It's going to vary based on where you live and your driving record.

Connecticut is classified as high risk. I have only been ticketed twice in 24 years of driving. I've only had one accident which was my fault, and that was 24 years ago.

For all intensive purposes, I have a clean driving record. But my insurance is higher because I live near both U.S. Route 1 and I-95 in one of the most densely populated states in the nation. I wish I could still insure two vehicles for $550 per year. I'll pay $850 per year if I'm lucky.

Water-based paint isn't new. General Motors used it for a little while back in the early-mid 80's. Depending on where you live, you may not have a choice other than to use it now. The EPA is forcing all shops to convert to it. I believe it's already mandated in California (big surprise). I'm not sure about it being inexpensive. From what I understand the materials cost more and it also requires some dedicated equipment.

I think you're talking about Geico. Most of the people I've talked to say it costs more with them. I guess that little lizard is getting a little money hungry now that he's a big star.

$240 a year?

I agree. We don't have public transit in all areas of the city and I am not cycling in -40 weather with 4 feet of snow. Taxis cost more for one ride than I spend a week in gas. I will never give up my car.

Keep in mind that the insurance on the bike is dirt cheap. $75 or $80 a year (with the discount for taking the rider's safety course). Then I also get discounts for doing it online, being a home owner and having a perfect driving record (as far as they're concerned).

Motorcycle insurance isn't cheap here, from what I've been told by guys that ride.

I do know that we have a lot of motorcycle accidents in this area. A lot of them fatalities. I have a scanner, so I hear the calls.

I even know one guy who gave up riding after 30 years. His reason: nobody's looking for bikes on the road....they all expect cars....it's getting too dangerous.

I thought about a motorcycle at one point, but that guys words ring in my head. It see it happen everyday on the road. I agree with him.

That's true. Lots of the time people don't look for bikes. No doubt that I've had my share of close calls over the years, but the trick is to ride defensively and EXPECT people to pull out in front of you or cut you off. Quite alot of people in my area ride and luckily after the government mostly lifted the mandatory helmet law they stepped up a bit with promoting motorcycle awareness.

Sell my pimpmobile? ..hell no ...I love Jezebel.




I am 8 miles from city limits and 22 miles from work. Besides, do you have any idea how hard it would be to look cool blasting out gangstah rap from a boom box bungeed to my chihuahua powered dog sled?

I don't know if it is where you guys live or if ya got crappy driving records or what, but I am positive that you kids are getting hosed on your insurance rates. Just a piece of advice...if you are getting your insurance from a national brand...you are paying extra for all those commercials. Our smaller in state companies beat the hell out of Progressive, Geicko, State Farm. (by almost 30%)

That's the Sunday Driver Discount. Didn't Flo mention that one on the Progressive commercials?

THAT IS ONE SEXY PIMP MOBILE!!

OKAY NOW I WANT ONE!!

Yea, the cost of upkeep of a car really sucks but I'd have a hard time living without one. Wouldn't want to give up the freedom driving gives. I live way to far from town to walk or bike and our public transportation here is almost non-existent.

For five years I had to take the city buses everywhere I went. To me, that sucked. Buses were always late. They would break down. Heater, or air conditioner would work. Had to always be careful when shopping that I could carry all I bought on the bus.
Finally was able to buy my car. Sure. Between gas. insurance every month, its costly. But. To me it's worth it.

Where I work and live I have no other choice than to drive "SOMETHING" reliable. It's a good 28 miles to/from work. Another 13 miles to/from the grocery store (Walmart). Though I don't spend nearly as much as most do when it comes to keeping the car or pickup running as I do most of the work myself. I do all the oil/filter changes, brake work, etc.

I bought a $250 car off of my sister as she was told the automatic transaxle had a non-repairable huge crack in the case. I noticed right away the transmission oil pan bolts were all so loose that the pan was about to fall off. Yeah, that would be a problem. So I bought new fluid and a filter. Never had any issues with that other than the transaxle slips under heavy acceleration or stop & go city driving. Also do to how many years of driving with too low of transmission fluid too. I got that car as it is front wheel drive. I needed something better than my rear wheel drive Ranger for the winter months. If anyone drove a rear wheel drive pickup, van or car in the winter - they know what I'm talking about. Even with 300 to 500 pounds of sand over the rear axle, it is still tricky to drive.

The 94 Cavalier had 118k when I bought it and right now it is just over 142k miles. Still runs great! It has issues, the drivers side door won't open from the outside any more. Have to open it from the inside via the passenger door. It's rather drafty. The coolant tank (recovery tank) has to be filled often in the winter than in the summer do to a pinhole leak in the radiator. Got to keep an eye on the engine oil as it's either leaking it or burning it. And there seems to be a some weeping along one edge of the steel gas tank. Nothing dripping from the tank yet, just some dampness at the edge of the tank seem. If that does get worse (and it will eventually), the tank will have to be replaced with a plastic tank. That also means the steel lines will also have to be replaced too as they are probably rusty too. All contingent to the condition of the car's body. If it's not worth the cost, will sell the car for parts (not parting out, must sell the car outright) and get another rusty honey for the winter driving. I'm so through with financing a vehicle for such a long term (4 yrs & greater).

As long as the fluids are up, the car will last a long time without spending hundreds of dollars to get it fixed. Unless the gas tank starts leaking to a point where it's dripping on the ground - then (depending on the season and condition of the car) will replace the gas tank for a plastic tank.

I pay $150 for both my 2001 Ranger XLT standard cab 2wd pickup (stick shift) that has full coverage and the 1994 Cavalier, which has liability only.

That ain't bad. I would pay the same. I got a great record ....that is a pretty fair rate.

Insuring a son (now college age)is a hosing no matter where you shop but I've been with State Farm so long that my rates are lower there than anywhere else I've inquired, including the "save a bundle" folks who advertise AND anything my local insurance broker could come up with. I'd happily change if I found a better deal...

Who's the underwriter on your local policy?

I am a silly gal when it comes to cars. I am in no way going to pretend I know a great deal on them..
However.. I keep a new car every three years because if something does go wrong.. I make the dealership deal with it. I insure everything .
I want to keep the boring stuff simple.. just want to know where the gas goes and I am good!

I have a spotless driving record. No auto accidents and no driving violations.

ME TOO.

My family thinks I have ten guardian angels otherwise I would have been killed in a car accident by now. They make fun of my driving. They think I am not a good driver.

But my record speaks for itself. I have always had a spotless driving record. I have driven for Dominoes Pizza and I have driven a cab. Even with that, I have a spotless driving record.

The members of my family who made remarks about my "horrible driving" do not have spotless driving records. I tell them that until their driving record tops mine, they should shut up.

Dude I sold my beemer last year and it was the best deal I ever made. At times I was sitting in that thing as it was aging. I felt sooo much better when i got rid of it. Paid my bills and all that jazz. Im better off. One day when Im all rich and cooler I'll get a ride. Who knows where I'll be at that point.