PICKNDAWG ATTIC
CARS OWNED
LESSONS LEARNED
LESSONS LEARNED
1962 CHEVY IMPALA
purchased 1975 Parkersburg WV
$125 approx 110,000 miles
I bought this car, packed up, and moved to upstate NY. Since I had little money, I operated on the car-buying theory that it was best to get a good engine and forego the sexy looks when buying a cheap automobile. The floor was badly rusted out, so I propped up the front seat with 2 X 4's extending to the good parts of the floor. I also covered some of the body cancer (rust) with aluminum tape. The New York winter caused my fuel system to freeze up at least twice, and I was introduced to the need for "Dri-Gas". I loaned this car out a few times and once the brakes failed completely (ruptured brake line, probably rusted thru). In this case, the weather was helpful; the driver ran it into a snow bank and was unhurt. Another time a wheel fell off, but that was because a mechanic had failed to tighten the lug nuts. This old Chevy ran well, but the previous owner had installed the incorrect spark plugs (too long). Since it ran well I followed suit and as a result a piston broke in early 1976 and I sold the car. It was converted to a El-Camino style pickup by the next owner.
lessons learned:
use the correct spark plugs
check lug nuts after servicing
purchased 1975 Parkersburg WV
$125 approx 110,000 miles
I bought this car, packed up, and moved to upstate NY. Since I had little money, I operated on the car-buying theory that it was best to get a good engine and forego the sexy looks when buying a cheap automobile. The floor was badly rusted out, so I propped up the front seat with 2 X 4's extending to the good parts of the floor. I also covered some of the body cancer (rust) with aluminum tape. The New York winter caused my fuel system to freeze up at least twice, and I was introduced to the need for "Dri-Gas". I loaned this car out a few times and once the brakes failed completely (ruptured brake line, probably rusted thru). In this case, the weather was helpful; the driver ran it into a snow bank and was unhurt. Another time a wheel fell off, but that was because a mechanic had failed to tighten the lug nuts. This old Chevy ran well, but the previous owner had installed the incorrect spark plugs (too long). Since it ran well I followed suit and as a result a piston broke in early 1976 and I sold the car. It was converted to a El-Camino style pickup by the next owner.
lessons learned:
use the correct spark plugs
check lug nuts after servicing
1966 PLYMOUTH
purchased 1976 Dryden NY
$1 approx 115,000 miles
This car was given to me by a friend who charged me a dollar to make the title tranfer easier. It was in pretty rough shape but it ran. Both rear springs broke, probably from many years of exposure to road salt which is used quite liberally around Ithaca NY. I sold around April 1976 for $1.
lessons learned:
I guess you can buy a car for $1!
purchased 1976 Dryden NY
$1 approx 115,000 miles
This car was given to me by a friend who charged me a dollar to make the title tranfer easier. It was in pretty rough shape but it ran. Both rear springs broke, probably from many years of exposure to road salt which is used quite liberally around Ithaca NY. I sold around April 1976 for $1.
lessons learned:
I guess you can buy a car for $1!
1966 RAMBLER AMERICAN
purchased 1978 Ithaca NY
$175 approx 75,000 miles
Still operating on my "good engine, forget the body" theory of cheap car buying. Very dependable. A good thing since the Pinto we purchased later was not. This car was a 3 speed on the column with the 232 six. The synchronizers eventually wore out, and I also ran for a long time with no thermostat (don't remember why). One time my brother and I were changing the points and there was no condenser (still do not know how this is possible). Another time I tried out STP's new 20w-50 motor oil, maybe not a good idea for the cold upstate NY winters. It turned to an oatmeal-like substance by the time I drained the crankcase. This product was discontinued soon after. In short, this car ran, no matter what. I drove the Rambler all over, including trips to Long Island and West Virginia. By 1979 I was having trouble finding needed front-end parts so I could pass inspection, so I parked it for the winter. I sold it the next spring but the radiator had frozen after sitting idle despite the anti-freeze.
