It is soooooo low! Compared to my $1600 in South California.
Only one plus, I got a garage which can carry lifted Trooper with roof rack.

I 'm noot preaching, but be wary of vehicledepreciation rates and financing schemes. I know its not a popular view, but I recommend buying used and paying cash.

Here's a good real life scenario. Back in 2001, I wanted a new trooper. The 2001 LS models seemed nice. Dealer "could" sell me a new one for $22900 ($32400 list). INstead I bought a used 2001 w/ 11000 miles for $17500 (paid cash). After 2 years, I figured that I had too much invested in semi-trail rig and sold it for $13000 ($19600 less than sticker in 2yrs!!) and bought a '95LS for $3900 ($24000 less than sticker in 8 yrs). I used the remaining cash to buy my wife a '99 Honda Oddessey ($20000 less than sticker in 4 years).

Not trying to boast about paying cash. I am trying to illustrate how fast vehicles decpreciate these days. Even w/ zero interest, you're most likely going to be burned if you try to sell within 1-4 years. Also, most cards have a variable interest rate.

All that said, to each his own. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Normally I strongly agree about used cars over new, but with a 93 Amigo (2 years used when I bought it), I keep things around for a while and felt it was time to reward myself. Plus it was the only way I would get what I wanted in a Rodeo. I didn't want to wait 3 years for a used DI, even longer for a 4x4 DI, then have to drive 2000 miles to get it sight unseen, and even then still not have the full electronic and sunroof package I wanted.

My 401(k) is earning a remarkable 19.8% ROI this year (defense stocks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> ), so I'd rather borrow at 3% and have extra money in the bank earning...well, my IRA isn't doing near as well (severe understatement), but it frees up money that my job lets me put into my 401(k). But, I also realize I'm very fortunate to have an understanding company, a growing 401(k), and a low interest loan.


We had to sell the house after 9/11 (activated) and there's a hidden cost. I'm sleeping in a sleeping bag on a concrete floor tonight (military barraks and I hate cots) in a shared open building. With shared showers. That's free, but during the week I sleep on a friends couch (or a sleeping bag on the wood floor-you get used to it) and pay a little rent for some storage space at his house and a spot in the garage for the motorcycle. I'm also 1,053 miles from my family....and my tools. I sure do miss them. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coolg.gif" alt="" />