than that, regular maintenance has kept this baby pluggin' along. I'm gonna drive it till I no longer can.

  • @supercleaner
    @supercleaner 7 місяців тому +2

    People frown and smirk when they see my 1991 Toyota pickup coming. It's ugly now, but it's still ultra reliable at 370,000 miles with the so-called "3.slow" engine that many hate. I maintain it myself and it's still fun to drive my way. My yearly maintenance and upkeep costs me less than one of today's monthly car notes. Great video.

  • @chinoyhouse8247
    @chinoyhouse8247 7 місяців тому +6

    We have a paid off 2013 4x4 tacoma. bought it since new. now has 231,000 miles. Still looks 8/10. We are keeping it as it doesn’t really need any maintenance. It just needs an air filter once a year for $9.99 and a $19.99 oil change. insurance is only $45 bucks a month and that’s basically it. The cost is just like riding the bus. Some things that we need like tires, we source them from a local enthusiast shops where owners get rid of their OEM tyres and rims so we buy them like $55/piece with 7/32s and 2-3 years from date of manufacture. and if we really need parts in the future, we have a wrecker shops here that we can take out parts for like $5 bucks and tacomas are everywhere.

  • @daxtonbrown
    @daxtonbrown 8 місяців тому +13

    I drive a 1957 Chevy Bel Air. I've had it 16 years and total cost plus upgrades has been $9,000. Easy to repair.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +1

      Nice! Bel Air is a sweet ride! What engine do you have in it?

    • @greggdpa
      @greggdpa 7 місяців тому +4

      I had no idea Cuba has yt

    • @daxtonbrown
      @daxtonbrown 7 місяців тому +3

      @@atpgarageatl 350 SMALL BLOCK and T350 trans

  • @eman0828
    @eman0828 8 місяців тому +13

    I only buy older used Toyotas straight cash with no loans. They are some of the best used cars that money can buy esp if they are well maintained. I still drive a 2006 Camry SE model which is one of the more rare trim models of the 5th gen. It sort of looks in-between a Mazda 6 and a Lexus. It's got about 213k miles on it with 98 of the parts on the car that are all original.

  • @45Thunderbird
    @45Thunderbird 7 місяців тому +2

    I factory ordered a '22 dodge ta392, its paid off but I just havent trusted service centers. I keep a "love me" binder that tracks maint, bolt ons, the routine consumables from oil to wash and where I get them. I hope to have it well into classic plates.

  • @bryanfews5295
    @bryanfews5295 8 місяців тому +4

    Great video ,I have learned over the years to buy a reliable car brand, mostly Toyota's, and keep them going for as long as possible

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +1

      Toyotas are definitely a great choice!

    • @bryanfews5295
      @bryanfews5295 7 місяців тому +2

      My first was a 1987 celica, which I really purchased for the looks, but it was super reliable

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +2

      @@bryanfews5295 Nice! It’s a shame you don’t see any of those around anymore. I feel like those might have gotten scooped up during the cash for clunkers era.

  • @motokev2727
    @motokev2727 7 місяців тому +2

    Have 300k miles on my truck.
    The oil pressure starts out low, but moves up after driving for a while.
    Been waiting for it to die, but still going.

  • @raymond_sycamore
    @raymond_sycamore 6 місяців тому +3

    I have a 2003 Pontic Vibe I paid $1,400 for and a 1995 F250 7.3L I paid $6,000 for a couple years back. Best vehicles I’ve ever owned.

  • @gordonarnold7465
    @gordonarnold7465 4 місяці тому

    BROTHER 💪🏼
    New to your channel and just to let you know that I am looking it!👌🏼👍🏼
    Great info 💯%
    I purchased a 2012 Toyota Camry in 2012 and still loving it! I invested in the car by installing a new radio and upgrading speakers, upgrading tires, leather seat covers, and more
    All the upgrading I did 10 years ago I am still in love with my car 12 years later
    The car is in mint condition I stay on top of all the maintenance
    After 12 years I'm going to update the paint get it painted, remove scratches and little dents and it's all new all over again😂
    Thank you for giving great words of advice to all those who was thinking about a new car 🚗😅

  • @todddunn945
    @todddunn945 7 місяців тому +16

    I have a 9 year old Subaru. It is still just like new. It has been paid off since I handed them the check for it in the show room. I keep my cars until thy die. My Subaru just turned over 21,000 miles. It is the last car I will ever buy since it will outlast me unless some idiot hits me. So I will never have a car payment on this car and I can certainly afford to repair anything that goes wrong. I don't need or miss all the new electronic garbage they put on cars now. I use maps for navigation like I have for the last 60 years. They always work.

