New car itch...

[rayjay]

Ok, so I'm an original 2004 owner, 79,800 miles of fun. I tired to rekindle the flame with a new tuner, no go, and we'll see if she passes OBDII today with that tune in. Plus new OEM front tires and alignment :rolleyes: Back when gas went nuts in 08 I bought a Chevy Aveo for my commuter/winter rat. Put a decent stereo in her and that took care of that itch. Fast forward three years and the itch is back and I have no need for a commuter car anymore. 93 Octane is $4.11 a gallon here and I have two cars that use it and get lousy MPG. I'm so tossed up on what to do that I've decided to do nothing for the moment.

BUT, the local FLM store has a 2008 Lincoln MKZ, black and beautiful, chrome wheels, just over 10K on the clock, AWD for winter for $26.5K. All the bells and whistles. Most of which I probably won't use. Original sticker was something like $46K. I have not driven her, to me thats the kiss of death, it will follow me home if I like it. I have not done a really close inspection, but it appears to be immaculate. The one thing that is holding me back is a review I read that said its nothing more than a upscale Fusion. They have a beautiful blue Fusion with a V6 on the showroom floor. So, this equals more confusion.... Plus this dealer DOES NOT deal. He owns everything on his lot outright. I've seen new cars sit there unsold for up to 4 years.

Add this to fact that I really like the 2012 Buick Regal with 255hp Turbo engine :censor: The wife likes both, especially the Lincoln since I bought her a Lincoln LS8 last year. They acxtually made a mistake on their internet price and honored it. Immaculate 02, 56K, owned by his daughter in law. $10K out the door. Book was $12.5K at the time.

Your thoughts please. Obviouosly selling the MM and trading the Aveo makes any purchase more economically feasible as I'm retired and on a fixed income. I also own all three cars outright. I'm paying off someone else's CC bills too. That will be done next year. I will have some money coming my way in the next year and could pay cash for most anything I buy, within reason of course. :confused::confused::confused: What do ya'll think?

[jstevens]

First off, your got a steal on that LS you lucky dog.

I've been looking at the same car, ironic isn't it. But, I read the reviews that said the 08 model wasn't that great when compared to imports and other high end cars.

Of course, my house will not see an import. So, I'm going to stick with what I have and just relax.

[JoeBoomz]

...<removed>... The Lincoln will be nicely appointed, with possible wood trim steering wheel, heated and ac seating, and comfortable ride. I wouldn't trade the Marauder for an MKZ to save on gas though.

[Bigdogjim]

Just a little note here about MPG's do the math on the MPG's of what ever you looking at and then the finnal cost to take it home.

Now look at the cost to drive the marauder for a year vs the cost to drive the replacement car for a year and see how long it will take to payback the cost of the new vecicle.

IF the reason your trading/selling is for MPG's then you will have the answer.

[Blackened300a]

I personally couldn't be happier with my Fusion. It has plenty of power, great on gas and a very comfortable ride. The V-6 model would smoke a stock Marauder all while using regular gas and getting better mileage. You should get some decent money for how clean your Marauder is and a warranty always goes a long way when deciding what to purchase.

Good luck with your choice Ray!

[MrBluGruv]

MKZ had a 4.2L V8 option.

When was that?

The Lincoln LS had a V8, and so did the Mark VIII, but when did the MKZ have a V8?

[rayjay]

MPG really isn't too much of a consideration with the Lincoln. The AWD gets what the Marauder gets or less I think. The savings will be on insurance, storage, a little on gas using 87. I'll be down to two cars, one of which will work very well here in the land of ice and snow. The Marauder sits for 5 -5 1/2 months a year. As I said, I may end up just sitting tight. Really wish I had a cyrstal ball on this back pay issue. Its so bad we dissolved the union we were affilated with. They will be in receivership shortly for going behind out backs and trying to stab us to death. Errogant pieces of :censor: Considering a Ford Flex also. Same dealer has 2, one is a 2010 with only 13k on it for less than the Lincoln. Now that I can haul lumber in, great for road trips, ect...

[SC Cheesehead]

Just a little note here about MPG's do the math on the MPG's of what ever you looking at and then the finnal cost to take it home.

Now look at the cost to drive the marauder for a year vs the cost to drive the replacement car for a year and see how long it will take to payback the cost of the new vecicle.

