3 cars in a 2 driver family

[KevDolan]

We have three cars and only two drivers. My parents gifted us their 2003 Matrix. I think we should get rid of one of the cars but the Matrix was a gift so I don't feel like we can sell the Matrix. (I know that somebody will insist we get rid of two cars, but I am a traveling musician and my wife and 4 year old need a car when I'm not home.) I am having trouble deciding which car to eliminate.

96 Corolla  Mileage: 260K  Condition: It's beat up, but the engine works great with good mpg. Resale Value: $500
2002 Jetta  Mileage: 110K  Condition: Good.                                                                         Resale Value: $3000
2003 Matrix Mileage: 60K    Condition: Excellent                                                                    Resale Value: $8000

Any ideas on which vehicle to sell?

[ketchup]

Dump the VW.  You don't want to deal with it becoming an old VW.  Let it turn into someone else's old VW.

[southernhippie]

VW because you can get some money for it.

How far do you travel?  Which car do you usually take?

[hdatontodo]

I would think the Corolla is going to need replacing soon so sell it while it still functions and keep the others.

[Self-employed-swami]

I'm sorry, but your 2003 Matrix isn't worth $8,000, no matter how low the milage.

That being said, I'd get rid of the VW, and keep the toyotas.

[Ohio Teacher]

VW ainec. If you've made it to this point without needing regular repairs, you have been fortunate.  That generation of Jettas was rife with issues.  The Matrix is the family car and the old reliable Corolla, with its great mpg, is your road car.

[Davids]

I agree with others, sell the Jetta.

[KevDolan]

Thanks all! We will sell the Jetta, with the awareness that the Corolla may not be very long for this world. On the other hand, that Corolla may go another 150K.

Thanks, again.

[MayDay]

We had a similar situation, we had two 10 year old civi vs, and we're gifted a 9 year old minivan.

Sold a civic yesterday after dithering for six months. 

[KevDolan]

We've dithered for a while as well. We've had three cars for over a year.

And Southern Hippie, I drive the Corolla for my work trips. For work I drive about 20K per year.

All of the car prices I listed were from Kelley Blue Book.

My mechanic is pleased with the condition of the engine. Hopefully the Corolla will keep on trucking. Thanks again for the feedback. It's been helpful hear you  weigh in on this issue.

[southernhippie]

Yea.  If you take the corolla on road trips and is still mechanically functional, then definitively get rid of the VW.  Corolla will be cheaper to fix than the VW.