Advice on buying a new vehicle

**bjl584** · 07-16-2012, 03:28 AM

I'd probably keep the Saturn and make due until you know for sure if you want another kid. It sounds like it serves its purpose for you and you want a new vehicle more than you really need one.

The Saturn is as safe as any other car. I don't really think that there is any such thing as a dangerous car in this day and age. I wouldn't put a small child in a convertible Corvette, but other than that, any car is going to be as safe as any other.

**JoeP** · 07-16-2012, 04:21 AM

Can you sell it and buy a basic used 4 door car, like a Buick Century or a Ford Taurus? You should be able to find a decent used one on craigslist or even trolling some used car lots.

**disneysteve** · 07-16-2012, 04:53 AM

Originally posted by Goldy1 View Post

I hate to trade it in and owe 10 grand and not really have any more space.

Why would you need to owe 10K if you replaced the Saturn? Find out what your car is worth. Sell it and then take that money, and maybe a little more but certainly not 10K, and buy something bigger and more family-friendly.

I did a very quick search and it looks like a 2007 Ion is worth about 7K. Surely, for 7K, you could find yourself something with 4 doors and more space. Or you could put in a few thousand more and get something even newer, especially since you want an American car since those don't hold their value nearly as well as the foreign models. You definitely don't need another 10K to get something that fits your family better.

**MonkeyMama** · 07-16-2012, 05:57 AM

I'd keep the car. I have been relieved we didn't go the normal route of getting bigger cars for our kids. My husband likes small cars and the kids do not take *any* room in the car now that they are out of carseats. At 3, you should be almost done. (A booster seat does not take up any space to speak of).

My kids will easily be 6 feet tall, and I am sure a bigger car will be of concern in a few more years, but I just don't get how cramped it could be with a little kid and a booster seat. ?? We have 2 little kids who don't take up any space to speak of.

If it were me, I'd hold off, or I would just do an even trade for something bigger. You don't have to spend a lot more money to go bigger. (When my first child was born I sold my too-small sports car and traded up in size, but bought something cheaper so pocketed a couple of thousand dollars. It was actually a newer model but just had a lot more miles and wasn't quite so sporty. I'd think small cars would be valuable these days with gas prices and all, so could maybe do a pretty even trade, even if it is bigger).

**MonkeyMama** · 07-16-2012, 05:58 AM

If it is your husband that makes the car cramped is there any reason you don't just take his car when you go places with him? Maybe you only have one car?

**Goldy1** · 07-16-2012, 07:03 AM

Steve, you were right on themoney saying my car has a 7k trade in value.
I guess I figured if someone hit us(God forbid) my son would be safer in a bigger higher up vehicle, but my husband thinks any car could be unsafe.

I think waiting until we know for sure we want another child b4 buying is prudent. I'd hate to buy a car for 3 and then find I need yet a bigger one for four.

When I bought my Saturn, it was the cheapest car I could find. I wanted a slightly used car.

My husband is ok with buying a new car, but I"m more financially frugal than he is. He is frugal though.

my hubbie drives a bigger car more to his comfort. It's an older Monte Carlo he bought new in 2005 or so. Thing is;his car seats are bigger and have more leg rooom but it's harder getting the kid in an out or anyone out from the back seat b/c he has a 2 door and I have the third door.
My seats go down nd can hold a bigger box or stuff too than his.

**JoeP** · 07-16-2012, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by Goldy1 View Post

my hubbie drives a bigger car more to his comfort. It's an older Monte Carlo he bought new in 2005 or so. Thing is;his car seats are bigger and have more leg rooom but it's harder getting the kid in an out or anyone out from the back seat b/c he has a 2 door and I have the third door.
My seats go down nd can hold a bigger box or stuff too than his.

I think you'll find that 4 doors plus a trunk will serve you much better than 2 door anything. You could sell your car and easily get a nice sedan for the money; you won't have to come up with any additional money. An 06 Ford Taurus and 06 Buick Regal goes for around $7k at dealers around here. The extra space and mass are a huge plus IMHO.

**Goldy1** · 07-16-2012, 08:07 AM

This thread makes me feel so old..lol. Um if you have 2 kids, do you have to get a mini van or can you drive a car still?

