*UPDATE POST 97 GOT MY NEW CAR!* Get a new car or fix existing car?

[tink_n_pooh]

It sounds like the vehicle is costing a fortune to maintain, especially considering the per mile cost. As a frugal person that has to be bothersome to you, no?

I was driving upwards of twice what you drive and replacing my tires on my Jeeps every 2-3 years and I still thought it was a lot. And $100 oil changes??? Wow! Have you figured out the annual and per mile costs of this vehicle?

Living in Florida and judging by the driving you say you do, I assume you do not need 4x4? How about a minivan? Very kid & mommy friendly. I love my Town & Country, the only thing I miss is 4x4

 

[momof1princess]

OP, i have to vote for getting a new car. my DH is a mechanic, and works at an automotive factory, and there is NO way you should need new tires every year. it's just not possible, unless something is VERY wrong with your car, which, based upon your description of its repair needs, seems to be the case. my recommendation is to find a good, used car, or a new one, if you can afford it. i know how much it irks you-i'm a "drive it 'til the wheels fall off" person too, drove my last car almost 14 years-but you'll save a good bit of money in the long run.

 

[firecracker725]

Could it be? Everyone in agreement. Where's that fainting icon?


OP, I am a drive it until it falls apart kind of girl too, but it sounds as if that's exactly what's happening to your Volvo. Get something reliable and comfortable for your family.

 

[derricksonb]

Like everyone else I too would consider selling the Volvo (private sale- Do Not Trade It In) and purchasing a new vehicle. You mentioned having kids, but did not mention how many you have, which would lead me to ask why you felt like you needed a mini van. My wife and I looked into this as well a few years back and went with a 2011 Toyota Camry SE instead. We have two kids (4 and 7 at the time) and there was plenty of room for car seats and leg room for us to stretch out and more than enough trunk space to accommodate the luggage for our several trips to WDW each year.

You did not mention which model VOLVO SUV or engine/trim package you had so I researched both XC70 and XC90.

The 06 XC70 (2.5l Turbo) with 100k miles on it has a rough (which is the vehicle condition you describe) Kelley Blue Book value of $8,717.00 (private owner sale) and $6,907.00 trade in value.

The 06 XC90 (V8) with 100k miles on it has a rough (which is the vehicle condition you describe) Kelley Blue Book value of $10,249.00 (private owner sale) and $7,874.00 trade in value.

CARMAX is probably still your best bet if you want to purchase used and pay cash, but do some research before you buy used. Manufacturers like Toyota are offering 0% car loans through Toyota Financial Services on some 2012 and 2013 models, including the Sienna minivan which also has an additional $750.00 cash back incentive. This is also how we bought our 2011 Camry SE.

Why finance instead of paying cash? It's a 0% loan which is like paying cash, but you get to keep that big chunk of cash you were going to plunk down on the new vehicle in the bank for a rainy day or to invest.

Sell your VOLVO on Craigslist and use that money (minus tax and tags) as a down payment on a new Swagger Wagon. Not sure about your style but here is a brand new 2013 Toyota Sienna SE from CARMAX in Laurel, MD (This is one of CARMAX's New Toyota store. I think the other one is in Kenosha, WI.)

The problem with buying used late model vehicles is that they are priced slightly below the costs of a brand new model and they finance them at 5-8% which over the long term ends up costing more than buying a brand new vehicle.

Best of luck in your search.

 

[wallawallakids]

What model is your Volvo. (Asking because I have an XC90). I have no problems at all with it...yet. And I have never heard of the type of issues you are having with yours. Praying mine says good I guess!

I would get a new one if I was you. You can find an affordable new car and there are some great deals to be had in this economy. I would try and sell your Volvo first. You should be able to get something for it and that would help with paying for a new one. I am someone who hates debt and we are working our butt off to pay off our mortgage and DH's med school (Done with that this year!! ) However, you have to have a reliable, safe car. Safety is #1 and your Volvo does not sound safe. Good luck.

 

[baboo800]

I would reccommend getting a cadillac escalade.I had a brand new one shipped over to ireland and has been the best car ive ever had.


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[ExPirateShopGirl]

If you're willing to wait to sell your current vehicle and put up with the crappy calls you'll get completely unrelated to selling your vehicle, craigslist might be an option. While Carmax will undoubtedly offer you less for your vehicle than a private party, you're not opening yourself up to the risks associated with dealing with unknown individuals.

