Budget Buster - GRRRR! DH's commuting vehicle was stolen!

[SaraJayne]

I dont understand why its necessary for your husband to compromise with a clunker, a putt-putt scooter or a sizable car payment so that you can have a car at your disposal round the clock. You ask what I would do? I think this: You could certainly let him take the prius for his short commute most days. And then just drive him on the rare day when you need the car for doctors appointments or a mothers day out. It wont hurt the baby to make him take an early morning ride to train station once in a while. But if you can afford the new car then go ahead and spend the money. Its only an issue if you cant afford to take on additional debt right now.

Yes, this is what we did on the RARE day I "needed" the car.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I dont understand why its necessary for your husband to compromise with a clunker, a putt-putt scooter or a sizable car payment so that you can have a car at your disposal round the clock. You ask what I would do? I think this: You could certainly let him take the prius for his short commute most days. And then just drive him on the rare day when you need the car for doctors appointments or a mothers day out. It wont hurt the baby to make him take an early morning ride to train station once in a while. But if you can afford the new car then go ahead and spend the money. Its only an issue if you cant afford to take on additional debt right now.

I just cannot believe that so many people would take the choice to spend all day, most days, trapped at home, while my car sat 2 miles away in a parking garage for 10 hours. I would say that I only stay home with the baby...um... maybe two days a month? On the other days, we take the dogs to the dog park, drive to the abundant parks around here or the beach, go for coffee with friends, do baby storytime at the library, go swimming at the public pool, go to our one day a week MyGym class, or I volunteer. One of the charities that I volunteer with (it was almost a full-time job for me while I didn't have a work visa (I'm Canadian) for a spell last year) is only too happy for me to come in and do some work for a few hours while the baby naps in his bouncy seat next to me. I can't imagine giving up all this to sit at home with a baby and two German Shepherds.

If it was financially necessary to do so, I could see it. But since it isn't...?

 

[Cindy B]

I would never put myself into debt with car payments for a 2 mile commute. I say this because I currently just paid off one car 2 years early.. and this was the first car payment we had in 7 years. I hate debt if you haven't figured that out.

the baby can get used to a short/small commute. Like another PP said, the routine will get easier.. at least its a short commute, not a 30 minute plus thing. The crying does stop, and it does get easier. They get used to it and babies are resilient. Sure its a pain in the butt to get out of the house, get dressed, pack the baby up get in the car.. but its only a 10 minute (tops) drive. Think of all the money you would save doing this.. since you don't work yourself, it is "worth" the time involved.. 20 minutes a day or a 200 dollar or more car payment.. I sure don't make 200 dollars in 20 minutes.

You say "committed to the cause", I say I was a do whatever it takes to help each other. Sure those 2 years were a pain, but I did whatever it took, didn't take on debt (hate debt) and saved up money in the process by not having a car payment or insurance/gas/repairs on 2nd car.

If you are willing to not have the car a few days a week, this would also wokr until you have 100 percent cash for a car.

Walking is free, bicycling is free.. is telecommuting an option so he can stay at home and work?

Look at rideshare co-ops, public transportation routes, safer walking,biking routes, or committ to try different options.. driving to the station, letting him take the car outright.. and see what works best.

It just doesn't seem prudent to finance a car for a 2 mile commute when there are other viable options available.

 

[Pamlur]

How long have you lived where you are now? I've been to Seattle several times (and LOVE it!!!), and have friends in Vancouver; there seems to be quite a bit of rain. I think I would look at a second car, maybe a used VW, since there's no way to really secure a scooter in that parking garage.

 

[Earstou]

I would say buy the clunker, and on the days your dh wants to drive into work (ie: not take the train), he takes the Prius. You'll have the clunker if you have an emergency and won't be stranded at home.

 

[Wendynat]

Since you have the means to do so, and reasons to do so, it's seems to make sense that you're looking at either another scooter/motorcycle or a car. In my humble opinion, a scooter wouldn't be the best option after the first theft - it would leave you both constantly on edge, waiting for it to get stolen again.

