It would have to turn blustery today, when I'm going back for my second visit to the used car lot.
So the van will stay with the hubby (since he stunk it up with cigarettes a long time ago, he gets to keep it) and I'll buy another car this weekend. I have my eye on two: a 1997 Saturn SL2, and a 1999 Mercury Sable. Unfortunately their website is acting goofy, so I can't show you pictures. They're both very clean with around 100k miles. Here's a sad little tidbit: After being stuck in 1992 for so long, test driving a '97 felt almost futuristic. It's a 12-year-old car, in case you forgot it's 2009 now.
Anyhoo, wish me luck.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Good luck! :) May the mechanic's blessing be upon you and your choice, though I guess I'd lean toward the Sable if it were my choice (slightly bigger, no?).
ReplyDeleteThe Sable is bigger, but it's also priced at $500 less than the Saturn even though it's two years newer, and that makes me nervous, like maybe there's a hidden flaw. I don't know. I plan on driving the Sable today, maybe the Saturn again, then make my decision.
ReplyDeleteHow much difference is there in a Toyota in a similar class and age?
ReplyDeleteI tell you, if you can get life from a 17 year old Voyager (I killed a 96 Voyager last year, by the way), imagine how much life you can get from a car that doesn't need a new tranny every 100k kilometers.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with a 97... that's the year of the Ford Explorer I'm driving. *Knock on Wood* but I'm only about 11,000 miles from hitting 200k. It's been a trooper!
ReplyDeleteSaturns may have a lower resale value just because they're Saturns and Mercury is a division of Ford. Definitely have a mechanic give 'em both the once over and go with your gut.
Good luck!
WIGSF--You had trouble with your tranny, too? We had ours rebuilt to the tune of $1500 a few years ago, and still had to replace cables and linkage and whatever several times along the way. We finally gave up and just drive it even if it won't shift if it's too cold. We'll drive it until we have to push it.
ReplyDeleteKreestee--It's the Sable that's less expensive, which is what made me wonder. I looked up reviews of both cars online and so far the Saturns look more reliable over the long haul. I just can't believe we'll have power windows. I will truly be living in the future.
At any rate, it'll have to wait until after my dr's appt, because I left the key on in my mom's car and I have to wait for a jump. *sigh*
Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge are notorious for awful transmissions. Poor workmansip or low standards by the parts inspectors.
ReplyDeleteI know about being stuck without a car. Not a good feeling. I'm glad you're going to get out of that depressing situation!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you! Freedom! Woo! Freedom is *definitely* woo worthy! :D
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Sherri! Won't that be fun?
ReplyDeleteI had a 95 SL2 and I liked it. I must say that both Saturns (I have a Vue now) seem to require oodles of money for upkeep. I'd go Toyota, myself.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Saturns are notorious for having to have parts ordered, which is why I drive 2 hours to the nearest dealer for all but broke-down-on-the-highway work. Only dealers have Saturn parts in stock and there are practically ZERO aftermarket parts for sale in auto supply stores.
ReplyDeleteHa! Now you tell me. I went ahead and bought the durn thing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your freedom.
ReplyDeletethe saturn and the mercury are both good cars. I purchased a 1999 saturn using autocricket.com, And I am still using it to this day!!!
ReplyDeleteNice to know you had good luck with a Saturn. I like the car so far, and I plan to baby it to keep it nice. We'll see how 3 kids play into that, but I'll try. Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDelete