I've recently moved to another state, and my current paid-off car has a number of issues ('92 Honda, needs new windshield and breaks to make it legal and relicense in new state, provided it passes a safety and emissions check, plus fuel pump, plus timing belt.) My dad is a car guy and pretty frugal, so after the most recent new issue I asked him if it would be better to fix all the issues with the car and keep it going or to cut my losses with this one and get a new(er) car. His recommendation was to get something else.
So from recently selling my RV, I have $6,000 in cash right now, but the MAX I'm willing to spend on a car is $4,000.
With a lot of searching and some help from my dad, I've narrowed it down to three choices
1) 2002 Toyota Prius for
$3,900
145k miles
Clean title. According to ad, everything works, no repairs needed.
2) 2007 Chevy Aveo
$2,495 + dealer fees
115k miles
Rebuilt Title. Few details other than "runs good, looks good"
3) 2000 Hyundai Elantra
$1,650 + dealer fees
119k miles
Clean Title. Few details other than "this car is very good"
I feel that the obvious frugal answer is the Elantra, but I want the Prius. I think I could make a lower offer and the owner might accept, but even if not, I can still pay cash.
Problem is, my hair is on fire, so I feel that the 13-year old Prius might be too "fancy" for someone in my situation. The Elantra seems ok, gets decent mileage and is much cheaper, leaving more money for debts. The Chevy Aveo is kind of middle ground for me. It's much newer, has the fewest miles, and the price is pretty good because of the rebuilt title.
Anyway, I could be wrong, but I feel that I'm less likely to need to pay for repairs on the Prius except maybe the battery but even after that, it'd be pretty smooth sailing, while the other two cars could be a crap shoot. I know I'd be pretty bummed if I got the Elantra but ended up having to put in a sizeable amount of repairs in the not-too-distant future.
My primary use for the car will be long trips, and anytime I have my niece with me. I have a relatively short commute, but I've been biking it until I lost a small piece that keeps the left pedal on. It'll be fixed soon, but I'm new to biking so I don't feel ready to give up on a car completely, and I don't think I'm ready to go bike only this coming winter (northern utah) but I'll definitely be giving it a try.
Repairs are a concern but I have a lot of other reasons (i.e. justifications) for preferring the Prius:
1. My ex sister-in-law is a bit anal about types of cars her baby rides in, and I'm pretty sure Prius would get her highest blessing.
2. The Prius is LIGHT BLUE and really CUTE and I love it
3. The more I bike, the less I'll be driving it, so it could potentially last me a REALLY long time,
4. If I get it, it'll be hands-down, the NICEST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED.
ok. Facepunches? or would the MMM community support the Prius over the other two?