Homestead mailing list

[Rob <becida AT comcast.net>]

At  3/3/2009 01:49 PM,Lisa Kae Van Meter Perry wrote:

> We now find ourselves 'in a fix.' Most of the time we don't need two cars.
> However, our only car now is husband's 1996 Jeep which is on the small side
> to transport 4 of us (2 teen boys, husband and me) on a road trip (though it
> could be done), or for the 5 of us (including live-in client) if we are all
> going somewhere. I drive my live-in client 35 miles one-way to various appts
> and errands regularly on average 1-2x per week. Four months during the year
> I also drive youngest son to soccer games & practice 2x week 30 miles
> one-way. All trips are consolidated. Usual assorted other errands are needed
> are into Floyd 13 miles one-way. It is rare that we are all 5 in the car
> together, oldest son is nearly 19 and is either busy working or doesn't want
> to go with us, he also has his own car. The Jeep gets crappy gas mileage.
> The van got 26 mph which wasn't great but was far better than the Jeep. The
> Jeep is paid for (as was the van) and serves as our 4wd vehicle which is
> necessary in sw VA (particularly when we have ice or 15" of snow like we
> rec'd Sunday into Monday).
>
> It looks like we're getting a check for $3700+/- plus tax and title fee
> (whatever that amounts to). The State Farm agent suggested we could buy back
> our car and repair it ourselves, which would mean paying our mechanic to do
> the bare minimum--probably cost as much or more than what we'd get in the
> check after buying and making the car road worthy.
>
> If this were you, what would you look into or think about getting? Guess
> I'll begin calling nearby dealers and see what they have used under $4k.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Lisa


If you are happy with what the insur people are offering you I'd take 
the money and go look at craigslist. Actually I'd go look at 
craigslist now ands see if the 3700 is enough to replace your van.
 You have a vehicle so it's not an emergency just an inconvenience, 
you oldest kid has his own car so he is either out of the picture or 
an additional asset.

I'd check to see what you do about replacing the van and go for that, 
remember to save some coin for all the small things you're 'new' car 
will need,. Fluid changes, tires, brakes etc.

Good luck.



Rob

becida AT comcast.net
Western Washington State, USA