Do you need to talk me off this ledge?

[PrairieSpyder]

My car is an '06 PT Cruiser that I have really enjoyed. I bought it new and it has about 60k miles on it. It hasn't been trouble free, though. I had to replace the manual transmission only a couple months after the drivetrain warranty expired. I've had shifting problems lately, but $40 worth of work at the transmission shop this week fixed that. A brake light is out and the power seat control panel won't stay fixed. It's a basic car, not much for bells and whistles.

I've had it 12 years - I've never kept a car for that long. I like lots of kinds of cars, but I can't own them all at the same time. So my history is that I frequently have traded just in order to try something new or different. Now I've gotten my finances in better order and I've gotten bit by the new car bug. (I mean used, actually.)

I test drove a 2011 Dodge Durango with: 5.4L V8 hemi, navigation, rear camera, proximity alarm, leather seats w/heat & a/c (!), power everything. You name it it's on there. They're asking $23k. My problem is it's got 64k miles on it. I feel like I'd be spending all that money for bells & whistles. I'd be concerned that all the luxury features I like are hi-tech and if they fail I'd be stuck with an expensive car with about the same features as my PT. So I asked if they'd include extended warranty. They will for $5k for the next 80k miles, covering all those little luxuries.

So, what do you think?:dontknow: Go for it? Keep looking? Keep what I have? Go to sleep till the urge passes?

 

[Bob Denman]

Take a deep breath, calm down, and take your time...
There's countless cars out there that are looking for a good home: don't jump too quickly!

"Act in haste, and repent at your leisure." nojoke

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

Hmmmm.... I read that you just got your finances in order. Will this new payment throw all that hard work to get them in order down the drain?
If not, sometimes those little luxuries are well deserved.

My wife drives a 2007 Lexus RX400H with 270,000 miles on it, the spyder is now paid off, and we both feel getting to this point in our life was too hard to get where we are to add a payment for a newer car for her when this one runs great. I will have to put about $1,000.00 into it for timing belt, water pump, and some other new seals, then about $800.00 for new springs and struts all the way around. I look at that $1,800.00 as about 3 car payments on a newer one, or about 1 payment on a brand new one:yikes:. So we are sticking with what we have until it dies or we can pay cash for one.

 

[RinconRyder]

If I am not mistaken, Durango's had problems with front suspension going south early in their lives. Would suggest you do some investigation on Dodge forums before committing.

 

[cognaccruiser]

Well, since you asked for opinions. It wouldn't be on my short list. Have you looked at the used car reports on this or other makes and models of cars that you are interested in? Consumer reports on a vehicles' reliability can be worth while.
Pretty sure these are not very fuel efficient if that matters to you. I would also be concerned about electronics on a 6 year old car. Even as a Canadian where we pay a lot more for vehicle than in the US, this sounds like a lot of money for a 6 year old Chrysler/Dodge product and $5,000 more for a warranty also seems a lot.
Cars and trucks are such a personal choice and a make and model that some hate are loved by others. Your money, your choice but again, vehicles can be such an emotional decision. What ever you think might work out, sometimes sleeping on it is a good idea.
Good luck,

Gary

 

[UtahPete]

My wife drives a 2007 Lexus RX400H with 270,000 miles on it, the spyder is now paid off, and we both feel getting to this point in our life was too hard to get where we are to add a payment for a newer car for her when this one runs great. I will have to put about $1,000.00 into it for timing belt, water pump, and some other new seals, then about $800.00 for new springs and struts all the way around. I look at that $1,800.00 as about 3 car payments on a newer one, or about 1 payment on a brand new one. So we are sticking with what we have until it dies or we can pay cash for one.

I'm more like this :agree: Tend to keep vehicles 10 years or more, including bikes. As long as they are running fine and meet our needs, I'd rather maintain them than buy someone else's used vehicle with unknown issues. If you're asking about the Durango in particular, Consumer Reports has mixed reviews about it.

That said, it's your money and if you feel like indulging a whim go for it.

 

[Bob Denman]

Since it has already been mentioned... :shocked: there have been lots of "issues", with Dodges over the years. Hopefully, they're getting better; but shop carefully!

 

[Cavman]

The only problem I've had with a Durango is that my friend's decided to go flambo while parked under my oper carport last Summer. Carport, house, boat & trailer, deck and another trailer were a total loss.
According the fire investigators, it was the alternator that started the fire. The truck was NOT running at the time.

 

[ARtraveler]

Please check out the ratings for Chrysler/Fiat vehicles. They leave a bit to be desired these days.

I would like to suggest a gently used Subaru. They are top rated, generally have little to none mechanical problems, and usually will last way over 100,000 miles. You can get them from plain to decked out to the gills.

Leather, plus all the goodies on an Outback--current the largest offering, can be had for $36K or so new. Turbo engine--not needed--the four banger powers it well. Used--considerably less. The 2017 is the newest version and a tad bigger than its predecessors. You also cannot go wrong with a Forester.

I have driven nothing else since moving to Alaska in 2001. :yes:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

The only problem I've had with a Durango is that my friend's decided to go flambo while parked under my oper carport last Summer. Carport, house, boat & trailer, deck and another trailer were a total loss.
According the fire investigators, it was the alternator that started the fire. The truck was NOT running at the time.