Buying a late model used car is your most economical choice. You can buy something that's a great bargain or your can buy a vehicle with all the bells and whistles for a good discount.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

OK, all of you have convinced me...I'm giving in and replacing this junker. For the poster who asked, it's an XC90. Does yours not need new tires annually? I was under the impression that this vehicle needs that because it's so very heavy. The fronts could be replaced every 6 months, the rears annually, but I usually stretch it out and do all of them once a year. It's BAD...my tires are straight-up bald to the point of being smooth. The tires are less than a year old. Again, thought it was normal for this vehicle.

Yes, this car was a bad investment. That is what has been eating at me. I could not in good conscience sell this car in a private sale. What if it shut off on the highway for the person who bought it? I'd sell it to Carmax or trade it in, but I would not do a private sale. This car has jumped the line between safe and unsafe honestly, and I can't do that to someone else just to make a little extra money.

For the poster who asked about the minivan over a car...lots of reasons...I want the extra space, ease of getting the kids in and out, and mostly the sliding door. That will make it possible for us to park both my vehicle and DH's in our garage. He has a big SUV. Right now I can't park in our garage because I can't get the doors open without hitting the wall. Garaging cars is a big deal where I live because of both the salt spray and the sun.

For what it's worth, last year's repairs including tires were $3300 and some change. Interesting to think of dividing that by 12 and figuring out if that exceeds a car payment. I don't know if it does or doesn't since I never even look at financing, but it probably comes close right? Looking at it that way makes me feel better. Thank you to everyone who brought that to my attention.

OK, off to tell DH that I give up and we are going to get the new car. I will update with the details of what we buy. I imagine that it will be pretty soon. DH probably won't want to risk me changing my mind

ETA - I never thought of the hanging headliner as dangerous, but that makes sense. It could totally fall off and blind me while driving. UGH. What a heap this car is.

 

[jperrot1]

I ditto the above that tires should last a lot longer than 1200 miles. Unless, of course, you burn rubber all the time. Volvos (high end brand) have low power air conditioners? I don't think so. It sounds like you have a lemon. Go drop 20K (or perhaps a little more) for your new minivan. We have a minivan and love it.

 

[Callie]

I generally say keep a vehicle until it rusts out, but I recently had to get a new car after my '01 with 60,000 miles had issues.

It needed a lot of work, and I could NEVER get the windshield wipers repaired. I took it in 3 times, and it was dangerous.

The whole, suddenly dying on the freeway would scare me into a new vehicle, plus those new tires and oil change costs!

 

[patsal]

I am as frugal as you are and debt free as well. I have been driving my minivan for almost ten years and stubbornly keep holding it becasue I know DD will be going to college and the car that she and her brother drive will become mine, DS moved out and DD is going to FL for college, so no car.
This van was bought brand new and has been a huge sinkhole for money. This time whenI took it in I decided that I could not put more than $1200 into it ($200 per month as opposed to a car payment or worse being on pickup and drop off duty for a very active Senior in HS).
The repair was $700 so I went ahead and had it done. However, if anything else goes I will be scrapping it.
Because you have kids in that car and it has put you in a dnagerous situation and since the maintenence costs are so high (oil changes, tires) I would consider making a change. My guess is you could improve the safety, improve gas milage, lower upkeep charges and be comfortable in summer with much less uncertainty.

 

[arihillfarm]

I agree that yours sounds like a lemon. I'm sure there are other maintenance issues going on to cause the tires to wear prematurely (primarily suspension components), but given the other safety issues with it, it's not worth the time and money to investigate and fix them, especially if you're paying a mechanic to do it.

Tires should not wear out that fast, even on an AWD vehicle. I have an AWD '04 GMC Yukon XL Denali (which is built on a 1/2 ton truck chassis) and we replaced the tires about 2 years and 50,000 miles ago and they still look almost new. They are rotated every 10,000 miles though and my DH is Type A on doing the maintenance, checking air pressure weekly, etc. As soon as my air ride shocks started to go a couple of years ago (not long after we replaced the tires) he was all over me to set aside the money to replace the shocks before they chewed the tires up, LOL!

Not that it matters for this vehicle because I agree with your husband that it needs to be gone, like yesterday, but the next time you are in the market for tires, check out tirerack.com There you can find the highest rated tires and read reviews and mileages from people who own the same year, make and model of car to see how the tires perform on that particular vehicle. They may even be cheaper to buy there and have them shipped to your house. Take them to your tire installer and have them put on and save some $$$. You don't have to buy tires from the dealer or tire installer.