lessons learned:
use correct oil for conditions
anti-freeze mixture CAN freeze
purchased 1978 Ithaca NY
$175 approx 75,000 miles
Still operating on my "good engine, forget the body" theory of cheap car buying. Very dependable. A good thing since the Pinto we purchased later was not. This car was a 3 speed on the column with the 232 six. The synchronizers eventually wore out, and I also ran for a long time with no thermostat (don't remember why). One time my brother and I were changing the points and there was no condenser (still do not know how this is possible). Another time I tried out STP's new 20w-50 motor oil, maybe not a good idea for the cold upstate NY winters. It turned to an oatmeal-like substance by the time I drained the crankcase. This product was discontinued soon after. In short, this car ran, no matter what. I drove the Rambler all over, including trips to Long Island and West Virginia. By 1979 I was having trouble finding needed front-end parts so I could pass inspection, so I parked it for the winter. I sold it the next spring but the radiator had frozen after sitting idle despite the anti-freeze.
lessons learned:
use correct oil for conditions
anti-freeze mixture CAN freeze
1974 FORD PINTO
purchased 1979 Cortland NY
$1600 approx 24,000 miles
Actually, my wife bought this car in the months before we were married. I helped her make the choice. Although I had some apprehensions about this model, it was in great shape. It took only a few months to realize the mistake. Large flecks of paint came off at the car wash, the plastic wheel well inserts fell out, the headlight mounts rusted out and the lights hung loose by the electric connectors, both rear springs broke, the muffler fell off regularly and wedged under the car, the rear engine seal failed and ruined the clutch, it overheated at times and I was never able to figure out why, and it refused to start on a random basis. We often depended on my 1966 Rambler during this period. We traded it in on our next car at about 45,000 miles in 1980.
lessons learned:
avoid the Ford Pinto
purchased 1979 Cortland NY
$1600 approx 24,000 miles
Actually, my wife bought this car in the months before we were married. I helped her make the choice. Although I had some apprehensions about this model, it was in great shape. It took only a few months to realize the mistake. Large flecks of paint came off at the car wash, the plastic wheel well inserts fell out, the headlight mounts rusted out and the lights hung loose by the electric connectors, both rear springs broke, the muffler fell off regularly and wedged under the car, the rear engine seal failed and ruined the clutch, it overheated at times and I was never able to figure out why, and it refused to start on a random basis. We often depended on my 1966 Rambler during this period. We traded it in on our next car at about 45,000 miles in 1980.
lessons learned:
avoid the Ford Pinto
1978 SUBARU SW
purchased 1980 Binghamton NY
$3600 approx 40,000 miles
We nearly bought a new AMC Eagle, but settled for this more affordable used Subaru. Because of the bad NY winters and our rural location we needed a 4WD vehicle. In either 1980 or 1981 the temperature dropped to -36 F. A couple of neighbors borrowed the Sube to drive into town as it was the only vehicle in the neighborhood that would start. Over the course of a few winters I noticed that the little 1600cc engine would top out at about 50 mph under very cold conditions. I discovered that the recommended transmission oil (80W-90) was too heavy for these cold conditions and I switched to straight 75W. I never bothered to put a lock on the fuel "door" so I wouldn't have to carry an extra key. Some rowdy kids poured sand and dried fruit pieces into my gas tank and it took many months to get back to normal. I bought a lock. This Subie was very narrow, allowing me to drive in the woods on a nearby ATV trail. I sold it in 1987 with about 126,000 miles.
lessons learned:
owners manual can be misleading (recommended oil viscosity)
use a locking gas cap
1984 SUBARU GL SW
purchased 1987 Morgantown WV
$4500 approx 45,000 miles
Super dependable, very practical. 2wd, 5 speed, with an 1800 cc motor. We drove this all over. I once hauled bunk beds in this little car, complete with matresses and bedding. We often drove on washed-out roads, off roads, and other places we shouldn't have. At one point I switched to synthetic motor and transmission oil, waxed the car and overinflated the tires before a trip to Maine. Despite the luggage load, I averaged around 40 miles to the gallon on this trip. I later ran into the back of a pickup trying to stop on the overinflated tires; end of experiment. At one point I broke my unbending rule about auto service (always use a reliable mechanic or repair shop, however inconvenient). Yes, regretted it. I drove the Subie to a nearby service station for wheel balance and alignment because the location made it quick and easy. These guys did such an inept job (perhaps causing physical damage in the process) that the car was alarming to drive afterwards. A trusted mechanic eventually got it all straightened out. Rarely did I use genuine Subaru parts for service (expensive!) , but I discovered that the only the Subaru oil pressure gauge gave a correct reading. With over 236,000 miles, I broke a piston ring or something. I was getting white smoke and a slight loss of power. The white smoke subsided and I continued to drive. A mechanic told me he could replace the engine real cheap but the "new" junkyard motor was a turkey, so I sold the car.
