Chris asks…
To keep the car, or not to keep the car…that is the question.?
So I have a 96 honda accord ex. its pretty nice, leather, sun roof, whatnot. Trade in value is $3000 and I owe $4800 on it still. A friend of ours who owns a car lot has this sweet Jeep grand cherokee (also leather, moon roof, rack, 4wd) that he will sell me for $5000. He said that he will give me the $3000 for trade in, soooo my predicament is should I go back into debt $6800? Or should I keep my car? I could use the 4wd on my commute to work. I have replaced 2 tires just this year from flat tires and broken tire belts. (my drive is FULL of pot holes and eff-ed up roads) I am TOTALLY worried about the recession, the fact that my hubby is still in school and it is only my income, my looming credit card debt ($2500) My husband would feel safer if i got this suv, but I don’t like making big decisions. So, I’d rather ask the yahoo community to please aid in my decision. PLEASE HELP!!!
So, after talking to a few friends, one has NEVER had any issues with his 98 grand cherokee (like the 1 i want) and another has only had minor issues. I am just afraid of the debt. Thanks 4 all of ur answers! =)
admin answers:
The cheapest car you can own is the one you already have. A few tires now and then will NEVER add up to the bath you’re going to take when you trade into yet another vehicle where you will be upside down. At least with the Honda you have a prayer of actually paying it off. What if, God forbid, you should have an accident and total your ‘new’ car? Your insurer will only pay you market value which will mean you will have no car and still owe over $1,800.00. Jeeps blow tires like anything else, gal so don’t use that as an excuse. You guys need to knuckle under, get this car paid off and save money toward another one in a year or so.
Sandra asks…
Value reduction for the trade-in cost of a car with cosmetic defects & that needs repairs done?
I want to use my car as a trade-in to pay for part of the cost of a newer car, I have a 99 civic with 205k on it that kbb lists the trade-in value as $1,100, private party value as $2,500 (in fair condition).
My little sister used sharpies to draw on the walls and roof upholstery, and the car has failed state inspection for these reasons: needs 1 replacement tire, drivers window needs weatherproofing (we took it out because it got all warped and the window got stuck), needs new front brake pads, replace right steering rack boot bellow, and the hood latch snapped off (I keep a vice grip in the car to open it). The check engine light is on, and has been coming on and going off randomly for the past couple months. At least one front speaker is damaged, possibly two, not sure to what extent. All the bolts and anything metal under the hood or below the car is rusted, there are quite a few scratches on the front and back bumpers, and a small dent in the trunk. Would you say these are severe issues? Would it be better to sell to a private party instead and attempt to get almost double? I doubt with all these problems that would be possible. Any info/experience/suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks for the responses, I didn’t think I’d even get 1,000 from a dealer due to the cost of repairs, so we are just going to keep it until it dies to use as a backup car.
admin answers:
You’ve gotten a lot of good miles out of that car. The repairs that are now required, quite honestly, cost more than the value of the car. Expect about $500 as a trade. It’s a car that is only of use to someone who can perform the repairs themselves.
This probably is not what you want to hear, but I’m really just being honest with you. That car gave you many great miles, but it’s worn out. It really does owe you nothing.
Best of luck with your new vehicle.
Susan asks…
Question regarding daughter’s boyfriend’s new purchase …?
Daughter 24. Boyfriend 30. He surfs; she’s not even a strong swimmer. He keeps using her brand-new car to travel to and from beaches with surfboards on roof. Roof looks like hell with all the caked on wax. Now he bought a roof-rack and is trying to make her think of it as a ‘gift’ for her. How does a surfboard roof rack end up being a gift for his non-surfing girlfriend? BTW his car is a bomb so it can’t be used. Am I nuts for being upset by this?
admin answers:
He sounds lame as hell.
Donna asks…
Is 3450.00 too much for…?
2000 Ford Explorer XLT with 105K miles????
Nice and clean, everything works and it has the roof rack, running boards and no body damage. (I did do a car fax on it)
admin answers:
Dear Shewolf,
An auto dealer would be generous offering to pay $1,000 for this car.
It is a nice vehicle and if you are certain to need the room, this might be a good car for you.
Not many ten year old SUV’s are selling near the prices listed in price guides. I would not get excited unless the price was about $2,000.
If you are a cash buyer, this is likely too much to pay. If you are a credit buyer you become stuck with sellers offers.
Compare the price to your alternatives and decide yourself on the reasonableness of the offer.
Put a $2,000 cash offer on the table and start walking/driving away. Make sure tey have you telephone number for when they are willing to accept your offer……
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David asks…
Surfboard rack for my 07 Kia Spectra SX?
Does anyone know of a surfboard roof rack for my 07 Kia Spectra SX (sedan)? I have been just sticking my board in the trunk with the seats folded down but my wife has just taken up the sport and now we have several boards and I can’t fit them in the car anymore. Any help would be appraciated. THANKS!!!
PS: It should be noted that I am in Dallas, Texas for a few months on business and there are NO surf shops in North Texas. Also, I am planning a four-mount “safari” starting in June and am looking for something more substantial than soft racks. Any online sources for hard racks or perminant racks? THANKS!!!
admin answers:
Soft racks will peg you as a tourist and a target for crime if you park at a secluded spot. Here is a one that makes sense….”The Gatekeeper” http://www.dabco-products.com/
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