To park or drive?
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
To park or drive?
I was just thinking, with having so many threads posting owners having to sell their Excursions (or any other big truck for that matter), I'm looking for opinions on the pros/cons of just parking my X and getting a more fuel efficient car and only use the X when needed. I like the idea of keeping miles off my X and the related fuel savings, but not sure if it's worth the buy-in and extra insurance. What are all your opinions either way?
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
i screwed up once and sold my '04 due to money worrys. i wont make that mistake again!
i'll keep daily driving my excursion, currently i'm putting 1,000-1,500 miles a month on the excursion and 500 or so on my expedition. i'm driving more since i quit my fulltime job. luckly i have that gas sipper expedition....haha they get almost the same mpg!
way i said it to a friend of mine who was whining about gas prices. they can pry my 8MPG excursion from my cold dead hands!!!
not to mention, after what i've been through. i consider the cost of gas for the V10 as paying for safety.
i'll keep daily driving my excursion, currently i'm putting 1,000-1,500 miles a month on the excursion and 500 or so on my expedition. i'm driving more since i quit my fulltime job. luckly i have that gas sipper expedition....haha they get almost the same mpg!
way i said it to a friend of mine who was whining about gas prices. they can pry my 8MPG excursion from my cold dead hands!!!
not to mention, after what i've been through. i consider the cost of gas for the V10 as paying for safety.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
This topic comes up every time prices jump.
Then world events change, prices drop (never back
all the way) and we get use to the new price and
after enough time we wish we had that big land
yacht back which:
* isn't made any more
* had that powerful engine
* lots of room for 6 PLUS stuff
* had a nice ride and was comfortable
etc.".
Only now, it costs 2x what you sold it for 3 years ago.
Keep your Ex! Even the 2011 Explorer is downsized
now into more of a cross-over type vehicle.
The same math can be applied to this that goes into the tradeoff between a V8/V10 and the PSD in terms of higher cost to purchase + cost of repairs vs. price of fuel.
Take a 40+mpg hybrid. Pay $30k (or $40k or whatever)
and the insurance on a "new" vehicle.
How many years does it take to recoup that purchase price.
Do you tow a boat? Carry 3+ people AND suitcases?
etc. etc.
Then world events change, prices drop (never back
all the way) and we get use to the new price and
after enough time we wish we had that big land
yacht back which:
* isn't made any more
* had that powerful engine
* lots of room for 6 PLUS stuff
* had a nice ride and was comfortable
etc.".
Only now, it costs 2x what you sold it for 3 years ago.
Keep your Ex! Even the 2011 Explorer is downsized
now into more of a cross-over type vehicle.
The same math can be applied to this that goes into the tradeoff between a V8/V10 and the PSD in terms of higher cost to purchase + cost of repairs vs. price of fuel.
Take a 40+mpg hybrid. Pay $30k (or $40k or whatever)
and the insurance on a "new" vehicle.
How many years does it take to recoup that purchase price.
Do you tow a boat? Carry 3+ people AND suitcases?
etc. etc.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
I sold my first excursion when gas prices went over $4 a gallon last time, now my ex usually always sits in the garage all the time,I won't make the same mistake and sell this one, it's in almost new condition, my first one wasn't. I drive my 2010 jeep everywhere and my wife has her 2008 crv. I just take the ex on our trips to Pennsylvania and when hauling inlaws around.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
If you are physically able to do so, invest a few hundred bucks in a quality bicycle. I ride 26 miles, 3-4 days a week, to school and back.
There is no additional insurance, maintenance is cheap, and I have been losing weight while saving money.
It helps to motivate me when I think about those archery spot-and-stalk bear and mountain lion hunts I have coming up later this year.
(we need an archery emote 
)
There is no additional insurance, maintenance is cheap, and I have been losing weight while saving money.
It helps to motivate me when I think about those archery spot-and-stalk bear and mountain lion hunts I have coming up later this year.