-Astrid

OK, all of you have convinced me...I'm giving in and replacing this junker. For the poster who asked, it's an XC90. Does yours not need new tires annually? I was under the impression that this vehicle needs that because it's so very heavy. The fronts could be replaced every 6 months, the rears annually, but I usually stretch it out and do all of them once a year. It's BAD...my tires are straight-up bald to the point of being smooth. The tires are less than a year old. Again, thought it was normal for this vehicle.

Yes, this car was a bad investment. That is what has been eating at me. I could not in good conscience sell this car in a private sale. What if it shut off on the highway for the person who bought it? I'd sell it to Carmax or trade it in, but I would not do a private sale. This car has jumped the line between safe and unsafe honestly, and I can't do that to someone else just to make a little extra money.

For the poster who asked about the minivan over a car...lots of reasons...I want the extra space, ease of getting the kids in and out, and mostly the sliding door. That will make it possible for us to park both my vehicle and DH's in our garage. He has a big SUV. Right now I can't park in our garage because I can't get the doors open without hitting the wall. Garaging cars is a big deal where I live because of both the salt spray and the sun.

For what it's worth, last year's repairs including tires were $3300 and some change. Interesting to think of dividing that by 12 and figuring out if that exceeds a car payment. I don't know if it does or doesn't since I never even look at financing, but it probably comes close right? Looking at it that way makes me feel better. Thank you to everyone who brought that to my attention.

OK, off to tell DH that I give up and we are going to get the new car. I will update with the details of what we buy. I imagine that it will be pretty soon. DH probably won't want to risk me changing my mind

ETA - I never thought of the hanging headliner as dangerous, but that makes sense. It could totally fall off and blind me while driving. UGH. What a heap this car is.

 

[wallawallakids]

Have you tried contacting Volvo personally? Just curious because maybe you can prove it is a lemon. I am not sure what the lemon law is in Florida but it might be worth looking into. My Volvo is not very old and I have only replaced the tires once because when I bought it my husband didn't like the dealer ones. (They were cheap and we live in Maine where we drive in lots of snow and ice.) He wanted me to have a good, tough all purpose tire for driving in our bad weather. I have had them for two years without any issue. I also just had my service done and Volvo said they tires still looked great and should last another two years. I know the cars are heavy, but still. Maybe there is an issue with the car you have and if it is a lemon they can do something for you. It would be worth a shot, even if it was just to get them to maybe make some repairs so you could feel comfortable selling it.
Did the person before you ever have any problems? Seems to me like maybe they knew something was going on before they sold it to you as it sounds like you have been having problems from the get go.
I bought my Volvo because it is so safe. Supposedly the safest on the market. I was hit head on by a drunk driver right before buying it. I was in a fairly new Toyota Highlander. The car did what it was supposed to and although I was hurt and it took a long time to recover, considering how bad the accident was I think Toyota saved my life. As weird as it sounds, I couldn't buy another Toyota. I think I was so scared of driving again, the thought of getting in another Toyota and driving it made me anxious. (I realize this is crazy now). I looked up the safety ratings on all cars before I got another (my Toyota was totaled) and Volvo came up repeatedly. I was rear ended 4 months after buying my Volvo with all 4 kids in the car. We were all perfectly fine. (A little shaken up but fine.) My point being that it sounds like you do have a lemon and maybe the company can do something. Maybe not but it never hurts to try.

 

[ilovemk76]

I really need opinions on this badly. Let me start off by saying that we live debt-free, we don't take car loans, and I'm working on paying off our current home mortgage (only debt we currently have, and first time we've had a mortgage in over a decade!). I'm very frugal. DH is...cooperative with my frugality I'd say

My car is a 2006 Volvo SUV. We bought it used from Carmax in 2008. It had under 20K miles on it and we paid about 21K if memory serves me. Anyways, it's a nice solid car...not perfect, as it's tough to get the kids in and out (little rear legroom and large carseats). Also, we live in FL and the AC in this vehicle isn't great. In the summer, it cannot keep up and blows warm air. Yeah, that's not great, but it's also not fixable. The dealership says that it works normally for this vehicle. I guess that that's what I get for buying a Swedish vehicle when I live in FL.

Other issues with the vehicle are that the headliner has nearly completely fallen off due to the adhesive giving out (I've seen this on other people's Volvo SUVs here too, though, so not abnormal for the vehicle), it goes through a set of tires a year (figure $750-$1000 a set for those), and it's expensive to service (oil changes are over $100, regular "big" services run $750 and up).