    • @evoman44
      @evoman44 7 місяців тому +1

      I also have and older 19 year old Subaru WRX that I love driving. I plan on keeping for as long as possible until I can afford something comparable in performance that I can pay cash for. Even if the engine were to blow I plan on putting in a new shot block because the car is worth it.

    • @simonfortune7279
      @simonfortune7279 5 місяців тому

      Wrong

    • @todddunn945
      @todddunn945 5 місяців тому

      @@simonfortune7279 In what respect was anything I said wrong?

  • @nthgth
    @nthgth 7 місяців тому +1

    I had an 02 Solara with the 1MZ engine and manual transmission, same color as yours too. Man I still miss that thing. The clutch and shift cables gave me a surprising amount of trouble fpr a Totota, but once those were squared away the car was a joy to run up through the gears.
    Excellent on the highway too - great sound system (stock and not even the JBL upgrade), and good noise isolation. I miss the days of fun, manual cars that are also quiet at highway speeds.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +1

      @@nthgth I wish mine was a manual. It’s a surprisingly fun car to drive. The fact that the car had an optional supercharger from Toyota is also crazy.

    • @nthgth
      @nthgth 7 місяців тому +1

      @@atpgarageatl true. But as far as I know, an LSD was not, and the car could really use one - especially if it were supercharged!
      If I remember, Toyota automatics of the day were very quick and crisp on the upshift, as good as you could want an auto. With 4cyls anyways.
      I also had a 94 Celica automatic, and I could pretty much manually shift it with small pedal manipulation, it was a lot of fun. Never drove an auto 1MZ though.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому

      @@nthgth yea an LSD diff would be awesome even without the supercharger. Still surprised the platform wasn’t developed differently. The second gen honestly killed the platform in my opinion.

    • @nthgth
      @nthgth 7 місяців тому

      @@atpgarageatl never drove that, but Toyota was trending away from fun and responsiveness so I guess it makes sense the 2nd gen wouldn't be as fun to drive.
      I'd still be interested if they made them with the manual and V-6 though.

  • @TheBeatenPaths
    @TheBeatenPaths 7 місяців тому +4

    You skirted around one very important point. I thought for sure you'd mention it, but yiu didn't.
    You have to decide, the day you buy your new vehicle, if you're going to keep it till the wheels fall off, or sell it in few years.
    A new car is like bringing a newborn baby home from the hospital. You have to start looking after it immediately!!
    How I kept my '07 Ranger 15+ years......
    I undercoated it the day i bought it. Then twice a year for two years, then yearly after that. Within the first month I had the driveline fluids changed, and changed them yearly.
    Akways drove the spoed limit, or slower if i wasn't impeding traffic. Crawl on rough rough roads.
    All i ever had to replace on that truck was tires brakes, batteries, & one pair of rear shocks.

  • @57Dalv
    @57Dalv 5 місяців тому +1

    Great advice. We are older and have 4 cars - the newest is 2015 and no payments!

  • @markchacon5971
    @markchacon5971 8 місяців тому +6

    Just found your channel really enjoying the content. Keep it up !

  • @GrandpaFabulous
    @GrandpaFabulous 7 місяців тому +4

    This is all excellent advice. I’ve never had a car payment and my vehicles have tended to be 10-25 years old, so this advice has kind of been my way of life for a long time. I’ve always wanted to buy a brand new vehicle once in my life and actually paid cash for a ’24 4Runner last month once I realized that a 5th gen 4Runner would probably be more suitable for me than a 6th gen that are expected to go on sale later this year. The FOMO was actually reversed for me because I knew time was limited to buy a new 5th gen. It already looks old because that design came out in 2010 and hasn’t had a refresh since 2014, but I’m actually really comfortable with that as the design has aged gracefully. I think you have to love a vehicle more deeply to buy a new one who’s design is long in the tooth or is paid off, quite old, and it still makes you turn around to admire it. I’ve been told often that I’ll regret buying new, but that hasn’t happened yet, perhaps because I waited until I could do it without a payment and the people who say that aren’t really enthusiasts. It’s a dream come true for me and I intend to keep this dream for 20+ years based on these concepts of owning older vehicles.

    • @ThuanTran-nv9yb
      @ThuanTran-nv9yb 7 місяців тому +2

      Last model manufacturers tend to work out all the kinks so you're good. Most options are now standard on last year models.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +1

      That’s awesome and you picked a great vehicle! We enjoy our 5th gen 4Runner.

    • @JamieStLouis-tu9ml
      @JamieStLouis-tu9ml 7 місяців тому +1

      The people who said that you will regret it, don't want to see you have nice things. They are jealous. DO not listen to them.

  • @DavidSmith-ev1bd
    @DavidSmith-ev1bd 8 місяців тому +48

    2010 Mercedes ML350 190k miles. Runs like new. Spend about $800 a year on maintenance when most people pay that every month on a payment. I could pay cash for a new one but it's pointless. I value my mutual funds more than impressing people at stop lights. Probably why I retired at 36.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +5

      That’s awesome! $800 a year in maintenance is very good.