**Goldy1** · 07-16-2012, 08:10 AM

I don't mind putting some money in for a new car. I can probably afford it, but don't want to put like 6 grand into it. Maybe 3 or 4. I guess I'd not want to buy something older than what I have;just seems odd to buy an older car even if I am trading up in size. also gas milage is good with a saturn.

**disneysteve** · 07-16-2012, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by Goldy1 View Post

This thread makes me feel so old..lol. Um if you have 2 kids, do you have to get a mini van or can you drive a car still?

You certainly don't have to get a minivan (though we love ours and our daughter is 16 now). One thing to watch for is if you can fit 2 car seats in. In my Camry, the car seat only fit properly in the center of the back seat which left no room for a second seat (or any additional passengers).

**feh** · 07-16-2012, 08:51 AM

Personally, I'd keep the current car. I understand having 4 doors would be more convenient, but with only 1 child, I'd make do. Before long you won't have to deal w/ a car seat.

I've never bought into the idea that a family of 4 needs a minivan.

**Goldy1** · 07-16-2012, 09:40 AM

I'l probably keep the current car for a while. Each month with no car payment is more cash for saving or anything else.
It's kind of a toss up and can go either way. If I stayed child free I woulda drove this car around for a very long time;maybe 8 years. I wasn't sure I wanted to drive it that long.
I decided to keep it until another child comes if it does, and that is another set of financial decisions. Having one child is not that financially bad. Well it is but not as bad as two. HAving a second would mean later retirement for my husband who is already 41(a very young 41 with no gray hair and still athletic but still 41 is not young to be dad!!!!!) lol I might post a thread on that later.

**Like2Plan** · 07-16-2012, 10:40 AM

Originally posted by Goldy1 View Post

I hate to trade it in and owe 10 grand and not really have any more space. Not sure I want a full on mini van.(I don't really)
no offense to those who do, but I can't buy a foreign vehicle. My whole family works for the big three and it's a really big deal I don't.(many of my buddies do)
signed
woman with the smallest itty bitty car at all the family functions

I am of the opinion that you have to go with what you like. I prefer driving a smaller vehicle (with 4 doors

)-- I drive a Pontiac Vibe and I love it. It is easy to park and is good on the gas mileage. Sometimes when we are going downtown Washington DC, we will take my car because it is easier to get into and out of tight parking spots.

DH drives a minivan (since he was 39

). He has had 3. He would not drive anything else. He likes the way you sit higher from the road than you would in a regular car. I will admit the van is more comfortable than my car (but I won't drive it unless I have to! I like smaller and more maneuverable.

). The van is a great vehicle for car pooling/camping trips/out of town family visits/tailgating/travel/hauling "stuff", et'c.

It doesn't sound like you have many overly picky requirements for your vehicle. I think 4 doors would make things a lot easier for you, though.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 07-16-2012, 12:58 PM

I am about to buy another 4 door used sedan. I am ready to do a slight trade. I am due with #2 any day. I am not ready to be a minivan mommy and yes I will be having kiddo #3 probably in another 2 years. It's not going to work in a sedan but until then I like a sedan. Now I think my corolla a bit too tight with 2 kids and I want newer safety features. Plus my husband has trouble in my car being leggy driving it if we switched. I have a tiny bit of trouble with his car the but it's more manageable.

Mostly it depends on the age of kids. I have yet to meet a mom of twins who manages without a minivan. Probably because the kids are the same age. So I wouldn't say no one with 2 kids doesn't need a minivan, especially since car seat rules have changed a lot.

MM now they recommend rear facing until age 2 in a convertible seat. Fitting that in most sedans is tough because the rear facing behind a driver leaves no leg room. So I think it depends on how you space out your kids and how big they are. Mine easily could be sitting rear facing still at 2.5 and won't be out of her convertible for a long time. She's short and is on the 3rd harness strap and light so I doubt moving her to a booster as early as some will work. Friends have their 4 year old in a convertible still not a booster and I doubt he'll be moving up soon (he's like my daughter in size peanuts).

When my duaghter was born we got rid of the 2 dr car because it was inconveinent. I cheer you made it. We couldn't deal with it and the car was breaking down. I won't ever go back to 2 drs with kids. Although a 2008 might make me change my mind. My car is about 10 years older than that.

Advice on buying a new vehicle