Thoughts on Downgrading?

[Apoc]

The irony of it all is that I loved the S4. I sold it because of feared maintenance and high repair bills. In replacing it, I bought a car that was new, had very similar specs and all the small things the S4 was missing. The end result was a car that I don't love at all.

Check boxes are just that...

[ViPER1313]

It all depends on how much you care about cars as investments. If you are trying to be smart with your money, you would stick with the Legacy, even though it might not be exactly what you thought it would be. Being a car enthusiast, I doubt you or most of the other people on this forum can look at a car as an appliance / investment, which means you might just have to man up and take the hit if you really don't like the car. I learned this lesson with the Rabbit, took the hit and couldn't be happier that I did :dunno: . If you have major car A.D.D. though, you might want to look at leasing if you don't put that many miles on your cars - it will probably be cheaper in the long run.

[Steve85]

It's paid off and you don't love it. That matters to you. If you can even-trade for something that you'll love I don't see why not. Getting rid of it for something "less" is not going to simplify your life (it's your only car, right?) or reduce your responsibilities going forward, you did that when you paid it off. Unless you have a line on a second life, spend disproportionately (yes, within means of course) on the things that matter. I don't mean possessions, I mean experiences.

Yes there will always be something you don't like. Nothing is going to be perfect, don't let that stand in the way of experiencing things you want to and can.

We certainly can't tell you what means more to you, being able to put your bike in the car or the driving experience. S4 + Bike rack.

Disclaimer: I have C6 money in a C4 so take commentary with a shaker of salt.

[REED]

I'm reasonably aware of the maintenance & repair costs associated with the S4, but why don't you just buy another one, maybe an avant if you are so inclined,

If i were to ballpark your Legacy at $20-25K ish - that buys a lot of S4 with plenty for maintence

[Apoc]

I'm reasonably aware of the maintenance & repair costs associated with the S4, but why don't you just buy another one, maybe an avant if you are so inclined,

If i were to ballpark your Legacy at $20-25K ish - that buys a lot of S4 with plenty for maintence

An interesting thought, but I can't say I trust Audi. Anyone that knows me will tell you I absolutely love the brand, but I've seen far too many that are only 3-4 years old with 50-70k miles that always have something wrong with it.

If you can even-trade for something that you'll love I don't see why not.

I think this is the underlying issue. I always think I will love something new but after 3 years, I end up not loving it anymore. I think you make a few very valid points about downgrading though. A one for one trade isn't instantly going to make things simpler, unless I decide to go completely outside the box and get something that doesn't have nav, sat radio, heated seats, power seats, steering wheels controls, etc, etc, etc. Does the complete lack of complexity make things simpler and/or more inconvenient?

It's hard to think outside the box when you're a snob. I never thought looking at new cars could be so emo... but I think this question is something people struggle with about houses, cars, computers, phones and whatever else we decide we need and then realize we don't.

[Dave]

A one for one trade isn't instantly going to make things simpler, unless I decide to go completely outside the box and get something that doesn't have nav, sat radio, heated seats, power seats, steering wheels controls, etc, etc, etc. Does the complete lack of complexity make things simpler and/or more inconvenient?

Try it, you might find that you like it. My 525 has more gadgets and doodads than any other car that I've ever owned. It's nice, but I consider them to be luxuries for things I am perfectly capable of doing and in many cases completely unnecessary; certainly not worth paying more to have them and none of them were what made me select that car. There isn't a single thing on it that I've put as a must-have for my next car; although I will admit steering wheel controls are pretty nice.

Ultimately, everybody is different. If you're the type of person who likes shiny new things, gadgets, and luxury, and has the income to afford it, then going the no frills route may not be your cup of tea. I personally like simplicity and I'm rarely willing to pay for the extra junk.

[.RJ]

My 525 has more gadgets and doodads than any other car that I've ever owned. It's nice, but I consider them to be luxuries for things I am perfectly capable of doing and in many cases completely unnecessary; certainly not worth paying more to have them and none of them were what made me select that car.

Heated seats and satellite radio are 'must have' for me :mrgreen:

[Apoc]

Heated seats and satellite radio are 'must have' for me :mrgreen:

That's kinda how I am... plus navigation.

I'm over AWD but would like something that fits my bike under $20k.