(we need an archery emote )
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
The bike thing won't work, too hard to carry tools to work! As far as selling the X, NO WAY, I'm just looking at getting a cheap car/truck to daily drive and keep the miles off the X. I'm just having a hard time justifying the added cost versus the gas savings and wear and tear on my X....that's what I'm looking for all your opinions on, any thoughts?
Snowboard season cometh..
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,406
Likes: 1
From: Gulf Coast of Florida
I have a 1996 VW Passat TDI. It gets ~50mpg @ 75mph and you could pick one up for about $3000 or so... for now. I love driving the F250 or the Ex, but there is something nice about fitting in a tiny parking spot and getting AWESOME mileage.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 390
From: SEVA
In the last 4-1/2 years, I've put 23K miles on my X and 26K miles on my motorcycle. I don't foresee making any changes to my driving habits until gas goes beyond $8 per gallon. In fact, I'll be riding a 7200-mile cross-country loop this summer on the bike.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: central Louisiana
i went through the same debate for a while now.
here's my answer
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-mileage.html
in most cases people will buy a $5K car to "save money"! well they don't factor initial cost, what they'll have to save, and for how long to recoup just the initial cost. not so in my case.
$500 initial cost, with a savings on $50/week, it will take an estimated 10 weeks to recoup my initial purchase price. then as for insurance, it went up $12/week, BUT i dropped the F250 and the Ex down to storage insurance coverage, thus dropping my monthly insurance cost $25/mo.
i hate to see them sit, but i use them on the weekends, and at least once a month to drive to work to keep the cob webs out.
i listed my Ex for sale in a local paper, had about 3 calls on it, no bites, and when gas hit $3+/gal i almost bet that the add has been over looked quite a few times! but for now i'll rock my Honda as a beater car!
here's my answer
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-mileage.html
in most cases people will buy a $5K car to "save money"! well they don't factor initial cost, what they'll have to save, and for how long to recoup just the initial cost. not so in my case.
$500 initial cost, with a savings on $50/week, it will take an estimated 10 weeks to recoup my initial purchase price. then as for insurance, it went up $12/week, BUT i dropped the F250 and the Ex down to storage insurance coverage, thus dropping my monthly insurance cost $25/mo.
i hate to see them sit, but i use them on the weekends, and at least once a month to drive to work to keep the cob webs out.
i listed my Ex for sale in a local paper, had about 3 calls on it, no bites, and when gas hit $3+/gal i almost bet that the add has been over looked quite a few times! but for now i'll rock my Honda as a beater car!
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,593
Likes: 1,236
From: N. IL
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
i went through the same debate for a while now.
here's my answer
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-mileage.html
in most cases people will buy a $5K car to "save money"! well they don't factor initial cost, what they'll have to save, and for how long to recoup just the initial cost. not so in my case.
$500 initial cost, with a savings on $50/week, it will take an estimated 10 weeks to recoup my initial purchase price. then as for insurance, it went up $12/week, BUT i dropped the F250 and the Ex down to storage insurance coverage, thus dropping my monthly insurance cost $25/mo.
i hate to see them sit, but i use them on the weekends, and at least once a month to drive to work to keep the cob webs out.
i listed my Ex for sale in a local paper, had about 3 calls on it, no bites, and when gas hit $3+/gal i almost bet that the add has been over looked quite a few times! but for now i'll rock my Honda as a beater car!
here's my answer
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-mileage.html
in most cases people will buy a $5K car to "save money"! well they don't factor initial cost, what they'll have to save, and for how long to recoup just the initial cost. not so in my case.
$500 initial cost, with a savings on $50/week, it will take an estimated 10 weeks to recoup my initial purchase price. then as for insurance, it went up $12/week, BUT i dropped the F250 and the Ex down to storage insurance coverage, thus dropping my monthly insurance cost $25/mo.
i hate to see them sit, but i use them on the weekends, and at least once a month to drive to work to keep the cob webs out.
i listed my Ex for sale in a local paper, had about 3 calls on it, no bites, and when gas hit $3+/gal i almost bet that the add has been over looked quite a few times! but for now i'll rock my Honda as a beater car!