    • @divinemessenger2030
      @divinemessenger2030 8 місяців тому +5

      Good for you. It’s so funny when I see people driving new cars and barely have anything in the bank. I drove a hoopty for years and had plenty in the bank to replace it and my friends couldn’t understand why I held on to it for so long. 😭

    • @Mr.BlackSanta
      @Mr.BlackSanta 8 місяців тому +3

      ML’s are fantastic- I have a 2013 ML and I can’t get over how well it runs. Just keep up the maintenance.

    • @eman0828
      @eman0828 8 місяців тому +1

      Suprise it's not a money pit machine yet. Does your have air suspension?

    • @Mr.BlackSanta
      @Mr.BlackSanta 8 місяців тому +1

      @@eman0828 It’s an E, not an S so no air suspension. A Mercedes V6 is a rock solid engine from 2007 and was very well built. Also, the car tells you when service is needed- that will run $500-900 annually. But if you do the “Service A, B, C,” etc when you are supposed to - you shouldn’t have many problems. Yes, an Oxygen sensor will go out or you can have a thermostat issue- but you are dealing with a 17 year old car- I would think Toyotas would have a similar issues. Plus- you get to drive a Mercedes- and that can be worth an additional $500-1000 annually.
      The ML finally hit me with a $1500 repair bill after 2 years- I paid it and expect to pay it again in another 2 years.
      The Porsche? That makes me sick spending that much on a headlight. Just a footnote- I have a 2016 V6 Cayenne- this SUV drives like a sports car. No joke.

  • @happysnapperman
    @happysnapperman 7 місяців тому +2

    I have a couple of Huyndai Coupe SIII. Tiburon in the States. 2008, 2009. Both paid for and look good IMHO. Do most of the maintenance myself. Just need a bit of detailing but I'm cool with that. I turn the, it starts, no problems no debt. Rob UK

  • @DonBMW
    @DonBMW 8 місяців тому +6

    90’s BMW here owned for 12 years. Paid off after 3 years and been payment free for 9 years. In that time the car has needed shocks, clutch, window regulators, tires and brakes. So, I pay $300 to $600 in repairs 2 times a year and then I have no car payments the rest of the year.

  • @Piccolo_Re
    @Piccolo_Re 3 місяці тому +1

    Cars make me so mad. Every one I’ve owned from Benz to Lexus to Caddy have all stolen my money. They’re just constantly needing repairs and other bs. They just make me so mad because right when I start building up money my car needs a big repair. Same thing over and over again.

  • @818guy6
    @818guy6 7 місяців тому +6

    Shout out to everyone here who is being smart through these tough times !!! May we all be healthy , wealthy and at peace financially ❤️ these coorperations and dealerships wanna screw us so bad .

  • @djbhe
    @djbhe 6 місяців тому +2

    I have a 1998 Lexus GS 400 240k no leaks or rust anywhere even the underbelly. It's a Florida car. The interior is in excellent condition. The driver seat has a few cracks and it looks and runs better than any new car and I get a lot of compliments. I paid $2200 for it in 2019 and I keep up with all the necessary maintenance.

  • @wendycamp307
    @wendycamp307 7 місяців тому +2

    Great advise as I’m am about to have my car paid off. Planning on keeping it for as long as I can. Tired of bills almost ready to retire too! Thank you for sharing 😊

  • @peterise192
    @peterise192 7 місяців тому +3

    I say this to everyone who buys a car on finance.. It's great for the first 3 months, and then the reality of the monthly payment sets in, then most people have buyers remorse. I personally love upgrading my old car, like bushings, shock absorbers. It's great satisfaction in feeling the difference after the work you put in.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому

      That’s a great point. That can be true of most purchases. I’m the same way I enjoy fixing things and making them last longer.

  • @ftlbaby
    @ftlbaby 5 місяців тому +1

    Lots of great pieces in this video. I wish I could add adaptive cruise control to my car! That's the only modern feature I can barely live without.

  • @johnbeckham1483
    @johnbeckham1483 7 місяців тому +4

    Good video in reference to driving a paid off vehicle! FYI the average monthly car payment currently is approx. $750! Thanks as I have a nice paid off Dodge!

  • @diriazi
    @diriazi 7 місяців тому +1

    I have a 2003 Subaru Forester with 200k miles and I try to maintain it. I just changed the alternator. It cost me $200. I need to change the transmission filter and oil soon and check brakes because the brake fluid is low. I also should check or change the differential oil. I’m a 61 year old lady and it helps to know how to fix your own car. I’m not an expert but I get through. Thank you for this video.

