$2k Daily Driver Needed

[Zharkov]

Here's that list I was referring to earlier:
Cheap Car Spreadsheet

[Flakbadger]

One of the cars you're looking at is being sold by someone who needs money "for collage."
I for one wish that aspiring artist the best of luck.

Sucks that not a lot of them are manuals (unless you wanted an automatic?) because of the MPG hit you'll take... But then again, for $2,000...

[Flakbadger]

Nice spreadsheet, by the way.

[Daox]

Just so you know what you're getting into....

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...you-21858.html

[Zharkov]

Originally Posted by Daox

Just so you know what you're getting into....

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...you-21858.html

I've heard similar reports and I think there a lot like the numerous "completely scientific" reports that have come out about second hand smoke in the first decade of this century; subjective and usually funded by someone with an agenda. Also, stating a logical person would be willing to spend ~$0.5M more for a house 30 miles closer to a job is simply... well, illogical. I used to travel 72 miles one way. The commute I'll have isn't ideal, but my job in IT doesn't completely mesh with my wife's desire for land and a farm. Compromise is part of every aspect of life.

[Zharkov]

Originally Posted by Flakbadger

One of the cars you're looking at is being sold by someone who needs money "for collage."
I for one wish that aspiring artist the best of luck.

Sucks that not a lot of them are manuals (unless you wanted an automatic?) because of the MPG hit you'll take... But then again, for $2,000...

Yea, speeling fails som peepl...

I eliminated manuals for two reasons. 1) My wife can't drive one until we can get her ankle fixed. It shattered 2 years ago and has never set right. She wouldn't be able to use the clutch as a result. 2) I have a friend in the auto repair industry that advised me against it, because you can't tell how the previous owner(s) treated the clutch.

I certainly prefer driving a manual, but I'd rather be driving a manual with less miles, owner(s), and a warranty.

[Daox]

Originally Posted by Zharkov

I've heard similar reports and I think there a lot like the numerous "completely scientific" reports that have come out about second hand smoke in the first decade of this century; subjective and usually funded by someone with an agenda. Also, stating a logical person would be willing to spend ~$0.5M more for a house 30 miles closer to a job is simply... well, illogical. I used to travel 72 miles one way. The commute I'll have isn't ideal, but my job in IT doesn't completely mesh with my wife's desire for land and a farm. Compromise is part of every aspect of life.

I would encourage you to actually run the numbers for yourself. Simply saying that something is illogical doesn't make it not true. Perhaps his numbers aren't quite accurate for you, so change them and see what it is actually going to cost you.

[cfg83]

Zharkov -

Huh. I like to use AutoTrader to look at prices. When I picked Zip code 79110 (near Amarillo) and looked for Saturn S-Series, there was nothing below $3500. Here's one for $3995 :

Cars for Sale: 1999 Saturn SL in Amarillo, TX 79109: Sedan Details - 322009920 - AutoTrader.com

In LA I was able to find this for $1995 :

Cars for Sale: 1998 Saturn SL in Las Vegas, NV 89115: Sedan Details - 322283747 - AutoTrader.com

It's in Las Vegas but it's within 200 miles of LA.

I'm surprised North Texas would have higher prices.

CarloSW2

[Zharkov]

Originally Posted by Daox

I would encourage you to actually run the numbers for yourself. Simply saying that something is illogical doesn't make it not true. Perhaps his numbers aren't quite accurate for you, so change them and see what it is actually going to cost you.

The study is completely off for someone in my position. I would never be able to get a housing loan at 5%. And then there's financing another $477k. My credit is terrible. I'm working on it, but it's probably going to be another 5 years before it's decent again. Combine with that other factors I mentioned and I simply don't fit into this study.

The health detriments can be offset with a little discipline on the the part of the commuter, as can the mental affects. Long commutes may wear someone down, but using that as an excuse of anger, irritation, etc. is a sign of the weak-willed, imo.

As I said, I used to travel 72 miles one way. I did that for 3.5 years. I know the longer commutes are more nerve wracking, but to give my wife a little of what she wants and still work in the IT field, it's simply unavoidable that I'll be living far from work. Besides, the mere fact I won't be living in a congested town/city will offset some of that stress.

[Zharkov]

cfg83, I haven't even looked at AutoTrader. A majority of my searching has been on Craigslist. Most of the mainstream auto sale websites are going add $$ to the vehicle being sold.