Cars - What do the rest of you drive?

[Amogh]

How much do you guys pay for insurance!

I'm 23 and I will have to get a local license before I buy my car (NY allows me to rent cars on my indian license for like forever so I didn't bother till now). Got some quotes online and boy were did they burst my bubble!

I'm being quoted idiotic rates, $200+ p.m. on any kind of car I put in, be it Mazda Mazda3, Nissan Altima etc or a BMW 325ci!

I don't see how anyone can afford to pay for that and the car..

 

Looks like no car for me till I turn 25 then.. Heck motorbike insurance is $20 p.m. in comparison.

[Monochrome Spring]

How much do you guys pay for insurance!

 

I'm 20 (almost 21) and have been driving for only 2ish years, so my insurance is $117/mo. I think I get a discount closer to $100/mo when I turn 21.

[TakeruK]

How much do you guys pay for insurance!

I'm 23 and I will have to get a local license before I buy my car (NY allows me to rent cars on my indian license for like forever so I didn't bother till now). Got some quotes online and boy were did they burst my bubble!

I'm being quoted idiotic rates, $200+ p.m. on any kind of car I put in, be it Mazda Mazda3, Nissan Altima etc or a BMW 325ci!

I don't see how anyone can afford to pay for that and the car..

 

Looks like no car for me till I turn 25 then.. Heck motorbike insurance is $20 p.m. in comparison.

 

Online rates are very unreliable, don't count on them. They are either way too high because they don't consider a lot of discounts you might qualify for, or way too low because they assume you get all of the discounts. When I first started looking at online rates, I saw quotes that were as low as $50 per month to some that were $300+ per month!

 

To get a realistic rate, you should actually go to an insurance agent (either in person or phone) and give them your actual details. There is a lot of stuff that comes into the calculation of your insurance rate, but the major factors that impact the basic coverage rates are

 

1. The value of the car you own

2. Your driving experience (sorry to say, you really should have gotten that US driver's license the moment you were able to because that adds years of driving experience and reduces rates). However experience on an international license might count (and would require further proof that might not show up on an online rate). I had to get a letter from the Canadian version of the DMV to my insurance company.

3. Your past claims history (you should be okay here)

4. The usage rating (commute? pleasure only? how many miles/year)

5. Your age, gender, and marital status

 

My spouse and I pay $120 per month for our 2012 Honda Civic but we have a lot of additional coverage on it (some of it is required by the car loan we got). Our rates have decreased by about $5/month each year as the car's value goes down and our driving experience goes up (although I think I am going to max it out soon--I'm currently at 9 years).

 

I know some people who go as low as $40 per month if they just get minimal coverage, but I think this is very risky. We got rear-ended once (not our fault, so no insurance rate increase) and just a light bump with very little exterior damage (but lots inside) cost over $3000 just to repair plus they us additional compensation for lost wages etc (well worth the extra $0.25/month for that coverage), and no one was even seriously injured. I can't imagine how much I would have to pay if a bad accident ever happens in my life, so I would much prefer to pay an extra $600-$1000 per year in additional coverage instead of being hit with a 10+ thousand dollar bill at some unknown time in the future.

 

Anyways, if you are serious about buying a car, you should get that license right away and also talk to several insurance agents to get quotes for various types of cars. They will ask you a bunch of questions to set up your profile and after you do that, they basically can just swap out the type of car you want to buy and tell you that car's rates. You can then determine what you can afford etc. They can also let you know what you can do to reduce your rate and get additional discounts!

[Lifesaver]

Good luck riding a motorcycle during NY winters. My father has a BMW R1200R and when he lived in NY (which he did for 50 years), it didn't come out most of the year.

[spectastic]

that's why you move south son

 

ye ye ye yeauh

Edited June 30, 2014 by spectastic

[Amogh]

Online rates are very unreliable, don't count on them. They are either way too high because they don't consider a lot of discounts you might qualify for, or way too low because they assume you get all of the discounts. When I first started looking at online rates, I saw quotes that were as low as $50 per month to some that were $300+ per month!

 

To get a realistic rate, you should actually go to an insurance agent (either in person or phone) and give them your actual details. There is a lot of stuff that comes into the calculation of your insurance rate, but the major factors that impact the basic coverage rates are

 

1. The value of the car you own

2. Your driving experience (sorry to say, you really should have gotten that US driver's license the moment you were able to because that adds years of driving experience and reduces rates). However experience on an international license might count (and would require further proof that might not show up on an online rate). I had to get a letter from the Canadian version of the DMV to my insurance company.

3. Your past claims history (you should be okay here)

4. The usage rating (commute? pleasure only? how many miles/year)

5. Your age, gender, and marital status

 

My spouse and I pay $120 per month for our 2012 Honda Civic but we have a lot of additional coverage on it (some of it is required by the car loan we got). Our rates have decreased by about $5/month each year as the car's value goes down and our driving experience goes up (although I think I am going to max it out soon--I'm currently at 9 years).