    • @evoman44
      @evoman44 7 місяців тому

      Good job. I have a 2005 Subaru WRX that I have maintained and repaired myself as much as possible. There is a wealth of information on the Internet on how to fix just about anything on these older Subarus. One of my cheapest repairs has been fixing my power steering pump that was leaking. I found a company on the Internet that sells a seal kit for it for like $20. Then I simply took out the pump and replaced every seal in the kit with the exception of the pulley seal because I did not have the special tool for it. But the pump has helped up fine now for 5 years. I decided to go this route because I had read that even remanufactured pumps don't last as long as OEM. And OEM pumps are expensive.

  • @jeffreyjeziorski1480
    @jeffreyjeziorski1480 7 місяців тому +5

    1. No more loan payments.
    2. No more struggling to pay off all the cards.
    3 . Credit rating increases.
    4. New offers of 0% credit card offers start to arrive.
    5. Consolidation of debt becomes possible.
    Thats what I have done consistantly for 40 years.

  • @sidlazzar1002
    @sidlazzar1002 7 місяців тому +1

    I have an 03 Volvo s80 and I love it. Had to get a new cat, needs a new purge valve and heater core but it’s high mileage and I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect when I bought it back in November last year. Thankfully UA-cam and forums have helped me with doing research and finding tips. Older cars just have more character in my opinion. Not having a car payment makes me happy and being able to tinker on my car makes me happy

  • @donreinholz8121
    @donreinholz8121 8 місяців тому +5

    I ALWAYS use Everstart batteries. Last 5-7 years and way cheaper. I also order new car stereos from Crutchfield as you get all the the factory wiring harnesses, faceplate, instructions, and a full support team if you have a problem.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +3

      Same! Crutchfield is awesome! I Should have mentioned them in the video.

  • @jamesclark5461
    @jamesclark5461 7 місяців тому +1

    My 2009 Toyota Camry has 210K miles. I bought at 101K in 2017. Outside of 3.5K mile oil changes and 30K mile transmission fluid changes done with my own tools I did replace the battery at 195K mile in November of 2023, it was $325. Most reliable car I have owned. If I ever needed to get a part or two, this car sold about 1 Million copies between 2007 and 2009. No payments no worries. Always looking over the underbody of the car due to the frequent oil changes this process gives me confidence that if parts do wear out I can get a repair done before the breakdown.
    Times have changed and maintaining a reliable car for a long time is the new "best practice". All the best!

  • @dgw4049
    @dgw4049 8 місяців тому +25

    Once you start doing your own repairs that take less than 5 hours, then an old car will save you tons of money over time. However, once you start doing your own work, you will need a spare car.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +10

      Having an extra car certainly does help the diyer. From running to the parts store during a repair to also helping with down time when the car needs repairs.

    • @teagancombest6049
      @teagancombest6049 7 місяців тому +1

      Just changed both rear brakes on my only car. Yeah it would be nice to have a second car but it being your only option gives you motivation!

    • @clydedoris5002
      @clydedoris5002 7 місяців тому +2

      I'm wary to do my own work if I break something I have to wait for new parts having a 2nd car would alleviate that but it's too expensive with insurance and everything

    • @dgw4049
      @dgw4049 7 місяців тому

      @@clydedoris5002 third car should be a beater truck with only basic insurance. Beater truck only gets enough repairs to keep it reasonably safe to drive. Never do a cosmetic repair on a beater truck

    • @teagancombest6049
      @teagancombest6049 7 місяців тому

      @@clydedoris5002 insurance on a second car is not just 2x normal insurance. It was only a few more dollars a month to add a second car to my existing insurance, like $20-30

  • @cdtheque
    @cdtheque 7 місяців тому +1

    I have a 2003 Solara SLE with 200k+ miles and a 2011 Sienna LE also with 200k+. I have not made a car payment since 2016 and I love it. I exchanged my vanity for thousands of dollars in savings.

  • @WildDisease72
    @WildDisease72 7 місяців тому +48

    Me: buying 40k car
    Them: spending 40k on 1 day wedding reception

    • @edmundwest5636
      @edmundwest5636 7 місяців тому +9

      them; 40k wedding, 100,000 lifted truck, 3yr divorce

    • @aygwm
      @aygwm 7 місяців тому +1

      Me: spending $40k on a down payment for a home, f the wedding and car

    • @xxtoptankxx6873
      @xxtoptankxx6873 7 місяців тому +2

      @@aygwmagreed, the only time I’m dropping 40k in a day is a down payment for a house or my dream car.
      Luckily I already bought the house, so dream car here I come!

  • @dimik3855
    @dimik3855 7 місяців тому +1

    Very impressed with the way you`ve presented the facts with hardly using your notes. Buying a used car from someone who`s taken care of it (be watchful) will save you lots of headaches and money. If you check out how much the average person spends yearly on a newer car and compare to a used (pre-owned), you will be amazed.

