With an average U.S. new-vehicle selling price of just over $45,000 last month, many can’t afford to buy new — even though prices are down more than $2,000 from the peak in December of 2022, according to J.D. Power.
I live in a 7a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, so it gets down to around 0°F and salt is definitely used in the winter. However, if I drove a different car, then it would be the one to get the additional wear and tear. Seems more cost effective to limit the exposure to one vehicle.
Also, I’m not one to baby my belongings. I mentioned the car is blue from the factory, but it’s currently rocking a used red front bumper cover and hood after a front-end collision. In another example of my vehicular abuse, I had to replace the power steering rack after a failed attempt at a creek crossing. Water got in the original one and it started getting crunchy. Parts aren’t too expensive though, so it was fixed with a $400 remanufactured unit off eBay.
E: This Miata got pulled out of the creek the next morning after we sobered up and went out to buy a tow strap. Again AMA.
I live in a 7a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, so it gets down to around 0°F and salt is definitely used in the winter. However, if I drove a different car, then it would be the one to get the additional wear and tear. Seems more cost effective to limit the exposure to one vehicle.
Also, I’m not one to baby my belongings. I mentioned the car is blue from the factory, but it’s currently rocking a used red front bumper cover and hood after a front-end collision. In another example of my vehicular abuse, I had to replace the power steering rack after a failed attempt at a creek crossing. Water got in the original one and it started getting crunchy. Parts aren’t too expensive though, so it was fixed with a $400 remanufactured unit off eBay.
E: This Miata got pulled out of the creek the next morning after we sobered up and went out to buy a tow strap. Again AMA.
7a is barely getting salt in the roads.
Fair, but I think I highlighted my other abuses. Salt isn’t the only enemy, sometimes it’s myself.