 

I know some people who go as low as $40 per month if they just get minimal coverage, but I think this is very risky. We got rear-ended once (not our fault, so no insurance rate increase) and just a light bump with very little exterior damage (but lots inside) cost over $3000 just to repair plus they us additional compensation for lost wages etc (well worth the extra $0.25/month for that coverage), and no one was even seriously injured. I can't imagine how much I would have to pay if a bad accident ever happens in my life, so I would much prefer to pay an extra $600-$1000 per year in additional coverage instead of being hit with a 10+ thousand dollar bill at some unknown time in the future.

 

Anyways, if you are serious about buying a car, you should get that license right away and also talk to several insurance agents to get quotes for various types of cars. They will ask you a bunch of questions to set up your profile and after you do that, they basically can just swap out the type of car you want to buy and tell you that car's rates. You can then determine what you can afford etc. They can also let you know what you can do to reduce your rate and get additional discounts!

Wow that's a lot of very useful info. Thanks a lot! I should get down to doing that.

 

Good luck riding a motorcycle during NY winters. My father has a BMW R1200R and when he lived in NY (which he did for 50 years), it didn't come out most of the year.

That's true, the only reason I haven't got one till now. However, I'm tempted to say screw it and get one to ride on any day there isn't ice on the road (essentially that means putting it in storage from Dec to April).

 

that's why you move south son

 

ye ye ye yeauh

Lol, I wish it was possible to relocate the school.

Nice.. That M4 exhaust probably means your ear drums are going to burst, though. Never understood why people change exhausts but to each his own...

[spectastic]

the guy before me modded it, I couldn't care less, haven't reved above 5k yet, but will find out soon enough. I don't get the loud exhaust either. perhaps it's a means to let drivers notice you and not swerve into your lane, or maybe it's just a dick measuring contest like getting an R6 or R1 or one of those unnecessary Japanese american where 95% of the consumer market is in the US.

[spectastic]

but honestly, everything gets muffled by the wind. now I just have to find something else to listen to.

[Amelorn]

that's why you move south son

 

 

ye ye ye yeauh

 

Sexy.  

 

But yeah, I can't imagine owning a bike with winter forcing it into storage 5 months a year.  My PhD destination (Auckland, NZ) has the perfect temperature range of 50-55 during the winter and 75 in the summer.  Not too hot or cold.  Traffic is extremely light compared to other cities/metro areas I have lives or spent significant time in (NYC, LA, London, Frankfurt, Brisbane, and Hong Kong).  

 

And since we're posting bike porn, I plan to buy one of these bitchin' boys (Royal Enfield bullet) before Christmas: 

Edited July 11, 2014 by Amelorn

[spectastic]

Sexy.  

 

But yeah, I can't imagine owning a bike with winter forcing it into storage 5 months a year.  My PhD destination (Auckland, NZ) has the perfect temperature range of 50-55 during the winter and 75 in the summer.  Not too hot or cold.  Traffic is extremely light compared to other cities/metro areas I have lives or spent significant time in (NYC, LA, London, Frankfurt, Brisbane, and Hong Kong).  

 

And since we're posting bike porn, I plan to buy one of these bitchin' boys (Royal Enfield bullet) before Christmas: 

didnt they stop making these in the 70s? friend of mine wants a motorcycle with a vintage box style like that. I want to convince him to buy the local 07 ninja 650r in excellent condition for $2500, but he wants to take the msf course first. I don't want 2 motorcycles, but this bike is a steal, and I can always sell it for a profit... maybe keep it as my primary because it's blue... I'm a sucker for blue

 

 

new zealand huh? say hi to saruman for me

Edited July 12, 2014 by spectastic

[spectastic]

fuck he sold it 

[spectastic]

NEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEINEIN

[Roll Right]

2010 jeep compass. We bought it used, its awesome. Plenty of space and decent gas mileage. Its also really comfortable. No problems to speak of yet, and we have a full maintenance plan in case problems do arise.

I don't get to drive it much because my fiance uses it for work. I ride my bike to campus or take the metro instead.

About a polar vortex causing pot holes-it happens all the the in Maine where I grew up. Extreme cold freezes the ground, and you get huge lumps under the road called "frost heaves". These lumps push up against the tar and cause it flex and fragment. When spring thaw comes these heaves disappear and the road flattens back out, but it crumbles while doing so. Pot holes are left over.

[tomkat0789]

Scrolling around I didn't see enought stories like this: I'm driving my parents' old 2001 Honda Odyssey minivan. I was 10 years old when they first bought it. Around 2008 my father got tired of how dirty the hubcaps were getting, so he got rid of them. Last week I shuttled 5 of my friends to a restaurant in it, so all the seats get used sometimes! My impression of an airplane pilot got some laughs.

[juilletmercredi]

I just bought a 2014 Nissan Sentra!  I'm starting a postdoc in two weeks (!!!) with a pretty decent salary, so I decided to treat myself a little.  I got a great deal on it, though, since they are trying to get rid of the 2014 Sentras because they're rolling out the model year soon.  Got the deal on Edmunds.com (where I also did a ton of research before I bought it).

