Need Advice

**frugal is fun** · 01-08-2010, 08:54 AM

So last night out of know where my dad was asking me about my car, how old is it, how many miles, etc. Then he starts telling me about his car, how old it is, how many miles and that the registration is up in March and he was thinking of getting a new car and do I want his current car. This completely took me by surprise as my father has never given me anything. Well thats not true exactly but this is definitely not normal. He gives my brother cars, not me.

So anyway here are the facts -

my car -
2000 Nissan Sentra, 155,000 miles, averages 26 miles per gallon, and costs me $920 year in insurance and $105 in taxes. Knock on wood I have had no problems with it.

my fathers car -
2004 Mercury Sable, 80,000 miles, average 20 miles per gallon. I don't know what insurance or taxes would be. My fathers car is loaded, leather seats, moon roof, auto everyting.

I plan on calling my insurance company today just to get an estimate on what that would be.

part of me is telling me I'm stupid if I don't jump on it but I'm looking at my regular expenses. Insurance, taxes and weekly gas expense are all going to go up.

so...what would you do?

**Russ** · 01-08-2010, 08:58 AM

tough one.
But I'm looking at the mileage and thinking how many miles can you get from each car?

**shoiji** · 01-08-2010, 09:21 AM

That is a difficult question. Try to see if you can find out if either on of the cars may have a history of needing more work on them. Basically how well they withstood time. And combine that information with how much it will cost for insurance and upkeep of each car individually. Do you know any auto mechanics?

I still regret letting go of my nissan sentra when it started needing major work on it. I ended up buying a Malibu with less mileage only to have this car end up as a lemon. Realize your father would not give you a lemon.

**Greebo** · 01-08-2010, 09:48 AM

You aren't responsible for Dad's finances, so ask yourself this - check KBB and find out what you could get in private sale for YOUR car.

Would selling your car and keeping Dad's old car improve your overall situation?

**2ndGenGranola** · 01-08-2010, 10:09 AM

How digitized is the Mercury? Repairs on items that are digital and automatic are more than standard dials and manual.

**Josephhgoins** · 01-08-2010, 10:47 AM

I would run as far and hard away from this deal as possible. Your car is a better made car that should easily give you another 100,000 miles. Not only that but I believe your repairs thus far have been pretty cheap. His would probably be worn out at 150,000 miles.

I am a luxory car owner myself. Its the only thing I drive. Your insurance will go up, the resale value on the new car will be nothing (prolly why he is giving it to you), Gas will go up as well. Repairs will KILL you.

Plus if you are accustomed to the smaller car you may have difficulty getting used to the larger one.

Ever thought the reason you don't get cars from your dad is because your the responsible one that can take care of yourself and your brothers arn't?

**Russ** · 01-08-2010, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Josephhgoins

His would probably be worn out at 150,000 miles.

?

I respectfully disagree.

My buddy has a 2003 Ford version (Taurus) with 190K miles and has had no issues other than basic maintenance.

**Josephhgoins** · 01-08-2010, 11:25 AM

he will. American cars are no where near as well designed as most foreign.

**Debbie-cat** · 01-08-2010, 11:50 AM

DH is a mechanic and this is what he thinks. Although your sentra has more miles, it is more econmical. Sable's are known for electrical, transmission, and head gasket problems but it does have less mileage. If the sable is being given to you an option would be to keep the sable and sell the sentra and pocket the cash. Difficult decision. Good luck!

**frugal is fun** · 01-08-2010, 02:28 PM

You guys aren't helping LOL!!

Originally Posted by Greebo

You aren't responsible for Dad's finances, so ask yourself this - check KBB and find out what you could get in private sale for YOUR car.

Would selling your car and keeping Dad's old car improve your overall situation?

Greebo, my dad's finances are fine, he's going to buy a new car and asked if I wanted his car rather than he trade it in. I got divorced a year and a half ago, just bought a house by myself and I think he think's I need money. Well hek, who doesn't need the money but his thought is nice, not necessary.

If I sold the Sentra KBB says I could get $2,900 for it. And to answer your question, will it improve my situation...I don't know. Yes, it would improve my EF but not if I end up making repairs as others have mentioned.

"Ever thought the reason you don't get cars from your dad is because your the responsible one that can take care of yourself and your brothers arn't? "

you hit the nail on the head. I can't tell you how many cars my father has bought or given my brother over the years. Infact, when I was in my mid 20's I gave my parents a car.

And I like my car. It is going to need repairs, you know how an old car just starts to sound like its getting old...well thats my car, but knock on wood, right now everything is good. and I've already been prepping myself for paying cash for a good used car in a year or two. My fathers car would fall into the "good used car" category now. Would I buy it off a used car lot, probably not. My requirements for my next car are four door, reliable, economical and good gas mileage. I'm not sure the Sable falls into all of those categories.

By Ex husband whom I'm still very friendly with thinks I'm crazy if I don't accept it. He said its a "mint" car and he'll take it if I don't want it.

**pinetree** · 01-08-2010, 03:12 PM

All cars have problems, take it to a mechanic and have them check it out, if it makes you feel better. I think if you want and like the car, take it, sell yours, put the money in the bank for when it breaks down.
The other thing is, if it breaks, sell it and buy another one with the money you have in the bank. Its not everyday you get a free car. I think if it was me, I'd take it without even thinking about it, and then take my Dad out to dinner and Thank him.

**JerryG** · 01-18-2010, 02:07 PM

FrugalisFun - Why can't you accept Dad's car, sell it and bankroll the cash? Just cuz' you accept the car doesn't mean you need to KEEP it!

**Greebo** · 01-18-2010, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by JerryG

FrugalisFun - Why can't you accept Dad's car, sell it and bankroll the cash? Just cuz' you accept the car doesn't mean you need to KEEP it!

I would only do that if Dad KNOWS in advance that was the plan.

If Dad's giving her the car with the intention that she has a new car, her selling it could cause serious relationship harm.

**Libby** · 01-18-2010, 03:00 PM

I'd opt to keep your Nissan b/c you know whats been done on it and what will need to be done on it. Its what you're used to driving and know what to expect and gets more mpg vs your dads. Why rock the boat with a car you're not sure about and are hesitant on? If you know your dad babys his cars and keeps it top notch at all times you'd have already taken it by now so its clear you're doubting it.

Any car - domestic or import - will last forever so long as it gets the maintenance and care it needs.