You could look at used cars of makes and models that dh likes, or look at used cars of makes and models that *you* like while he takes the Prius. Or you could get a new car, if that's preferable to you and your budget allows. Definitely call your insurance company prior to buying any vehicle to get a what-if quote. That would help make the decision easier if you're trying to decide between options (new vs used, one car over another, etc).

 

[Sarah_Rose]

It just doesn't seem prudent to finance a car for a 2 mile commute when there are other viable options available.

Ok, but why can't we do the under $5000 car, or new scooter routes? Why does it have to be a brand new car, or nothing? I had three options, but most people are only looking at the one option that is financially not so responsible.

And because a picture is worth 1000 words... here is the kind of location we're talking about. We are a subdivision surrounded by nothing, with only 4 lane major roads surrounding us. My DH would be turning left on to 277th St and then right on to East Valley Highway. It gets less dodgy when you get into town to the north, but until then.... highway... no shoulder, no sidewalks. No alternative walking routes.

Oh, and because I know someone will bring it up. Green River Road does not actually intersect with 277th St - it goes under it, so it's not an option for getting into the city.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Sounds like time for a 2nd car.

I don't blame you, I wouldn't want to get up and do the commute twice a day either. If you had to you had to, but since you have the $$ for a decent car, go for it!

Sounds like if you get a scooter, the same thing will happen.

 

[Marionnette]

I just cannot believe that so many people would take the choice to spend all day, most days, trapped at home, while my car sat 2 miles away in a parking garage for 10 hours. I would say that I only stay home with the baby...um... maybe two days a month? On the other days, we take the dogs to the dog park, drive to the abundant parks around here or the beach, go for coffee with friends, do baby storytime at the library, go swimming at the public pool, go to our one day a week MyGym class, or I volunteer. One of the charities that I volunteer with (it was almost a full-time job for me while I didn't have a work visa (I'm Canadian) for a spell last year) is only too happy for me to come in and do some work for a few hours while the baby naps in his bouncy seat next to me. I can't imagine giving up all this to sit at home with a baby and two German Shepherds.

If it was financially necessary to do so, I could see it. But since it isn't...?

I cannot believe that some people would be so unwilling to place their family's needs ahead of their own wants. But that's why there's more than one flavor of ice cream too, eh?

 

[twinboysmom]

Sarah Rose, I certainly do not think you should be without the vehicle. You have a baby and need reliable transportation. Nor do I think you should make that commute twice daily. Perhaps I don't belong on the budget board but I don't just don't get a lot of these responses. Seattle weather can be quite yucky, as you know more than I. Get your husband a foreign made vehicle for as inexpensive as possible. Maybe even without a car note. Enjoy being a sahm. We cut our paycheck in half but I wouldn't change it for anything.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I would say buy the clunker, and on the days your dh wants to drive into work (ie: not take the train), he takes the Prius. You'll have the clunker if you have an emergency and won't be stranded at home.

DUDE! Now this is what I'm talking about! I'm not sure why we didn't actually think of this option, ourselves! All of my excursions with my DS are relatively close to where we live, so I wouldn't be putting that much mileage on the older car.

 

[tinker&belle]

When I read your first response, I guess I thought things were tighter for you than they sound now. If you can swing a 5000ish car for cash, that would probably work well for you. We sold a car to get rid of a payment and bought a 1998 Nissan and it has worked great for us. When I read clunker I thought something REALLY unreliable, which I wouldn't do because I see 1000 cars as money pits.

If you guys really need two cars I would go with a 5000ish vehicle.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I cannot believe that some people would be so unwilling to place their family's needs ahead of their own wants. But that's why there's more than one flavor of ice cream too, eh?

