Alas, my car is done. It has served faithfully and has reached retirement age. I really wanted to get another year from it, but that's not to be. This all happened last Tuesday - gave car to Kennon to fix the idle speed motor and he calls to tell me that the computer is going bad. Well, to make a long story short(er), it seemed irresponsible to put $1000 into a car with a KBB value of $2000. Sooooo.....we are in the long process of researching and buying a car.
I talked to Dad about this situation, but have chosen to try to go it alone. Dad would not approve of anything regardless, unless I buy a super cheap yuck car. (Ironically, this yuck car would be something he would never be willing to drive!) I can't afford something brand new without getting something extremely dull. Anything used he is going to suspect (and possibly rightly so). So, since I appear to be danged if I do, and danged if I don't, then I think this is one of those times that it will prove to be better to ask forgiveness than permission!! :) At least this way I won't offend him by not taking his advice or not taking his concerns seriously - which is how he would perceive it. I feel good about my research and comparisons - at least I know that I have been inordinately thorough.
I am ready to buy though. After spending a week on this, I am sick of worrying about breaking down and I'm just about tired of research, banks and car shopping. So, it's time for them to give me their best prices so I can know whether or not to move on and can make a decision
We are heavily leaning towards a 2006 Nissan Murano. We looked at a 2009, but for the similarity in cost/payment considerations, the 2006 has lots more features and options that we like. We took the 2006 to Kennon today and he checked it out this morning. He was pleased with the choice of a Murano - says it is a good, solid vehicle - says it rarely has engine/transmission problems,but that he has seen radiator problems. I am EXHAUSTED though.
Anyway, I say all that to say, I feel good about where I am headed financially (as much as I can in encountering a payment). I am within the budgeted amount I wanted to be, with an interest rate that I am fine with. I have researched both consumer and expert reports on these vehicles and checked carfacts on both the 2009 and 2006. Both are clean. I have talked with Papa and he has talked to Uncle Steve. I have checked every single large dealership in the SE Alabama, NW Florida and SW Georgia area online, craigslist, ebay and the Dothan Eagle. I've checked both KBB value and NADA value and I am WAY under MSRP on the 2009 and the 2006. I feel pretty good. Kennon is my ace in the hole - if he says it's a go, then I trust him. I am still playing with the dealership regarding tires, warranty, etc. - don't know if anything will come of it. But I think that with all this talking, checking, reading, research that I am okay without Dad being involved. I'd love his help if he could help without trying to force the decision, but I know that he's not great at that. Also, Andy is kind of territorial about our finances and how much other people know, and I can understand that fully.
