Lame duck models
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Lame duck models
What does everyone think of lame duck models? Not just the Taurus but the Cavalier, Sunfire. Would they be a good investment if one were looking at a new car, as they should be pretty affordable once their replacements are online, or better to consider replacement? Assuming that you like one of those models but don't what you hear about build quality. Take the chance on the new one being a big improvement?
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Buy them at a bargain price if they have the right options. Get a warranty. Drive them 'till the new model gremlins are sorted out of the new model. Bad idea to buy the first one off the line.
As far as cars being an "investment", that term comes up in two scenarios:
--you're looking at a GT 350....
--a car salesman is telling you your car is an "investment".
A car is an expense and a depreciating asset. Buy low.
As far as cars being an "investment", that term comes up in two scenarios:
--you're looking at a GT 350....
--a car salesman is telling you your car is an "investment".
A car is an expense and a depreciating asset. Buy low.
Posting Guru
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From: Near Wamego KS
Best time to buy a lame duck is late in the year they quit making them. Like buying a 2005 Taurus leftover when the 2006 models hit the show rooms. I'm really surprised the F150 "Heritage" has done as well as it done.
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From: Saratoga USA
No new car is a good investment unless it is a real limited production vehicle, like the Ford GT. But, even those are selling for over $200K, so the market has recognized the potential collector value. A Taurus will never, never, be a investment, just buy it and drive it.
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Answer: Usually not. You can get a good deal, get the bells and whistles you want, and drive it into the ground. One thing, though, is I wouldn't recommend buying the last Oldsmobile or other soon to be dead brand. The end of a model is no biggie, the end of the brand--try to get the dealer to support you after that. We are pretty much going to drive our '97 Olds till it falls in two as according to the former Olds dealer, "No one wants those....". This after they sent us a letter inviting us in to look at their new junk--and in the letter saying "we need your '97 Olds as we are short of used minivans...."
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From: Atlanta GA
No, some lame ducks such as Tempos and Mavericks could be good long term cars with a low cost of ownership. The problem is FWD cars and their unique problems and how hard they are to work on and the cost of replacement parts.
Probably one of the worse lame ducks at the time was an Escort wagon, though it actually was a pretty good buy. Sort of like the Aerostars, by 1995 all the major problems had been ironed out and then Ford discontinued them shortly there after because it cost too much to make compared to a Windstar, even though they were selling 100,000+ a year!
Unless you are a good mechanic, I would avoid today's FWD cars and stick with a full size RWD such as a Crown Vic of F-150. What you need to fix an OBD II FWD 2004 car will be beyond most shade tree mechanics if a major problem develops.
Probably one of the worse lame ducks at the time was an Escort wagon, though it actually was a pretty good buy. Sort of like the Aerostars, by 1995 all the major problems had been ironed out and then Ford discontinued them shortly there after because it cost too much to make compared to a Windstar, even though they were selling 100,000+ a year!
Unless you are a good mechanic, I would avoid today's FWD cars and stick with a full size RWD such as a Crown Vic of F-150. What you need to fix an OBD II FWD 2004 car will be beyond most shade tree mechanics if a major problem develops.
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From: Grapevine, TX
A buddy of mine just bought an '04 Sable... fully loaded and almost 10 grand below sticker.
At the risk of being laughed off this site, I'll admit to buying a 1988 Fiero (last model year). I bought it new in 1989, got a great deal, and it turned out to be the most reliable and economical car I ever owned. All the bugs were worked out of it but it had such a bad rap, nobody wanted them anymore. Not too practical on space, but fun to drive. I did have one issue getting some replacement front suspension parts after my sister slammed it into a curb (took the garage a week to find parts) but that was it. I am temped every now and then to buy another one off of ebay.
At the risk of being laughed off this site, I'll admit to buying a 1988 Fiero (last model year). I bought it new in 1989, got a great deal, and it turned out to be the most reliable and economical car I ever owned. All the bugs were worked out of it but it had such a bad rap, nobody wanted them anymore. Not too practical on space, but fun to drive. I did have one issue getting some replacement front suspension parts after my sister slammed it into a curb (took the garage a week to find parts) but that was it. I am temped every now and then to buy another one off of ebay.
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From: Prince George B.C.
My wife and I bought a new 1991 Merc Tracer when they came out. They had the newer escort body style not the Mazda GLC look. It was a great car wow we put on 180000 kms in the 12 years we had it. Other than the basic fluid changes, tires Battery and one timing belt change, and CV joints the car cost us nuthing for repairs. I too was cautious about buying a newly redesigned model, but my wife loved the looks and feel of the car. I'm not the least bit sorry we bought it, I am a bit sorry we had to sell it because of our expanding family.
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From: Montreal Canada
i had a '96 escort, my sister has it now. i liked the look of them that year before they changed them for '97. don't know why ford stopped making them. it was great on gas and a lot of fun to drive than
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Originally Posted by cowboywanabe
A buddy of mine just bought an '04 Sable... fully loaded and almost 10 grand below sticker.
At the risk of being laughed off this site, I'll admit to buying a 1988 Fiero (last model year). I bought it new in 1989, got a great deal, and it turned out to be the most reliable and economical car I ever owned. All the bugs were worked out of it but it had such a bad rap, nobody wanted them anymore. Not too practical on space, but fun to drive. I did have one issue getting some replacement front suspension parts after my sister slammed it into a curb (took the garage a week to find parts) but that was it. I am temped every now and then to buy another one off of ebay.
At the risk of being laughed off this site, I'll admit to buying a 1988 Fiero (last model year). I bought it new in 1989, got a great deal, and it turned out to be the most reliable and economical car I ever owned. All the bugs were worked out of it but it had such a bad rap, nobody wanted them anymore. Not too practical on space, but fun to drive. I did have one issue getting some replacement front suspension parts after my sister slammed it into a curb (took the garage a week to find parts) but that was it. I am temped every now and then to buy another one off of ebay.
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