Well, last week my car decided to just shut off when I turned onto the highway. Luckily the oncoming cars were pretty far off and I was able to get it in park and started back up (thank goodness!!!) before anything happened. My kids were in the car as I'd just done school pickup. Well, that was the last straw for my DH. He is just OVER it and wants us to buy a new car. I insisted that we have the Volvo looked at and the shutting off thing is fixable. All told, it would cost about 2K to fix my car right now (the mechanical stuff), plus another $750-$1000 for new tires.

DH's contention is that in 6 months we're going to be out another huge chunk of money if we keep it, because that's about how often something fails on it. I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't say whether or not that is true.

What eats at me about replacing it is that I've had it only 4.5 years. I'm a "drive it into the ground" type of person. It has far under 100K miles as I only drive 12K miles a year max. Actually, I drive a LOT less than that now that DD is out of preschool and goes to the elementary school down the street. I can bike there on all but rainy days. I really drive only to after-school activities a few times a week (again, a few miles max) and over to BJs once a week or so (maybe 20 miles roundtrip). I fill the car up every 2+ weeks, so clearly I'm not driving a ton.

I cannot wrap my mind around replacing this car. DH cannot wrap his mind around keeping this car. His argument is that the AC is awful (admittedly a big deal in FL), the inside looks low-rent because of the headliner issue, the tire wear issue (very heavy vehicle...nothing we can do about that), and the fact that things fail and it's VERY expensive to service when they do. If we did replace it, we'd get a mini-van for ease of getting the kids in and out. We'd pay cash. We're talking probably 20K out out of our savings for that though. I could just croak when I think about that! Sorry this is so long, but please tell me what you think.

ETA - One other big thing. DH drives a 2005 SUV that we bought new. We live on an island in FL, so it's a very corrosive environment. We'll be lucky to get another 3 years out of his car due to rust issues, so we're looking at replacing that in probably 2015. Figure 20-30K minimum on that replacement, so we have that coming up in a few years too.

One other thing...I can literally walk or bike to everywhere but the grocery store. I could even bike to most activities, although some are a little far. Pediatrician is 2 blocks over, school is just under a mile, etc. DH will NOT consider becoming a 1 car family at all. I would totally do it.

I am a drive it until the wheels fall off person but in this case I would get a new car.

You lost me at the A/C. Then I got to the glue and said....run to a new car. All this before the other problems.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Just wanted to give a little update to say that I am in the process of negotiating the new car now. I decided on a Chrysler Town and Country...well, decided if I can ever get this properly negotiated Just wanted to let you guys know that I haven't changed my mind about getting rid of the Volvo

 

[midwestdee]

Your really need to read Consumer Reports - off hand - I don't think the Chrysler Town & Country has good reviews. We buy new and drive them into the ground. I'm driving a 2000 Toyota Sienna mini van (got it in Aug. 1999). We bought tires in 2005 (really good ones) - DH just did the penney test this week and one is borderline, the other 3 are okay. Trust me - if Consumer Reports doesn't green light a car - forget about it! As for selling your car privately - NO WAY! too many nut cases out there.

 

[StarWarts]

Just wanted to give a little update to say that I am in the process of negotiating the new car now. I decided on a Chrysler Town and Country...well, decided if I can ever get this properly negotiated Just wanted to let you guys know that I haven't changed my mind about getting rid of the Volvo

Town and Country? Really?? Replacing an old lemon with another (brand new) lemon? If so, welcome to the Dark Side ;-)

 

[dbogen]

We purchased our 2005 town and country new. I am not sure why you guys are calling it a lemon, ours has taken us to the mouse from CT a few times and has been great.

Maybe I just got lucky.

 

[wallawallakids]

I have also not heard positive things about the Town and Country. Have you thought about looking into getting a Honda or a Toyota? They also retain their resale value much more. If you are looking for an SUV Highlanders are great. Mine protected me very well in my crash. Good luck.

 

[delmar411]

I'm not sure what people have against T&C's but we've had our '03 model since early '06 and it's taken us to WDW plenty of times and I have only had to do 1 major thing to fix it in all these years. I rarely remember to change the oil, I have replaced the tires once in all these years and I tend to replace the brakes every 2 years. We are at nearly 140k, it's never been garaged, I don't wash it, in general I treat it badly. But it is a very reliable vehicle and perfect for our family. Maybe we've just been lucky but I think those who have issues squawk the loudest and the vast majority of owners have no troubles. I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat.