I've been out of work going on 2 years. I am broke...there's enough food on the table, but barely. I have bills. So, here's my dilemma. I have a 2001 Toyota Highlander. Great car, never has given me any trouble, 4cyl so great on gas. I love the car, (as much as you can love a car). I was selling it awhile ago, but decided against it because, IDK, thought a job would come along.

Now I'm thinking of selling it again. I can get almost $7000 for it and then buy a smaller car for around $3000. I'd have $4000 to pay off bills and put some aside. But...is it dumb to get rid of a car that I know is mechanically sound for another car that you never know about? I have a mechanic that will check the new car out for free, (I've used this shop for over 30 years, very reputable), but still things can happen. I know that they can happen with the Highlander, too, but you know how you can feel when a car is solid? Well, that how I feel about my Toyota.

I'm so torn about this. I have a potential buyer for the Highlander, but I've told her that I have to think on it some more. What do you guys think? Oh, yeah...Chance is also having a difficult time jumping into the back, I usually have to lift his back end in for him. He refuses to use a ramp or stairs. It's not that big of a deal though, it still gives him a lot of room when we go anywhere.

I honestly go back and forth on this all day long. What would you do?

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Karen, Chance, Lucy and Savanah RB



“Everyone needs a dog to adore him, and a cat to bring him back to reality”

Your Toyota is 11 years old and running well. You know its history. I think it will difficult to find a reliable vehicle for only $3K. An old car could easily create more expenses.

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Dave

I'm so sorry that you even have to make this decision. I agree with Dave, I would stick with what I know. Another used car could potentially put you in further debt along with causing more stress if it breaks down. {{{Hugs}}}

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My first though is that I would hold on to the mechanically sound car.

I don't know what year/make/model the $3K car is or how many miles it has though. If it's a little newer with a lot less miles on it maybe it would be worth a shot...but $4K can disappear quickly when car trouble starts so I'm not sure it's worth the risk to try and get $4K if you feel confident you wont have trouble with your current vehicle.

My heart goes out to you that you're in this position. I applaud you for taking your time and not rushing into a decision. If there's any way to hold onto this car longer, I agree with the previous advice. I understand that sometimes you have to do what you have to do, but you're going to have a very tough time getting a good used car for $3k. The used car market is just too tight due to so many people being afraid to buy new or deciding to hang onto their paid for car for another season or two. I will pray that something turns around in the job market for you, I"m sorry, money stress is so hard.
K

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Ellie and Mack

Oh my, that is exactly what we did. My DH was laid off from work in Sept. and we thought he would be able to pick up a new job, anything at all but no such luck.
So we have my 2001 Subaru Forester(owned) and a VW Jetta 2006 (owned) so we decided to sell the VW for 9500.00. It has helped us so much with our bills, and I was against selling it but you do what you have to do.

Good News, for us, my DH starts a new job in Jan. and today his old boss called and wants him to start also in Jan. Both are part time so it will work out perfectly.
We still have to get another car but like you we have a mechanic (family) that will check it out for us.

It took a lot of thought and prayers as what to do but for us it worked out.

I pray that you will have a solution as what to do. HUGS!! June

Khwit

I am SO SORRY that this is happening to you-my heart goes out to you!
I would not sell the Toyota unless you have no other choice and bill collectors are coming after you.

Toyotas are wonderful cars. I am still driving my 1999 Corolla and I have a little over 100,000 miles on it and my hubby traded in a 1998 Camry with almost 200,000 miles on it-he has a Venza now.

I too, lost my job 3 years ago and haven't been able to find one. I'm sure my age has something to do with it.

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[IMG]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii215

Tonka & Tucker

SNOBEAR at the Bridge
Dec. 23, 1999-March 27, 2010


SMOOCH at the Bridge.
Feb. 14, 1999-Dec. 7, 2010

I am also so very sorry you are having such a tough time.

I had a 1996 Camry with 314,00 miles and gave it to my nephew last January. It's still running although is now a spare for him and his parents. As long as you kept oil in it and checked your miles since the gas gauge didn't work, you could drive that thing forever I think. I doubt you'd find one as reliable for 3K.

I hope things improve for you soon!

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Copper's Mom (always)
Gotcha 10/2004 - lost ya 10/2010

Thanks everyone...I still don't know what I'll tell the woman today who wants my car. I keep thinking a job will come through, but so far that hasn't happened. I've worked since I was 18 and never had a lapse in employment other than when I had my children. It's scary...

Here are a few cars that fit my budget. I think I may have to go over $3000 but that would still leave me $3000-$3500 to pay bills. It would definitely help. They don't look too bad, I would only use the car around town, if I have to go further I could use my daughter's truck, (2004 Toyota Tacoma):

1991 TOYOTA COROLLA 107K ORIGINAL MILES CLEAN TITLE SMOG CARFAX
1996 Toyota Camry LE 142k * Excellent Condition *
2000 Honda Civic ex 5sp coupe runs looks good
Honda Accord 125,XXX miles just passed smog 3350 obo
TOYOTA 1987 CAMRY SEDAN
1999 Honda Civic Ex

I'm really torn about this...

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Karen, Chance, Lucy and Savanah RB



“Everyone needs a dog to adore him, and a cat to bring him back to reality”

Great looking cars, if you have the option of using your daughters car then I would go for it. It isn't fun to have bills and no money to pay them.

I wish you all the best and I hope a job will be in your future real soon. HUGS!