I am going into outside sales which means driving around all over the place to meet clients. And I am very good at fixing cars; I have a garage full of the right tools. But, I don't have much time anymore (maybe like 5 hours every Sunday).
I have two 12-year old cars (sedan and SUV) both over 150,000 miles. They both need paint and minor body work; one needs a/c, water pump, and rubber suspension parts. They both should get a full tune-up.
I just abhor car payments! Now, I can truly afford a payment of less than $300/mo. as long as nothing catastrophic happens to my family ( I do have insurance all around).
Should I take my limited time and fix up both cars (alternating one as the other's up on jacks during the week)? Or should I get a nicer, newer used car that doesn't need any kind of "restoring?" Do people see a sales person driving up in a "beater" and think,"Geez, that business can't be too successful. Look at what that chap is driving?" What should I do?
I think it depends what type of sales you are in, and how much are your clients really going to see your car. If you are in real estate sales, I wouldn't drive anything older than 3-4 years.
I hate car payments too. I suggest that you do upgrade your cars if you think it will have an impact on your appearance and ultimately your success, but don't make payments. Go with the cars you have right now and take the $300/month that you would be spending on payments and save it. After you have a few thousand dollars, upgrade to a respectable used car with no body damage. Keep saving the $300/month, and when you have a few thousand more, sell the car and upgrade again. You'll be driving something fairly new in no time, but without the obligation of car payments.
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