Car troubles
Argh.
I took The Folly (my car) into the shop today, only to find out that it needs $4,000 worth of repairs (on top of the $475 from today). That's about what's left on my loan and about half of its trade-in value.
So, I may be in the market for another car, though I had really been looking forward to being without a car payment in a few months. I'm thinking used. Something with good gas mileage, what with the insane price of gas, and the fact that I now have to drive to work (the one bad thing about the job). And I'd really prefer to keep the price to $16,000 or under.
Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone love their car and think I ought to get one, used or not? Anyone have a stay-away-from story?
So far, my thoughts are a Saturn Ion or a Toyota Yaris. But I'm not married to either idea.
And yes, we have thought about the one car thing (or one car and a Vespa), and while it's not an impossible thing, Jeff doesn't like that idea. We're also considering trading in The Folly for a beater car for Jeff to drive (since he doesn't drive to work and his Saturn Ion is in pretty good shape so that could be my daily car; as Jeff just said, "I want to be able to bail out of work and go play golf, which I can't do if we just have one car.").
So, any ideas?
Labels: misc
9 Comments:
So Jeff's only reason for wanting the two cars is golf freedom? ;)
We love our Corolla, which we bought in Aug 02. It's a 2003 model, the first of the latest redesign. In nearly five years, we've only ever had to replace the tires and have the brake pads done. At the moment, it needs a new fanbelt and maybe a new battery. It starts when the Wisconsin winter dips to -15F, and without a grumble, the legroom is fine front and back, it gets about 30mpg average, and the only thing Keven thinks to complain about is that it accelerates like a sensible car.
I looked it up on Carsdirect; in Columbus, you can get a 2003 Corolla in the 45K mile-range for around $13K. Oh, did I mention they have tasty resell value?
I enjoy *thinking* about getting a new car, but the actual process is a hassle. Good luck :)
Thanks for the suggestion, Lindsey. I remember how very pleased you were when you first got it - nice to know it's held up well!
And, no, not just for golf. :) It wouldn't be a problem to have one car if Columbus had good public transportation or if I didn't have to drive to work (technically, I could take the bus but it would take me 45 minutes as opposed to a ten minute drive). But there's doctor's appointments and the like, too.
I'm not really enjoying the process. And there's still the possibility we will just get The Folly fixed and keep it!
Well, we have a 1998 Honda Civic that has never (knock on wood) needed anything other than routine maintenance in 9 years.
I *highly* recommend Hondas - a Civic or a Fit?
Zap Car! http://www.zapworld.com/ZAPWorld.aspx?id=188
Hi Jessie, we bought Annie a Chevy Prizm when she got back from Jordan, a 2001 for about 5 k. It's essentially the same as the Toyota Corolla without the name cachet.
It been a great little car. Check it out in Consumer Reports.
Love, Auntie Martha
If you fix up The Folly, how long would/could you keep it? If it's several years, then you might be better off financially by not having a car payment [you could even save that car payment money for the next car]. [You know who else has a Vespa? Hello Kitty. :) ]
I saw a Yaris on the road today, and all I could think was, "I don't think Cordy could fit in there." :)
Sort of stating the obvious but I'd hit Consumer Reports once you have an idea of the style and price range you are interested in....
I traded in my old car for bigger car for a growing family. But before that i had to replaced some parts like nissan header pipe. I loved my old car but it's worth it and money wise.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home