Sell the reliable car to save money?

**BuckyBadger** · 03-02-2012, 04:11 AM

I thought you got free rent with your new job as a caretaker?

Why on earth a VW bus? If you want to trade in for a cheaper car that's one thing, but why trade in for a gas guzzling behemoth which is still gonna need tires, gas, and repairs. I understand possibly trying to go WITHOUT a car, or trading down to a beater maybe, but don't understand trading in a car for a bus.

Lastly, if you're keeping your phones just to use as a camera, (and you don't need them as a phone) you can get a digital camera for less than $100. It's a one-time outlay of cash, but there is no ongoing contract. Once you pay for it your're done.

You live where you work now, right? Can you go without a car at all? Makes more sense that buying a bus to me...

**bjl584** · 03-02-2012, 04:35 AM

I would not trade in a reliable 5 year old ford focus on a VW bus that is 35 to 40 years old. No way. A VW camper bus is a luxury item. Something that you buy with discretionary income. It is not in any way a daily driver. Too old, too expensive to fix, too hard to find parts, too expensive to insure, too outdated and unsafe, underpowered, bad fuel economy. That's my take. It's a nice toy, but not a practical means of everyday transportation.

**Fr�gal** · 03-02-2012, 07:04 AM

I forgot to mention that it would not be a daily driver. We only drive on the weekends, and only about 50 miles every weekend.

VW buses are easier to work on than most vehicles, and I am willing to do the work myself. I know someone who could help me and teach me more than I already know about working on them. He can also help us get into a good bus.

**bjl584** · 03-02-2012, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by Fr�gal View Post

I forgot to mention that it would not be a daily driver. We only drive on the weekends, and only about 50 miles every weekend.

VW buses are easier to work on than most vehicles, and I am willing to do the work myself. I know someone who could help me and teach me more than I already know about working on them. He can also help us get into a good bus.

But, if you only use it on weekends, then what are you going to use for daily commuting? Since buying this bus hinges on selling the Focus, what are you going to be using for daily driving?

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 03-02-2012, 09:28 AM

I think he's saying he ONLY drives on weekends. No commute driving.

In that case, I really think you could save a lot of money just taking cabs and any available public transportation.

**thekid** · 03-02-2012, 09:29 AM

Originally posted by Fr�gal View Post

I forgot to mention that it would not be a daily driver. We only drive on the weekends, and only about 50 miles every weekend.

VW buses are easier to work on than most vehicles, and I am willing to do the work myself. I know someone who could help me and teach me more than I already know about working on them. He can also help us get into a good bus.

I think we may have missed something. What's the reasoning behind changing the Focus to the VW bus? What's your aim?

**Fr�gal** · 03-02-2012, 10:04 AM

Originally posted by thekid View Post

I think we may have missed something. What's the reasoning behind changing the Focus to the VW bus? What's your aim?

I apologize.

The Focus payment is $136/mo, and insurance went up to $166/mo. I find it unreasonable to be paying so much for a vehicle that gets used so little.

And yes, we do not have a commute.

Just grocery-getting and fun outings.

**Fr�gal** · 03-02-2012, 10:15 AM

Yes, we could go without a car for a while. The grocery store (Grocery Outlet) is two miles away, but it is uphill and a 1,000 foot elevation change, at least. It would be pretty difficult to safely do so with the little on in-tow.

We are not opposed to going without a car. We are thinking about it, as it would allow us to save money to get a better, more reliable bus. The bus is a dream we have had. However, if we do go about this dream, I don't want to regret it. We want to be able to take it out on the weekends when we want. Not have it stuck up on a jack being worked on all the time. So, I am beginning to think that if we go without a vehicle for a few months, we could be able to afford an even better bus within a year or so. It will suck not being able to go anywhere on a whim, but we have lived that way before. Just don't want to live that way forever, ya know?

**bjl584** · 03-02-2012, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by Fr�gal View Post

Yes, we could go without a car for a while. The grocery store (Grocery Outlet) is two miles away, but it is uphill and a 1,000 foot elevation change, at least. It would be pretty difficult to safely do so with the little on in-tow.

We are not opposed to going without a car. We are thinking about it, as it would allow us to save money to get a better, more reliable bus. The bus is a dream we have had. However, if we do go about this dream, I don't want to regret it. We want to be able to take it out on the weekends when we want. Not have it stuck up on a jack being worked on all the time. So, I am beginning to think that if we go without a vehicle for a few months, we could be able to afford an even better bus within a year or so. It will suck not being able to go anywhere on a whim, but we have lived that way before. Just don't want to live that way forever, ya know?

I like that plan better. Buy something a little newer and more reliable by waiting a while. A dream car can turn into a nightmare if you spend your weekends up to your elbows in grease swearing up a storm.

**Fr�gal** · 03-02-2012, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by bjl584 View Post

I like that plan better. Buy something a little newer and more reliable by waiting a while. A dream car can turn into a nightmare if you spend your weekends up to your elbows in grease swearing up a storm.

I don't know about newer, but it would definitely be in better shape.

We should be able to save about $3,500 in a year's time if we stick to our guns. That would give us around $7,600, or around $11,000 if we use our tax returns for it as well. (BTW, I am rounding DOWN on all figures.) $11,000, if you didn't know, will buy you a bus in like-new condition. New engine, paint, everything.

We are seriously mulling over this plan, and are thinking we may be able to do it.

**creditcardfree** · 03-02-2012, 11:23 AM

Have you looked into how much insurance would be on VW bus? What happens to the rate if you are without vehicle insurance for a year....are you less insurable thus an even higher rate? I'm just asking the questions. I don't know if that is a possibility or not.

**Fr�gal** · 03-02-2012, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by creditcardfree View Post

Have you looked into how much insurance would be on VW bus? What happens to the rate if you are without vehicle insurance for a year....are you less insurable thus an even higher rate? I'm just asking the questions. I don't know if that is a possibility or not.

The bus would be less than $30/mo for full coverage.

As for your second question... That is a GOOD question! I am not sure.

**creditcardfree** · 03-02-2012, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by Fr�gal View Post

The bus would be less than $30/mo for full coverage.

As for your second question... That is a GOOD question! I am not sure.

Wow, that is big change in coverage per month! Seems odd but I didn't finish my actuary degree so what do I know.

**Fr�gal** · 03-02-2012, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by creditcardfree View Post

Wow, that is big change in coverage per month! Seems odd but I didn't finish my actuary degree so what do I know.

Yes it is. Our '90 Jeep Cherokee was only $40/mo to insure.

Sell the reliable car to save money?