The Car Situation

Well, for those who haven't heard yet, we have had a major answer to prayer.  Our need for the midwfie center has been completely covered.  God has blessed us in ways that are unimaginable.

Then we come to our next quandary/prayer request.  We haven't had a car payment in almost 2 years, and that is a very nice feeling.  We like being debt free except for the student loans.  We also live in what many people would call "the middle of nowhere."

The closest major city to us is Midland, and there is absolutely nothing between here and there except West Texas brushland.  Okay, there is a picnic area, but that isn't much help in an emergency.  Also, cell phone coverage between here and there is spotty.  To top it off, the oilfield traffic on that road is horrendous.  You do not pass except for in 2 places where you have 3 miles visibility.  I have been told there have been 8 deaths on that highway in the past year!

The problem with all of this is our vehicle situation.  The Nissan, which is the car Carrie drives when she drives, has 216,700 miles on it.  For me, it is just getting broken in.  For Carrie and Shiloh, I am not sure.  I do not like the idea of them being broke down in the middle of nowhere in 115 degree heat.  So, we have a decision to make in the next 6-7 months.

On the one hand, the Nissan is a very dependable car with great gas mileage.  It is paid off.  It needs just a few minor repairs and maintenance.  We would have no payment, lower insurance premiums, and a car we have loved the entire time we have had it.  My last altima had 395,000 miles on it when we traded it in.

On the other hand, a 217,000 miles car is a gamble each time you drive it.  Even meticulously maintained it could have major problems at any moment.  Each trip is a gamble you are taking on the integrity of the vehicle.  I can take that gamble with me, but not with them.  If the transmission goes, that is a $5000-6000 repair.....game over.  Plus, the Altima can get a little cramped.

So, we have basically 4 choices, and there are pros and cons to each.

1. Keep the Altima and try to make it a great, dependable car and drive it for 200,000 more miles.

      Pros:

1. No car payment so even if emergencies arise we aren't strapped each month
2. Driving a car we know backwards and forwards
3. Give us time to save up enough money to pay cash for another car
4. Repairs can be made preemptively so the cost isn't as big upfront

     Cons:

1. The expense could be as expensive as buying a new car
2. Even with constant repairs, a high mileage car is more likely to break down
3. After a certain mileage, gas economy begins to dwindle
4. Lack of room for future expansion of family ;)

2. Keep the Altima for a short while doing only what is needed to save a hefty down payment on a new vehicle

       Pros:

1. The amount financed will be less and the interest rate will be better
2. Get more use out of the car we have now
3. Less repairs means we sink less money in the car

       Cons:

1. Still have a payment once car is financed
2. Driving in the meantime will be a major gamble
3. The more miles we add to the Altima, the less the trade in value

3. Buy a new Minivan

       Pros:

1. Plenty of room for future growth
2. Easy to get in and out of with baby
3. Know the history of the vehicle from purchase
4. Warranty and peace of mind when traveling

       Cons:

1. Payment - tied down to an amount to pay every month which makes emergencies hard
2. Payment - yes, I know I said this, but seriously a stressful thought
3. Depreciation the minute we drive off the lot
4. What will people think? - are we paying the preacher too much?

4. Buy a newer(Used) minivan

       Pros:

1. Plenty of room for future growth
2. Easy to get in and out of with baby
3. Peace of mind when traveling
4. Less amount to finance

       Cons:

1. Payment - tied down to an amount to pay every month which makes emergencies hard
2. Payment - yep again
3. Could be hidden repairs from previous owner

5. Sell both current cars to buy one - yeah I know I said 4, but this is a major consideration

Many people around here have mules (atvs/golfcarts) they drive around town and a car to go longer distances.  Is that an option for us?  For almost 4 years Carrie has never gone long distances without me.  Could we be a one car family?  Will that be doable with a baby?  Just one more thing to consider.

So, there is the debacle.  What should we do?  We ask that you would pray with us that God would guide us into the decision we need to make.

P.S.  I am editing the post about registries to change the diaper inserts.  Look there if you were wanting to buy those!  We have been led to a different direction on inserts.