Then I could bring myself to buy another car, which would be a storm silver Fit.

I love having no car payments. My 1997 Taurus has been paid off for a number of years and is running just fine, but I'd looooove to get a Fit. I've been dreaming about the vehicle since I saw a blurb about it in Car and Driver (or one of those mags) about three years ago. It's one of those things I'll obsess over for a while until it actually happens.

Until my Taurus begins costing more than a normal car payment would be, I guess I'll keep dreaming. Until then, I play in paint shop pro, wondering what combo I'll put together on my car. So far I think I'd like to play with 15-16" wheels, the usual 'drop' in springs and get the windows smoked/tinted. :D

 

I came from a 98 Taurus Duratec... other than the power i dont miss a thing ;)

 

Its a ford shouldn't take to long.

What part of P.A?

 

Have you worked out how much trade value you would get for the '97 Taurus? Granted, it might not be worth much, but it would help in going towards the down payment/future payments of the Fit.

Other than that scenario, either win the lottery or pray the Taurus breaks.

 

I live in northeastern PA, somewhat near Scranton.

The Taurus is worth around $3,000, but it runs absolutely great right now. It's not so much the money that's the issue. It's the not spending money that's the issue. :) It's difficult for me , mentally, to spend the money on a car when I have one that works just fine (pointA to pointB). I'm just thinking out loud on this forum. I figure some of you may be sympathetic. My family certainly is not. :D

 

you will get better fuel mileage with the fit.
if you havent replaced the transmission in your taurus you will,sell the car now becouse it will cost 2000.00 to 3000.00 to replace the transmission.

 

yeah i can understand that. don't fix what isn't broken yet.

 

I thought about that. My brother said I should sell my Taurus and get a Fit while my Taurus is still worth something and before it breaks. Like you said, the Fit will save me money on gas (certainly not $12k in gas), but it is also a very reliable, economical and flexible car... not to mention it'd probably put a smile on my face. :)

I'd love to wait until the fall and buy a 2007 leftover Fit, but by the looks of it, availability is minimal. The thing is too popular. I'd be playing with fire.

 

I didn't even start thinking about buying a new car until my 99 VW Jetta hit its 3rd $1200+ repair outing. It is literally falling apart. Now I'm saving every single dollar to get my Fit, just hoping that the Jetta will make it until September. I figure a $10000 cash down payment plus whatever I'll get for the trade-in, and finance the rest for 24 months. Pay it off in 12. This is my only option as my credit is bad.

My suggestion, take it or leave it, is to get as much for the Taurus as you can while it is still running well. A higher down payment usually gets you a lower finance rate. If I am not mistaken.

 

I bought my Fit in Dec 2006 for pretty much MSRP. My friend saw it and wanted to buy one. Now that he's looking to buy one, the dealer quoted 1k over MSRP because of the demand. normally I wouldn't think that many ppl in southern AL would want one, but I guess I was wrong.

Try searching around different places near you like smaller Honda dealerships in smaller towns. Places like that might have less demand and might not charge any extra over MSRP.

 

That is true. I'd be paying cash, though. But cash or credit, it's a lot to lay down. That's my only hang up.

Unless of course I can find something 2% or less for financing. :)

 

I could do this yet! The one person who always preaches to me to not buy a car if mine currently works has just told me to be happy and get if it I want it. :D He said he's seen too many people die unhappy, so "just get it and be happy."

Wouldn't that be great.

 

Dying unhappy?

 

Eh.. he just heard of a couple people who died recently, of whom he was minor aquaintences, and he gets into this perspective mode (he's a co-worker). That's just what he said today is all.

Though I do like the 'being happy' part.

 

The sooner you pick it up, the more time you will have with it. Which means it will be a better value in the long run.

Make sure you think it through because you don't want buyers remorse - but I say you go for it.

 

My current vehicles is a 1996 Ford Ranger XLT - in mint motor condition, with pratically new tires, bed liner, bed cover, window vints and bug shield.

Has 104,000 miles, just had a 100,000 mile check up and passed with no repairs needed. Poor truck was in a n F1 tornado and sustained hail damage and then someone hit it and ran on election night a few years ago. The insurance wanted to total but only paid for the necessary repairs not the cosmetic damage - the dealership is still interested in putting it into the deal. It looks brand new on the inside and the motor is great but just the cosmetic damage - I may end up keeping it and using it when I can but it will be hard to part with it because it has been a great vehicle with no problems at all. No garage time at all except regular maintance and believe it or not just replaced the 10 year old battery last year and it was still charging but just decided to get a new one before it died. Hoping that the Fit will last me just as many years! I am in the same boat knowing that future repair bills will be coming and I just don't want to hassel with them. Plus I am ready for a fun ride - I've shown horses for many years and had to have a truck or a large wagon - time to downsize and have a "Fit".

Cat :X