Iowa

Iowa

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Ahhh, what to do, what to do

My car is eight years old. I love it. It looks sporty, even if it isn't. It is a five speed transmission, which allows me to pretend it is sporty. I bought it in July so, it will be nine years old in July. I have had some problems with it...there was that rear end collision that cost my insurance $6000. Then there was the replacement of the clutch, and that problem with the camshaft. But all in all, it has been a fun car. BUT, it is almost nine years old. And they are offering all kinds of deals right now, and I think there is even something in the stimulus package that gives a tax credit for new cars purchased. Ahhh, what to do, what to do. Poppy said to buy a Solara Convertible. Nice, but I don't need that large a car. Or that expensive. I was looking at the Honda Civic...the sporty looking one. It's always a timing thing...when to keep a car, when to get rid of a car, when does it cost too much and do you trade it in before it falls apart on the street.

On a lighter note, it's been warm here in the Burg. A taste of spring, if you will. Today, snow flurries. I'm sure winter is not over, but I do love the taste of spring. Spring has so many things to look forward to for me...we got tickets for A Chorus Line, our annual trip to NYC, and Bean has two productions coming up in the next few weeks. This week coming has Alladin and next week has Susical. I can't wait! And...not to forget, tickets to Springsteen in May. Bird was a big help with those, could not have done it without him. So, think about spring, and tell me what to do about my car! Happy weekend.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree, Mia, this is never a clear choice. I trade my car in when it hits 60,000. I figure that it will start needing some major repairs within the next few years, so I trade it in while it is still worth something. Hate to do it when it is running well and looking good, but I do it so I can get trade in value or selling value. I say, go for it.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Lori, get the new car. There is never a good time, but at least you may get something for it. It is a very cute car, Mia, I can understand how you hate to get rid of it.

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed, Mia, you drive a stick shift? When someone talks about a five speed, I think stick. I say keep it. If you like the way it looks, and it does look nice, and it is running ok, why get rid of it? Springsteen tickets? You are lucky. No one I know was able to get them, even the ones who stood in line at Giant Eagle. We went on line at 10 Am exactly and they were already sold out. Want to sell yours?

Anonymous said...

We are in the same situation. Our car is 7 years old and needs a new exhaust system. My husband says to trade it in, but I hate the idea of car payments. I think he is right, that now is the time to make a new car deal. The dealers seem desperate.

Anonymous said...

That is a nice looking car, mia. Don't trade it in. They don't even make them anymore. Keep the maintenance up on it and it will last another 5 years. And if you do sell it, let me know, I'll be glad to buy it.

Anonymous said...

How about the Hyundia? We bought one several years ago and love it. Haven't had any problems with it. We trade ours in about every 5 years since that seems to be the time they start falling apart.

Anonymous said...

They don't sell cars at the mall, so I don't know much about them. I have an old Chevy, and it runs. Not well, but it gets me to where I need to go. Maybe if I quit going to the mall I could get a new car. No, that just sounds awful! I say hold onto it until it dies completely. Probably won't get much for it anyway now. But if you do get a new one, post a picture. And, Mia, way too long between posts!

Anonymous said...

Cars are such a pain, but such a necessity. I think you said you have AAA, so keep the cute little car, it is very neat looking.

Anonymous said...

Go for quality, don't go for some cheap foreign models.

Anonymous said...

I think it speaks to those "cheap foreign models" that Mia still has one after 8 years and it is still running well. My only advice would be to shop around. I certainly think it is a buyer's market.

Another Original by Tamara said...

Hmmm. Cars. Another one of my fav and apparently controversial topics. I'm always in the mood for a new and different one!

When some guy backed into me with his trailer hitch and the my "check engine" light went on, I just drove directly to the car dealer and bought a new one. Easier than buying a pair of blue jeans, Sassy. But probably without the good bargain part. So Mia, you'll just know when its time!

Anonymous said...

We use the subways here, and if I need a car, I rent one. I can't imagine owning a car here, there's just too much expense in driving into the city. And entertainment is a quick subway ride. But, I say do what makes you happy. Life is too short, Mia.

Anonymous said...

I am facing the same problem Mia, but my is going to be out of necessity. Mine broke down over the weekend and it will cost $1500 to fix an 8 year old car. They are offering some good deals now, so I think I am going to do some looking. Hope your hunt is successful, even if you decide to keep yours. Wait, maybe I can buy yours! I like the look of it. Hmmm.

Anonymous said...

One must do what one must do. How is that? I think we should do what makes us happy if we don't infringe on others to pay for our pleasures.