Car woes

[hils]

So this morning my car went in for a service and MOT. Never a fun time of year.

After a couple of hours I got a call asking how attached I am to my car.

Yeah...

Looks like it needs some major welding work done and they're not sure at this point whether it's even worth doing. Could be that it'll cost more to repair it than the car is worth.

So there's a distinct possibility I will be shopping for a new car in the next few days. I knew this was coming and I've already got a bit of money set aside in my new car fund but I was really hoping to be able to save up the whole cost of the car before I needed to get one. If I do end up having to get one it's going to have to be purchased either on finance or with a loan.

Not good.

I was so happy when I paid off all my loan and credit card debt a year ago and it sucks that I'm probably going to have to go back into debt again.

I suppose the silver lining is that I'm earning a reasonable wage in my new job so any debt I do end up in should only be for a few months, a year tops.

Still, stressful and anxiety inducing. My little KA is my first car and he's served me well. Replacing him is going to be a sad affair not to mention I have zero clues about how purchasing/trading in works. Don't even know if I CAN trade in a car that's failed its MOT or if I have to scrap it (something else I know zero about)

ARGH! Hoping my friends hubby will come car shopping with me if it comes to that. He loves cars and will hopefully be able to help me find something suitable and affordable.

Comments

[kazzy-cee.livejournal.com]

Don't forget at this time of year a lot of manufacturers are offering interest free credit which is well worth a look! You might be able to get some money for your car - and always remember you can haggle. Good luck!!

[hils.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[hobbituk.livejournal.com]

Some car dealers offer trade in price for cars "any condition" which might be helpful.  I think they did that when I bought my old micra. ..

[hils.livejournal.com]

That's good to know! Thank you!

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

It's always a bit sad to reach that point - but it will be fun shopping - try out a few different models, and haggle!

[hils.livejournal.com]

I am SO bad at haggling. My friend's hubby is taking me to a dealership on Sunday and has some ideas of the sorts of things to look at. Hopefully he can help me haggle too :D

[bogwitch.livejournal.com]

I managed to trade in a car with the steering column starting to detach and the gearbox falling out (what a terrifying drive to the dealership that was!), I think you will be fine.

Sadly cars are money pits and mine always seem to fall apart/get smashed into just before the loan finishes, meaning the cycle goes round again and again...

[hils.livejournal.com]

That's reassuring actually. Thank you!

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

I know you don't have the time, but we spent a couple of weeks looking at the dealers' websites and found they were pretty good with giving the specs. Good luck.