As of now we have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer (suv) that is paid for. We are spending 282 a month for an 06 Pontiac Grand Prix. Our money will be very tight when I stop working or go part time. I want to sell or trade in the Grand Prix on a cheaper car or even use our tax return and some of my husband's bonus to pay for a cheaper car entirely.
He worries, however, that a cheaper car will only cost us more in the long run (ie what happens if it breaks down).

Has anyone done this? Any advice? Or is it just a stupid idea and I should keep my newer car?!

It really depends on how much you owe on the car. Personally I would look at trading the Mountaineer for a car that uses less gas! It also depends on what car you replaced it with and how handy you or your husband is with cars.

__________________
~Happiness is a large family~

ok that is kind of a compicated question there are a few things to look at
1. is the suv the primarily driven vehicle and how much gas do you use
2. are you upside down in the pontiac from what they will give you in trade
3. is your dh handy at fixing vehicles or do you know someone who is
those are just a few important things to look at.

we now buy used cars and drive them into the ground but we are fortunate enough that fil owns and auto reapair business and own a used car dealership so we get cars cheap and reapairs cheaper because for 14 years dh was a mehanic as well.

if you do trade in the car i would look for something that gets good gas mileage that maybe your dh could drive if you decide to stay home.

__________________
SILENCE IS GOLDEN BUT DUCK TAPE IS SILVER.

What would it take to pay off the Grand Prix?

Has it been a good car?

I'm not in favor of getting rid of the SUV, even if it is a gas hog. If it is a good all around vehicle and useful to you, keep it. It is paid off and a vehicle you know.

__________________
"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

It really depends upon with what you and your husband are most comfortable. If the Mountaineer is dependable, I would keep it. Knowing the history of your vehicle is very important.
From past experience, my DH traded in my old (13YO - bought it new when I was a teen), paid-off car for a 3YO Mountaineer. Ours was a lemon and we only had it 22 mos. We traded it off for a new car, and after everything was done, the payment on the Mountaineer plus what we had spent in repairs (divided by the mos. of ownership), equaled our new car payment.