lessons learned:
inflate tires to recommended pressure
always used a trusted mechanic for service
never let "grease monkeys" touch your car
sometimes you must use OEM parts
purchased 1987 Morgantown WV
$4500 approx 45,000 miles
Super dependable, very practical. 2wd, 5 speed, with an 1800 cc motor. We drove this all over. I once hauled bunk beds in this little car, complete with matresses and bedding. We often drove on washed-out roads, off roads, and other places we shouldn't have. At one point I switched to synthetic motor and transmission oil, waxed the car and overinflated the tires before a trip to Maine. Despite the luggage load, I averaged around 40 miles to the gallon on this trip. I later ran into the back of a pickup trying to stop on the overinflated tires; end of experiment. At one point I broke my unbending rule about auto service (always use a reliable mechanic or repair shop, however inconvenient). Yes, regretted it. I drove the Subie to a nearby service station for wheel balance and alignment because the location made it quick and easy. These guys did such an inept job (perhaps causing physical damage in the process) that the car was alarming to drive afterwards. A trusted mechanic eventually got it all straightened out. Rarely did I use genuine Subaru parts for service (expensive!) , but I discovered that the only the Subaru oil pressure gauge gave a correct reading. With over 236,000 miles, I broke a piston ring or something. I was getting white smoke and a slight loss of power. The white smoke subsided and I continued to drive. A mechanic told me he could replace the engine real cheap but the "new" junkyard motor was a turkey, so I sold the car.
lessons learned:
inflate tires to recommended pressure
always used a trusted mechanic for service
never let "grease monkeys" touch your car
sometimes you must use OEM parts
1979 DODGE 024
received 1988 Parkersburg WV
$0 approx 65,000 miles
My parents gave me this one. It looked real sporty, had great Pirelli tires, was well maintained, and the 1400cc Volkswagon engine had a marvelous little roar. It was an automatic, however. It had already had a valve job by the time I got it. The body parts had some heft, but the assembly quality was only fair (typical of US cars at this time). One time a tried a synthetic motor oil that was advertised on TV. In the ad, this oil was drained from a running engine with no effect, while engines drained of other brands were locking up all around. Total fiction. I could tell no difference from conventional lubricant with oil IN the engine. The Dodge later became unpredictable about starting, sometimes overheating, yet the problem was difficult to pinpoint. I sold it when my wife would no longer risk being stranded at the supermarket and refused to drive it. It still looked great when I sold it to a guy who wanted to do a complete restoration.
lessons learned:
product ads can be entirely untruthful
even a fun car can get to be too much hassle
received 1988 Parkersburg WV
$0 approx 65,000 miles
My parents gave me this one. It looked real sporty, had great Pirelli tires, was well maintained, and the 1400cc Volkswagon engine had a marvelous little roar. It was an automatic, however. It had already had a valve job by the time I got it. The body parts had some heft, but the assembly quality was only fair (typical of US cars at this time). One time a tried a synthetic motor oil that was advertised on TV. In the ad, this oil was drained from a running engine with no effect, while engines drained of other brands were locking up all around. Total fiction. I could tell no difference from conventional lubricant with oil IN the engine. The Dodge later became unpredictable about starting, sometimes overheating, yet the problem was difficult to pinpoint. I sold it when my wife would no longer risk being stranded at the supermarket and refused to drive it. It still looked great when I sold it to a guy who wanted to do a complete restoration.