Such a thing doesn't really exist.

[.RJ]

I know your wife already has one, but do the new Mazda3's have Nav? I know you can get heated cow chairs. Maybe a CPO STi wagon.

There are a rash of minibox/suv things out there, but I'd assume you're not interested in those - escape, CRV, element, etc.

[WRXtranceformed]

You have a lot more leverage since your car is paid off. I'm along the same lines where I need the frills in my car because it's my mobile office. I spend so much time on the road that I need Bluetooth, nav, heated seats, etc. If you don't feel like you need those options and you want to switch up to something more fun, why not? What about an older bugeye WRX wagon? I know it's harder to find unmolested Subies nowadays, but there has to be a stockish one out there somewhere.

[Apoc]

Right now, an '08.5 MS3 is the leader... but I just can't see driving the same car as Melissa. The car works, but there's just something unsettling about it. (...and not in a masculine "I ain't driving no chick car" way.)

The only Imprezas that come with nav are the current generation. The first year was '08 and the only thing under $20k is the 2.5. You MIGHT find a WRX for under that, but I really don't like the new look so I'm not a fan of that idea. STIs... forget it. I would already be test driving a 92-X or bug eye WRX if they came with nav. (Maybe I should stop being a bitch and get an aftermarket one?)

No SUV/CUV. I hate on everyone else because they whore visibility, so I just can't see driving one. I actually looked into Elements, but again, nav is only available on 09+, which is out of my price range.

Like I said, being a snob for cheap is hard. Boo hoo.

[.RJ]

Right now, an '08.5 MS3 is the leader... but I just can't see driving the same car as Melissa. The car works, but there's just something unsettling about it. (...and not in a masculine "I ain't driving no chick car" way.)

It would be cute, his & hers. You can get the pink one.

[Evan]

Nav is for women you big pussy.

[.RJ]

Nav is for women you big pussy.

Its scary inside the beltway for Chris, he needs the Nav.

[ViPER1313]

Why not buy a dash mount Garmin unit - they work better than the in dash ones anyways....

[ViPER1313]

Also, have you looked at an 04-05 CTS-V? Should have enough space to swallow a bike or 2 in the trunk with the seats folded down and would be a lot more entertaining than a Legacy. All luxed out too, and 50-60k mile examples are ~20g.

[.RJ]

Why not buy a dash mount Garmin unit - they work better than the in dash ones anyways....

Or buy a jesusphone!!!!

[Sijray21]

Why not buy a dash mount Garmin unit - they work better than the in dash ones anyways....

this is why i don't understand why so many people opt for the built-in navigation. i still consider the GPS a nice-to-have, but damn...most of the nav options are upwards of (or in excess of) $1000...a THOUSAND f-ing dollars! i bought mine for $150 after a rebate and i couldn't be happier. it even has traffic warnings!

another argument for the bicycle transport is either a hitch with a bike mount or a roof rack mounting system. both work well and sometimes the roof rack is visually appealing on some vehicles. :dunno:

[Apoc]

Cords, mounting location, size of screen, theft potential and integration into the speaker system.

I like to be able to lock my bike away from the weather and thieves. I know you can buy locking racks, but I don't want to have to worry about pedals and peripherals disappearing. Taking my bike to a Caps game a few Sundays ago is a perfect example.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Why not buy a dash mount Garmin unit - they work better than the in dash ones anyways....

Are you insane? After using a LOT of dash mounts and in dash, I would opt for in-dash EVERY day of the week. Better satellite reception, integrated into music to turn it down, allows use of DVDs, mine has a built in 10gig hard drive to actually store music like an ipod right off your cds/satellite radio. Has satellite radio, bluetooth built into the car with the indash, equalizer controls better than most aftermarket stereos, IPOD hookup that is ACTUALLY useful (if you have ever used ipod hookup on a regular headunit I feel bad for you, I hate it).

Dash mounts are way easy to get stolen (ive had multiple friends had theirs stolen), they have small screens, shitty satellite reception, typically everybody eventually just gives up on the cup mount and leaves it on the dashboard or center console and they dont turn down the music when it gives directions. For thsoe that listen to music and need directions it is a big thing at least for me. And of course doesnt have all the things I mentioned above.