What car would you choose?

[Trish Bessette]

I vote for a new Camry If the one you have is 10 years old then the current Camry is a whole different body style. I have a 2007 Camry with 95,000 on it already. Love the car!!

 

[ceecee]

I will say a Toyota if you love it because devaluation is how you lose the most money buying a car and Toyota and Honda are 2 brands that keep their value the most int your price range.

They are the most reliable as well.

 

[Kitzka]

One thing to think about is the gifting part. Right now, per the IRS, you can only receive $13,000 per person, per year without paying taxes on it. So if the aunt is going to gift the money to you all, not to the dealer directly, then she needs to divide up the amount. $12,500 to you, $12,500 to your husband. Any more than that and she'll be paying a large amount in gift tax (don't quote me but I've heard it's 30%). And... anything over $10,000 will be flagged by the bank and the Treasury Dept's money laundering dept will be looking in to the transaction (this is my husband's job)

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=108139,00.html

I didn't even think about the tax implications. I will havevto mention this to our great aunt as I am sure she isnt aware. I know I wasn't aware.

Thanks! Dh and I are going to test drive a few cars this weekend. I still feel bad about taking the money but I know it will make her feel good.

Lara

 

[bettymae1121]

I would get two Hondas (Civic) and then have a smaller loan for the rest. You might even get a better deal buying two at once, and probably wouldn't need a new car in a long time. Our Civic is 1998 with 120K miles and still running strong.

I agree, if there is anyway to get two new cars out of this, that might be the way to go (assuming Great Aunt agrees, and I can't imagine why she wouldn't, but one never knows, I suppose). Two new cars that will last a good 10 years, with the money you'll be saving on not having a car payment (or a very small one for a short amoutn of time) or major repair bills for the next decade, you can put more towards your student loans!

ETA: I sure wish I had these kind of problems!

 

[jodifla]

What a nice gift!


The other thing I'd suggest is to look down the road for your needs, since you will own the car or cars a long time. We're looking at cars, and more than one person is selling because the car is now too small for their family.

For us, we need a family, boat and project hauler, and a commuter car with good gas mileage. That way we have all our bases covered.

 

[WheelCEO]

I've owned a few infiniti's (friend is the owner of an infiniti dealership) and although great cars, not one I would want to own outside of warranty. Definitely stick with toyota/honda/hyundai, the warranties are great and they are known to last long-term. As mentioned previously in this thread, you should storngly consider replacing both cars. Although not every VW is horrible, majority rules.. and a jetta with 90k miles is an accident waiting to happen.

 

[PrincessBelle09]

That is really nice of the great aunt! I would definitely vote for a Honda. My whole family drives Hondas because they are just amazing, very reliable cars. Get a hybrid if you can. I would also advise against buying anything brand new since new cars decrease in value so quickly and definitely do not go over the 25k.

 

[Green Tea]

If you like the Infiniti, what about the lesser cousin, the Murano? Are they at all similar?

 

[Kitzka]

If you like the Infiniti, what about the lesser cousin, the Murano? Are they at all similar?

I admit to not knowing much about cars. Not sure if the murano and the Infiniti I like are similar. But will check it out.

 

[JCMHutch]

Given a choice, I would replace the Jetta. DH had a 97 Jetta with 198K on in and he got a great deal on a 08 Accord 2 years ago. DH is good with his cars and takes good care of them but the Jetta was costly to repair (every couple of months it cost him several hundred $). The day he turned it in, the clutch went on it as he rolled into the dealer for the new car.

From DH's research the Accord gets better mileage (up to 34 on the highway) and DH loves it. He did buy it with the plan of keeping it for 10+ years because they are such good cars. Also, DH's dad has a 99 Accord and it still runs great and has only had the basic wear & tear repairs.

 

[MomtoGKC]

Couldn't the aunt buy the car for herself and sell it to you guys for $1? Then it isn't a gift and you don't have to worry about the tax problems. I remember when i was young and my uncle was running for Mayor - my parents wanted to give him our old station wagon to drive around with a big campaign sign on top. They sold it to him for $1 - I didn't understand at the time but I'm guessing now it was so they wouldn't have to worry about the gift tax.

 

[Swimalie]

I didn't even think about the tax implications. I will havevto mention this to our great aunt as I am sure she isnt aware. I know I wasn't aware.

Thanks! Dh and I are going to test drive a few cars this weekend. I still feel bad about taking the money but I know it will make her feel good.

Lara

Enjoy the gift. It sounds like she wants you all to enjoy.

 

[neatokimmo]

You all are so much more mature than me.

I'd buy a Camaro. The 6 speed, v6 navy blue one. I'd probably stripe the hood too lol

Or an Equinox in the same navy blue.

I've gone back and forth on these cars for 2 years now. Since I can't make up my mind, I've not bought anything.

But I also agree with the person that said sell both old cars and buy two 15K cars. My Elantra is 11 years old this November and it is still running strong (another reason I can't commit to a new car).

(Camaro! Camaro! Camaro!)

 

[georgesgirl]

I would go with a Honda or a Toyota. We have a 1991 Honda Civic with 330,00 miles on it and it is still going strong

 

[Friendly Frog]

I would sell what you have and get two new cars. (New to you or gently used with warranty.) Or ask the aunt if you can buy one less expensive used car and place the other money in a special account for car repair and maintenance.

 

[r&kmommy]

Hey OP, I have the GLS trim... indigo blue with tan/black interior, popular equipment package without the navigation becuase we have our own gps. I really really really really wanted the venetian red that they had on the lot but it was all pimped out and $$$$$$ lol!!!

Anyway, it's an awesome car and I love it every second I am in it

 

[Evi]

I drive a vw now and I used to own a camry. Considering the mileage I'd go with the jetta and I'm not a fan of jettas. If you get the timing belt changed by a well known and trusted mechanic you should be fine. I had a car with problems with the struts and right after that it was engine problems so I'm partial to stick away from that problem. Honestly its up to you and wich car you love more lets be honest they are both pretty solid cars.

 

[TexasErin]

I would get a Subaru Outback or a Subaru Forester. They are currently what I'm really, really wanting. They are both a good price and Consumer Reports rates them as very reliable.

 

[apnep]

I would sell both cars and get two new cars in the 15K-18K range.

I agree! Get two Honda Fits! We have a family of 5 that fits comfortably in my DH's new Fit. We LOVE it! It gets great gas mileage and the seats fold down and up for transporting stuff. It's a great little car. Our other car is a 2005 Toyota Sienna.

Good luck! You're blessed!

Angela

 

[brewcrew]

Right now at the Toyota dealere by my house they are giving away 2 years maintenance, free! Oil changes and tire rotations. Toyota is doing anything to get business!