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You are correct that I can't have savings. The credit card is a good idea; I use PayPal as well. This past year I took a big hit with moving expenses, and am just playing catch up now. But you are right about watching where the money goes. I spend too much on food for sure. I need to budget more carefully going forward.
I don't think selling the car and getting another is a good idea. This car is a known entity. It saw me through a cross-country trip and back without any issues, and one way I was alone with a cat and dog and dreaded a breakdown. It has no mechanical issues and still has some warranty, so buying an (unknown) used car seems risky.
You can always sell it later. Keep it for now. Maybe get a side job and save a bit in a reserve
I have had so many old cars that always seemed to require $ that not needing one was always a money-saver. The NYC subway never cost me much compared to owning, maintaining and parking a vehicle. In Vermont, a whole different animal. I guess I need to sock some money aside for repair bills and hope for the best. I do like the car and don't think selling it and getting a different make is the answer. It's either keep it or get rid of it. My cousin recently told me she had a $3000 brake repair bill for a low-mileage Toyota. I'm like WTF? All I can think of is the ABS system to be that expensive. It just sounds excessive and got me worried to death. I don't know anything about cars really and can't do any work myself. It's a far cry from the old days where repairs were simple and any gas station could replace say, a fan belt or fuel pump and send you on your way.
Good points. I agree that a $3000 brake repair bill is a real shocker. Cars are more reliable now but when something does go wrong it's more likely to cost mega-bucks. So many things are electronic in nature and the shops need to have very expensive diagnostic equipment. The days of the shade tree mechanic are largely behind us!
I agree with you that getting a different make is not the answer. Volkswagens are considered reliable too.
Give yourself a trial period of at least a couple, maybe three months where you give the car up and use any of the other methods available to you. You are pretty isolated - so don't do something rash that you might regret. You don't need the money immediately so at least see what it feel like without your own wheels. The car might sell for more when the weather's warm anyway. Don't guess what you need - give it a try and keep track of how much those other options will cost you in both dollars and time.
I'm planning on going car-less in my retirement years down in Tucson, although a very bike-friendly city. I already have 3 bicycles stored away for those days.
And? Once a month I plan to do some really heavy, stock-up shopping with an Enterprise Rent-a-car, where they, at least here in Las Vegas, pick you up at your home and give you a ride back to your house at the end of the rental!
They must have an Enterprise office near you somewhere, No? Or Avis or Hertz?
I'm planning on going car-less in my retirement years down in Tucson, although a very bike-friendly city. I already have 3 bicycles stored away for those days.
And? Once a month I plan to do some really heavy, stock-up shopping with an Enterprise Rent-a-car, where they, at least here in Las Vegas, pick you up at your home and give you a ride back to your house at the end of the rental!
They must have an Enterprise office near you somewhere, No? Or Avis or Hertz?
The nearest car rentals are maybe 15-20 miles away, and Enterprise doesn't pick you up here (too far, I guess).
I have gotten great advice and have decided to keep the car but also use it less. I am going to try the bus for shopping and appointments just to see how practical that would be. The more I thought about being without wheels here, the more I realized what I would be giving up. And if I can find a regular part-time gig, I will need a way to get there. If the car breaks down, it can always sit while I save the $ to fix it!
Good points. I agree that a $3000 brake repair bill is a real shocker. Cars are more reliable now but when something does go wrong it's more likely to cost mega-bucks. So many things are electronic in nature and the shops need to have very expensive diagnostic equipment. The days of the shade tree mechanic are largely behind us! .
Generally, the only way that you have a $3000 brake job is when you completely abuse your vehicle and completely ignore the problem for MONTHS, especially on a Toyota.
I have owned my Toyota vehicle for 9 years and 105k miles. I had the front brakes serviced at 60k miles for $225 and the rear braked serviced at 105k miles yesterday at about $200. Both were serviced at the dealership which is probably 20% HIGHER than if I had gone to an independent.
The old commercial used to say "you can pay me now or you can pay me later." Paying later is going top cost a lot more in the long run.
The nearest car rentals are maybe 15-20 miles away, and Enterprise doesn't pick you up here (too far, I guess).
I have gotten great advice and have decided to keep the car but also use it less. I am going to try the bus for shopping and appointments just to see how practical that would be. The more I thought about being without wheels here, the more I realized what I would be giving up. And if I can find a regular part-time gig, I will need a way to get there. If the car breaks down, it can always sit while I save the $ to fix it!
Thanks to all who responded, much obliged.
I think this is a wise decision. Unless you live in a city with decent public transport, it's really difficult without a car.
The suggestion to use a credit card to get around savings limitations is another good idea. Of course, with low interest rates, you won't lose much if you sock away your savings under your mattress.
Generally, the only way that you have a $3000 brake job is when you completely abuse your vehicle and completely ignore the problem for MONTHS, especially on a Toyota.
I have owned my Toyota vehicle for 9 years and 105k miles. I had the front brakes serviced at 60k miles for $225 and the rear braked serviced at 105k miles yesterday at about $200. Both were serviced at the dealership which is probably 20% HIGHER than if I had gone to an independent.
The old commercial used to say "you can pay me now or you can pay me later." Paying later is going top cost a lot more in the long run.
Yeah that floored me. $3k?? My cousin is an elderly woman who rarely drives and I am pretty sure she isn't abusive to her car. Makes me wonder about the shop she went to for repair....
sell it and use the $10,000 to buy a used but warranted CPO Honda Civic...... it sounds like you need a car
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