Shall I get a beater?

[alimustafa23]

I drive the car as it is supposed to be driven, yet I still baby my car and take good care of it. I hate driving my car around city where the roads are bad with many potholes. Especially parking around town makes me nervous because people here see cars as nothing but a piece of metal. I'm from Austin, TX. I drive far distances from time to time to Houston/Dallas. And I hate parking outside in Houston! Already had some idiot key'd my car once while I was there. And I'm racking up a lot of miles on my baby (15k..got the car on Nov 17th 2014)

- I know car is meant to be driven, but I'd rather drive it where it is fun, not around town where roads are bad or to places where I don't feel comfortable parking (walmart/other places) but I love taking it for long road trips!
- Plus winter is around the corner. I know it's Texas and never snows here, but driving on summer tires is not the best during winter.

Question is: I was leaning towards getting a beater, 2000 civic with 135k miles from a friend of mine for $1500. I'd like to get a second opinion - What would you do in this situation if you could afford another beater? Any helpful advice is appreciated

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[strengthrehab]

If you are worried about the car to the point where you can't enjoy it then get a beater.

 

[Khyber]

depends on how cheap that 1500 honda really is after insurance and if yall have property taxes there on cars...not to mention if it breaks, the cost of repairs. I just couldn't drive a piece of junk though but that's me. I would have to have multiple nice cars if I had more than one for myself but that's me.

 

[TNcoupe]

I drive my 2012 Focus with 110k miles on it everywhere except when I want to have fun. Im gonna drive it til it falls apart. I dont regret not driving my Mustang to work or to the store because its just like you say, most people only view them as a piece of metal to get from A to B.

 

[strengthrehab]

I'll get a 2nd car/suv only because I live in Ohio and have 2 dogs and fly to TX a lot. I don't want to leave my car at the airport.

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[Toofarfromjune]

Yeah I hate driving/parking with those who view a car as a disposable appliance.

I also hate racking up tons of miles.

This is why we have three vehicles and I'm aiming for 4. Actually I am also looking at golden era civics, hatchbacks to be specific, it's just hard to find one that hasn't been completely molested to the point of no return because racecar.

 

[jasonstang]

I have a FJ Cruiser. It's not a beater but I want something thats good in 10 inch snow. Snowboarding FTW!!!

 

[opensesame]

The only time you need really a beater is to get through the winter, in this case here in Canada. Salt and Snow is harmful and I drive a beater during the winter while my mustang hibernates.

 

[AR306]

I originally planned to DD my old 2000 Corolla with over 220,000 miles.. but it started crapping out. Anyway I ended up fixing it but I don't want to drive it anymore, I love my Stang too much Lol.

Instead now I'm thinking about getting a beater Civic manual because I really wanted a Manual Mustang but ended up getting an Auto because I didn't want to wait any longer (custom order) and everyone keeps saying that the Auto is the better choice paired with the Ecoboost.

Truthfully I never planned on getting an Ecoboost in the first place.. I wanted a V6 Manual with 3.55 gears Lol.. but yeah, I'm a very indecisive individual.

My advice to you, crunch the numbers, if it makes sense go for it. I still drive my rolla every now and then just to remind myself how awesome my new car is

 

[hailstate94]

I have a civic with 190k on it. Haven't had anything break in 5 years. Probably jinxed it saying that though

I drive the car as it is supposed to be driven, yet I still baby my car and take good care of it. I hate driving my car around city where the roads are bad with many potholes. Especially parking around town makes me nervous because people here see cars as nothing but a piece of metal. I'm from Austin, TX. I drive far distances from time to time to Houston/Dallas. And I hate parking outside in Houston! Already had some idiot key'd my car once while I was there. And I'm racking up a lot of miles on my baby (15k..got the car on Nov 17th 2014)

- I know car is meant to be driven, but I'd rather drive it where it is fun, not around town where roads are bad or to places where I don't feel comfortable parking (walmart/other places) but I love taking it for long road trips!
- Plus winter is around the corner. I know it's Texas and never snows here, but driving on summer tires is not the best during winter.

Question is: I was leaning towards getting a beater, 2000 civic with 135k miles from a friend of mine for $1500. I'd like to get a second opinion - What would you do in this situation if you could afford another beater? Any helpful advice is appreciated

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015 Mustang GT PP Race Red | MRT catback exhaust | Eibach Pro-kit Lowering Springs|

 

[alimustafa23]

Thanks everyone! Those were some good insights. Guess I'll be getting it

 

[CompO5.sl0w]

Whole reason why I got my '15 Jeep Rubi. Got tired of driving my car that I take good care of in snow, ice, bad roads etc. Now I look forward to it snowing lmao.

 

[ATLalien]

Definitely get a beater if you can cover the insurance and extra maintenance an older car will need.

I had a 2012 mustang GT from new, and had a 2nd car that I drove (03 Explorer) for most of its time with me. 3 years later, the 12 mustang was in mint condition, paid off, and had only 14K miles on it when I traded it in on the 15. I got exactly the trade in price I asked for at the dealer.

I then turned around and traded the Explorer for the 96 Bronco I have now. I find it very useful to have an old truck/suv anyway. Don't want to put a canoe on my mustang, or haul sod for the yard, or fill it with dogs and kids. The Bronco does all of that AND keeps miles off the Stang.

 

[BBB]

You're driving a Ford, not a Ferrari

While I have a daily driver, I don't treat my car like it's a fucking Enzo.

 

[ATLalien]

You're driving a Ford, not a Ferrari

While I have a daily driver, I don't treat my car like it's a fucking Enzo.

Uh, don't think anyone is comparing a mustang to a Ferrari, or even treating it as such.

I drive mine rigorously, even drove it to work in the rain today, although admittedly that's not a regular occurance. But I take care of it and all my vehicles. My Bronco gets maintained just as well as my mustang does. But it's the cheaper, more flexible vehicle, so it does the dirty jobs, and sits out in the weather while the mustang is snug in the garage.

Since you have a DD, you're obviously doing the same thing, right?

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