From: theirony2013@gmail.com   
      
   On 2026-01-06 22:43, JTEM wrote:   
   > On 1/7/26 1:31 AM, Mike wrote:   
   >   
   >> On a different note, ChatGPT suggested the best car to   
   >> get is a ten year old Honda Civic. What do you think?   
   >> I could explain why.   
   >   
   > Pull the dipstick. Sniff it.   
   >   
   > Smell gas?   
   >   
   > I'll give you a hint:  Yes.   
   >   
   > So it's really about the oil. Some used cars you open   
   > the glove box and there's 10 pounds of oil change   
   > receipts. That's a great 10-year-old Honda to get.   
      
   That's pretty much what ChatGPT said.   
      
      
   >   
   > You know what you might be better off with, in my   
   > ever so humble opinion?   
   >   
   > A 2009 Toyota Camry with proof that it was recalled   
   > on the "Excessive Oil Consumption" and the work was   
   > performed.   
   >   
   > Why?  Because the "Work" was effectively a engine   
   > re-build. So if it got it done at 30-50k then you   
   > can literally subtract that from the odometer.   
      
   According to ChatGPT a car with a solid maintenance   
   record is probably a better choice than one with   
   just low mileage.   
   >   
   > Oo!  I'm talking the 2.4 liter engine, which is an   
   > easy 200,000 mile engine. Most will tell you it's   
   > an easy 250,000 engine but the 2007-2009 had a   
   > problem. But so long as that problem was fixed, you're   
   > golden.   
      
   Doesn't that still depend on how it was maintained?   
      
   >   
   > Also plenty of power, as roomy as a small SUV (at least),   
   > good fuel economy and plenty ugly enough to impress   
   > absolutely nobody. If they're going to rob someone, they're   
   > going to move along to the next guy.   
      
   I like the Mercedes, but I'm not trying to impress anyone.   
   I like to dress nice, but to please myself, not to attract   
   anyone. The less attention I get, the more comfortable   
   I feel. I've met people that I barely know, but somehow   
   they know everything about me. That's really annoying, the   
   kind of people I prefer to stand clear of.   
      
   >   
   > I do like Hondas but they're kind of a thoroughbred and   
   > need more love & attention than a Toyota. But if it's   
   > been even moderately well maintained, a Honda is not a   
   > bad choice at all.   
      
   ChatGPT gave a couple other options. I like the Fiat,   
   but high maintenance cost I hear. Plus I don't want to   
   spend a lot on insurance, and a car that one has to   
   always keep an eye out for. I'm thinking to spend   
   under $10,000 for a  car that might last at least   
   10 years. I want something big enough to carry an electric   
   scooter, and perhaps a shopping cart to carry groceries.   
   Unlikely I will be going on any long distance hauls.   
      
      
      
      
      
      
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