Anonymous wrote:What dumb logic. At best you still have a commute on 270 and 495 and at worst you have a fiery crash in a car that doesn't have modern safety features.

I mean, like what features, exactly? I think a 15 year-old Pilot would have adequate airbags? Some safety features like blind spot monitors and backup cameras are convenient, but being attentive can have a similar result.

I have that sort of car. It's not a beater! It's my trusty, affordable, low-maintenance, vehicle for daily use. I don't have a "nicer" car (husband has a similar one). This is one is sufficient for our family's needs. DS learned to drive with it. Maybe it will last until DD learns to drive with it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How could any one end up in a position to have three cars but also a commute involving 270 and 495? You’d have to pay me a lot to have that commute.

My thought exactly.

Same.

Anonymous wrote:What dumb logic. At best you still have a commute on 270 and 495 and at worst you have a fiery crash in a car that doesn't have modern safety features.

+1. What is this "dent" happening on 270? Cars get dented on surface streets and in parking garages. On multilane highways they get wrecked and so do the bodies inside.

Also, weirdly inefficient choice for a long commute.

05 corrolla life baby. I can do all the maintenance work myself. I also love the feeling of not having to worry or feel guilty about my beater. I couldn’t imagine commuting in a new beamer or something. We have nice car for family

Anonymous wrote:I bought a 15 year old Honda Pilot just to commute on 270 and 495 and my local area. I already have two nice cars for my family, but this one reduces my stress as you already know the horrible driving conditions in the DMV. I don't always have to drive defensively and in fact it gives me greater freedom to drive. If somebody wants to play, I don't care if gets some beating. If I dent another vehicle, it wouldn't bother me too. If you can afford it, consider it an option.

15 years old means lot of expenses maintenance and breakdowns.

Anonymous wrote:How could any one end up in a position to have three cars but also a commute involving 270 and 495? You’d have to pay me a lot to have that commute.

My thought exactly.

What dumb logic. At best you still have a commute on 270 and 495 and at worst you have a fiery crash in a car that doesn't have modern safety features.

I wouldn't have got a such a big car for a commute. I figured out long ago that new cars, new scratches, gas guzzlers, expensive insurance, upkeep, and commute bother me.
I have always gone for a cheap Japanese, but not having to commute/work is still the best.
Not having to work came about recognizing that less is less trouble. Less allowed me to invest the difference and I retired. Can't imagine having to still work and be happy about my ride to work. I'm happy not to work.
Not having to work should be the new American dream.

How could any one end up in a position to have three cars but also a commute involving 270 and 495? You’d have to pay me a lot to have that commute.

I don’t even know what this means, but I’m glad that means I don’t have to get a second car I guess.

I definitely think some of you are using “drive defensively” differently than the rest of us.

Ok…

I have the same thoughts as PP.

You should always drive defensively. Because human life etc

Why not get a more fuel efficient beater?

Would not recommend denting another vehicle regardless.

I bought a 15 year old Honda Pilot just to commute on 270 and 495 and my local area. I already have two nice cars for my family, but this one reduces my stress as you already know the horrible driving conditions in the DMV. I don't always have to drive defensively and in fact it gives me greater freedom to drive. If somebody wants to play, I don't care if gets some beating. If I dent another vehicle, it wouldn't bother me too. If you can afford it, consider it an option.