[nyvram]

I was planning to sell our 94 Pathfinder at the same time we purchased the Ody. However, it hasn't sold and I've steadily been dropping the price until I'm at a point where its worth more than I'm asking to me (9K).

I had planned to keep my 87 Accord (its a tank and I only need collision on it since its not worth it to repair) which gets great gas mileage. However, the AC hasn't worked in years and it definitely looks its age (215k miles and counting.)

The Pfinder is still in great condition (barring a little rust on the 'iron' parts; the tire carrier & step rails) and its loaded w/ all the goodies including leather and is at 74k miles and is paid off (plus all servicing has been kept up and new timing belt has recently been installed.)

A) If I keep the Pfinder; insurance will be more expensive (new van & big beefy SUV).
B) If I keep the Pfinder; I have to throw away the car (can't afford 3 vehicles) and I am really loathe to do that. I really like this car
C) If I keep the Pfinder; its got great AC & is a nice big heavy car with airbag that can haul both kids & the wife around w/ confidence plus it looks damn cool.
D) If I keep the Accord; I can put another $8k or so on the van loan & get rid of a $500 (or so) yearly insurance bill and say goodbye to 14 mpg.

I know this is a tad off-topic; I was just hoping to pick the collective brain of the group & get some feedback. At this point from a financial standpoint; keeping the Accord is probably the way to go but from a comfort and safety standpoint and miles-yet-to-go, the Pfinder is probably the way to go.

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Marvyn
2001 SS EX-NAVI
floor mats * mud flaps * cargo tray * leather steering wheel wrap * Blaupunkt 652 speakers * blue 'super bright' headlights

 

[bobf58]

You already know that what you really want to do is dump the Pathfinder and keep the Accord (I feel like a call-in radio host), so it appears that what you have to do is explore other ways of advertising the Pathfinder. Maybe ebay? An SUV should be very sellable. Keep in mind, also, that even if you sell for less than you think it's worth, this is still economically your best option.

BTW, I believe there are several Ody/Accord owners on this board (like me).

 

[groupset]

I agree with Bob - and the Pathfinder's never going to be worth more than it is today. I recently sold my '93 (*gag*) Plymouth Grand Voyager through an ad in the local Bargain Post - didn't realize it at the time, but when you place an ad with them through one of their local publications it's picked up and listed on their web site at http://www.bargaintraderonline.com/ (You might could place an ad direct on this web site, also.) This gives you worldwide coverage. I got calls from two of the surrounding states; wound up selling it to a local, though.

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David
'01 GG EX-NAVI
Classic Soft Trim leather kit; Audiovox entertainment system; Gentex auto dimming compass/temp rear view mirror; Pioneer speakers front & rear; splash guards; cargo tray; cargo liner; power door mods; Helm manual; Honda litter bag.

[This message has been edited by groupset (edited 07-09-2001).]

 

[travis]

Marvyn,

I would look at this from a little different perspective. The question is how long will you keep each one of the vehicles? The one you will keep longer has a good chance to be more economical in the long run.

For academic purposes let's pretend you wanted to trade in a vehicle for one that was essentially the exact same thing. (Same make, model, miles, condition) I always figure this would cost you $2,000 to $3,000 dollars because the dealer has to make a fair amount of money on each of their transactions. If this is true it follows that they are going to make about the same amount even when you are traiding in different vehicles. The numbers are just obscured because you are buying a different value vehicle.

If you agree with that at all, you can see that you want to make as few vehicle changes as possible because each one costs you $2000 to $3000. So if you will keep the pathfinder 5 years longer, and have 1 less vehicle change, maybe you should just keep it and avoid the "Trade expense".

Another thing to consider is interest. You said the pathfinder is paid off. Once again if you would be replacing the accord much sooner than the pathfinder and taking a loan out you would start to incur an expense from the interest you are paying that you would have avoided by keeping the pathfinder. This may be partially offset by less interest on the Ody if you pay it down with the proceeds of the pathfinder.

If you will keep the accord as long as you would the pathfinder, it is probably going to cost you less to drive it over the same period. The possible problem with this is if the accord requires more repairs over that period. I will admit that it would have to be a lot of repairs to make up for the higher insurance and depreciation on the pathfinder.

I hope some of this is helpfull. There are many other variables, but maybe this will be a little different angle to look at your situation.

Travis


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2001 MB EX, Splash Guards, Cargo Tray, Wheel Locks, Pioneer Speakers