  • @valkator
    @valkator 8 місяців тому +9

    Currently own, no loan, a 1.5 year old car with 9K miles. Tell me the realities of that?

    • @isorozco511
      @isorozco511 8 місяців тому +10

      Do the oil changes early. No more than 3k with the full synthetic oil cause new cars nowadays are burning oil due to extended oil change intervals. Trans fluid changes every 30k. My 2 recommendations from 10 yrs experience.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +2

      Pretty good advice in the comment above. I would just add to check the service intervals in the owners manual. If you stay on top of the maintenance depending on the car it can last a long time.

    • @samfisher320
      @samfisher320 8 місяців тому

      @@isorozco5113k will full synthetic is gross overkill in my opinion. I had an 2012 Altima with 250k miles on it before I sold it. Did synthetic oil changes anywhere from 6k-7.5k miles. No oil burning issues at all.

    • @I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago
      @I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago 8 місяців тому

      ​@@isorozco511My Silverado 2500HD is 3 months old, and I just did my 2nd full synthetic oil change at $4,000 miles. It only has that many miles because I just drove from Texas to California for work. Also, I just threw a catalytic converter shield on it because they steal those like throwing back hot cakes here in California.

  • @seano79
    @seano79 7 місяців тому +2

    Paid off my 2011 Civic in 2018. Just hit 185k miles. Got lucky to be able to work from home the last few years. Just had the exhaust pipe rust off the muffler but I can't complain that's really the first issue i've had besides having to get a new AC compressor a few years ago. Didn't plan on keeping it this long but refuse to pay 40k plus for a new car.

  • @aaadamt964
    @aaadamt964 8 місяців тому +26

    Personally, i cant stand driving anything new enough for side curtain air bags. I feel like i cant see anything out of them. Of course new cars are much safer but the automobile peaked mechanically in the late 90's, early 00's. Fuel injection, manufacturers had the overdrive transmissions sorted out, etc. very economical, still basic enough to work on, modern enough you can "plug it in" and itll tell you why its not happy. I absolutely love my 99 camry. Parts are cheap, its crazy simple to work on and reliable as anything on the road. For what its worth, i work on cars for a living.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +1

      99 Camry is a great car! As time has gone on cars have definitely gotten far more complex and now features are coming with subscription fees!

    • @aaadamt964
      @aaadamt964 8 місяців тому +9

      @@atpgarageatl that absolutely baffles me. People act like it's new but OnStar has been out for how long now? I've been seeing people praise it when the cops have stolen cars shut down but how long before they overstep their boundaries? Forgot to pay a parking ticket? Sorry! Car no start until that's paid. Before you know it, we saw what you posted on social media. Car no start for you! I'll stick to my 80's-90's junk. I haven't heard a sound system in a new vehicle that sounds better than what I can install on a Saturday for about the cost of a truck payment and it won't shut my car off or sell my information.

    • @Rzn8B58
      @Rzn8B58 7 місяців тому +1

      Drive a car fast around a canyon bend with a b58, s58 or a newer c63 amg and see if you still feel that way. Traction control is amazing in these cars and you almost can't lose traction.

    • @aaadamt964
      @aaadamt964 7 місяців тому +1

      @Rzn8958 no. I don't want a babysitter when I'm driving. I'd rather drive a first gen viper than anything today.

    • @King-kw1mo
      @King-kw1mo 5 місяців тому +1

      @@Rzn8B58good drivers don’t need traction control 😎😎 but it does help the average driver out

  • @ClayMastah344
    @ClayMastah344 5 місяців тому +1

    This is so helpful ❤ it’s been a decade since I owned a car

  • @snowcrash4286
    @snowcrash4286 8 місяців тому +8

    I love my paid off Civic, but I get itchy feet when I see last call Challengers and more recently a really clean, low mileage older v6 Accord. I just worry that it will be harder to find vehicles like that in the future.

    • @gkauto1959
      @gkauto1959 7 місяців тому +2

      It will be! thats for sure, look at the garbage they are putting out and having huge problems not even making warranty without enjoying huge repair bills, get your better vehicles now while nobody even thinks like you!

    • @SophieBird07
      @SophieBird07 7 місяців тому +1

      ⁠@@gkauto1959just got on here to say that! Alas! I just bought a 2024 Civic. I also had to part with my 2003 Honda Accord which, though I bought used, has 268,000 miles. I’m sure my civic will outlast me, but you can’t compare the quality of 20 years ago, civic, accord or otherwise.

    • @evoman44
      @evoman44 7 місяців тому +1

      My oldest car is a 95 Acura Integra that has been a joy to drive since 2001 when I bought it used with 100k miles. It now has 276k. I kept it after buying a 2005 Subaru WRX because my insurance was going to be cheaper with two cars on the policy and I have since used as my daily beater to keep miles off my WRX. Now I plan on restoring the Integra and keeping it for ever.

