Originally posted by happywithit:
I am the sole owner. Its mostly in great shape and I really like driving the thing, even after 10 years. The main issues with it are a leaky AC, currently discharged, and exhaust catalyst is disintegrated (according to dealer) and rattling (though it passes inspection emisions test). I feel like there may be some additional backpressure in the exhaust and the car has been running hot at times (some boiling visible in the reservour).

My quandary is that the money will be a stretch for my family on the Focus, but I'm concerned about letting this deal get by and having something really bad happen that will cost significant $$ (power steering, transmission, etc).




My Contour is 9 years old but not high mileage yet. All cars require maintenance, new cars less but old cars could be less too if maintenance is conducted continuously. Assuming your Focus is $18K, you are looking at $400 per month for 4 years. Did you get an estimate to fix the A/c? That could be a $500 fix (maybe more maybe less). Car could be running hot because of WP ($300 fix at dealer) or maybe you need a coolant flush or oil/filter change. Do you have a CEL for the catalytic convertor? Yes, that could be $1,000 for a 95. But with just these, you are looking at about $2,000 (about 5 months payment as opposed to 48 months). If you have been been keeping up the maintenance on the PS and Tranny, it might last a little longer (how long nobody knows). If you are concerned, keep aside $400 every month that you have the Contour for unexpected repairs since that would be what you would save by not buying the new Focus. New car higher property taxes and higher insurance. There will always be good deals on new cars. And I doubt they will give you more than $1K on your trade.

It is nice not to have a car payment if you are tight on finances. I am on the side of keeping the car since you have been the sole owner and the car appears to be in an acceptable condition (after some repairs). But ultimately, it is your decision, if you can afford it.

"Always do the cheap and easy ones first." 1996 V6 ATX 96K miles