Taking current car or buying new (to me) car to take cross country.... (Denver: sales)

[ehvoslef]

This is something I've been dwelling on for some time. I own a 2002 honda civic with 108k miles which runs well and has good market value still remaining. Could likely get $4500 for it. I also highly desire a pre-owned Subaru Forester with low-ish miles. I'm torn on whether I should just take my Civic to Denver From Boston, with limited cargo space and higher potential for mechanical issues, or make a private party sale of my Civic and put that towards a down payment on a Forester which may both provide a lot more cargo space and be more reliable on the drive
. It would also likely be my vehicle for the next 10 years or so. Would it be more wise to drive my vehicle to CO and THEN consider a newer car, or purchase a newer car in MA now and get the most cash value for it towards a down payment? A lot of factors to consider here but if anyone has had a similar predicament please share your thoughts!

[SkyDog77]

Not sure what the market is for Subarus in Boston, but the command a premium here versus many other markets. This is typically not the best place to buy them.

[GirlZilla77]

I'd look at your local CL and CarGurus.com in both places and see what you can find.

[Jimrob1]

If you decide to go ahead and purchase the vehicle in Mass, and then immediately move to Colorado. Then look at the amount of back to back fees you are going to incur from 2 states.

You will have to pay Mass the Sales Tax, registration and you will be responsible for the 2014 Excise Tax. I'm sure your well aware how expensive that Excise Tax will be.

Then in Colorado you will have to pay that state for their registration, and whatever other fees they may have. That's a lot of money back to back for a vehicle.

If it were me and I needed or wanted a new car and I was planning on moving immediately. Then I would buy the newer vehicle in my new state. The only time I would buy the vehicle before I left, is if I honestly felt my older vehicle just wasn't going to make the trip. That I would constantly be worried about breaking down. Otherwise if it runs well enough for the trip, I would just drive the Civic and save myself all that money.

[steveklein]

take the honda. give her some fresh oil and worry about the new car in your new city.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by ehvoslef

This is something I've been dwelling on for some time. I own a 2002 honda civic with 108k miles which runs well and has good market value still remaining. Could likely get $4500 for it. I also highly desire a pre-owned Subaru Forester with low-ish miles. I'm torn on whether I should just take my Civic to Denver From Boston, with limited cargo space and higher potential for mechanical issues

I have an '05 Civic Hybrid with 358,000 miles, most of which were driven here in Colorado.

Your '02 with 1/3 the miles will be fine.