|
Mon, Feb 2, 09 at 9:49
| My van has 128K miles and needs a new transmission, intake manifold gasket and steering rack. Repairs= $3000. I still owe 2800 on it. I have a $4300 tax return coming soon and am trying to decide if I want to use the return to pay off the van and then sell it for $200 or use the money to fix the van and hopefully get another 2 years out of it. If I do buy a new van I will get a Toyota or Honda.
Thanks |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| The depreciation on the new car will be $3000-$4000 the moment you drive it off of the dealers lot. Properly repaired, your van could last another 100,000 miles +, and six or seven years. Sure you will still be fixing things, but compared to the cost of the new monthly payment that you would be guaranteed to make with the new car, fixing them is always cheaper! |
|
| I agree with John that paying a few repair bills virtually always keeps you further ahead than new-car payments. Though you don't mention the integrity of the bodywork (rust, etc.) and the condition of the van otherwise, it very well could go 100,000+ miles. But I think it's important to mention that, in addition to the repair, you must maintain the van, as well. But it's still cheaper than new-car payments. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Cars Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.