Time to Let it Go

[ulflyer]

I've reluctantly decided to sell my '08 Cabrio. Too many vehicles of necessity and more insurance cost than I need right now. It gives me joy everytime I step into the garage and see that little yellow critter sitting there. I've enjoyed giving lots of folks rides just for the fun of it. But the time has come and I'll be listing it in the for sale section shortly after I figure out a fair price.

[GeekGirl]

bye for now,

[jwight]

Sorry to hear that; have been considering the same with our Mini due to all the associated costs. Don't be a stranger.

[RVGRINGO]

I've been driving for some 145+ days showing a wrench, but the oil looks good and I'm avoiding the horrible charge for service until I hit 30,000 Km for 'Servicio B'.
There are some VW Sarari vehicles for sale locally (They were called 'Thing' in the USA) and I might go for one of them, since it seldom rains and we don't need either heat or AC here. They're cheap and simple to fix; every Mexican mechanic knows how and every junk yard has parts available. Smart was a good idea & we bit, hook line and sinker, are still happy with it, but not with the expense of maintaining it or the prospects for its future. I'm much too old, at 73, to wait for it to become a valuable collector's item.

[a2jack]

Gringo. Yes the Smart is a maintenance monster for those of us who must go to the dealer for service and repairs. Even here in the US. I can't imagine owning one in Mexico.

Chevrolet Trucks, buses, and old VWs are what the local repair guys do best.

Why not get one of those couple year old bug sedans like they use as Taxis down there. (don't buy a used Mexican taxi cab however )

We still love Mexico. A2Jack

[SmartDigger]

Sorry to hear that. but life must go on. things andtimes change you dont have cc in it do you?

[chumly]

Originally Posted by RVGRINGO

I've been driving for some 145+ days showing a wrench, but the oil looks good and I'm avoiding the horrible charge for service until I hit 30,000 Km for 'Servicio B'.
There are some VW Sarari vehicles for sale locally (They were called 'Thing' in the USA) and I might go for one of them, since it seldom rains and we don't need either heat or AC here. They're cheap and simple to fix; every Mexican mechanic knows how and every junk yard has parts available. Smart was a good idea & we bit, hook line and sinker, are still happy with it, but not with the expense of maintaining it or the prospects for its future. I'm much too old, at 73, to wait for it to become a valuable collector's item.

Are they still making them (Things)? I almost bought one back in 1974, I wonder if it's possible to import one and how much they are selling for?

[ulflyer]

Maintance costs? Easiest car to change oil and filter I've ever had. The only maintenance done on mine was to have the clutch changed out to the new one. Had not had any problems but discussed the potential with my dealer and and went ahead and did it anyway. Other than that, and the initial 02? reprogram & battery change its never been in the shop. Anyway, its listed now in the for sale section and later on will put some ads out locally.

[Stella503]

There are a few events in my life I fear
Losing my husband before I go,
Losing my dog Heidi
And losing my car Marcel
I would be devastated on all of them

[RVGRINGO]

Our 2007 450 has no oil drain plug and sucking it out is difficult.
I think the last 'Safari/Thing' was made in 1974, so at 37 years old I'll assume it could be imported unmodified as an antique vehicle. If you find that it can be, let me know and we'll go into business. There are a lot here; nicely restored, in many cases.
The last old style 'beetles' were built here in Puebla in 2004.
The VW taxi has been replaced by Nissans, which give more space & better MPG.