Best vehicle option???

[HomesteadingSal]

At the risk of giving out too much personal info, I'll keep this short and sweet.

If you had a vehicle that was a '05 model, with very low mileage (b/c you rarely go anywhere), is totally paid for (and has been for 2 years), gets decent gas mileage, has nothing wrong with it other than it is too small for the things you need to transport, WOULD YOU keep it and drive it until it won't go anymore, or opt for a bigger vehicle?

Option A) Buy a '00 or '01 used "one size up of the same vehicle" that has 100-140,000 miles, gets slightly less mpg, has nothing physcially wrong with it, but the "chance" of something happening given that it is 10-11 years old. Insurance would be slightly more. Would be able to pay for it with CASH and possibly sell current vehicle for more to come out ahead.

Option B) Buy a '07 used vehicle of the same make/model of the one listed in Option A, with only slightly less mileage. Insurance would more than likely be more, as you would want more coverage on a newer vehicle. You would be able to make a large downpayment, apply whatever you sold current vehicle for to the principle, and should be able to have it paid off within 2-3 years.

Option C) Keep looking for vehicles. (If so, what would be the oldest you would buy a car?)

Option D) Keep what you currently have and forget finding a "new" car.

[stamphappy]

How often do you need to transport items that are too small for the car you now own?

You have a car that's paid for which has low miles and you already know its quirks. I certainly wouldn't do option A---you're gaining more mileage, less mpg, it's older, and insurance is more. Why do that? You're not "coming out ahead" because you'll be paying more during the year in insurance and gas.

I'd do option D and pay someone some gas money or borrow a truck when I'd need it. BUT it depends again on how often you need the larger size vehicle.

[littlebitfarm]

Keep the vehicle and add a trailer.

Kathie

[Alice In TX/MO]

If it's a Toyota, I'd just keep it.

I have a 1991 Toyota Previa with 365,000 miles. I bought it new.

Got the chance to buy a 1992 Previa a few years ago. It has 165,000 miles.

I have a used Tundra, too.

Everything runs well, is paid for, and doesn't require lots of maintenance.

Toyota is KING!

[Parttimefarmer]

It would really depend on the car and how often you need more space. I like the trailer idea.

We have a 2005 Ford Freestyle, it's beat-up and generally not reliable. I use it to drive in town only cause it gets good mpg and the teenager isn't far from driving.
We also have a 2003 Ford Excursion, in great shape, reliable as can be, tows like mad while hauling 8 people.

Age is only one little part of the car puzzle. Millage and how they are maintained is really the key.

[LisaInN.Idaho]

Ditto on the trailer.

[Harry Chickpea]

Triple on the trailer idea. Get one that is sized properly for the vehicle. For big stuff, rent a truck.

[HomesteadingSal]

Hauling "stuff" 1-2 times a month.

What if you really hate driving, and are the world's worst backer-upper? Adding a trailer would be too much of a headache.

[Danaus29]

I would go for option E, purchase supplemental larger vehicle. Yes it costs more but you have a back-up in case the main vehicle breaks down. We have 3 licensed drivers in our house.

[HomesteadingSal]

Originally Posted by Danaus29

I would go for option E, purchase supplemental larger vehicle. Yes it costs more but you have a back-up in case the main vehicle breaks down. We have 3 licensed drivers in our house.

You're just trying to help my husband get that new truck he wants, aren't you?

[Danaus29]

No, I'm trying to get him to buy you that new truck you want.

[Maura]

Depending on how big the stuff is, you can go up. Get a roof rack.

[pheasantplucker]

Trailer was the first thing I thought too. If your vehicle is capable of towing and if the items you want to haul aren't too big for a trailer.

[roachhill]

You be making a mistake giving up a low mileage car that you know is well cared for and in good condition. Chances are you'd end up buying somebody elses problem and just miss the days when you had a reliable ride.

[soulsurvivor]

Keep what you have. Drive it until it dies and can't be revived. In the meantime enjoy the lower property taxes and cheaper insurance on it. If your husband already drives a truck, switch out with him on the days you have to haul stuff and you drive the truck and he drives your car.

[MO_cows]

Keep that car if it is dependable. Paid off, less than 10 yrs old and still running good is the gravy period of car ownership. For once or twice a month hauling, bribe somebody with a truck with some fresh eggs or some "homestead" bounty. Or, can't you still rent Ryder trucks for $20 per day? That's only $40 per month, much cheaper than taking on another vehicle. Or, add a cheap older truck to your fleet for the occasional hauling but not a daily driver.

[ErinP]

I would go with option E, also. But I certainly wouldn't buy new!! Get a pickup that's at least 10 years old. The price will be reasonable, the vehicle will still have plenty of life left.
To be sure, I wouldn't trade off a perfectly good, low mileage car.

[cfabe]

Spill the beans... what car do you have and what do you want to haul, and how often???

I'd go with the trailer idea too. You can learn to drive one.

Trailer is a lot cheaper on purchase, maintenance, insurance, etc than a second vehicle. I would not upgrade current to a larger vehicle just for an occasional need.

[StL.Ed]

Depending on what you're hauling, you might still consider a light duty trailer; if backing up is a problem, just unhitch the trailer and walk it the last few feet. (Don't ask me how I know that )

[Danaus29]

Ryder trucks are only $19.95 under certain circumstances. The last one I rented for a few hours cost $60 and that was 3 years ago.