Joined
·
847 Posts
Hi. I know some of you ISTPs really know your cars, and some of you must know Toyotas, so I am looking for practical advice about my car situation, because I really need it.
My ISTP (who lives in another state, not close) cannot stand cars and the trouble they have brought him, and does not have one right now, and is not real knowledgeable on cars anyway. He is more Craftsman than Mechanic. That's why I am asking here!
One problem is I can't decide is if I should keep two cars.
The other problem is if I trade them in, what kind of Toyota is best?
The two cars are a 1994 Corolla and a 2001 Buick Century. Yes, two, and the insurance for two cars is a problem. It seems an unwise use of my limited resources.
My son is turning 16 soon, and I could have him inherit the Corolla (he does not know I am considering this), or, I could leave his future car needs in his father's hands, who can afford to handle it. (I had been thinking of offering to provide our son the car if he would pay the difference for adding my son to insurance, but I really hate to do any business at all with the ex, who is tricky, dishonest, manipulative. Still don't know how I am going to handle insurance jump if my son gets a license, though. My ex also may have incentive to get my son a car because he has to drive across two states to see him every other weekend as he is responsible for transportation to see him. (However I don't discuss anything with him because its always a mess. Its more peaceful and sane to live parallel lives that almost never meet. I am usually quite sorry when i do make a move to have a conversation. )
The Corolla has 110K miles and could do lots more, I assume. Its had replacement engine parts. I keep up as needed (some expensive replacement engine parts, so I have incentive to get my money's worth!). It has dents, its not pretty, but it handles great and a tank of gas goes far. But the air conditioning is broke! I drive it primarily for my many, many constant small trips around town, a major part of my life.
The Buick I took over from my mother, I have title now, and has 55K miles. I use it for my rare long trips, the few times I drive more than two teens, and any day I need air-conditioning. I really hate a hot car.
I am thinking a solution would be to trade in the two cars for a used Corolla or Camry with less miles. Becaue my main goal with cars is one that needs little repair - and for that I like Toyota, and I am used to them. But perhaps Honda would be a good option. I don't know that car though.
I do not have much extra cash to add to the trade-in though, and do not want to borrow anything. This year, about $1000. Next year I could add a lot more probably, so maybe better to wait?
Oh, the extra car on my insurance is about $1000 a year, so I ought to say, if I was to only have one car, I should say I could add $2000 to the trade-in this year, perhaps $3-4000 next year at this time if that's not enough and I ought to wait.
I would prefer a Camry for the space, but would go with Corolla if that would be the only way to get what I want - low milage, good car.
As to the kind of Toyota, my '94 Corolla, while cramped, handles great. My friend had a '03 Corolla, which fit our teens much better than mine, the interior was great, and the trunk, roomy. But we traded cars one day, and we both noticed - my car handles much nicer. I think I would miss that.
Well, I would appreciate hearing any advice if anyone has any. Car insurance is due next month and I feel that keeping this going for another two years (when my son graduates) is not a good idea, that keeping two cars on the road is too much. I want something that is going to last a long time, too.
So any thoughts I would appreciate!
My ISTP (who lives in another state, not close) cannot stand cars and the trouble they have brought him, and does not have one right now, and is not real knowledgeable on cars anyway. He is more Craftsman than Mechanic. That's why I am asking here!
One problem is I can't decide is if I should keep two cars.
The other problem is if I trade them in, what kind of Toyota is best?
The two cars are a 1994 Corolla and a 2001 Buick Century. Yes, two, and the insurance for two cars is a problem. It seems an unwise use of my limited resources.
My son is turning 16 soon, and I could have him inherit the Corolla (he does not know I am considering this), or, I could leave his future car needs in his father's hands, who can afford to handle it. (I had been thinking of offering to provide our son the car if he would pay the difference for adding my son to insurance, but I really hate to do any business at all with the ex, who is tricky, dishonest, manipulative. Still don't know how I am going to handle insurance jump if my son gets a license, though. My ex also may have incentive to get my son a car because he has to drive across two states to see him every other weekend as he is responsible for transportation to see him. (However I don't discuss anything with him because its always a mess. Its more peaceful and sane to live parallel lives that almost never meet. I am usually quite sorry when i do make a move to have a conversation. )
The Corolla has 110K miles and could do lots more, I assume. Its had replacement engine parts. I keep up as needed (some expensive replacement engine parts, so I have incentive to get my money's worth!). It has dents, its not pretty, but it handles great and a tank of gas goes far. But the air conditioning is broke! I drive it primarily for my many, many constant small trips around town, a major part of my life.
The Buick I took over from my mother, I have title now, and has 55K miles. I use it for my rare long trips, the few times I drive more than two teens, and any day I need air-conditioning. I really hate a hot car.
I am thinking a solution would be to trade in the two cars for a used Corolla or Camry with less miles. Becaue my main goal with cars is one that needs little repair - and for that I like Toyota, and I am used to them. But perhaps Honda would be a good option. I don't know that car though.
I do not have much extra cash to add to the trade-in though, and do not want to borrow anything. This year, about $1000. Next year I could add a lot more probably, so maybe better to wait?
Oh, the extra car on my insurance is about $1000 a year, so I ought to say, if I was to only have one car, I should say I could add $2000 to the trade-in this year, perhaps $3-4000 next year at this time if that's not enough and I ought to wait.
I would prefer a Camry for the space, but would go with Corolla if that would be the only way to get what I want - low milage, good car.
As to the kind of Toyota, my '94 Corolla, while cramped, handles great. My friend had a '03 Corolla, which fit our teens much better than mine, the interior was great, and the trunk, roomy. But we traded cars one day, and we both noticed - my car handles much nicer. I think I would miss that.
Well, I would appreciate hearing any advice if anyone has any. Car insurance is due next month and I feel that keeping this going for another two years (when my son graduates) is not a good idea, that keeping two cars on the road is too much. I want something that is going to last a long time, too.
So any thoughts I would appreciate!