Toss good money after bad?

[LivingAlmostLarge]

So how much more money should I toss after my DH's car? Sigh. It won't start, right after we spent a fortune $2k in June to make it drivable. It's only got 90k miles, it's a 2000 Ford Focus.

Yes this is the car we're fighting about. But we came to a compromise. We were going to make do with the car until February, but more like September 2010. Then we'd get a new/new used car. Why? Because we still can't agree on the type of car to buy.

My DH still wants to buy a 4 dr subcompact sedan (Nissan Versa, Toyota Matrix, etc) to replace his car. I think it's stupid because we're replacing a car with the exact same type of car. What's the point?

So we compromised and agreed to see how much stuff and space a baby needs then one of us will change their minds (probably him, but I could be wrong).

But now the car won't start. He's decided he doesn't want to spend money and fix it. I don't either, but I'm not willing to buy ANOTHER small car, so I'm digging in my heels and refusing to purchase even a used small car.

So how much would you spend on repairing the Focus? According to KBB it's worth like $3k. How much is too much money to keep tossing good after bad?

[disneysteve]

Unfortunately, nothing we say will resolve this issue as the debate is between the two of you.

I'll give the same answer I gave before. Get rid of the Ford. I wouldn't have spent the 2K in June. The car just isn't worth it. I certainly wouldn't spend even more at this point on a car only worth 3K. Maybe if it was a Toyota or Honda but not on a Ford.

[KTP]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Unfortunately, nothing we say will resolve this issue as the debate is between the two of you.

I'll give the same answer I gave before. Get rid of the Ford. I wouldn't have spent the 2K in June. The car just isn't worth it. I certainly wouldn't spend even more at this point on a car only worth 3K. Maybe if it was a Toyota or Honda but not on a Ford.

This is the big problem I have had when people give budget suggestions of "get rid of your newish car (and payment) and get a beater". If you are unlucky in your choice of a beater (and it is kind of a gamble in any situation) then you could face a big repair bill like this and still end up with a problem car.

Perhaps people mean that you should get a beater, and if it ever breaks down with say, more than a $200 repair required you sell it for scrap and get another beater? Sort of like putting a stop loss on your stocks :-)

[zetta]

Are you a 2 car family? If you drive something that is roomy enough to satisfy you (ie fit a car seat, stroller, and have room for groceries), then his having a smaller car shouldn't be that much of a problem. For the first year we never even bothered installing a car seat in my DH's car -- whoever needed to take our son along just took my car.

My mom drives a Toyota Matrix, and I think it would be fine for up to 2 kids. You can get two car seats in the back seat and a stroller in the trunk, and still have room for a small grocery run.

Take your car seat and stroller when you go car shopping, and check it out.

[inneedofhelp]

Would you agree on the smaller toyota and honda suv's that are available? they have good gas mileage, 4 doors, and offer a bit more room than a sedan...without being the standard huge suv.

[GREENBACK]

Originally Posted by LivingAlmostLarge

But now the car won't start.

You say it "won't start". What do you mean by that? Is this possibly a simple fix? A corroded bettery terminal or something similar could do this. Even if it's a starter or an ignition switch it's a cheap fix. Lots of inexpensive things can keep an engine from starting.

Now if you're just ready to get rid of the thing this is somewhat of an excuse to do it but I'd check it first before making assumptions that it's a goner. Remember this stuff happens to relatively new vehicles all the time.

[MonkeyMama]

Depends what is wrong with it. If it's just a battery or something, obviously you should keep it a while. Just because a car doesn't start doesn't mean it's a piece of crap. Lots of minor reasons why.

There are plenty of crappy cars out there of all makes and models, and if it's a big repair, it might be time to move on. I haven't heard much good about that particular model. For me it would depend *what* the problem was, more than just the cost, though. (I've driven some really old beaters and never had a major auto repair - beyond things wearing out that you expect to wear out. So I've never really faced this decision).

I've already thrown in my 2 cents that a small vehicle is no big deal with 2 kids - my spouse loves his subcompact and primarily drives the kids. & we even prefer the small car for road trips. If you get a carseat or a stroller for your larger car, it might not fit. There are more compact carseats and strollers out there. But most run large - from the age of SUV.

