What car has the lowest cost to operate?

[Sureshot324]

possibly, but the modded VW scene in DFW is quite robust. and having a low car isn't AS big a deal as it would be in canada I assume.

Most modders don't want a car someone else modified.

 

[Mide]

Corolla, Fit, or Civic...all will last you forever with no problems. Only advice would be to not drop all nice amenities; I'm sure you'll miss some from your VW. Pure econo-box DD also gets old.

 

[jlee]

Most modders don't want a car someone else modified.

It may be more accurate to say people who modify cars don't want to buy cars that were modified by "most people" - because most people are dumb. There are exceptions but they can be hard to find.

 

[cbrsurfr]

Looks pretty clean. I'd just fix what needs to be fixed to make it more of a DD. Drive it into the ground.

If you do get rid of it, don't just trade it in for nothing. Hell I might be interested if the price is right.

 

[deadken]

BTW: I think the Hyundai Veloster has a low cost of ownership due to the 10year warranty. I know that tires aren't included (wear items), but I'm guessing it has something to do with it being on that list.

Personally, I wouldn't go from (2) VW's to something else (*cough* Corolla *cough*). I truly believe that your inner child is calling for a MKii. Be still... Listen... You can hear it! You know you want one. Alpine White, GTI, on BBS's. With a Heckblende!

What a MKii would save you on insurance alone might seriously make it a contender for lowest operating cost.

Ohhh, wait.... I own a MKii ('88 Jetta), forget what I said about lowest operating cost. But, you still know that you want one. Rational or not. Mmmm... 16v with K-jet, you'd have a hard time wiping the smile off of your face.


On a serious note: What's wrong with keeping the '03 TDI? If it is just the height / alignment / rim issues that you said, I agree with the earlier guy who suggested fixing those things and keeping it.

Free car just needing minor fixes and maintenance > New car with payments.

 

[shortylickens]

A smart car.

But medical costs are much more significant than any car you'll ever buy.

 

[Atty]

Company car. You pay nothing.

/thread

 

[olds]

Un-rice your car and keep it.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

possibly, but the modded VW scene in DFW is quite robust.

Thank God I moved outside of the DFW area.

 

[IronWing]

I refuse to accept that a car that comes with standard 17" low profile wheels can be included in a "cheapest to own list". Compare the replacement costs on a 15" Fit or Corolla wheel to a Veloster and let me know which is going to run you less.

That's not the only thing that matters, but it certainly comes into play over the life of a car.

We swapped out the stock wheels on the Fit for 15" rims with the first tire replacement. Ride is much improved and the cost of replacing the rims will be recouped with the next tire replacement.

 

[nerp]

81 plymouth horizan
Cost me $300 to buy and make road worthy and then I sold it for $300 so sounds like the perfect car for you.

I would pick up a running K-Car for $300 in a snap just for fun.

 

[AustinInDallas]

It may be more accurate to say people who modify cars don't want to buy cars that were modified by "most people" - because most people are dumb. There are exceptions but they can be hard to find.

I was going to say something similar, but didnt want to derail.

On a serious note: What's wrong with keeping the '03 TDI? If it is just the height / alignment / rim issues that you said, I agree with the earlier guy who suggested fixing those things and keeping it.

Free car just needing minor fixes and maintenance > New car with payments.

It just wouldnt feel right to drive her like a 4x4

Un-rice your car and keep it.

offended

 

[DominionSeraph]

your own car.

how much will it cost to return it to stock height? with a proper alignment, and good tires that focus on comfort and mileage?

2-3 grand tops?

It'll probably come out at close to no cost after he sells his parts to a new ricer.

Seriously dude, you want a low cost DD and you already have a 50MPG car. Fix the ride height, put some sensible shoes on it, slap a VW emblem on the front so it doesn't look so retarded, and you're set.

 

[AustinInDallas]

I dont want to get off topic, but how is it rice? they are all factor options, with the exception of coilovers(functional) and a shaved hood.
Haters Gonna Hate

 

[Kaido]

A smart car.

But medical costs are much more significant than any car you'll ever buy.

hahahaha

 

[michal1980]

I dont want to get off topic, but how is it rice? they are all factor options, with the exception of coilovers(functional) and a shaved hood.
Haters Gonna Hate

just umpimp your auto.


You are complaining about how harsh your ride is.

Have you done any testing to see if the coilovers provide any function other then pain, noise, and greater tire ware.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv157ZIInUk

 

[JCH13]

I dont want to get off topic, but how is it rice? they are all factor options, with the exception of coilovers(functional) and a shaved hood.
Haters Gonna Hate

A car can be rice when it's modded to the point where utility, functionality, or comfort is severely compromised merely for looks.

Low ride height + good coilovers = great for a track car, very functional there. On a street car where it makes you want to get rid of the car because it has a rough ride and you bottom out on everything? Here are your chopsticks.

FWIW a good set of coilovers should ride the same, or better, than stock in terms of harshness. I.e. spring and damper rates are well-matched to each other and the car.


Also, saying' "Haters Gonna Hate" automatically qualifies you as a ricer but it's a VW... so I guess you're a strudeler?

(Note: I am mostly just busting your chops and not being super serial)

 

[DominionSeraph]

I dont want to get off topic, but how is it rice? they are all factor options, with the exception of coilovers(functional) and a shaved hood.

Factory rice is still rice.

Haters Gonna Hate

My motorcycle has more power than your car.

 

[AustinInDallas]

Factory rice is still rice.



My motorcycle has more power than your car.

everyone knows its all about the torque

 

[DominionSeraph]

everyone knows its all about the torque

Somebody doesn't know what power means, or the function of a transmission.

 

[AustinInDallas]

Somebody doesn't know what power means.

thats most likely correct, but I didnt say i have more power than you.
This isnt OT, Im just asking for advice on a NEW TO ME car, not a NEW car.

 

[ichy]

Honda Fit is economical and very practical but the prices for used ones are insane.

I agree with the people who say un-rice the VW and keep it.

 

[Pardus]

Volkswagen. is offering 3-years free scheduled maintenance on there 2013 lineup, it will drop to 2-years on 2014 models. Every 10k you need to change the oil on these cars, 3-4 times over 3 years.

 

[olds]

Volkswagen. is offering 3-years free scheduled maintenance on there 2013 lineup, it will drop to 2-years on 2014 models. Every 10k you need to change the oil on these cars, 3-4 times over 3 years.

So you have to go to Germany for the service?

 

[who?]

If it goes out of warranty Toyota parts are probably more affordable than Honda parts.