In a rush to get to a meeting, I managed to bash Moose’s right side mirror into a garage side wall and blow the mirror off. Crap. That’s what happens when you have a large car, in a small garage, and do things in a hurry. This little accident cost $135 to fix and 30 minutes of time.
While I was at the dealer, I used the opportunity to ask several other questions regarding what’s wrong with Moose. For the past 12 months, there’s been a progressively louder rattling sound every time I drive, or slam the door shut. After a little inspection, the service agent said that it looks like my middle muffler connected to my catalytic converter is wearing out and needs changing. OK, good to know. “How much?”, I asked. The service agent said around $1,200-$1,500! YOWZA!
LET MOOSE LIVE OR DIE? Read more…
If you are in the market for a new car—and have ruled out buying used for whatever reason—and you are on this site then you are probably concerned about getting the best deal possible. After all, nobody wants to overpay. Even a financial fool appreciates knowing that the value they’re getting from their purchase is up to par and that they didn’t make an embarrassing deal. It is imperative that you strike a compromise between affordability and practicality if you’re looking for a set of bargain wheels. This has been said a million times in the past, but the current offerings of both foreign and domestic automakers
makes this easier than ever.
Many Americans are turning towards cars that can be bought for relatively cheap but still want something new and something that has the basic comforts and amenities we’ve grown accustomed to. Everyone’s situation is different, but purchasing an inexpensive car is a great idea for if you need a second car or a commuter; or you simply need a cheap car period. If you’re looking for your primary mode of transportation for you and the family though, it’s best to err on the side of a larger car than having to buy another one down the road when finances improve or you outgrow it.
THE CHEAPEST CARS FOR 2011 Read more…
I’ve been neglecting Moose for a couple weeks since I’ve been traveling so much. But, I took him out for a spin the other day and was absolutely shocked to see that gas prices have ROCKETED to $4.11, $4.29, and $4.39 for regular, plus, and supreme at my neighborhood Chevron station! I know WTI oil prices have risen to $112, but it really didn’t hit me until I saw and paid for the latest gasoline prices.
As a city dweller, I take the bus to and from work, and try and ride the bus as much as possible on the weekends. The only times I really drive is to and from the tennis club, and up to Tahoe which is about 180 miles away. Overall, I drive about 6,500 miles a year which is not that much compared to the national average of 15,500 miles a year. With Moose getting roughly 17 mpg, I spend around $2,145 a year in gasoline, up from just $1,750 this time last year.
IF I’M SHOCKED, WHY AREN’T YOU SHOCKED TOO? Read more…
I have to admit, I’m having withdrawals from not driving a different car for over 3 years now. I used to get a new (used) car every year by wheeling and dealing on Craigslist, but I stopped once I found Moose. Moose is so handsome and adventurous, even the ladies love him. I picked up a friend of mine one evening to go grab some grub, and she mentioned a week later that her stalking neighbor, who has a crush on her said he’s frustrated that guys who own “Moose-like” cars always gets the girl. Maybe buddy, it’s the creepy way you stare out the corner of your window to spy on women that makes you still single?!
A year ago, Moose’s passenger side electronics seat stopped working to my dismay. Luckily, the seat was in a comfortable, semi-reclined position so I let it be. I told myself then that it might be time to start looking for another car soon as fixing the thing might cost $500+ dollars. And so, I made a decision that as soon as the driver’s seat electronics also stopped working, I’d go and buy me another car.
Each week that went by, I started secretly hoping my seat would stop working. I was hoping for something bad, but not too bad to happen, so I could justify buying something new! Screw it, I thought. I’m going to go visit the dealer and check out the new rides anyway. Moose ain’t ever gonna fail me!
THE BENEVOLENT DEALER Read more…
When it comes to purchasing car insurance, more consumers are putting down their telephone and picking up their mouse. A record 2.8 million auto insurance policies were purchased online last year. That’s an increase of 80% since 2006, according to the 2010 U.S. Online Auto Insurance Report by ComScore. It’s not that surprising given the way everything is moving online.
Shopping for car insurance online is a quick and easy way to get the coverage you need to insure your vehicles.
THREE THINGS TO DO Read more…
After getting my driver’s license at 17, I talked to my parents about finally getting a car. I don’t remember why I didn’t get my license at 16, but perhaps it was because I had such a spiffy bicycle the ladies loved. *Ring a ding a ling * was the sound of my bell every time I rode by a hot girl.
It always felt odd that I had to walk or ride my bike to school when other kids got to drive their new Ford Explorer SUVs, and VW Jettas. Even my parents drove an 8 year old car at the time. Oh well, I thought to myself. Perhaps one day.
THE HIDDEN GEM THAT WAS NOT A GEM Read more…
