I'm so upset and I need to vent...

[RN01]

Well this is what we ended up doing.... We found a 1997 Rav4 with150,000 miles on it and paid $2500 cash for it fees and taxes included. I feel like that was still too much but we haggled all afternoon and that was as low as we could get him down to. I told my husband if he would just get a beater car cheep then when we get our van paid off I would let him get what he wants once we get some money saved up for it. Also we found our 16 year old daughter a car... a cute Ford Escort 2 door, kind of sporty looking for $4600. She just got a job at McDonalds so she will be paying for it. She had $1000 saved up for it and she financed the rest. I"m just hoping my hubby's new car will last him for a few years... you never know?

 

[jodifla]

I think DR's advice on cars is some of his most unrealistic and dangerous. You can get in pretty deep quickly throwing good money after bad on car repairs on a beater.

We have 13-year-old car and a 14-year-old car. But we buy them either new or a couple of years old, and then keep them well past the 3 years it takes to pay them off. That way we know we have RELIABLE transportation.

On an older car, EVERYTHING is old. So even putting a new engine it might not be enough. The axle could break, for example.

 

[apnep]

The thing is we have checked online and through phone calls and can't find a used Toyota for that much. Since my husband works for Toyota I feel like we should buy Toyota if we are going to buy something. I mean really why bite the hand that feeds you? But then again if we can't find anything??

OK, seriously? It's not like they are giving you a free car. If you can't find a Toyota in your price range then get something else. It's not like there is an employee police watching what your DH drives when he goes to work. Last time I checked we live in a free counrty and you are free to buy and purchase what you please. Don't bog yourself down with debt over buying a Toyota if you are not comfortable with the price. Good luck.

Ang

Edited to add: I didn't read all the posts when I wrote this, but saw you found a solution. Hope it works out you. You sound happy!

 

[sameyeyam]

I think you need to heed Dave Ramsey's advice. Keep your eyes open and look for a good, reliable cheap car that you can pay cash for. Look for something that runs good, but is ugly (think mini-van). If you don't know much about mechanical things, have a family friend or relative that is good with cars go with you. If you don't know anyone, then pay to have a mechanic check it out.

Also, call every single auto repair & body shop in town. Tell them what kind of engine you are looking for and you may be pleasantly surprised. Somebody might be able to find you a good used engine for a good price. It's defintely worth making a few phone calls.

BTW...I'm debt free!

 

[Bob NC]

Also we found our 16 year old daughter a car... a cute Ford Escort 2 door, kind of sporty looking for $4600. She just got a job at McDonalds so she will be paying for it. She had $1000 saved up for it and she financed the rest.

Really got an early start getting her into debt.