But realistically, would the new baby ever go in the smaller car, anyway? I am with Zetta. We had one baby car for the first year, too. & my spouse and I had the same fights before the baby arrived, because my car was not practical. In the end it really didn't matter. So I just never took the baby in my car. Now that I have a minivan? No one drives it - the gas mileage sucks. Seriously, we just fight over the subcompact. The kids are out of carseats so it doesn't really make a hoot of a difference just a few years later.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by MonkeyMama

But realistically, would the new baby ever go in the smaller car, anyway? I am with Zetta. We had one baby car for the first year, too. & my spouse and I had the same fights before the baby arrived, because my car was not practical. In the end it really didn't matter. So I just never took the baby in my car. Now that I have a minivan? No one drives it - the gas mileage sucks. Seriously, we just fight over the subcompact. The kids are out of carseats so it doesn't really make a hoot of a difference just a few years later.

This is a good point. My daughter very rarely went in my car (a Camry) when she was a baby. We always used the minivan because it was so much easier to get her in and out of, plus it had lots of space for all the baby stuff. In the Camry, the car seat only fit in the center of the back seat, so nobody else could ride back there. Since we often go out with other family members, the van was the only way to go.

[wincrasher]

I remember this back then - your hubby wanted a new/different car but you said no. Sounds like it's always what you want., not what he wants.

I wouldn't be OK with carting a baby around in a 9-10 year old car. So get a decent car.

You have to at least diagnose the problem with the old car. Without it even starting, it's worth zero. So figure out what it is - could be a simple fix. Then sell it on craigslist and get another car.

A small 4 door is a fine car for a small family. There are lots of choices in that category and the next class up that are affordable and dependable. WHat about a small wagon? Economy car mileage, yet space for bags, strollers, whatever.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Got a small 4 door car, a 99 corolla. Geez, what's wrong with driving a baby around in a 10 year old car? Is it so bad?

We had it towed to a mechanic. We checked the battery and it's fine. It could be the fuel pump, exhaust, etc.

This car has had so much work done over the years that almost everything is new except the engine and transmission. We just had the springs/struts/shocks done again.

We had the fuel pump replaced before, water pump, timing belt, spark plug, engine retuned, welded the hole in the back tire wheel.

And it's a crap car. But it's easier to fix it than to fight over what sort of car to get. I'm just debating if I should give in and let my DH get another stupid small car, depending on the price of the repair?

And why should I get another small car if we already have a toyota corolla?

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by LivingAlmostLarge

And why should I get another small car if we already have a toyota corolla?

I agree with you. We wouldn't think of giving up our minivan and our kid is almost 14. However, as I pointed out previously, this debate is not between you and me. It is between you and your husband. I'm not sure that anything we can say is going to change his mind. I wish you luck.

[Seeker]

Originally Posted by LivingAlmostLarge

Got a small 4 door car, a 99 corolla. Geez, what's wrong with driving a baby around in a 10 year old car? Is it so bad?

We had it towed to a mechanic. We checked the battery and it's fine. It could be the fuel pump, exhaust, etc.

This car has had so much work done over the years that almost everything is new except the engine and transmission. We just had the springs/struts/shocks done again.

We had the fuel pump replaced before, water pump, timing belt, spark plug, engine retuned, welded the hole in the back tire wheel.

And it's a crap car. But it's easier to fix it than to fight over what sort of car to get. I'm just debating if I should give in and let my DH get another stupid small car, depending on the price of the repair?

And why should I get another small car if we already have a toyota corolla?

There's nothing wrong with driving a baby in any good reliable car. The Toyota is probably fine. But neither of you will want to be out somewhere with a fussy baby and a broken-down auto.

The '00 Ford Focus with 90k miles, on the other hand, has lived for more miles than I've ever driven an American car. The oldest American car I've held was 13 years old, but only had 83k miles before it too starting needing more $'s in repairs than it was worth to get another more fuel efficient auto.

I second Steve.... I wouldn't repair the Ford.

If you two need a second car, find another used car that suits both your needs. Have a mechanic look it over.

[Seeker]

Originally Posted by KTP

This is the big problem I have had when people give budget suggestions of "get rid of your newish car (and payment) and get a beater". If you are unlucky in your choice of a beater (and it is kind of a gamble in any situation) then you could face a big repair bill like this and still end up with a problem car.

Perhaps people mean that you should get a beater, and if it ever breaks down with say, more than a $200 repair required you sell it for scrap and get another beater? Sort of like putting a stop loss on your stocks :-)

lol-- yup. A $200 repair bill is rather small though -- I'd repair if the repair costs are beyond 1/3 the worth of the auto -- after that it's time to replace. Especially if it's repair after repair.

But along with that "get a beater" comment sort of supposes that you know a good mechanic whom can test the car before the purchase is made, and recommend the potential pitfalls of the actual auto on hand. Or that the used car is certified. Or you know what to look for in a used car.

Unfortunately, not a lot of us have a good friendly personal mechanic whom can do this service for us. There are also websites that will show a history of repairs based on VIN numbers..... but I have no idea how complete or relaible they are either.