IF the reason your trading/selling is for MPG's then you will have the answer.


Great minds think alike, Jim.

I saw Ray's original post and ran some numbers over lunch. I made a couple assumptions and here's what I came up with:

Assumptions:

Sell the MM outright, car is in great shape, get top $ for it ($15K)

Buy that new turbo Regal outright for cash, get killer deal on one with mid-range options ($32,000)

You drive 15,000 miles per year. 93 octane will remain at $4.11 per gal., regular will remain at $3.80

Your MM averages 19.5 mpg, that turbo Buick will average 26 mpg (2011 model range = 18 to 28)

------------------------------
Your MM will cost you about $3,200 per year to operate, the Regal about $2,200.

That's a difference of around $1,000 per year to continue operating the Marauder.

If you shell you that $17K cash needed to pay for the Regal, you're not going to recover that cost any time soon in fuel savings.

------------------------------

I know you've got the car bug, but honestly, the economics don't make sense. IMO, keep the MM; it's much more distinctive, has more room, and if you want some of the thrill back, consider a power adder. You could do one heck of a lot to the MM for the $17K (minimum) it's going to cost you to replace it with a new car.

My :twocents:

[JoeBoomz]

When was that?

The Lincoln LS had a V8, and so did the Mark VIII, but when did the MKZ have a V8?

Bah, my bad, please allow me to retract that statement :o I had LS on my mind.

[Mr. Man]

You been waffling back and forth on the MM for a while now Ray. For me personally the MM's are a hobby and we have DD's.

I know you like to collect guns and I assume you take them somewhere and shoot them. If your interest in guns is beginning to take over your hobby interest maybe it is time to sell off the MM, as you say it sits all Winter.

I take it you are keeping Beeps car and are looking for your own transpotation. Any interest in a truck? You could use a 4x4 to go hunting and it would be good in the snow up where you live. Plus if you get a snowplow package you could make a little side money plowing out the neighbors.

Unfortunatly we can't make up your mind for you and if we could we'd tell you to keep the MM and keep coming out to events with it. Even if you do end up selling it (HammerDown) you are always welcome to bring whatever you drive to the MM meets (Bob and Mary brought a Camaro to MV8:shake: remember that:lol:).

Good luck and howdy to the fam:)

[DEFYANT]

Sell the other cars and buy a blower for the MM.

[SC Cheesehead]

Sell the other cars and buy a blower for the MM.


That's what I'm thinking. A blown MM would beat the pants off the driving experience of that turbocharged Buick, IMO... ;)

[PonyUP]

At the end of the day Ray, it's all about what makes you happiest. There is no underestimating the impact of quality peace of mind. If you are getting the itch for something new and that will give you peace of mind, then Godspeed my friends.

If saving some cash does play into it, I recommend the Fushion. Very solid car and comfortable. It doesn't seem like you're into Bells and Whistles, so you could probably save an additional few thousand. AWD would be a good thing to have in your neck of the woods.

Best of luck

[babbage]

Keep the MM Ray!!

Someone mentioned the Buick regal turbo? - Sad that a 6600 LB Hummer H2 is faster to 60mph.

Now if you had said you were getting somthing with ecoboost in it... well that may be a different story.

[Vortex]

Sometimes, no matter how nice of a car you own, you get the itch for a new one. If you don't get rid of the one you presently own, you end up with a fleet of older cars and you never get to enjoy owning a new or newer one. In the big picture of things it is almost always cheaper to keep the car you aready own rather than get a new one. Regardless, sometimes I just get the itch and get rid of cars. For the right price (16k) Ill sell my Marauder today that is basically a new one with only 19k miles. What would I get? Who knows? I don't fault anyone for selling/trading their cars.

[Motorhead350]

Ray, you know your decision will not effect any of us unless you decide to leave the site. It's all about what you want to do. I almost think you posted for encouragement to keep your MM.

Here's how I see it. I wouldn't even look at a Lincoln MK whatever, even if it was free. Modern cars are soooooo ugly to me that you couldn't even give one to me.... thats right. A few years ago a family member offered to buy me a brand new car as a commuter and just have the MM as a toy. I said "Keep your money, I'd rather take the city bus than drive anything other than my Mercury." and believe me I have. I don't even look back at it and say "I wish I had taken her up on that offer." No sir, the Marauder is the only car I want. I'll drive the GFs car when she wants or others to help someone, but if it's MY car it's ALL OR NOTHING.