I'm sorry, but you've still lost me. My family doesn't "need" for me to stay home or for me to get up at dark o'clock to get my DH to the train station. My family "needs" a second vehicle. If we were scraping by from paycheck to paycheck with credit cards, then I can see how my "needs" would be different. We're not. We're comfortably upper middle class with our own house and a trip to WDW staying in a 2-bedroom villa at AKL planned and paid for.

We "want" a budget option, not a bare bones compromise that would make me miserable. I'm not sure why this continues to be discussed.

And now DS is waking up from his nap so I NEED (as opposed to "need") to go be a mom and stop arguing here on the DIS. Which was not my intention at all to begin with.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

When I read your first response, I guess I thought things were tighter for you than they sound now. If you can swing a 5000ish car for cash, that would probably work well for you. We sold a car to get rid of a payment and bought a 1998 Nissan and it has worked great for us. When I read clunker I thought something REALLY unreliable, which I wouldn't do because I see 1000 cars as money pits.

If you guys really need two cars I would go with a 5000ish vehicle.

I guess clunker was really the wrong word. I did put it in quotation marks in my first post, but that's not really clear. We have owned a clunker. It was the already mentioned 1988 VW Golf and we paid $600 for it. We figured that if it got us to where we needed to get that day, it would be a bargain (it's a long story from the days where DH and I moved across the world (a few times!) with only a backpack and a 2 night hostel stay on our arrival). It lasted for nearly three years. And after it died, we sold it for $400 for parts. I miss Gunther.... he was a good car.

That is not the type of car I'm talking about here.

And now I really am gone. Because breastfeeding and typing is tricky.

 

[ekball]

Bless you and your patience, Sarah. I would have gone off on 1/2 these responses back on page one if I were you. I love this board for the helpful posts about finding bargains and saving money, but the self-righteous, judgmental retorts make me want to hurl.

Bravo, Sarah. For you, your Prius, and your patience.

Go ahead....bring on the nasty...

 

[jessica52877]

I didn't read through all the responses. What about driving him 2-3 days and him taking the car the other 2. Do you need/want to go somewhere every day? I am surprised you like to go out so much if he screams in the car. But I will say, having him in the car, will stop the screaming, eventually!

 

[4HppyCamprs]

I think the idea of you getting the clunker and DH taking the Prius sounds great I know when I was younger we lived in Ellensburg and picked up a car from a college student in Seattle (relatively cheap) because her dad wanted her to have a 4x4 when driving the pass. You could always keep your eye out for a good deal like that Private sale and no it was not a money pit I drove the heck out of that car between Ellensburg and Northern Cali. Good deals and good cars can be found

 

[chimo2u]

Hi Sarah I just had to say.....I applaud your obvious money- responsible attitude to be where you are now, with a good nest egg and some disposable income to cover for this unexpected turn. I can definitely see how taking a peacefully sleeping baby out in the cold early AM could be a pain and a unsettling experience, and I don't think you are selfish to want to bypass this dreaded daily ritual.
I agree that since you have the funds, you may as well buy a second hand car as you said it won't be a financial hardship. OR you could buy a cheaper/new model commuter car too if you'd prefer. A second car would probably meet all your needs best, I think.
I am sure in the end, you will make the best decision for YOUR families commuting requirements
Enjoy your new little one! it goes way too quickly (mine are 18 and 14 now)

 

[disneystacy]

I would buy a reasonable car for a budget of 10,000. Put 5,000 down and then pay off the rest. I'm sure you can find a decent Honda or Toyota for that amount. It may be a few years old, but they last forever.

 

[Leajess99]

Respectfully, you're dismissing this option out-of-hand, without even trying it. If you've driven your husband to and from the station once in a while and had this reaction from the baby, you may get an entirely different result if this becomes the normal routine.

And it's cheaper and and safer than any of the alternatives.

I don't agree with it being cheaper in the long run. I have to drive my child 6 miles to school as she goes out of district by necessity and home everyday and trust me those 12 mile round trip trips (1 in the morning and 1 - 7 hours or so later) are really adding up on my car.