Caption:
One of the largest exhibits of Amphicars in the world is held during the Celina Lake Festival at Grand Lake St. Marys in Celina Ohio. Amphicars were cars made to travel by land or in the water. Exhibitors come from all over the world to show off their unique vehicles.
In Praise of the $500 Car
Excerpt:
Welcome to the wonderful world of the $500 car. From public auctions to impound lots to private sales and eBay, they’re there for the taking. We’re talking old Fords that hardly ever fail, to mondo mileage minivans with the interiors to match. The cost of today’s ‘affordable’ commuter has rapidly sunk to the point where it’s nearly equal to the price of a new scooter. Even better, as the old saying goes, “They ain’t building em’ like they used too.” They’re building them better.
Thanks to huge advances in mechanical engineering, materials and manufacturing, the average vehicle has a remarkable ability to sustain itself well in six figures on the clock and double decades on the calendar– given the right owner and proper maintenance.
In my daily work as an auto auctioneer, I see the results of this every day: old Camrys old enough to drink in all fifty states that run as well as a twenty-year-old sewing machine; old Volvo wagons that you can’t kill with a stick, SUVs built for durability instead of bling that can still climb every mountain, conventional family sedans that have watched an entire generation grow up and head off to college, ready for grandchild duty.
For a true indication of the average car’s added endurance, look no further than Canada. Our neighbors in the Great White North recently reported that the number of 15-year-old vehicles on their roads had skyrocketed from just 800k in 1990 to 2.8m today. They’re not hanging onto to their vehicles longer because they’re poor. They’re doing it because they can. And the money saved is phenomenal. But the $500 car? How can that be a good deal?
First of all, understand this: the $500 car always has something wrong with it. Examples: the Subaru had a foul odor and a severely dented door. A $100 door and a $50 detail brought it back to its rightful glory. A 1989 Toyota Camry and a 1993 Eagle Vision I bought for $500 apiece needed nothing more than a $190 paint job (called a “scuff and shoot”). Two 1989 Volvo 240 Wagons, a 1988 Isuzu Trooper and a 1991 Ford Explorer Sport needed… well… nothing actually. They were just unpopular and ‘old’. Finally, a 1977 Mercedes 350SE bought for $250 needed a/c, new tires, and an alignment.
Comment: An article about a subject Nathan, Roger, and I often discuss.
Michigan cops switching to cheaper, more efficient V6 Impalas
Comment: I think the black 2004 Impala SS would be scarier in the rear view mirror! Having had a Crown Vic (1988 inherited from my Father-in-Law in 1991), I can attest that the Impala is indeed sportier and more fuel efficient!.
How Stuff Works: Automatic Transmissions
One of the most confusing parts of a car (to me) is an automatic transmission. This graphical, 10 (short) lesson article explains. Don't miss the interactive animation of automatic transmissions different gear ratios and the the shift lever interactive animation!
The Hurricanes Are Gone, but the Cars May Remain
Motoring
The Hurricanes Are Gone, but the Cars May Remain
By MARCIA BIEDERMAN
Published: April 1, 2007
Cars damaged in Hurricane Katrina are showing up on the market, and it can be very difficult to spot them.
Comment: Even Carfax is not sufficient in some cases! If the deal is too good to be true ... think again!
Detecting and Avoiding Flood Damaged Cars
Beware Flood Damaged Used Cars For Sale