I don't like dents, misfitting body panels, missing hubcaps, etc. so I'd spend way more keeping up a 2nd vehicle.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: central Louisiana
nope!! not gonna happen!! basic upkeep, the tires are 90%new still have the purchase receipt from wally world, oil will be provided by "fringe benefits", just have to purchase the filter!!
this is a dedicated beater, cheapo, run around car only. got enough modified vehicles, and atv's plus projects around to make up for not doing anything to this car!!
this is a dedicated beater, cheapo, run around car only. got enough modified vehicles, and atv's plus projects around to make up for not doing anything to this car!!
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
i went through the same debate for a while now.
here's my answer
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-mileage.html
in most cases people will buy a $5K car to "save money"! well they don't factor initial cost, what they'll have to save, and for how long to recoup just the initial cost. not so in my case.
$500 initial cost, with a savings on $50/week, it will take an estimated 10 weeks to recoup my initial purchase price. then as for insurance, it went up $12/week, BUT i dropped the F250 and the Ex down to storage insurance coverage, thus dropping my monthly insurance cost $25/mo.
i hate to see them sit, but i use them on the weekends, and at least once a month to drive to work to keep the cob webs out.
i listed my Ex for sale in a local paper, had about 3 calls on it, no bites, and when gas hit $3+/gal i almost bet that the add has been over looked quite a few times! but for now i'll rock my Honda as a beater car!
here's my answer
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-mileage.html
in most cases people will buy a $5K car to "save money"! well they don't factor initial cost, what they'll have to save, and for how long to recoup just the initial cost. not so in my case.
$500 initial cost, with a savings on $50/week, it will take an estimated 10 weeks to recoup my initial purchase price. then as for insurance, it went up $12/week, BUT i dropped the F250 and the Ex down to storage insurance coverage, thus dropping my monthly insurance cost $25/mo.
i hate to see them sit, but i use them on the weekends, and at least once a month to drive to work to keep the cob webs out.
i listed my Ex for sale in a local paper, had about 3 calls on it, no bites, and when gas hit $3+/gal i almost bet that the add has been over looked quite a few times! but for now i'll rock my Honda as a beater car!
That's exactly the path I have been contemplating. The only problem...there are no $500 cars around here that run. Anything that runs is at least $2,000. Not sure it's worth it at that price.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
If you are physically able to do so, invest a few hundred bucks in a quality bicycle. I ride 26 miles, 3-4 days a week, to school and back.
There is no additional insurance, maintenance is cheap, and I have been losing weight while saving money.
It helps to motivate me when I think about those archery spot-and-stalk bear and mountain lion hunts I have coming up later this year. (we need an archery emote )
There is no additional insurance, maintenance is cheap, and I have been losing weight while saving money.
It helps to motivate me when I think about those archery spot-and-stalk bear and mountain lion hunts I have coming up later this year.
(we need an archery emote )http://www.piaggiousa.com/themes/pia...er-big-pic.png
BTW, you could always use this as your archery emote >>----->
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 3
From: Central Va
Mine hasn't moved in 3 weeks.
The battery tender is hooked up, and it's covered in dust and such.
The bottom line is, I can't afford to spend $20-25 a day driving it.
So the Bonneville with 258K on the ticker and 30mpg does the trick. It only has half the paint left, seats are shot and I can barely see thru the windshield. It also cost me $15 and a push mower to acquire, and cost me less per year to own than a half a tank of fuel in the X.
The X has gone back to being a special use vehicle, and not a primary.
The battery tender is hooked up, and it's covered in dust and such.
The bottom line is, I can't afford to spend $20-25 a day driving it.
So the Bonneville with 258K on the ticker and 30mpg does the trick. It only has half the paint left, seats are shot and I can barely see thru the windshield. It also cost me $15 and a push mower to acquire, and cost me less per year to own than a half a tank of fuel in the X.
The X has gone back to being a special use vehicle, and not a primary.