I have been face punching myself for the past year since finding MMM over this stupid car. I bought it only a couple months before I found MMM. It has to go, but I've struggled some w/ taking action.
What I have: 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LTD (which has tons of bells and whistles but it the lowest grade they made the hybrid in). KBBV private sale about $43,000. I owe $25,000 on it w/ monthly payments for slightly less than 4 years to go. I can't stand the thought of spending another 25k on this car that I don't even particularly like., it makes me feel sick to think of it. Has 13k miles on it and I have had it about 18 months. Super clean.
What I need:
1. Something 4WD (neighborhood is extremely hilly and doesn't get ploughed for days - impassable w/o 4wd.)
2. Backseat large enough for adult sized people on a daily basis (my kids are big)
3. Big cargo area for dog and tons of sports equipment, landscaping materials, camping gear, etc. . Something wagon or hatchbacky or SUVish.
4. Reliable (old car died and was on life support for months and I was in a bad spot which is why I ended up making a poor decision w/ the highlander purchase). I am a single mom - have to be able to get kids, work really long hours - can't deal w/ something that breaks down w/o major major disruption to my ability to get through the day.
5. Not super high mileage.
6. $20k or less - a lot less would be fine.
What I don't need:
1. I have 3 rows but I rarely use the 3rd row and I don't need it. I can manage adequately w/o.
2. Super good mpg. I drive about 7 miles to work, 4 days per week. I mostly stay close to home on other days, just general errands w/in a 5 mile or so radius. I do maybe 1 or 2 long drives per year (e.g. to the beach, NYC, or MI).
I'd prefer Honda, Toyota, or Subaru. The littler cars (e.g. Fit) don't seem to have enough backseat space for regular transport of large people. Considered: older highlander (which was the car that died on me. I did love that car), older 4Runner, and.... idk what. What models or years to consider?
Also - Has anyone had experience doing a private party sale for an expensive car?I have sold past clunkers on craigslist - like 2k cars. I wonder if there is much private party interest for a car that is going to sell for 40k+. Would I be better off trying to work a trade-in at a dealer for a used car?
I also wonder about logistics. Like, should I purchase another car, and then go about selling the current car? I don't really have a good way to manage several days w/o a car (although I could rent one, but I would want to keep that very short term).
Thanks in advance!