There have been some recalls, some pertaining to the alternator. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/dodge/durango/2011/reliability

They'll include a carfax/auto-check report.

 

[cptjam]

Patti

JUMP, JUMP,JUMP!!!
Wait, what are we talking about?
Oh, cars! Pick what you want, and lease it. 60k on a car that old, you are a perfect lease candidate. You don't drive much. New and bumper to bumper warranty, low payments, and all the latest safety gadgets. When I worked for GM, nobody in the industry bought cars. They depreciate too fast. If you have a business that needs a write off, buy. Otherwise, lease. If it is a hobby car, hot rod, custom, buy it. Or, spend a couple of bucks, have everything refurbished in the PT, and drive it 10 more years. Paid for is good, but know depreciation is still driving your value down. That's the beauty of a lease; you pay depreciation, not payments. When the 18 model year vehicles come out, the deal on leases of 17's will be fantastic. That last quarter is when the OEM's subsidize the deals. If you can hold off until Oct, Nov, Dec, you will land a great deal. I'm getting my next vehicle on Black Friday. ��

 

[BoilerAnimal]

There are a LOT of new cars that can be bought for $28000! And they aren't Dodge products! Don't jump but do run away from that vehicle! I think Joe and akspyderman both gave some sage advice. Take your time and do your research! Good luck!

 

[Bob Denman]

I agree with D: something from Subaru should be pretty decent.
Toyotas also have a bullet-proof reputation around here: you need to take a Sawzall to one, in order to kill it! nojoke

 

[PrairieSpyder]

JUMP, JUMP,JUMP!!!
Wait, what are we talking about?
Oh, cars! Pick what you want, and lease it. 60k on a car that old, you are a perfect lease candidate. You don't drive much. New and bumper to bumper warranty, low payments, and all the latest safety gadgets. When I worked for GM, nobody in the industry bought cars. They depreciate too fast. If you have a business that needs a write off, buy. Otherwise, lease. If it is a hobby car, hot rod, custom, buy it. Or, spend a couple of bucks, have everything refurbished in the PT, and drive it 10 more years. Paid for is good, but know depreciation is still driving your value down. That's the beauty of a lease; you pay depreciation, not payments. When the 18 model year vehicles come out, the deal on leases of 17's will be fantastic. That last quarter is when the OEM's subsidize the deals. If you can hold off until Oct, Nov, Dec, you will land a great deal. I'm getting my next vehicle on Black Friday. ��

I originally leased my PT. Then my financial situation was worse when the lease was up. If I turned it in I wouldn't have a ride. But I didn't have the cash to buy it out. Thankfully, my dad loaned it to me and I was able to keep it. I swore then I'd never lease again.

As to to paying for depreciation, the biggest annual depreciation is in the earliest years. So you're paying for the highest-priced part of the car's life.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Hmmmm.... I read that you just got your finances in order. Will this new payment throw all that hard work to get them in order down the drain?
If not, sometimes those little luxuries are well deserved.

Re my finances. . . I mean getting organized and consolidating several accounts into one place for asset management. And with the recent market results I'm feeling good.

 

[Bob Denman]

And with the recent market results I'm feeling good.

I think that we ALL are! :clap:
:yes::yes::yes:
With the way that things are looking now: I might be able to retire before I hit 100!

 

[Bob Denman]

Patti,
If your Assets are starting to look a bit... ostentatious: Here's a good cure! :2thumbs:

 

[Bob Denman]

But if you don't like Fords: this one may fit the bill!

 

[RinconRyder]

My car is an '06 PT Cruiser that I have really enjoyed.

Since you are acquainted with smaller cars and obviously have a budget issue I would recommend an offering in the Kia or Hyundai line up. I am on my third Hyundai and have had excellent luck owning all three. If you want a really efficient smaller car I would recommend the Hyundai Accent. Gets great gas mileage (30's in town and over 40 mpg on highway). Very sporty to drive and inexpensive (we paid a bit less than $12,000 last December for a 2016). Wifey uses it for a commuter car so we didn't get any bells and whistles but it comes pretty well equipped.

Kia is a corporate twin of Hyundai so their respective models are very close in all aspects.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Patti,
If your Assets are starting to look a bit... ostentatious: Here's a good cure! :2thumbs:

View attachment 151605

But if you don't like Fords: this one may fit the bill!


View attachment 151613

im not feeling that good, Bob! Or I'd die penniless and still owing.

Since you are acquainted with smaller cars and obviously have a budget issue I would recommend an offering in the Kia or Hyundai line up. I am on my third Hyundai and have had excellent luck owning all three. If you want a really efficient smaller car I would recommend the Hyundai Accent. Gets great gas mileage (30's in town and over 40 mpg on highway). Very sporty to drive and inexpensive (we paid a bit less than $12,000 last December for a 2016). Wifey uses it for a commuter car so we didn't get any bells and whistles but it comes pretty well equipped.

Kia is a corporate twin of Hyundai so their respective models are very close in all aspects.

As I said I like all sorts of cars. If I change now it would have to be something different from what I've drive for 10-12 years. I'm thinking I want some luxury features now. Wishing I could get a Lincoln Navigator.