Making a very big change.. need insight (Dallas, Van: buyer, luxury)

[FarNorthDallas]

The backs of your shirts will be constantly soaked in sweat.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by dmorrell

Hello,

Me and my husband will be moving from Canada to Texas (*braces for culture shock*). We will be driving from Canada in a large moving truck, and I would like to tow my little truck. I have a 1999 Chev Tracker which I absolutely LOVE. Its cheap on gas, in fantastic repair, and perfect for my lifestyle.. except that it has no AC. I originally planned to sell it and buy something similar with AC in Texas.. but I cant seem to find any similar vehicles that aren't either complete junkers or brand new and too expensive (apparently, 10 year old compact SUVs are rare in Texas? Who knew.)

SO my question is.. is it completely unreasonable to go without AC in a vehicle in Dallas, Texas? I've only ever driven in 100 degree weather once, in Washington .. but it was on a motorcycle (in full black leathers) .. it was hot as hell, but I don't know how it compares to enclosed vehicles.

Thanks for your input

You'll be miserable.

[jhilde101]

SO my question is.. is it completely unreasonable to go without AC in a vehicle in Dallas, Texas?

after moving here from the Midwest 14 yrs ago, my car's AC broke. I survived without AC in the car for 2 months before I could get it fixed, but it was HOT.

If you can afford to, sell it and buy a car with AC.

Coming from Canada, it would be safe to bet that it will take you several years to get used to the Texas climate.

good luck!!
J

[dmorrell]

Yep, all of the above is basically what I expected, I was just loath to admit it, haha. Thank you for steering me into the right direction. On top of it being extremely (even dangerously) hot, moving a vehicle across borders would probably be pricey .. lots of paper work and inspections and such.

Well, seeing as I'll be selling my baby .. does anyone know of any internet sites for selling/buying vehicles (or other items, like furniture) in the Dallas area? Im familiar with craigslist, and I use usedeverywhere.com (but apparently Texas isnt part of 'everywhere') Also, trackers are few and far between.. I suspect different vehicles are popular in the USA. Any suggestions on compact SUV's around 5-10 years old I should be looking for?

Thanks for all your sound advice!

[Squirl]

I always look on Ebay for my local area and then go see the car.
I also look on cars.com, kelly blue book (kbb.com) and autofinder.

Used Auto Price Quotes | AutoFinder.com

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by dmorrell

Yep, all of the above is basically what I expected, I was just loath to admit it, haha. Thank you for steering me into the right direction. On top of it being extremely (even dangerously) hot, moving a vehicle across borders would probably be pricey .. lots of paper work and inspections and such.

Well, seeing as I'll be selling my baby .. does anyone know of any internet sites for selling/buying vehicles (or other items, like furniture) in the Dallas area? Im familiar with craigslist, and I use usedeverywhere.com (but apparently Texas isnt part of 'everywhere') Also, trackers are few and far between.. I suspect different vehicles are popular in the USA. Any suggestions on compact SUV's around 5-10 years old I should be looking for?

Thanks for all your sound advice!

If you can possibly do so, sell it up there.

[GreyDay]

Try selling a car w/o heat up there.

[skids929]

Originally Posted by FarNorthDallas

The backs of your shirts will be constantly soaked in sweat.

great point..Feels awful and think when you get out of your car to go see someone you have to look respectable for.

[MckinneyOwnr]

Originally Posted by dmorrell

Any suggestions on compact SUV's around 5-10 years old I should be looking for?

Thanks for all your sound advice!

You don't mention whether you have the two door or the 4 door tracker. If it's the 2 door version, you'll be hard pressed to find something like that in TX. Small SUV's here mainly have 4 doors, though some, like the Chevy Blazer (they stopped making it in 2005) can come with 2 or 4 doors. I'd also recommend a Jeep Liberty.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Check www.consumnerreports.com or see if your local library has the April issue. They rate best and worst used cars. Maybe not as old as you want, but it would at least be a guide.