Car stolen what to do next

[Tree0164]

Hi

My 2001 Chrysler mini-van was stolen yesterday. I am doubtful that it will be found. We did have a loan on it since it was just bought last year. I owe just over 4k on it and the blue book value is about 6k which I assume I would get for insurance.

I don't have the money in saving to buy a new car. I may be able to take $2k out more of a downpayment. We also have a 1996 car that will need to be replaced in 1-2 years.

I do need a mini-van I still have 2 kids a in car seats.

Should I buy something fairly new and keep it for years thinking about 15k or so.

Should I buy something under $7k and then get a newer car in a few years.

Thoughts????

[tinapbeana]

tree, i'm really sorry to hear about your car!

knowing that you've got one car that would need to be replaced in the next year or two, my recommendation is to take the insurance money, add any from savings you can, and buy the best mini-van you can for cash. 6-8k should get you something that's still reliable. this way, you can take the amount you were paying monthly on the van and set it aside in savings for the next car.

[Diolla]

I am so sorry.

Maybe you can take this as an opportunity to get something smaller with better gas mileage. I put two kids, in car seats, in the back seat of my Nissan. I don't understand why you need a mini-van which to me = higher price and lower gas mileage. Are you expecting more kids soon? A decent sized sedan would probably do it.

Either way I would try not to go into debt any more than you were before the van was stolen.

[aurielle]

Sorry to hear about your car.

[dossin1]

Sorry about your mini-van. Ours was stolen in January, but the cops found it about 2 wks later. Maybe you'll get lucky too. Remember, you don't necessarily get the blue book, the insurance company told us they would negotiate a settlement. If you have any special options on the car or maybe had new tires or major work done to put it in good condition, be sure and let them know. Especially if you have the receipts.

Good Luck

[LuxLiving]

OUCH! I had a car stolen once. It is the strangest feeling..."But, honey, I left it right here." Weird.

We got ours back too. Stripped of course, but still. Try to hold off buying something else for a few days if you can.

[project15]

Words from the wife:

I had my Mazda 3 stolen last December '05 from Chicago and it was found three weeks later in Los Angeles. I contacted my insurance company upon the theft (State Farm) and they had agreed to replace the car if it was not found within 30 days.

Unfortunately, it was found within the 30 day period and the interior was destroyed. State Farm paid for the storage it sat in Los Angeles, the fee to have it towed back to Chicago, storage fees in Chicago, the whole thing. When it was all over with, the insurance company put 13K into my car for interior and exterior repairs.

My best advice, contact your insurance company, stay assertive, and use them because that is why we pay so much for insurance! Good Luck!

[Tree0164]

thanks for all the advice. I am still debating on what to do. Hubby and I kept bouncing ideas back and forth on this. This wasn't a finanical decision that I wanted to make ever!

We do have to wait 30 days so we will see what is going on there. Also it gives me time to save up some extra money.

Our insurance agent said this their was probably a "hit" for a Chrysler Town and Country car... and mine pulled into a parking lot. He doesn't think I will get it back until the cops find it within the first 48 hrs.

[QueenOphelia]

So sorry about the van. I'm a big fan of used Hondas and Toyotas. They last forever and usually require little maintainence.

[Fern]

Originally Posted by Diolla

I am so sorry.

Maybe you can take this as an opportunity to get something smaller with better gas mileage. I put two kids, in car seats, in the back seat of my Nissan. I don't understand why you need a mini-van which to me = higher price and lower gas mileage. Are you expecting more kids soon? A decent sized sedan would probably do it.

Either way I would try not to go into debt any more than you were before the van was stolen.

I agree. With just 4 people to seat, you should aim to get something that gets at least 30 to 35 mpg.

[Ima saver]

I had no car advice, I am just so sorry this happened to you. I have never had a car stolen, I can't even imagine that!

[PRICEPLUS]

Very sorry about your car being stolen. I would see what deal sthey have on previously owned cars and what kind of deal you can get. Check out Toyota and Honda as they make a very good product and you get good value. My sister has a Toyota Wagon she bought used a couple of years ago and it is still humming aong!!!!

[DivaJen]

No advice, but you have my sympathies.
Too bad you don't live near me - I'm trying to sell my Passat wagon.

[Tree0164]

We got our van back!! No damage that a little lysol can't fix. The idiot that stole our car left a dr's appointment card with his first and last name on it and the cops know who he is. He had a little party in our car.

We do have 3 kids so it is a total of 5 of us in the car so with 2 in seats there is no way that 3 fit in the back-we have tried it. I am just so glad that I don't have to worry and have a financial upset here.

[tinapbeana]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!! so glad to hear the situation is resolved, and quite neatly too! but hey, at least you got some great tips for when the next car comes up for replacement.

sounds like your car guy needs to be on 'stupid crooks'

[Diolla]

That's great you got it back!

I didn't realize you had more kids than just the two in car seats. I see alot of small (1-2 kids) families in vans and ASSumed you were one of them.

Sorry.

[QueenOphelia]

Originally Posted by DivaJen

No advice, but you have my sympathies.
Too bad you don't live near me - I'm trying to sell my Passat wagon.

Hey Diva....what kind of Passat Wagon? I have a 2002 1.8T Blue Anthracite GLS that I love love LOVE! It's been paid off for 2 years and has 41k miles. I hope to keep if for another 3-4 years.



YAY for the van coming home!!!

[DivaJen]

Ours is a '99, dark green with gray interior and about 66K miles. We're only selling it because we bought a Prius over the summer and don't need both cars.

Theresa - so glad to hear you got your van back!

[vishenda]

If you are thinking of buying a newer car for 15 and are financing most of it, then you should be looking at a NEW car. New cars often have 0% financing, which makes the payments a lot less than on a used car which always finances for interest. If you find the right deal, you could probably pick up a brand new mini van for for 20k which will be about 350 a month. You probably pay less per month, but think about the fact that the new car has a warrantee and probably gets better milage. If you MUST finance a used car, go a cheap as possible, because all cars need to be maintained starting about 40k miles (new tires, brakes, etc), and you are better off sinking your money into quality repairs than you are into a slightly nicer vehicle. Hope this helps, somehow

[Broken Arrow]

Wow. How on Earth did I miss this thread? I'm glad it's got a happy ending to it though. As one can imagine, it doesn't always end up like this.

Originally Posted by QueenOphelia

So sorry about the van. I'm a big fan of used Hondas and Toyotas. They last forever and usually require little maintainence.

I thought I'd just point out that even though I agree about Honda and Toyota's general reliability, they are also among the most stolen vehicles out there.

Here's a quickie link on it. In case anyone didn't know, Acuras are made by Honda.

The conventional wisdom on why is because the more prevalent a type of vehicle is, the higher the demand will be for parts; be it through vehicular accidents or just general wear and tear. Some vehicles also hold great appeal for aftermarket ricers. Anyway, the higher the demand, the more likely they will also be stolen and stripped down for parts. Even the black market answers to supply and demand, it seems.

By logical extension, the safest vehicles would be the ones whose parts are not in high demand. Unusual vehicles, unpopular vehicles, and vehicles that are not typically used for modding are the ideal candidates.