I'm "downsizing" my car!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
I'm "downsizing" my car!
4
Sat, 04-23-2005 - 10:56am

I currently drive a 2003 Nissan Altime. It's a really nice car and I have no real problems with it (other than the fact it dents and scratches SO easily), but I have always felt that it's "too much" car for me. I don't need a fancy car and it feels wasteful to have one. We owe about $11,500 on it and have 3.5 years of car payments left. We decided to get a cheaper, older car and sell the Altima. Well I shopped around this week, and yesterday bought a 1990 Volvo 240 sedan. My Volvo mechanic gave me the thumbs-up and I left it at the shop to get work done on Monday, but I will be driving it next week!

I bought the car for $2300 and am putting $1300 into it to get a complete tune-up and some repairs done. Some of the repairs could wait but I just want them done now. Then the mechanic will give me a list of repairs that will need to be done in the future so I can save for them. The seller kept all her oil-change receipts so I feel good about its history.

I'm excited about the Volvo, because it's practically a tank and it only has $110k miles (the mechanic said to expect 200-300k miles with good care). The car is pretty basic, but hasa driver's side airbag, heated seats, a sunroof, and a CD player. And it's going to be GREAT when I sell off the Altima and have no more car payments!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-28-2004
Sat, 04-23-2005 - 11:41am

That is so WONDETRFUL!!!!! No car payments!!!!! YIPEE!!!!

I had thought of selling my van and downsizing to a used vehicle myself, but was having a hard time rationalizing it myself, although I am paying $423 a month in payments. Hearing your story is making me think again about doing the same. My only issue is that I like being high up...but maybe driving a volvo would be okay and I would still feel secure? I was in a bad car accident almost 3 years ago and don't feel at all secure when I am driving a vehicle that is low to the ground!

Great JOB!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Sat, 04-23-2005 - 5:42pm

ahappierme,

Try looking at a used Subaru Forester. Several of my friends as well as my sister have them, and although they don't look particularly high off the ground, somehow the seats are placed inside so you really are. I couldn't believe it when I got in one for the first time. Good luck.

Wendy

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
Sat, 04-23-2005 - 5:59pm
Good for you.

Pumpkin

&nbs

Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 04-24-2005 - 12:16am
Way to go!

All my best,
Danni