Putting a supercharger on the car will really make you enjoy the car every day. I guess that's why I like mine a lot, even with the problems sometimes... it's worth every second and dollar spend to keep that thing on the road. I love it. Nothing can beat it on the street and at the track it still gives most people a good run for their money. A 550hp DD doesn't sound practical, but who cares? Neither does putting off and education for the music industry. Anything can work if you are committed to it... ANYTHING.

So, Ray I say what Charlie said. Sell all those things and get a blower. Whatever decision you make, make sure it's one you will be happy with for a long time to come.

[rayjay]

It passed OBDII and is a different car with new front shoes & aligned properly. I didn't realize how far out it was. :( Looks like the MKZ is gone.
Eric I know the 2011 Regal is a dog, thats why I'm waiting for the 2012s. They are boosting the HP by 35. Gas again, $4.25 a gallong now. Did I miss something recently???

A new issue is my mother inlaw is going down to one vehicle. Thats means that for the 1st time in 23 years I will not have a pickup when ever I need one. I looked at the 2010 Freestyle when I picked up the MM. That thing is freaking huge! I'd need to measure, but I bet I can get a sheet of rock in the back of it with the gate closed. Only 13K on the clock. I need to drive it to see how the seat is. Anyone here who knows me is aware that my back thinks the MM drivers seat is a piece of feces. I have to use a gel seat cushion to make it comfortable. Maybe I should invest in a Recaro? :help: :confused:

I really did enjoy the MM this evening after picking her up. Doing Mach+ speed down a country road felt good again. :D I would certainly miss her, but I don't need a supercharged toy in storage 5+ months a year. Makes zero sense to me.

Dom, you are wise beyond your years at times. :beer:

[Spectragod]

For once, I agree with Dom, keep the car, call Jerry, get a blower, when you get the smile wiped from your face, let us know what you think about it.

My car sits all winter as well, it is a toy, every time I get it out, it makes me feel like a kid again. If you want to drive mine to feel the difference, I'll gladly hand you the keys....

[Black_Noise]

dont buy the buick, its junk, i know i work on them

[rayjay]

For once, I agree with Dom, keep the car, call Jerry, get a blower, when you get the smile wiped from your face, let us know what you think about it.

My car sits all winter as well, it is a toy, every time I get it out, it makes me feel like a kid again. If you want to drive mine to feel the difference, I'll gladly hand you the keys....

With the price of gas at $4.25 for 93, uhm, NO. Not to mention I can make myself very happy in my other hobby with that kind of $$$ and those don't devaluate if you make the correct purchases. I have ones that have tripled in price since I bought them. If they do lose value, its very little and usually your own fault. Plus I get as big a hoot out of them as I would a SC Marauder.

[rayjay]

dont buy the buick, its junk, i know i work on them

Please elaborate in a PM. I would appreciate it.

[Spectragod]

With the price of gas at $4.25 for 93, uhm, NO. Not to mention I can make myself very happy in my other hobby with that kind of $$$ and those don't devaluate if you make the correct purchases. I have ones that have tripled in price since I bought them. If they do lose value, its very little and usually your own fault. Plus I get as big a hoot out of them as I would a SC Marauder.


Is your hobby gold collecting? That's gotta be the only thing with no devaluation currently.

[1stMerc]

Ray, as much as it pains me to say it...........Get her detuned to run lower octane gas.
Either that or get a blower to get your "SMILE" on. You'll have something to look forward to when the spring thaw hits.

In the end none of us can make the decision for you, that will make YOU totally happy..............unless we put one of your guns to your head and make you buy a Yugo!!!:eek: Then it's a crap shoot.

Do what you gotta do.

[tbone]

You'll be sorry, imo.

[Haggis]

Ray, as much as it pains me to say it...........Get her detuned to run lower octane gas.
Either that or get a blower to get your "SMILE" on. You'll have something to look forward to when the spring thaw hits.

In the end none of us can make the decision for you, that will make YOU totally happy..............unless we put one of your guns to your head and make you buy a Yugo!!! :eek: Then it's a crap shoot.

Do what you gotta do.

What's wrong with a Yugo. If it breakes down in the winter Ray can use it as firewood to keep warm.