  • @EricKerman
    @EricKerman 7 місяців тому +1

    2003 Tahoe Z71 just over 150 k miles Lowered 1 inch front 3 inch rear clean interior and pretty decent exterior Everything works Previous 1996 lasted me 14 years had this since 2019

  • @MrExplorer05
    @MrExplorer05 7 місяців тому +3

    Great video and spot on! Some other benefits of older cars include cheaper car insurance and lower annual car registration especially if your state does a tax assessment based on value. Older paid off cars pay you back in the long run.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому

      Thank you and those are great points!

  • @Cmimss
    @Cmimss 5 місяців тому +1

    Good video! I have a 07 Yukon Denali that I owe $4000 to the bank but the motor is blown and motor cost $3500 tough situation I’m in. I love that Yukon XL

  • @internallycombusted1
    @internallycombusted1 7 місяців тому +3

    2005 cavalier. Best car I've ever owned. I drive it daily for 10 years. 40mpg highway. Basic maintenance only zero problems

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому

      Nice! 40 MPG is awesome. Is it an auto or manual?

    • @internallycombusted1
      @internallycombusted1 7 місяців тому +1

      @atpgarageatl it's a manual. It only gets that on highway. Mixed driving is only 29mpg

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому

      @@internallycombusted1 awesome! 29 combined is excellent especially for a 2005.

    • @nthgth
      @nthgth 7 місяців тому +1

      A friend had an automatic one back in high school. I was surprised how fun it was to toss around, and the drivetrain was eager and fun. I helped him change the oil once and I remember the filter being super easy to access too.
      He never had any problems with it but unfortunately it was totaled (hydroplaning, no one hurt).

  • @knight3131
    @knight3131 6 місяців тому +1

    I have owned numerous vehicles in the last two decades. Charger, Edge, Evoque, Pilot, Verlar, and Rav4. Out of all of them the Rav4 was the best one when it came to maintenance. Very easy to maintain and find parts.

  • @dgoldfar
    @dgoldfar 8 місяців тому +3

    I’m very happily driving a 12 year old car that’s been paid off for 7 years. Sure, there are maintenance items that come up, some of them kind of expensive like new tires or a new fuel pump, but nothing like the engine or transmission, which seem to be running well, and nothing even close to a year of payments on a new car. During the pandemic restrictions, when the dealer stopped taking walk-ins, I started learning to do minor repairs myself to avoid long waits for an appointment, and I found a good independent mechanic who is reliable and less expensive than the dealer for repairs I’m not comfortable doing myself. Having one less monthly payment in my life is a real benefit.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +1

      That’s awesome! What type of car is it?

    • @dgoldfar
      @dgoldfar 8 місяців тому +1

      A modest 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback. I know, the CVT transmission is notorious for problems, but I’m not an aggressive driver-just getting from point A to point B, and at around 78K miles, no trouble thus far.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +1

      @@dgoldfar nice! Solid daily driver and they get great MPG!

  • @cantbuyrespect
    @cantbuyrespect 7 місяців тому +1

    Just fixed my ac in my car yesterday. The compressor wasn't coming on. I bought a scan tool which had more then payed for itself and it told me the compressor was commanded on so it should have been on. I swapped the relay for another to test the relay and found the relay was the issue. $8 later with the new relay swapped in I have ac again. Bet a dealer would have reamed me on that $8 repair.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому

      Nice work! What scan tool did you use?

    • @cantbuyrespect
      @cantbuyrespect 7 місяців тому +1

      @@atpgarageatl Autel 906bt. I have had it for years and it has been well worth the money fixing my family's cars.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому

      @@cantbuyrespect I’ll have to take a look at that one. Thanks!

  • @curtgomes
    @curtgomes 7 місяців тому +9

    I haven't bought a car in 10 years. Have a 2006 Lexus. Awesome car. No payments, low insurance, low licensing fees. i also have a 1995 Toyota T100...... 30 years! Excellent. As PT Barnum is often quoted, "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American consumer"..........

    • @Bruddly
      @Bruddly 7 місяців тому

      Lexus ES 330?

    • @curtgomes
      @curtgomes 7 місяців тому

      @@Bruddly No. Lexus GS300 130K and a gorgeous riding and running car. 30-33 mpg on the highway. Camel interior and three stage red with gold metal flake paint.

    • @djbhe
      @djbhe 6 місяців тому +1

      ​@@curtgomes
      I have a 1998 Lexus GS 400 240k miles no leaks or rust anywhere even the underbelly. It's a Florida car. The interior is in excellent condition. The driver seat has a few cracks and it looks and runs better than any new car and I get a lot of compliments. I paid $2200 for it in 2019 with 207k miles and I keep up with all the necessary maintenance.

