My '99 Ford Explorer is paid off as of yesterday. We planned on getting a new car in the fall so we can have LATCH for both carseats. We're going to figure out the last of our 2008 taxes today so that will be a factor. $4,500 is a lot of money - but then again, I wasn't planning on buying new. I'm more of a Carmax kind of girl.
Thoughts Nesties? Assuming we don't owe the IRS more than what I have saved to pay them...
Re: Tempted to use the ?Cash for Clunkers? program...
Also, you will have to possibly get a smaller vehicle to qualify since you must get better mileage. The better mileage does not have to be all that better (at least 4 mpg better) but that may put you in a car where two carseats do not fit well in the back.
I really don't think a 10 year old car is all that old and would not buy a new one unless the car was having problems. So says the woman driving a car with over 150K and whose DH drives a car with over 200K.
However, the lack of LATCH for more than one seat does change the situation a bit.
I understand wanting LATCH for both car seats, though. We would probably buy a new car if we successfully reproduce since our cars are so small that a rear-facing safety seat does not fit well in the backseat.
but this says obama just signed more money over to make the program last through labor day, so.... nevermind.
where's all this money coming from?
No, there's been additional funds added and some dealerships are still participating. I know DH's dealership is still doing it (Champion Chev) and my dad's stores are as well.
(read it. you know you want to.)
anderson . september 2008
vivian . february 2010
mabel . august 2012
your future taxes
I see it like this, I'm about to go pay the IRS about 3k today. If I use the Clunkers program, I'm just getting it back !
Yup, it's being added to the national debt.
Also, just random info, the Ford Explorer's have been the #1 traded in vehicle.
I'm pretty sure you can't use the rebate against a used vehicle. You have to buy new.
Absofreakinglutely. I've read all the stuff on Edmonds.com. I wouldn't let them "4 square" me in!
As to the Carmax comment - I know it's not good for used cars. What I mean is, I perfer to buy from Carmax overall because of "no negotiating" and because of the Used car advantages for depreciation etc. So it would be between the lower cost of used vs an overall cost savings for new in terms of what you're left with after 5 years of payments. If it's approx the same cost, then new is better overall - if you can negotiate it right of course. If you come in and say "Hey, I got a clunker!" you may walk out paying the exact price as someone without - just like playing the "how much can you spend every month" game.