Trading down the Passat ?

"TDIGuy" (owenrosier)
03/27/2017 at 12:22 • Filed to: None

So I recently bought a house which has be in a place where I am actually driving a good bit less on a day to day. I originally bought the passat new because I put so many miles on my car ( 14,000 since November). I am thinking though of trading down soon to lower my monthly payment. I am thinking something in the 10K-12K dollar range that is still reliable and under 75K miles. My thoughts have been the 2003-2008 Acura TSX or TL. Maybe a 2004- Up 4Runner as well. What Ideas do you have oppo or os the trading down thing a bad idea ?

DISCUSSION (21)

random001 > TDIGuy
03/27/2017 at 12:27

Just did the same thing, was a great decision to free up money to do house projects. BTW, Abarth!

My citroen won't start > TDIGuy
03/27/2017 at 12:30

sure

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/696375964/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/696912428/overview/

Ash78, voting early and often > TDIGuy
03/27/2017 at 12:33

Tough call...you’re sort of throwing away $5k-$8k on the car you just bought, though. While your cash flow would be improved, can you live with that kind of disappearing wealth? My gut says stick with your existing purchase — but if cash flow is truly an issue, maybe see if you can refi with a credit union over a longer term to lower the payment. Honda or not, I just don’t see a near-100k car being “trouble free” and ready to suck up 30k miles/year without issue.

boredalways > TDIGuy
03/27/2017 at 12:38

How about a Chevy Volt? Despite the link, you should be able to find one within your requirements

https://www.carmax.com/car/14236236

For Sweden > TDIGuy
03/27/2017 at 13:01

You can get a spectacular S80 for $12k

TDIGuy > Ash78, voting early and often
03/27/2017 at 13:15

Yeah see thats why worry and where I’m stuck. No cash flow is not a problem but added cash flow is always nice. I can live with the passat no problem

TDIGuy > boredalways
03/27/2017 at 13:16

Not a fan albeit a good deal

TDIGuy > My citroen won't start
03/27/2017 at 13:16

Both amazing but most likely unreliable

TDIGuy > random001
03/27/2017 at 13:17

Yeah I feel like it might be worth it. But I don’t know I worry

TDIGuy > For Sweden
03/27/2017 at 13:17

Is an s80 reliable ?

random001 > TDIGuy
03/27/2017 at 13:26

We all worry. It’s what we do. But it comes down to another thing. Do you NEED or WANT the Passat for any particular reason?

For Sweden > TDIGuy
03/27/2017 at 13:32

Pretty reliable, especially if you get one 2004 or after, which shouldn’t have the Opel transmission.

TDIGuy > random001
03/27/2017 at 13:44

I have no specific attachment to it but I do like the car. I really am just looking to improve cash flow and long term loss in depreciation. If I keep the car too long then it will depreciate even faster.