Am I crazy? I might be...

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 14, 2004

Here is the deal.

Currently I own a 2001 Chevy Tahoe LT 95k miles on it.

I have always liked the Lincoln LS car, its a nice ride, its got all the features I like, its quick etc.

I have not owned a "car" for quite some time, I had Grand Cherokee's prior to the Tahoe and do love the feel of driving something big!

My delima, The tahoe has some miles on it (mostly hwy) but its sure not going to help its value at 100k either. For what I owe on the Tahoe (I figure I'm about dead even for what my car is worth) The way I see it is I can have the same amount of bank loan and pick up an LS (year 01 or even an 02) with say 20k miles and keep my loan amount the same.

So Basically I can have a car of the same age or maybe a year newer, with about 75,000 less miles, and have the same loan amount.

BUT, Will I miss the room? I mean I am a single guy, no family or kids to car around. Yeah the room is nice, but to I HAVE to have it...probally not.

What would you do!?

Mike

dudeman618 · October 14, 2004

If you are accustomed to driving an SUV/Truck, it seems you are with a Tahoe and past experiences of Jeep. I think you not like driving the car. You sit lower to the ground, which means it handles better. But think of all the negatives:

1. pulling out of a parking space, you have a mini van on one side and a Suburban on the other. You can't see to back out.

2. driving, every other vehicle out there is a mini van/suv/truck, you won't be able to see traffic as well as with your Tahoe.

3. driving at night, you'll always have headlights in your rear view mirror.

As far as the missing the extra space, you'll have to decide.

Plus, with a smaller more efficient vehicle you won't be supporting your local community as well. Your tag will likely be cheaper and you'll use less gas. Think of the negative impact on the loss of money to your community. Those of us that drive suv's and trucks should all be thanked for the extra money we put into our communities.

If you are stil unsure, rent a Lincoln for the weekend and drive your normal routine, plus get out at night.

-Robert

2002 Tahoe, 5.3l 2wd.

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 14, 2004

Robert,

You have valid points...all the things I thought about.

Reason I knew I liked the LS was b/c I had one for a weekend when my Jeep was in the shop. Everything you suggest are the things im hesitant about. Well besides putting more $ into the community...Intresting way of looking at it I must say!

I guess I have to see if the idea of having a car w/ 75k less miles out weighs the other stuff....

chevelless502 · October 14, 2004

Robert,
You have valid points...all the things I thought about.

Reason I knew I liked the LS was b/c I had one for a weekend when my Jeep was in the shop. Everything you suggest are the things im hesitant about. Well besides putting more $ into the community...Intresting way of looking at it I must say!

I guess I have to see if the idea of having a car w/ 75k less miles out weighs the other stuff....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I just went through this same scene. This summer we had a 99 Tahoe and the wife wanted a Monte SS in a bad way, well i kept watching the gas prices go up and the price of SUV's fall and i got scared the "Hoe" (as i call it) wouldnt be worth anything so we traded for an 01 Monte SS. I went from a tahoe with 82,000 miles on it to a monte with 38,000 on it. The first tank fill up was great, 15 or so MPG in the "hoe" to 30+ in the Monte and my payments are almost half of what they were on the Hoe, that aspect is really nice.....but......

Its VERY hard to get use to your butt almost dragging the ground and the no room issue is tough as well. I have a wife and daughter and she cant harldy see out of the back seat where as before she could see great. If it was me i would check to see how bad they will gouge you on a trade and kinda go from there. Gas isnt getting any cheaper but i dont know if you will be happy or not, i know I am not.

Andy

speedde423 · October 14, 2004

I personally like driving the larger vehicles. That said I usually drive car below because of the better reliability and mileage. The downsides of cars, besides those said, is that you cannot see over railings and such as easily, and other people tend to act like idiots around you more when you are in a smaller vehicle.

However, if the LS acts like the Grand Marquis I drive sometimes (I know they're not the same, just an example.), you should see pretty decent mileage, probably around 27-30mpg hwy, and the ride is much better in a car, with less body roll and wind gusts will not affect you as much.

If the Tahoe has had problems, I would probably trade it. If you're not sure you could start looking for a good deal on the LS and decide then.

But then again, what do I know about buying cars. My car is older than some of my friends.

Brian

1985 Pontiac 6000 2.5L

1989 C1500 Silverado 5.7L

Elwood 2000 · October 15, 2004

MIKE!!!!

IF you decide to buy a car, PLEASE do yourself a favor!!

Take a look at an Acura RL3.5.

First, a good friend of mine has a Lincoln LS and it has been a problem child from day one and as it gets older, the milage gets worse. It is 3 years old now and the interior is falling apart and the ride/drive quality has gotten progressively worse.

Second, another friend of mine has a 4 year old Acura RL. A bit larger car, excellent ride and drive, even at 125k miles and the fit and finish are supurb. Their car has overall BETTER quality than my friends LS and even my wifes '02 Impalla with only 30k miles on it. Power and performance is very good, reliablity is incredible and the car gets 30 mpg.

This is a $46k car new, but you can pick up a one or two year old car with 25k-30k miles on it for $25k. The only options on them are a sunroof, navigational system and color. They are completely loaded.

Personally, I have never been much of a person who likes "foreign" cars, but when it gets right down to it, I want to by quality as well as the style and design that I like, no matter what brand it is. After driving the Acura RL at 25k miles, all the way up to 125k miles, I am SOLD on the "Luxo-Honda" and if my wife decides to not get a Burban next time, and wants to stick with a car, our next one will be the Acura.

Just my 2 cents.

Good Luck and let us know how things turn out!

citydriver · October 15, 2004

Personally, I preffer a BIGGER weapon for my daily commute

I drive a semi for work and just gettin in my pick-up is a step down...I cant stand drivin my wife's car, makes me feel like I'm sittin on the road...not to mention my 4WD comes in mighty handy around here in the winter

Fuel prices hurt right now....BUT after doin the math, I'd actually be paying out more $$$$$$$ cause my truck is paid for...so I just stay away from the jack-rabbit starts

And high milage isnt as big an issue anymore as long as the vehicle is properly maintained...he!! mine has over 166,000mi on it and the maint. is a whole lot cheaper than payments on a new or pre-owned one...

So basically, it comes down to what you prefer...make a list of pros and cons and see what you come up with...you're the guy who has to drive it

BlackonBlack · October 18, 2004

We bought a 2004 LS V8 back around Christmas last year, it is an awesome car. It'll get 25 miles per gallon on the interstate, the build quality with lincoln is on the uprise! The interior has just been re-worked in the Lincolns and is much improved over years past. I can tell you the Lincoln LS is a great car, but do not really think you will like being low to the ground driving this type of car after having your Tahoe....

Elwood 2000 · October 18, 2004

I am glad to hear that Ford is improving build quality. I love the look of the LS and even considered buying one a few years ago when we were car shopping, but my friends is a P.O.S. in my estimation (and his). When we get rid of the Impalla and decide to look at a car instead of a Burban, we will put it back on the list of possibilities!