buy a new car..used of course

Older cars require cheaper parts, less insurance, lower insurance premiums, and lower registration fees. Too many people out there treat cars as a status symbol and you know something, that’s fake. That’s something commercials want people to believe.

I have an ‘88 S10 Blazer, and I love it. It’s not in perfect cosmetic shape but I’m attatched to it nonetheless. IT gets me where I’m going and I can pack people or sculptures in there and haul things around. It’s technically an SUV, which cracks me up.

At the time that I bought it, the previous owners had put in a rebuilt engine, rebuilt transmission, the suspension and alignment needed work but the electrical system had been redone (the car was customized before so when they gutted it to sell it, they had to redo the wiring and alternator). GM cars from the 80’s are famous for breaking down alot, and they finally got tired of putting money into it. I got it for $550, with all that rebuilt stuff, and it gives me no major trouble. (Knock on wood!) I’ve had it more than 18 months now and have even driven it 600 miles to Vegas recently. Because I bought it outright from a private owner, I own it free and clear. There aren’t too many of my peers who can say that about their fancy new cars. :) A lot of those fancy new cars are parked in their driveways now, too, but the owners still have to make the payments. Neener neener.

I don’t believe in not investing more than a car’s blue-book value into its repairs. I don’t see cars as an asset anymore than I see them as a status symbol. A car is functional, something to rely on to get you where you need to go. When you spend money on it and keep it in good repair, it will last you a long time.

were second-hand:

Citroen Visa
another Citroen Visa
Citroen BX estate
VW Scirocco Scala
Ford Escort Popular
VW Scirocco GT II
Renault Megane Classic
Citroen Xsara LX

The most recent one is second-owner, which is the closest I’ve ever got to a new car.

I really don’t think I would buy a brand new one though – you drop so much in depreciation, it’s not worthwhile.

So I bought a new, used car. I’ve learned quite a few things from it…
1. learned how to drive a manual.
2. learned never to buy a car from a “friend”
3. learned what it’s like to ride in a tow truck
4. learned the ins and outs of buying auto insurance
5. learned why I need more money
6. learned that next time I’ll get a pre-auth used car
7. learned that European cars are more $$ to fix…by far!
8. learned it will be months before I can have it fixed.

Eventually, I will buy a new, used car and I don’t want to spend too much on it. Honestly, I’ll take a beater-car. The kind of cars that make my mouth water are not affordable at the moment (the old Citroen, Volvos, Minis, Mercedes, and VWs), so my idea of a used car is probably more on the lines of a Mitsubishi Lancer, Kia Sephia, or any old small, automatic car with 4 doors. Honestly, it’s only got to get me from point A to B without requiring any internal (engine) work. I don’t care if it’s grandma’s little carriage (a real beater car) because afterall, I’ll still have to pay for license plates, insurance, and all that extra stuff. I think it’s better to pay outright without having to make monthly car payments! If I can get a car by the end of February, I will be VERY happy and satisfied!

Loans are very low interest right now. :)

Got a new used car! A Sentra.

LOVE.