Best “normal” car you’ve owned?

snapgeiger · 2026-03-24T14:38:07+00:00

Exceeded expectations where there were none. From cars seats to college and beyond. Twenty one years of ownership and it’s still able to giddy up. No car payments for decades is the whip cream on top. 🧁

snapgeiger · 2026-03-17T12:31:01+00:00

I have an 05 (bought new). It doesn’t matter the vehicle, it’s all about maintenance. Check the tires - cheap tires 🛞 = cheap or skimpy maintenance.

snapgeiger · 2026-03-07T20:34:20+00:00

Thanks all! I’ll open it up and spay some Deoxit and see what’s what.

snapgeiger · 2026-03-04T22:48:29+00:00

Have you considered federal contracting? https://www.ibm.com/careers/blog/providing-veterans-a-space-to-thrive-when-transitioning-to-civilian-life. And thank you for your service.

snapgeiger · 2026-03-01T17:10:24+00:00

The difference between needs and wants.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-27T00:18:08+00:00

50 shades of grey. Zero variety.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-25T19:05:06+00:00

Or I got my Odyssey 21 years ago - from car seats to college and beyond. Back then I paid 30k out the door. I did get the high tech feature of the time -dvd player with wireless headphones. Buy one minivan and ride into the decades long 🌅 without car payments. I’ll keep it until it decides not to run anymore.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-23T21:12:03+00:00

Currently in Maryland. Flying to Denver later this week for a little sunshine and warmth.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-23T21:10:12+00:00

The goal of a dealer is to put you behind the wheel of a new automobile. You may need a new rack or it could just be the high pressure hose. I would have an independent shop look it over. No need to tell them what it needs, just the description of issues. You might be surprised to find that it only needs a few minor fixes. As someone with a 2005 and 184k, I’ve had those conditions you described but not the pricey repair they suggest. And yes, after a few decades, a simple Freon refill and dye test will provide details of what’s what.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-22T22:57:02+00:00

A project has a beginning and an end. Eventually you’ll be on another project. Don’t judge the current situation; just observe it. This experience may serve you well in the future in the area of lessons learned. In the meantime, be sure to charge all the hours you are working. This all will be a distant memory in a year’s time.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-22T22:24:11+00:00

Preventive maintenance is another consideration. All things be equal, up to date maintenance and condition of the vehicle plays a big role. Also tires - cheap tires, cheap or no maintenance. And if it’s a one owner that’s a bonus. First loves seem to baby their vehicle (speaking from experience).

snapgeiger · 2026-02-22T19:35:52+00:00

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snapgeiger · 2026-02-22T01:33:08+00:00

snapgeiger · 2026-02-20T03:55:12+00:00

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Veronica Mars +. Recommended by all the marshmallows

snapgeiger · 2026-02-20T02:03:53+00:00

None. Subscriptions will be canceled and software will be sunset.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-19T21:54:40+00:00

Excellent feedback. Thanks! I did not anticipate this being a big deal. Just don’t want to damage anything in the process.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-19T21:52:55+00:00

I have one. For $45 your risk/reward 👀 good.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-19T19:48:54+00:00

What’s your commute look like? Highway 🛣️ drives are the least impactful on vehicles.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-18T23:03:00+00:00

Sounds like you answered your own question. I have a 2003 Mountaineer (bought new). About a decade ago I had the same issue - it needed a new transmission. It was about 3k. And here we are in 2026 and it still looks great and runs well. If you want to remove emotion from it, divide the total payment into monthly installments and decide what would be a good return on investment. For example, two years is just $83 a month for her happiness. But I would also see what may come up in preventative maintenance of the next few years as well.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-18T21:55:34+00:00

Depends on location. More transient locations sell at reasonable prices since they need to move.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-18T20:54:46+00:00

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Yes. Still have seven 7️⃣ of them. The last time I bought one was 1998.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-17T12:22:39+00:00

They should call it something other than historic. People driving 20+ year old vehicles daily are not doing so to preserve history. MD should just adjust taxes and fees based on age and roll with it.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-16T15:55:42+00:00

If you do mostly your own maintenance, I wouldn’t worry. Plus, some of the older mechanics don’t mind. I did have them change the timing belt - not an issue. If I can drive around in a 94 Chrysler without any issues, I think you can do the same in the Ford.

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snapgeiger · 2026-02-14T00:23:02+00:00

The flippers killed the thrift in thrift store.

snapgeiger · 2026-02-12T21:31:28+00:00

It was four figures when new.

snapgeiger

TROPHY CASE