Ugh, this vehicle thing is frustrating me. I need some car buying advise. We need to sell our car now, unfortunately it’s worth less than what we owe on it, go figure. I just don’t know how to go about this all. I’m scared the car isn’t going to sell before the baby comes. I don’t know what to charge for our car because it comes in so many different models and whatnot. In 99 VW’s made the older version Golf GL and GLS and then started the new line of Golfs that were the GTI or whatever. We have a GLS. It’s hard to find one online on a Canadian website that’s the same as ours with the same kms and features. GRRRR. Anyway, I think we need to sell our car, get a loan to pay off the buy out of the financing and then start fresh with financing a new car. I noticed today that we’re paying more than 2 bucks a day in interest on our damn car and it’s really bothering me. I don’t wanna buy a vehicle and pay THAT much on it!! I wish I was rich! Someone want to buy us a car? I’m wondering if it would be smarter in the long run to buy an older car for the same amount we sell our car for so we don’t buy out the financing and just work on paying it off. I dunno. What I do know is that fitting two kids into our tiny golf isn’t going to work. The single stroller hardly fits in the trunk so I know the double stroller wouldn’t at all! AHHHH. Anyway, I’m sad that our car isn’t worth as much as we owe on it. I guess that’s what you get with those high interest loans. We have actually paid almost as much as the we bought the car for which sucks…unfortunately we still owe more than what we’ve paid. Grr. Is there every a smart way to finance a car? Anyway, I think it’s just the stress of selling it and then finding a van for us right after we sell because we can’t be without a car and just the whole debt thing that’s getting to me. I just don’t know the order in which we should do everything. Car sure aren’t an investment whatsoever. Just a stupid liability that you need. Anyway, I think tonight I might wash our car and perhaps work on getting it cleaned on the inside a bit. Once clean I’ll stick a for sale sign on her and put an ad in the buy and sell and on a few sites online and we’ll see where it goes. So many people have black Golfs so I’m sure there’s other people out there who want to buy a black Golf, I sure wanted to…I thought we’d have it for years but I guess space becomes and issue when you have a bunch of bratty kids. In the van we want, the from centre console folds down so you can swing your legs around and whack em when they’re being annoying…of course I wouldn’t do that, but it’s nice to know there’s the option…ha ha.
Anyway, if anyone knows how to do all of this please help. If anyone wants to buy us a car just let me know ;).
**note, I’m not buying a NEW van…just a new to us van 🙂
Sorry to hear about the car trouble. Unfortunately, we’re not in the market to buy a new one!
The only smart way to finance a car is if you qualify for the 0% interest options. Unfortunately Honda never offers that, that I’ve seen. I would say buy used until this one is paid off, then buy a new one, but you need to have the peace of mind as well. Don’t want a car that may break down and leave you stranded with two little ones!
Best of luck with your decision!
Ya we can only afford a used one. New is kinda silly to buy, they lose so much value the moment you drive it off the lot.
God knows what you need before you even ask him. I know that sounds trite, but I’ve lived poor most of my life. God has provided us a car–sometimes a car we’ve picked out–every time we’ve needed one.
I’m not saying He’s telling you to do that, I just wanted to let you know that is, at least, an option to consider.
Perhaps he’s telling you to buy us one :). Ha ha. I always think there’s people poorer for God to be helping out. At least we have a car right? I’ll definitely be praying for guidance though.
Imagine 18 years from now:
Silas and your next one both hitting college and both needing cars, tuition, books, room, cell phones and spending money.
Welcome to my world. (Only they’re my kids, not yours, but you get it, right? Oh and the youngest can only buy clothes at Hollister. The oldest is all about the Goth, so he’s a little bit cheaper.)
But here is the cool thing: Somehow we are able to handle it all. And I wouldn’t trade my family for anything in the world.
I have never bought a new car. The newest vehicle I own is my car now – it’s a 98. I can’t stand the thought of car payments. BUT…. I’m in luck – my Dad’s a body man and a mechanic in his spare time. I also have a 74 Chevy Blazer – which is MY baby – built by my Dad 🙂 Those are the kinds of vehicles I like – old stuff we can work on. We are paying on my husbands truck that he had before we got married. It’s just too much – so we are trying to sell that right now. Problem is….. he (just like you guys) owes more than the truck is worth. He was also NOT good about making payments before I came along so I’m trying to play catch up for him. It’s miserable. Hope that truck is gone soon. Good Luck to you!!!
Never owned a new car in my life. The trick is to find a good mechanic who doesn’t mind checking out used cars with (or for) you.
why don’t you do a trade in and then pay the difference? I think that may work for you. Intially that’s what Brad and I were going to do, but we need 2 vehicles, so decided against it. We will be in the market for an SUV this summer. Isnt car shopping fun??? I HATE IT
We bought a new one… because we are young and have (rather, had!) a disposable income. Plus, I had always wanted to have one new car in my life, and I figure this will be the only time. From here on out, it will probably be beaters, or at least well used cars. I do like the fact that we have a warranty, and that our car is quite safe for babies and the like.
Kristy – if you’re looking to buy somewhat new, I would recommend the Hyundai Tucson. It’s a mid-sized SUV – will fit two large car seats, and a kid in the backseat (but not three car seats – they’re a bit too wide). It has lots of great safety features (but no LATCH system for the infant seats – only the over-the-seat hook on the back), and they have been very reliable in the last few years. Their quality has risen substantially lately, but their resale value and market value is still less than Honda, due to their reputation from the 90’s. I seriously love my Tucson, but I’ve not had it for quite a full year yet.
Someone give me a disposable income!
http://www.kbb.com/ kelly blue book online. you can see what cars, like the one you have, are going for and what you can sell them for.. pretty neat.
ya, it’s only for the US though. 🙁
It is a big mistake to buy a brand new car, you lose a lot of money pretty quickly. Been there ,done that.
Totally agree with the post. I thought that your points were spot on !