College Car

Tagged before getting to Port (make ready for this region) on Aug 3, though I get the VIN on Aug 2. Shouldn't have more than 3-5 miles on it when I pick up at my local.

 

He's gonna love my stereo!

Passing down my Prius was always a variable in the equation, but I wanted options. As a Husband/Dad/Mechanic, I hate getting those "Honey" and "Dad" phone calls when it comes to cars...and my VW provided more than it's share. My research narrowed it down to a Corolla, Prius C and LB, but cloth interiors were not an option which meant the Premium Package, C4 and LB Four respectively. I could do "The Kit" on next level downs, but the cost effectiveness was minimal at best and there is always the chance the installers will f--k something up...I learned that hard lesson. Isn't it funny how years ago you got vinyl on base models and paid extra for cloth...not it's just the opposite. They call it Leatherette, Softex or whatever...but it's still just plastic. That's why when I bought my 2010 level II I had Leather (uppers) installed which are still in excellent condition. Damn those Animal Rights Activists...eat the meat, spare the hide?

So now comes color. You can buy the best made high quality Men's suit out there, but if it's yellow you don't wear it (at least I won't) to the office or church...and some folks just don't like yellow. Personally I like blue but the problem then became no Blue Steak Prius C4's in Gulf States Toyota Region (GST). In fact there are only 25 such vehicles in the US...though being an Airline employee with flight benefits made that an option. Sunday was self imposed crunch day as the boy leaves for round two on the 15th coming. I had a deal worked on a Slate Gray Corolla ECO Premium out of state (doesn't come in blue), a Blue C4 also out of state, a Moonglow Prius Persona and a Blue Prius Four LD (both through local)...all with plastic interiors. The Corolla lost the first round to 100% Japanese built (they are made in Mississippi I believe) even with it's outstanding reliability/QC, Persona lost the second round to the power/lumbar seats and the C4 lost in the end to the hassle and a better deal.

So that's the story and it's is done. Boy get's my stereo and leather uppers with 95K on the clock...I get a fresh slightly restyled same color LB Prius with crap plastic interior and crap Nav/Stereo. He does get a used car...but I know the owner...who just happens to be OCD about maintenance.

Thanks to all of you that contributed...yes even you Sage. While we have our differences...I suspect in the "big picture" we are more alike than you think.

 

Redirect...Son races trail bikes (bicycles) and has 2 each. After spending considerable time on posts about this, I'm still not sure which receiver/hitch is the best for a 2010 LB...and which 2 bike platform carrier (locking) is considered best. When I say best, I mean built quality and function. Any help on this?

 

Update: The 2015 was delivered today...early...still had the shipping tape and plastic when I viewed it. Clarified details on the adds and pick up tomorrow. Son's taking my (his soon to be) 2010 out of town this weekend "while I get the Beetle ready for college"......more like ready to sell. Wife just told me congrats on the new car, but I reminded her this was not about me, but him having reliable transportation. I'm basically getting the same car with a stepped down crappy Nav/Stereo system. Oh well...that fire's out...next.

 

Actually...this is about the boy and his safety...and my not having to drive 200 miles each way to fix the Beetle. H-ll the stereo he's getting cost more than the Beetle's worth.

You want to buy a 2006 NB TDI?

 

WOW! Still won't buy another one. I'm a professional mechanic and my 2006 cost more and required more to maintain and repair than any car I have ever owned...and two known issues for this model, the DMF and Cam, have not been addressed yet. GM was #1 as well and I don't buy them anymore either.

 

New 2015 is home and VW is gone. Thank you all. Observation...at 98,000 the 2010 Prius needs Struts/shocks.

 

I'm sorry...did you want it.

 

There is a following however, I just dumped it $500 below market to be done with it fast.

 

For what it's worth...Boy found out Saturday night. He was both surprised and very happy...to be getting my stereo.

 

Thanks.