[Kokanator135]

Just throwing this idea out there.....let me know if I'm stupid....

Was debating between buying a beater for the winter vs just getting snows for my 135. I feel that winters might be the most obviously economical way to go re: getting thru the winter (not too severe, but hilly terrain). However, I'd like to keep the mileage lower on my one, as I'm leasing (due to concerns re: reliability of the turbo engine when I made the decision) and I'd like the option of buying out my lease at the end, as I know how well I take care of my cars. I'm currently looking at an investment opportunity, so can't really invest in a worthwhile winter/trip car, to hold down the mileage on the 1.

I stumbled on the idea of a cheap econocar lease. I get a new vehicle, with the relibility and safety that entails (big concern: single dad with a four-yr-old girl). I might pay more in insurance, but I avoid the expense of winters for the 1, get enough miles not to have to worry about exceeding miles on either lease (between two cars), and get a more reliable safe ride for winter use. I'm not looking for spectacular gas mileage, but I don't want Escalade mileage either. The cheapest lease I've found recently is a Nissan Sentra 2.0s @ $150/mo with 12,000mi/yr.

Does this sound feasable, or am I deluding myself? Any feedback is appreciated.

[Kokanator135]

Sorry, just realized my title doesn't really explain what I'm asking for opinions on....

Could any mods please update to make the title a little more self-expanatory? Thanks!!

[atr_hugo]

Try this thread for some ideas - and try not to laugh. ; -)

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ghlight=winter

[atr_hugo]

Personally, if you can afford an ~ $2K plunge, buying a beater may be a better deal in the long run.

[Qube]

Base Impreza can be had for 20k CDN OUT THE DOOR. Wow. That's awesome value to finance or lease as a beater w/AWD. Not sure what it is in the States...

[Xyloft]

Originally Posted by Qube

Base Impreza can be had for 20k CDN OUT THE DOOR. Wow. That's awesome value to finance or lease as a beater w/AWD. Not sure what it is in the States...

i looked a few months ago a base impreza rs in the US starts around 16,9 and options up from there. though unlike bmw, you can probably find one with no options. only down side is the mpg will be a little lower than say a civic.

not sure how much the leases are on them or where you want your monthly payment to be.

[Kokanator135]

I knew the old Buick thread would come back to haunt me. My 1st car was a 1990 Olds Cutlass Supreme hand me down from my dad. Ran great, but had electronic gremlins.....once, a dead alternator left me stranded in the left lane of a downtown street on the way to class.

Could I find anything reliable under $3k? Everything I had seen was pointing at around 5k for a reliable vehicle.

[Artmasterx]

You may also look at Ford Crown Vics. They have a pretty sturdy drive train and what not, and mine (2000) has given me almost zero problems in 100k miles. Of course, you probably want to avoid former taxis and police cars, since they would have beat to death. But the average age of CV drive is about 60, so if you can find one driven by that kind of person, it would probably still be in good mechanical shape. I guess it is the same principle as a Buick, but you may be able to get one a little bit cheaper since its a Ford.

From Edmunds:
1998 Ford Crown Victoria 4 Dr LX Sedan
Trade-In Private Party Dealer Retail National Base Price
$2,106 $2,943 $3,966
Optional Equipment $0 $0 $0
Color Adjustment Black $-3 $-4 $-6
Regional Adjustmentfor Zip Code 02140 $-41 $-57 $-76
Mileage Adjustment100,000 miles $469 $469 $469
Condition AdjustmentAverage $-629 $-863 $-1,130

Total $1,902 $2,488 $3,223


The late 90s - present body style is not pretty, but it is respectable.