Car Dilemma

[aephi alum]

OK, my husband and I have been going back and forth on this the past few months, and I'm in need of some sage objective advice

I drive a 12-year-old car. Great little car, the first "real" car I ever drove (meaning not a driver's ed piece of sh*t), but TOTALLY unsuited to New England winters. It's got about 70K miles on it, and I had the brakes done around a year and a half ago. Right now it needs a couple of minor repairs, a new muffler, and the tires will probably want replacing soon (they've got about 45K miles on them).

I want a new car, and I want something better suited to New England winters, like a Jeep. Trouble is, money is tight.

Our options are:

1. Don't make any repairs (unless required for safety reasons). Buy a new car in October - probably a 2003 model so we can get a good deal.

2. Make the repairs now, try to eke out another year from our current car, then replace it in fall 2004.

Opinions? Suggestions?

[Canadian AOII]

My opinion is to refrain from repairs and buy a 2003 model. Depending on the vehicle you decide on, there may not be a difference in appearance b/w the 03 and 04 models so you may as well get an 03 while they're trying to clear them out. If you decide to repair your current vehicle, imho you still have to get a new car next year so the process is just being dragged out and money is being spent on repairs (short term) when it could be used on a new car (long term view) instead. But then again I'm biassed cuz I want a new car and don't see why my mother just keeps repairing the old car instead...Good luck w/ your decision and your car!

[Tom Earp]

Check Pro programed Hondas or Toyotas!

They last for eons if taken care of with little cost

Older car can nickle - dime you to death!