Car still going strong.

I've been pleased with the performance of my 2012 Kia Rio.  150,000 miles.  No mechanical problems outside of warranty except  replaced brake rotors.  Current brakes at 50,000, had them checked and they still have 8-10,000 miles on them.

The problem with this car is it is almost worthless.  The trade-in value is less than $2,000.  If i spent money to detail, maybe and could work hard to show and sell the car for $4,000.

I'm thinking about going electric.  I've heard that used electrics really lose their value.  I'm going to see if somebody can find me an electric at an auction with low miles and a range of greater than 110 miles.

Tires

Got some cheap tires.  Discount tires direct online.  300, 57 to install and dispose, compared to 480 at Big Brand :)

Update,  had them installed by Japanese Auto Specialists.  No problem.  Mechanic even commented what good shape the Ventus 2 tires were in.

Kia update

Well, I have 40,000 miles into this 2011 Kia Rio.  It is running well, no problems.  Kia owes me 360 for misstating the mileage. 

Another 20,000 on the warranty.  The only problem us its not awd.  I could buy a Subaru, but I think its cheaper to rent an SUV once or twice a year to go to Mammoth.

Take care,
Dr. Doug

Small cars

One tip I have to is to sell your SUV and get a high mileage small car. Small cars have many safety features and can get up to 40 mpg. You don't need a hybrid or electric because you can get a good new small car for 15,000 dollars.

New recommendations

I have two new recommendations:

1) I have just added "Mr Rebates" to my rebate system. I have been using ebates for several years and have over $500 in rebates. It's five bucks promotion now to sign up. Enter "douglasmelnick@hotmail.com" as your referrer, and I will collect the equivalent of 30% of your rebate. Enjoy.

2) Update on t-mobile to a full priced blackberry bold 9700. I just upgraded with $50 off this weekend. Although I paid full price, I don't have to extend my contract or order blackberry data plan. Since I have the grandfathered $9.99 messaging for families (up to five phones) and a $19.99 total internet, I am set.

P.S. If you are family and you need a cell phone line, let me know. We can add one or two more lines to our thousand minutes for about $9 a month. If you add "google voice" as a fave, you can make almost all your calls without using any minutes. Let me know.

Be well,

Dr. Doug

T-Mobile @ home is a winner!

I haven't had many good money-saving ideas lately. However, T-Mobile @home VoIP service is a winner with only a few drawbacks.

I was using ATT CallVantage which cost me $19.99 plus fake fees to about $23 bucks a month for unlimited calling. Now on T-Mobile, unlimited VoIP is only $10 a month when added to your cell phone plan as another line. Since T-Mobile is your frugal cell phone winner, it is the way to go. Plus, the home line is a t-mobile numbers, so you actually need less total minutes if you call home on your cell phone alot.

Tip: order through business services. $35 activation waived, and only one-year commitment. You might get the one-year by calling in as well.

Be frugal!

New T-mobile Home Calling VOIP Looks Good

One of the easiest ways to save money is by cutting expenses on your home phone and wireless carriers.

I currently use ATT Call Vantage at home which is a VOIP service I get for 19.99 a month. The service includes caller ID, call forwarding, and email messages, which is nice.

I have been using T-mobile for my family cell phone plan because it seems to get you the most for the money. Now T-mobile will be offering there own VOIP service at home for only 9.99 a month plus taxes. There are two main benefits for me:

1. Save ten bucks of ATT
2. Calling home becomes a mobile to mobile call which is included with my plan.

I look forward to seeing more reviews on this as it is expanded into California. The only down side I see is that faxes are not supported, but they may still work. There is always efax which is free.

Good Shopping!

Douglas