  • @ronalddelrosario7405
    @ronalddelrosario7405 6 місяців тому +1

    Hehe, I drive a 2006 Scion Xb. The past couple years have seen me replacing a bunch of original parts after passing the 200k mark. I've probably spent more than the car's worth in repairs. But even with that, it's still worth it compared to the cost of a new car. Plus, I still love my car. The only thing I don't like about it now is that since I replaced the radio last year, the audio's no longer tuned for the car. But I bought some better speakers so hopefully that'll be remedied soon. It's awesome that there are so many self-repair vids on UA-cam now. I would've never attempted some of the upgrades/repairs myself if not for those vids... ;)

  • @gilbrook
    @gilbrook 7 місяців тому +3

    22 year old car. Great! I’m inspired to keep my 2006 Jetta for another 4 years!

  • @stevensheegog3942
    @stevensheegog3942 7 місяців тому +2

    I bought a 2007 Toyota Avalon with 44,000 miles in 2008. I paid it off early (4 years on a 5 year term. It had 431,998 miles in October 2022 when it was rear ended and totaled. Now I have a Certified used 2018 Avalon that had 42,000 miles on it. I hate paying the $500 car note and I plan on paying it off in 24 months.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому +2

      Sorry to hear that. Those Avalons are great cars and the time you had it I’m sure helped save a bunch! The new Avalons are very nice!

  • @tylerhair9067
    @tylerhair9067 7 місяців тому +3

    We have 3 paid for cars, and it is glorious!

  • @AMScotty
    @AMScotty 6 місяців тому +1

    I have a 2018 focus I paid off early. It's at 150k miles with the notorious DPS6 transmission that Ford fumbled with. I will drive it till the trans gives out. Rebuild the clutch and cluch arms and keep driving it. I love the focus platform. Heck I might even turn it into a stick shift vehicle.

  • @DearSX
    @DearSX 7 місяців тому +4

    Important to save for repairs. Amazing common sense video!

  • @Handlebar755
    @Handlebar755 7 місяців тому +1

    Bought a used 98 regal for 3000 @79k, car fax showed intake gasket replaced and coolant elbows…in two years I replaced the serpentine belt, radiator hoses and starter. Maintenance items. I’m expecting the brakes to be next but after that, I look forward to another 100k trouble free miles.

  • @kennygee2715
    @kennygee2715 8 місяців тому +166

    I'm 42 and never borrowed money for a car. That's foreign to me. If you have to borrow money for a car, you can't afford it.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +23

      Exactly!

    • @michelle-lz8tg
      @michelle-lz8tg 8 місяців тому +25

      sometimes people just want new things or something better...there no shame in taking a loan if you don't have to scramble and can comfortably make the payments...used is used...it's someone else's reject for whatever reason..i know a guy who has been renovicted 3 times from his rented apartments etc, can't have guests over at certain times, can't make noise, can't have pets, cant even paint his walls....dead set on never taking out a mortgage though...always says he's gonna pay cash for his house...he's heading towards 50 years old now...he will never own a house as he will never save enough money to buy it cash...years that go by are years you never get back..Guy A - in his younger years always in debt, had flashy cars, many women, recognized by name when walking into a restaurant/bar...trips all around the world, fun times and memories galore...bankrupt 4 times. Guy B- a hermit keeps all his cash under his mattress, never owned anything other than a clapped out 74 Vega, never went anywhere...both die at age 80...who really won at life?

    • @adifferentangle7064
      @adifferentangle7064 8 місяців тому +22

      I used to be like that. Always paid cash.
      They would be fine until they weren't.
      Every time I had to put the car into the shop it was an expense, not just in whatever mechanical problem had to be dealt with, but in time off work.
      My credit score was really good and my $3000 car needed $2000 worth of maintenance to get registered, so I said fuck it and got a car loan.
      Now my credit score is even better and the car I have is actually decent (and more to the point worth repairing).
      Yes, I CAN afford the car. I can afford the monthly payments and the comprehensive insurance and it is not costing me in time lost working when it needs to be repaired. The specialist is around the corner from work and they have loaner cars if I need them.

    • @bobby2times624
      @bobby2times624 8 місяців тому

      @@adifferentangle7064This is the growth mindset part of credit.

    • @engrishsheep
      @engrishsheep 8 місяців тому +3

      I did it once, and never do it again. I learned one thing about making payment to the bank is, I can quit the job I hate because I had to paid back to the bank.
      Since then, I just save money and buy cars with cash, so I won't tie down to the job I hate...