lessons learned:
product ads can be entirely untruthful
even a fun car can get to be too much hassle
1990 SUBARU LEGACY SW
purchased 1995 Morgantown WV
$7500 approx 50,000 miles
This particular car had been used very hard, so we ended up replacing the rear shocks and the steering rack. It worked well for us except we had to straighten out some of the wiring that had been improvised by someone along the line. We also found the 2WD Legacy was not as good as the older 2WD Subarus under slick conditions. We traded it in on a newer model.
lessons learned:
cars used like a truck will need some serious service
purchased 1995 Morgantown WV
$7500 approx 50,000 miles
This particular car had been used very hard, so we ended up replacing the rear shocks and the steering rack. It worked well for us except we had to straighten out some of the wiring that had been improvised by someone along the line. We also found the 2WD Legacy was not as good as the older 2WD Subarus under slick conditions. We traded it in on a newer model.
lessons learned:
cars used like a truck will need some serious service
1996 SUBARU LEGACY SW
purchased 1996 Morgantown WV
$23,000 28 miles
purchased 1996 Morgantown WV
$23,000 28 miles
This is the most service-free car I have ever owned. The split fold down rear seat works well for us when we haul a celtic harp and music equipment. It's great in the snow (AWD) as long as it doesn't get too deep (low clearance, the Outback model is higher). Also handles well. After I replaced the fuel filter for the first time, the car would sometimes kick under a load or stall out. The only solution was to use the genuine Subaru filter. I tried two different replacement brands with poor results.
One tire related issue: I bought a set of the best all-weather tires offered by a well-known department store chain under their own name. One bubbled on the sidewall and two more went bad in short order causing vibration. I had to make several visits and be pretty firm to get these folks to admit that the tires were bad. In the warranty settlement, they wanted to offer me more crappy "best" tires. I opted for more expensive Michelins instead and have never regretted it.
In late 2018 I drove over the island in a round-about at night blowing two tires. Pretty much the final blow for the old struts and rusting mounts and not worth the repair. I drove it for about 6 more months before while being advised several times it was unsafe in such a condition. The engine still ran great at 292,485 miles, but I felt it wise to find another vehicle.
One tire related issue: I bought a set of the best all-weather tires offered by a well-known department store chain under their own name. One bubbled on the sidewall and two more went bad in short order causing vibration. I had to make several visits and be pretty firm to get these folks to admit that the tires were bad. In the warranty settlement, they wanted to offer me more crappy "best" tires. I opted for more expensive Michelins instead and have never regretted it.
In late 2018 I drove over the island in a round-about at night blowing two tires. Pretty much the final blow for the old struts and rusting mounts and not worth the repair. I drove it for about 6 more months before while being advised several times it was unsafe in such a condition. The engine still ran great at 292,485 miles, but I felt it wise to find another vehicle.
lessons learned:
don't drive over the island in a round about
don't drive at night once you lose your night vision
buy good tires even it if costs more
sometimes its nice to spring for a new car
Postscript:
One bugaboo with this car - replaced fuel pump 3 times.
Now thinking it may be related to the fuel filter (as noted above)
A garage replaced the fuel filter with a non-OEM and all the failures
were in that time span - I finally went back to the Subaru filter -
the car ran better under a load immediately.
don't drive over the island in a round about
don't drive at night once you lose your night vision
buy good tires even it if costs more
sometimes its nice to spring for a new car
Postscript:
One bugaboo with this car - replaced fuel pump 3 times.
Now thinking it may be related to the fuel filter (as noted above)
A garage replaced the fuel filter with a non-OEM and all the failures
were in that time span - I finally went back to the Subaru filter -
the car ran better under a load immediately.
2002 TOYOTA RAV4
purchased 2019 Morgantown WV
$4,000 174,000 miles
purchased 2019 Morgantown WV
$4,000 174,000 miles
I picked this one up on short notice as I needed a car. High mileage but no rust (rare in these parts). Runs great and gives me a little higher ground clearance than the Subie for running the back roads and deep snow. A few oddities - such as: the key only works in the driver door and ignition.
fixer upper
prehistoric beetle
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