Should I keep my VAN?

My friends and family know all about my white
2002 Mazda MPV. After 8 years of service and numerous repairs, a year long glow of a check engine light while it runs well, plus the filth of the summer with three children, I have pondered, "Should I keep this car?"

After speaking with my husband, I happily browsed the web for my next car. I wanted to say good bye to the mini van for a compact car with manual shift and leather seating; a sunroof too!
After some research, I decided on a few while favoring the Subaru Crosstek.

There are many contenders... that new car smell, firm handling, and working amenities.....the idea of a new car is very alluring!

Hyundai Veloster

Chevy Spark

Honda FiT

Mini Cooper

Ford Fiesta

Then after setting a test drive, I explored the web further. I came across this

Should You Keep Your Old Car?

If you really want to really save money on a new car, don't sell your old one.

By , Updated February 2014

We all know that new cars grow old after that first scratch; the payments grow old real fast especially with terms as long as 5 or more years! Even the attractive lease of $150 a month on the Subaru still required a $2500 downpayment. Logically, will my car require a 2500+ 1800 (12x150) = $4300 in repairs this year. After a 3 year lease 5400 plus 2500 down payment, I would still be searching for a car or looking to buy this one. That could be $7000 for many other things or even a down payment for when this van repairs do outweigh my benefits.

SO unless I am just about an image, getting into a car payment is not necessary!

SO IT WAS TIME TO TAKE PRIDE IN MY RIDE

If you thought your car was filthy, look at mine. Getting back to basics, I detailed my own car for a change. Starting with a trash bag, a cordless vacuum, brush, dust pan, microfiber towels, and GREENWAY, I removed trash, wiped surfaces, removed stains, and freshened the scent of the interior. On the exterior, I used a combination of Greenway and the NO WET ULTRA METAL POLISH to remove all the oxidation left from neglect. White cars tend to clean from a distance but this one was dingy and lacked all luster. After my exterior detail, the surface is reflective.

The facts are the following: 1. I have a super short 2 mile commute to work. 2. It holds 7 passengers nicely. 3. It's cabin is big enough for the AJ PhotoStudios Photo Booth that I man for my father's business. 4. It has not needed a major $500 plus repair in over two years; I have repaired or replaced many things already; not much left to repair. 5. It is PAID IN FULL. 6. It's white and looks cleaner longer. 7. Even my mechanic said, "Keep it."

8 - If all I needed was Greenway to help me fall in love with my car again, then there are still many miles ahead.

Before and After photo collage

Slide show of interior and exterior detail of my MPV

Greenway Gal

BUY NOW

Friday, August 15, 2014