Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeSty
Myself: Dependent college senior going to grad school
Desired Car: 2006 Scion xB, Envy Green, 34k miles, decent price and possibly negotiable. Let's say in the 10-12k range. A car I have wanted for some time. I am going to take a look at it next week, check the VIN and Carfax etc before anything else of course.
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Desire is clouding your judgement. Make the right financial decision first. Then think about what car you lust after.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeSty
Has anyone owned a Scion xB?
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A good friend has one. Sorry, wrong color, it's black. It's been a great car for him, and he drives from Boston to Woonsocket three times a week. I like the original body style better than the restyle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeSty
Current Car: 1996 Mazda sedan with 140k miles on it - I don't drive much
How much money I have: Enough to make a sizeable down payment on a loan to hold me off until I start making money again next summer
Driving Style: Occasional long trip to college. Occasional around-town driving (I filled up my gas tank once between August and the start of November). In the summer, a commute that will be between 10-30 minutes.
That's the lowdown. Anyone have any sagely advice?
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First, you don't say what's wrong with your current car? Is it broken down? Are you embarrassed by it? Unreliable? Wrong color? Why do you want/need to make a change?
Sagely advice1: They must not teach this in college. Even English majors should learn this. Any car is a depreciating asset. Never use borrowed money to purchase a depreciating asset. Drive your old Mazda til you're through grad school and have a real job.
Sagely advice2: Buy from a private party, not a dealer.
Sagely advice3: Where are you going to grad school? I took a car to grad school in Boston. It was a dumb thing to do. Much more trouble than it was worth. Maybe you need a car at Panhandle State, not so much in Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco. Manhattan, Kansas? Yes. Manhattan, New York? Not so much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeSty
I'll see if anyone replies and then I'll leave the feedback that my dad gave - I'm curious to see if anyone will independently agree iwth him.
....Thanks for the input. <3
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Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Lindy