Should I get a new car or not???

momof2divas · **Should I get a new car or not???**

Hi ladies I am kinda new to this site I don’t post often but am always lurking to get advice. I have a question I am going to be officially a SAHM in June, as we have taken the advice and decided that while my duration of work just live off his paychecks and so forth. Right now we have one car a 2door Pontiac Sunfire (and with 2 girls 7/3 that is way to small). My question is would it be smart to trade it in for something bigger and I’m thinking SUV or Minivan our payments are already $400 a month and I really don’t see a difference in the payments for another vehicle. I hate flipping the seat over everyday and hurting my back trying to get my 3yr old in her car seat.

chevy_chick95 · 03-03-2008, 03:30 PM

i would look around and see if you could get something that is about the same payment wise and gas wise. or less payments and a little more in gas that way things even out.

but yes, i would get a new car. but thats JMO

Jodie · 03-03-2008, 03:30 PM

I would get a larger safer car if i were you!! Your payments wouldn't be any more than what your paying now.

ruthie · 03-03-2008, 03:31 PM

It might be worth it in the long run if you are dreading getting the kids in and out of the sunfire!

Cookie2 · 03-03-2008, 03:46 PM

I'm going to vote no.

I sympathize about the 3-yr old. However, s/he is getting old enough to do the buckle by her/his-self very soon. Plus the 7-yr old can help you with the buckling when s/he is riding in the car.

When DD was 2 yrs old, I sold my Saturn sedan to buy a minivan. At the time, I could justify it completely, including the fact that we regularly needed seating for 6 to 7 people. Plus my arthritis is primarily in my back so getting her in and out of the back - even with a 4-door - was quite painful. While I don't regret the purchase of the minivan, now that DD is 6 yrs old, I wish I had my sedan back!

I don't want to dash your dreams of a new car. What I want to do is SUPPORT YOU in your effort to be a SAHM. Buying a new car right now might delay or compromise your decision. If you get another car, make sure the decision IMPROVES your financial condition, not just maintains the status quo or worsens it. With a new car, even if you could make your monthly payments stay the same, your insurance and registration might increase, other costs like gas or maintenance might increase, and it will be that much longer before the loan is paid off.

changed4life · 03-03-2008, 04:02 PM

Maybe you'll think differently about buying a new car after watching this...

Drive Free. Retire Rich.

momof2divas · 03-03-2008, 04:23 PM

Thanks ladies for the advice and Cookie 2 I was thinking about that aswell, starting over with a new loan then cost of tune ups, gas, ect… It would just be nice to get something bigger. I don’t know I will think about it a little more and talk it over with Dh some more cause he is fine with whatever choice I make..

Starlite · 03-03-2008, 04:25 PM

I'm also in the "no" camp. A Pontiac Sunfire is a lot smaller than a minivan or SUV. With gas prices predicted to hit $4 per gallon by summer, it would be better to have a fuel-efficient vehicle that will cost a reasonable amount to fill up as opposed to a larger vehicle that can be very expensive to fill up.

calimari · 03-03-2008, 04:50 PM

Compromise between the SUV and the little sunfire - look at either a Pontiac Vibe or Chevy Malibu. Plenty of room in the 4 door versions to get the kids in/out, and since they are not trucks, the fuel economy will be better & your insurance may be less.

Kellyandgirls · 03-03-2008, 04:52 PM

I have been throwing out the idea of a new car!! I Love mine I have now!
I will need space for that 3rd car seat! and It can work but NOt without alot of struggle and mayne sore hands!! and we are on the go alot! as my girls are very active in gymnastics and dance! so we are going to need to be able to get into the car easy!!!