Getting the most out of your vehicle

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   mickelarrposted 12 years ago

   A few years back I knew I didn't have the cash for a new car. 
   
   A little while later I figured I could afford it, but wanted to save so I kept driving the one I have.
   
   Now, my 1999 Jeep Cherokee is rolling up on 140,000 miles.  At this point I've decided I'm going to drive it until it's dead.  I'm hoping to hit 200k.
   
   I figure it's smart, because every month without a car payment is like money in my pocket.  And it's become almost like a game or a pride thing to see how long she'll go. 
   
   Anybody else pushing their vehicle to the limit, and how many miles do you have on it?

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      Chaotic Chicaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I pushed my old van to 250K before being told I was getting a new one.  The old one still runs and would be driveable to wherever a person willing buy it would want to take it.  Most of what is 'wrong' with it is cosmetic or non-essential (like a/c-don't need that in the winter).  I actually had bought an engine rebuild kit for it and had no desire to get a new one but my parents found an '03 Ford E350 with only 9K miles on it for a very reasonable price so I got it.

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         Chaotic Chicaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         And to add to your actual thread, the reason it made it this long (it is a '95 by the way) was because of regular maintenence; ie: oil changes, spark plug upgrade/replacements, I added a K&N air filter, brake jobs, belt and hose care, and not waiting too long after noting a problem before fixing it.  What so many people fail to realize is that it may cost to provide preventative maintenence but it will always cost more to wait until after the problem requires the mechanic.  Of course doing most of it yourself saves on the money, things like oil changes and fuel filter changes are easy to if you don't mind getting a little dirty.

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   2. 61

      ediggityposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I was going to say put a supercharger on it, but nevermind, that's not the kind of "Getting the most out of your vehicle" you're talking about. 

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2. 59

   emrldphxposted 12 years ago

   Bought a 96 Accord for 4k with 119,000 miles on it. Drove it up to 190,000 miles and sold it for 3,500...
   
   It's how I've always driven cars, buying old and reliable, and selling older and still reliable. Like Chaotic said, maintenance is key.

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   1. 61

      Chaotic Chicaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The older cars were built better.  They were built during the generation of quality and longevity before the technological age burst forth and made everything more difficult to care for at home without the 'proper' tools.  They have also ceased making parts to last (on virtually everything) in order to boost aftermarket sales.  It's a shame really.

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