None of the options are "free" so it really comes down to how much time and effort do you want to spend, and how much dollars..... compared to how much you can afford. Some whom can afford new cars, buy used too... so it's really a comfort level and personal choice.

Repairs costing more than the car is worth is a sure time to find another reliable car (in whatever form each individual is more comfortable with).

[wincrasher]

Well what you drive really depends on where you live and how you use the car.

If it's just you and you are just driving around town, then maybe an unreliable beat-up POS is OK. If it breaks down, it's just a matter of inconvenience.

But what if you live in an extremely cold or hot climate? And you live out in the countryside?

You really want to get stuck on the side of a seldom used highway, miles from anything, when it's 20 below zero? Or if it's 105?

Then then there are safety features. Airbags are great, but cars are proven to be safer in accidents than SUV's and minivans. I love my Honda Odyssey for it's utility, but I know that my Hyundai sedan would be much safer in an accident.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I live in a colder climate and I like my corolla. It's NEVER broken down. VERY reliable. The thing keeps running like crazy. I figure at least another 5 years out of it, before I decide to dump it, if not sooner. The only reason to dump it is to get a minivan.

I made my DH the offer of driving the corolla and I get the baby mobile. Trust me I want a minivan. He made a HUGE face when I suggested a minivan. Said no.

Said no to driving my corolla because it's not FUN. He wants to like what he drives.

So I keep digging my heels in and refusing to buy a newer stupid car that I think is dumb because he refuses to buy a car I think is practical.

And yep, we have two dogs. I'd be happy with a Toyota Camry actually, I think a full size sedan would be perfect compromise. NOT an SUV or minivan, but the perfect step up to a minivan.

And he won't do Kias or Hyundais. He's very biased and he doesn't really want an American car either, not that I can blame him after our experiences.

[wincrasher]

I had a Corolla once. It wasn't a decent car until I got some good tires on it - then it wasn't half bad to drive around.

I'm a big lover of the Hyundais. I was biased too until I got my Sonata. I got a friend of mine to buy one. And another friend has had 3 Kias. She just got their little SUV and loves it.

I pickup up a new Genesis a few months ago. It's an amazing car and $20k less than an equivalent BMW.

Sounds like you need a family car and a fun car. Let him get something sporty that will make him happy and you get a van or a wagon to make you happy. That Toyota Versa looks cool and could fit the bill as you've described it.

[simpletron]

if your hushand has suggested buying the toyota matrix or the nissian versa hatchback(not sedan), I would suggest you check these out in person before you write it off as a subcompacts. they are both classified as mid-size, which is two steps up from subcompact and the same size as the camry. also because they are hatchbacks, you can fold one back seat down to create a lot of space for dogs and a stroller while having a carseat in the other back seat.

toyota matrix volumes
passenger - 94
luggage - 19.8
total - 113.8

toyota camry volumes
passenger - 101.4
luggage - 14.5
total - 116.9

all numbers are ft^3

I own a honda fit, which is the same style as these two car but slightly smaller. if a carseat will fit in the back seat, which I think it would, then both of these cars would work very well for you from the sound of things.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I do not want to buy two cars. We don't have the money for it. We can buy 1 new car period. The corolla runs great and should be fine as a commuter car and spare car.

The other car will be the family car.

Why should the baby and I make all the sacrifices? When does my DH have to make a sacrifice? Does he get to have his way all the time and without regards to our baby, dogs, and future kids?

If that's the case, and it's the family car, why should we get the same size car as we have now?

I'm willing to wait on a minivan until we have 2 kids, then feel it's more appropriate. So why not get a small step up to a 4 dr sedan and then in 3-5 years we get a minivan?

The other thing I'm waiting for is to see if we're having twins. That would be awesome, and it would force the issue in possibly another direction. And yes they run in my DH's family both sides.

[zetta]

This is definitely something to be settled between you and your DH -- although FWIW I agree 100% with you. Mom should get the new car and Dad should drive the Corolla, and make a plan for when to replace it with something he likes. Men often don't make that shift to putting the needs of the family first until months after the baby arrives. Maybe you should start the discussion from the point of "What should I drive the baby around in?" Is it more important to him to drive a "fun" car or for the baby to ride in a car with the latest side airbags, etc.?

By the way, from what I've read fraternal twins are inherited on the maternal side only (inherited tendency for the woman to release two eggs), and they haven't found any genetic link for having identical twins.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Darn, I thought identical twins was genetic?

A couple friends, including DH's best friend, said to let the baby come, and see how my DH changes. That he's being a dumb ass right now and refusing to acknowledge our life changing.

So instead just wait him out.