  • @evoman44
    @evoman44 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for doing this video as a good educational talk for a lot of people out there that lack this knowledge. As a car enthusiast I have known about all your points for years. If people would simply do their research before buying their next car they could save themselves future headaches.
    As a car enthusiast I mostly owned sporty cars like a 95 Acura Integra and 05 Subaru WRX that I still have. The added benefit of owning enthusiast specials is that they will usually always have a big community and aftermarket support. There is a wealth of information and high quality aftermarket support to keep performance cars running for years longer than the average car.
    Plus performance cars will always be sought after by other car enthusiast no matter the condition. Once in awhile I get people asking me if I would sell them. One of which had stopped me while driving my Integra because he had been looking for an older Honda to put in a built race engine he has had sitting in his garage. But I said no because I plan on keeping to do a full restoration myself.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  7 місяців тому

      Great point. Any enthusiast car will certainly have a ton of info and parts readily available online.

  • @danielphillipsmusic9145
    @danielphillipsmusic9145 8 місяців тому +9

    Another problem is people in salt states. I paid off my 2016 Jeep Rubicon 4.5 years ago. I’ve racked up 191k miles and it still runs great. However, the salt is starting to really set in. So now I’m on the hunt for a low mileage used pickup and keeping the Jeep. If I still lived in the southwest I’d drive this thing as my daily til I die, but in the Northeast it’s very hard to do. So I’m looking to retire it as a daily and keep it as a toy for spring to fall.

    • @markokrasinski8033
      @markokrasinski8033 8 місяців тому +4

      Rust never sleeps

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +2

      Yea I don’t envy those in the rust belt states. You almost need two vehicles. Same idea though have them paid off and save since you know the winter car will need to be replaced more often.

    • @noseboop4354
      @noseboop4354 8 місяців тому +6

      Have you looked into anti-rust treatments? As long as you get a good one, and do it regularly every year, it can triple or quadruple the life of your car in salt states.

    • @objective7042
      @objective7042 8 місяців тому +2

      It may sounds silly, you can also try looking at southern states cars with a dead drivetrain, but good body. Transplant your good drivetrain before the rust gets bad.

    • @joshuathomas4934
      @joshuathomas4934 8 місяців тому +1

      Rust is brutal here in Connecticut on the shoreline. The salt in the air from the inland breeze off the water. The salt on the roads. Our cars here get clapped. If you care about your car here. You are battling rust non stop.

  • @jec6613
    @jec6613 7 місяців тому +1

    I bought a new car in 2020 specifically because I was expecting a horrific commute and wanted distance following cruise with stop and go, and of course ended up fully remote so it didn't matter. It replaced an '01 Subaru devoping frame rot and whose ongoing maintenance costs were about 2/3 of my new car payment. I'm extremely happy with the purchase, and fully paid it off in 2 years.
    A few things I looked for were an older model, as my previous two cars were both newer models and both experienced expensive ongoing issues related to the design not being proven, and also being the heaviest vehicles built on their platform. Long term parts availability and cost as well as the cost of oil changes and the like were also important. Beyond that, the car needed to fit my needs and be enjoyable to drive.
    For me that was the Edge ST, the established CD4 platform, and I can pick up mulch at Home Depot on Saturday and go to the track on Sunday if I want. Oil changes, battery replacement, and similar at the dealer cost less than if I just bought the supplies myself. And it's a dream on road trips, and has all of the electronic gizmos while still having physical controls.
    Having no payment and a vehicle with another 15+ years of life left in it, means my next car is going to be 100% for fun.

  • @refineme
    @refineme 8 місяців тому +5

    My daily is a 2007 Accord V6 sedan with 270,000 miles. I’m the original owner. We also have a ‘13 accord with 113k we paid off in 2016. We also have a 2016 sequoia platinum we paid off in 2020. We have no more payments and will keep it that way forever. We’ll just pay cash for our next replacements when the time comes. I also do most of the maintenance, even the timing belt on my v6 Accord.

    • @atpgarageatl
      @atpgarageatl  8 місяців тому +2

      Nice! Great choice of cars as well! All are known for reliability!

    • @douglaslippertindy
      @douglaslippertindy 6 місяців тому

      Doing the timing belt impressive!

  • @britup1
    @britup1 4 місяці тому +1

    I have a paid off car, coming up on a year of ownership and I spent some money on it right at the start, but so far it’s not been bad. When I start thinking about a new car is when my current car starts nickel and diming me and repairs start to average the cost of a car payment. I would rather have a reliable car with a payment than one that I am afraid to take on a trip or wonder if it’s going to get to and from work.

  • @luccianoblock5127
    @luccianoblock5127 7 місяців тому +3

    Currently, I am 19 and i have a 03 civic. Hopefully my car lasts my life because i am uninterested in a new car besides a tesla, which i am saving for the future because it's fun (MY Opinion). Anyways, I strongly recommend you go with what is the cheapest and most reliable because THE WORLD does not care with either.