I'm considering buying a dodge caliber sxt. I now own a 1996 ford ranger with 136,000 miles and I have a feeling it's going to die on me. If i buy the Caliber, it means I will have $200 extra to spend freely each month rather than $700. Is the car really worth the money? Am I just in "impulse buy mode"? What should I do?
2007-03-08 03:39:39 · 10 answers · asked by dh 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
You have the best auto in town, a paid for one! Keep it until you can get a better one for cash! Car payments are always more expensive than repairs, in the long run.
2007-03-08 03:46:30 · answer #1 · answered by Ben H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't really say you are on "impulse buy mode", but you may be rushing into it a little. Is the Caliber the only car you have looked at? Also, if the monthly payments are an issue to you you may want to look into gettign a used car that is only a year or two old and only has a few thousand miles on it. The cost of the car will be less, and it will be just as reliable as a new car. Plus you won't take the hit of depreciation when you drive it off the lot.
2007-03-08 11:45:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The difference is a lot of money. While new car debt is not "bad debt", you may limit your ability to save money with the $500 difference. Make sure that you take into account everything for the new car: tags, plates, insurance, payments, gas mileage...and if it feels like you would be cutting it close, then I wouldn't. Perhaps save a portion of the $700 for a bit and put a larger down payment. That will reduce your monthly payments. Or, go for a different make and model, but buy used and try to find a warranty. Make sure that you can still live your life, without everything you do being based on your car. Good luck!
2007-03-08 11:45:21 · answer #3 · answered by Living for today and a good wine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford the insurance, taxes and monthly payment on the Caliber, what's the problem?
I always say, buy what you want, but most of all, buy what you can afford. Do some research on the costs associated with a Caliber and see if they fit into you budget (not just payments, there are more costs associated with a car than just payments)
www.edmunds.com is a good place to start your research.
2007-03-08 11:44:12 · answer #4 · answered by Lemar J 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy something alittle cheaper than the Caliber. $200 discretional income isn't that much. Drive your old truck til it dies. Bank some money while you drive the truck to put a bigger down payment.
2007-03-08 11:44:11 · answer #5 · answered by Baby #1 born August 2009 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The way to determine if you are in "impulse buy mode" is to pay cash for the car. If you can buy it with cash, the dent in your savings account will ensure that you won't go into impulse buy mode.
2007-03-08 11:48:41 · answer #6 · answered by tain 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If its going to take less money than the other one, and you need a way to get around, then I would seriously think about it.
You have only one option. Pay for a car that will break down that your not getting anything out of, or a car that you can save on and that will work.
I think you answered your own questions.
2007-03-08 11:43:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Dodge sucks. Get a Toyota or Honda, they get better gas milage and last longer. Consult Consumer Reports. I'd keep your Ford truck if you don't mind paying for gas. Ford only makes good trucks everything else they sell is crap. Its really a buyer beware market. I'd go for something that is less polluting and costs less to operate yearly i.e. good gas milage. Its funny the most expensive cars are the ones that really suck.
2007-03-08 11:45:35 · answer #8 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Any car is better than a ford (F**ked-Over-Rebuilt-Dodge)
totally worth it.
2007-03-08 11:43:33 · answer #9 · answered by Brownie 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
read
2007-03-08 11:41:27 · answer #10 · answered by Mitchell 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