The other vehicle...

[2003 MIB]

Today, I pick up a new 2003 Ranger XLT (2.3, 5-speed). The new commute (125 miles a day) is more miles than I wanted to put on my Marauder. It'll also save on my gas bill (Truck is rated at 29mpg and I'm getting about 20 with the 4.10s in the MM). I'll miss driving the car but it makes the most sense. It made me wonder if we are mostly a daily driver group?

[Macon Marauder]

Definitely a daily driver here. But the commute is only about 10 miles each way. So I have to go out to lunch A LOT! After almost 1 year I only have 9400 miles on the Marauder.

It's occasionally driven to church, or on family outings - but not often. Everybody else is just so much more comfortable in the minivan.

[Agent M79]

I drive daily and in all seasons and weather conditions. About 30-40 miles depending on going-to and coming-from errands.

I also store outside. Car is too big for the garage! The MM at SEMA is shortened up enough that it would fit but from my understanding, the kit is not going to market.

[Ross]

Mine is definitely a daily driver, both for business and pleasure. When she is one year old on Christmas Eve, I expect to have about 24K on her.

[Haggis]

Mine is a Weekend Warrior only. People down here are crazy during rush hour. They will pull right in front of you with out even looking or caring that your there. It is especially worse if you have a nice car because they know you will move. I told my wife the next commuter vehicle we buy will be the van from the movie "Jeepers Creepers." Then let them try and cut me off, add a s/c and gears and a cow plow up front, look out D.C. area drivers I'm coming through.

[MMdriver03]

Good luck with your new commutemobile, I drive mine about 140 miles a day (unless snow or ice) and dont mind doing so untill my 100,000 mile warranty runs up....Then I will go mod crazy.:up:

[MMM2003]

Daily Driver here. Not as many miles as some others, but about 20k a year. Rountrip to work is 50 miles + lots of fun weekend drives! MPG is about 22-25 depending on WOT or not!

[TripleTransAm]

My MM is supposed to be my 'winter beater' but I'm beginning to grow very attached to it. The thought of it getting hit by some other moron in a snow storm terrifies me. That, and the corrosive salt...

Then there's the matter of the 12000 miles or so that I've put on there in about 6 months of operation. Most of those in city traffic... that adds up.

So, I'm about 99% sure I'll be keeping my Civic (egads... 5 cars and only one driver) and use it for most of the ugly winter days, keeping the MM for the 'nice' winter days instead. With the upcoming house purchase/upgrade, the savings in gas bills will be appreciated.

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by TripleTransAm
The thought of it getting hit by some other moron in a snow storm terrifies me.

Some OTHER moron? What exactly are you implying, /Steve?

:lol:

[Bigdogjim]

Big Dog prefers a pick-up truck.......F-150 works well........http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/c0/rotlaugh.gifhttp://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/f/scatter.gifhttp://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/f/2jump.gif

[2003 MIB]

Big Dog- you wouldn't fit in this regular cab Ranger unless I chopped you into little pieces. I never thought much about it before but your vehicle choices become limited at some point- I guess you'll never own a Miata.:D

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by RF Overlord
Some OTHER moron? What exactly are you implying, /Steve?

:lol:


I get jealous when people try to out-moron me...

[Constable]

My daily driver is an '91 F350 4x4 with a 7.3L International diesel (non-turbo). It's been laid up for a while so I've actually been driving the MM alot. I had the motor rebuilt last october with upgraded crank, cam, valve train, completely new fuel system, glowplugs, custom true dual exhaust, etc. I had both diffs (twin Dana 60's) rebuilt in the past two years, rebuilt the trans and upgraded many parts 15,000 miles ago. New calipers, rotors/pads, drums/shoes, wheel cylinders, and master cylinder three months ago (did all bearings/seals at same time). I just walked in from the garage where I slapped on the new alternator, starter, and voltage regulator. Next week it's getting a new set of 33's (the old ones are a bit worn). Then it'll be road worthy for the winter!! Wahoo!! After the tires, I can start saving for my MM's torque converter --- look out Marty!!

[jgc61sr2002]

My Marauder is definitely NOT a daily driver. It was never meant to be. I have a pickup, van, and a daily ricer.:D

[rumble]

Originally posted by 2003 MIB
Today, I pick up a new 2003 Ranger XLT (2.3, 5-speed).

Please tell me, you are keeping your prize winning Marauder, aren't you?

[Chief]

Since I acquired my granddad's old cars I have four cars around the house. When the Marauder arrives in rain but not on snowy days. I have a 4x4 truck for that.

Good luck with your Ranger. We used to have one and had tremendous luck with it. It was a regular cab XLT with a 3.0L V-6 and 5-speed manual. It was a great truck the 125,000 miles we had it.

[Bigdogjim]

Originally posted by 2003 MIB
Big Dog- you wouldn't fit in this regular cab Ranger unless I chopped you into little pieces. I never thought much about it before but your vehicle choices become limited at some point- I guess you'll never own a Miata.:D

You know sometimes its good to be the Big Dog!!!!:)

[martyo]

My MM is a Garage Queen. Well, okay, a Garage King!!

[MapleLeafMerc]

My MM is a daily driver. Coming up on one year I'm at 26000 km.

I guess I'd rather drive it than a lesser vehicle!

[2003 MIB]

Please tell me, you are keeping your prize winning Marauder, aren't you?

You're making me blush, Gary. I know y'all stuffed the ballot box:)
The car stays, I've just made an addition to the "fleet".



I guess I'd rather drive it than a lesser vehicle!
Finally, somebody gets what I'm talking about!!!!!! It was a real struggle deciding how to handle the commute. The Marauder is a car that I find excuses to drive. Any errand, shuttling kids, a clear day etc... I didn't want to capture the high-mileage award at the next MM roundup (I don't know if I could catch Hemlock anyway;) )
A small cheap truck is a handy item. Hauls stuff. mileage is good, park anywhere... Wax it? Hell, I probably won't wash it.

[Logan]

I hear that.... Our minivan gets washed once a year, whether it needs it or not! :)

[Paul T. Casey]

Right now it's a daily driver, 40,000+ in a year and 5 days 7 hours 28ish minutes. I'll probably use my wagon when I get home, if it's snowy and/or salty out. That lesser vehicle thing gets me also.