New car or 'refurbish' the old one?

[RhiChiChi]

So, I have always wanted a new car but agreed with DH that we would wait until #2 comes around. Well after 16 mths of ttc # 2 ad no luck, I decided that I am not waiting any longer!
Anyway, was asking my mechanic what 'brand' he would recommend & he told me not to bother getting a new car, there is nothing wrong with my current one. (I drive a 2003 Mazda 323 SP 20) So, now I am at cross-roads! I would love a new car - who doesn't?! But I am now seriously contemplating just getting my current one re-sprayed (quite a few scratches that can't be buffed out) and re-tinted (damaged tint). There is nothing else that needs doing.

What would you do? Would you bother to spend money on an old car (btw I don't know how much it would cost to re-spray & re-tint) or just get a new one? (our budget would be around $30k for a new car)

[Tinks]

I have hte same car as you.

They are such good cars. A friend of mine has a 99 model, she's had hers since new, it's 11 years old now and she's never ever had any issues with it. Seeing as teh only things wrong with it are cosmetic I'd keep it if I were you and get a new one in a couple of years when the kids get bigger.

[Astrid]

Going by the age of your car I would probably just keep it and fix it up. There is a point with cars that you are not really going to get too much for them on the 2nd hand market or for trade in, so you are better off keeping them. Seeing your car seems to be quite a good one and the mechanic is happy with it, then I would be reluctant to let go of it.

If you were planning on getting a loan for the new car, then you could keep your old one and save the "repayments'. That way by the time you current car is really ready to be gotten rid of, you could pay cash for the new one.

[SugarDust]

I agree with Tinks!

If it is only cosmetic things wrong with your car it would be cheaper to respray and retint instead of buying a new one!

This time last year we were in the same boat and DF and I came to the conclusion that because my car was going on 15yrs and his was going on 12yrs that we would get a new car as the "Family" car!

I say stick with what you have and just respray and retint and save a bot more until #2 comes along!

[Netix]

Stick with the car you have. Remove tint is up to a couple of hundred dollars (I think it was about $100-150 to get our Patrol done), then see if the tint shop has a special on, or go to another tint shop if you prefer.

Respray, same colour, much cheaper than changing colour as don't have to spray inside the door jams, engine bay, etc. Just basically scuff, any big dent repair and blow over with colour and clear.

Whereabouts in Melb are you?

[Lulu]

Tart up the old one - get a full detail too so if feels all shiny and new on the inside as well.

Why spend money on something like a car - save the cash and invest it into something that will grow not depreciate. xoxoxo

[Astrid]

Tart up the old one - get a full detail too so if feels all shiny and new on the inside as well.

Good point. Often after a full detail many people are happy to keep their car.

[AnyDream]

I would definitely spend a small amount tarting this one up...shout yourself some new car seat covers and a nice dangly for the rear-view mirror while you're at it ...and save save save your $$$. Esp if you have a mortgage or other debt or were planning on taking out a car loan.

[RhiChiChi]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I am going to 'tart up' the old one! I do love my car, I just feel it is looking tired, so I will get some quotes this week. We were going to pay part cash then take a loan for the rest, but now I think I will spend the money on re-doing parts of our garden and perhaps some new curtains for our house!

Netix - I live in Berwick /Sth East Suburbs. Do you know of anyone who can help? Am willing to travel a small distance if I'll save $$

Thanks again everyone, you've made my day & decision so much easier

[Netix]

I will see who I can come up with and pm you.

[Netix]

I had a thought before... if you really want to tart it up, get some pearl or candy colour put in the paint. Then it will have an extra dimension to it. I'm not talking about the chameleon paint that looks like three different colours depending on what angle you're on, just something to make it look better than just a really shiny shiny car.

And there are lots of different types of window tint, not just the obligatory grey. Among others, there is also reflective tints (some silver through to grey, and bronzey yellows), and almost holographic tints.