[YoungR3b3l]

First car was a GMC envoy

Second is a corvette c6 2010

Current car is a modified Porsche Turbo 2012 with carbon fiber rear and fronts.

[VulpesZerda]

Scrolling around I didn't see enought stories like this: I'm driving my parents' old 2001 Honda Odyssey minivan. I was 10 years old when they first bought it. Around 2008 my father got tired of how dirty the hubcaps were getting, so he got rid of them. Last week I shuttled 5 of my friends to a restaurant in it, so all the seats get used sometimes! My impression of an airplane pilot got some laughs.

 

I drove the same in high school and a little beyond (4 yrs total)! I didn't mind it, really. Everyone thought it was kinda charming and fun, and yes, it was pretty useful!

[astroyogi]

Very excited to say that after two crazy months of searching for the right car, I finally found it! A new 2014 Kia Rio 5-door manual!

 

When I was looking for cars I wanted:

 

- Hatchback

- Manual

- Under 13k

- Under 50k miles 

 

I never expected to get a new car and was looking for used cars exclusively, but it fell into my lap and was way too good of a deal to pass up on. The funny thing is, it's such an entry level, base model new car that it doesn't have power locks or windows -- the good old fashioned roll up windows make everyone laugh when they first see them. One less thing to break, I say! 

 

I really had wanted a Golf, but the Rio is really fun to drive too if you want a sporty hatchback with lots of cargo room. I really recommend checking them out.

[Crucial BBQ]

I've been a motorbike guy most of my driving-age life (not here with all this snow). Looking to buy a car now.

Did some googling and I'm surprised that there isn't a single post relevant to buying a car in grad school. Tons for undergrads and new grads though but I don't feel like we are well represented by either group.

SO lets make one here.

 

What do you guys and girls look for in a car (in grad school of course)?

How much did you spend (or are considering spending/ think you can take on comfortably)?

anything else you think is relevant.

Well, the average age of a grad students is "well into adulthood" [and no, that does not mean 22]. Your lack of luck with a grad student buyers guide is probably because it is not only assumed they already own a vehicle but also that they have either already owned several or know how to buy a car. 

 

I am beyond the age of "looking cool" or giving a hoot what my friends my think.  A vehicle means for me total utility these days.  It does not have to be a truck, but if it cannot haul stuff, I find it useless.  

 

Back in my "cool" guy phase I had a Honda CRX.  I bought it from a friend for $50 because the clutch was going out.  I got a new clutch from an auto parts store for just under $200 and put it in myself.  I swear that thing got 50 mpg, and that was during a time when gas was still around $2/gallon.

 

Got an Isuzu Rodeo after that.  Wanted a Jeep Liberty, but the Rodeo was cheaper.  I didn't really like the Rodeo but learned to appreciate the space. Got a Toyota Corolla after that, mainly for the gas milage but I was really missing the utility of the Rodeo...so I bought a Chrysler Town and Country from a friend for $200 (in near-perfect conduction).  Never thought I would be a mini-van guy.  

 

I am fairly certain that scuba diving is going to be a requirement for my research, so I need something with enough space to carry my gear and not really worry about it rusting out from salt water.   I'll probably keep the minivan for a while but wish it got better gas milage.  

 

Most of my vehicles  were purchased from friends, and a few from Craigslist.  

[spectastic]

Well, the average age of a grad students is "well into adulthood" [and no, that does not mean 22]. Your lack of luck with a grad student buyers guide is probably because it is not only assumed they already own a vehicle but also that they have either already owned several or know how to buy a car. 

 

I am beyond the age of "looking cool" or giving a hoot what my friends my think.  A vehicle means for me total utility these days.  It does not have to be a truck, but if it cannot haul stuff, I find it useless.  

 

Back in my "cool" guy phase I had a Honda CRX.  I bought it from a friend for $50 because the clutch was going out.  I got a new clutch from an auto parts store for just under $200 and put it in myself.  I swear that thing got 50 mpg, and that was during a time when gas was still around $2/gallon.

 

Got an Isuzu Rodeo after that.  Wanted a Jeep Liberty, but the Rodeo was cheaper.  I didn't really like the Rodeo but learned to appreciate the space. Got a Toyota Corolla after that, mainly for the gas milage but I was really missing the utility of the Rodeo...so I bought a Chrysler Town and Country from a friend for $200 (in near-perfect conduction).  Never thought I would be a mini-van guy.  

 

I am fairly certain that scuba diving is going to be a requirement for my research, so I need something with enough space to carry my gear and not really worry about it rusting out from salt water.   I'll probably keep the minivan for a while but wish it got better gas milage.  

 

Most of my vehicles  were purchased from friends, and a few from Craigslist.  

how old are you sir?

[Sigaba]

I've been a motorbike guy most of my driving-age life (not here with all this snow). Looking to buy a car now.

Did some googling and I'm surprised that there isn't a single post relevant to buying a car in grad school. 

 

FWIW...

 

[Lifesaver]

First car was a GMC envoy

Second is a corvette c6 2010

Current car is a modified Porsche Turbo 2012 with carbon fiber rear and fronts.

Can I throw the BS flag?