Short term car needs - Page 2

Zeke · 04-17-2008, 06:34 PM

I'd take a chance on a cheap Honda or similar. Even 2 at Jim's prices would beat all other solutions should you have to let one go because of repairs beyond reasonable.

VincentVega · 04-17-2008, 07:59 PM

Check out something like this: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/car/644372985.html

They are listed for 2-3k everyday in the area. Safe, cheap cars. It will be no problem to sell in the fall. Heck, I'll help if I can.

911pcars · 04-17-2008, 08:24 PM

Chris,
Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the idea. I was just starting to look in VA., but DC is not that far and maybe more selection.

Sherwood

onewhippedpuppy · 04-18-2008, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Cesiro

I have had 3 different $600 beaters in the last 15 years and every one of them were more dependable than my $50K Audi.

Really, that's more a sad commentary on your Audi.

Porsche_monkey · 04-18-2008, 07:12 AM

If it were me I would buy a cheap car, but I can fix my car, my daughter can't.

Look for a lease takeover, you should be able to find someone looking to upgrade a few months before their lease is done. you just take over the lease and turn the car in when you're done.

Is there a lease-buster in that area?

911pcars · 04-19-2008, 02:01 AM

Thanks for all the suggestion so far. It has made decision-making a little easier knowing the available options and scenarios. The take-over-a-lease deal sounds a little too complicated with the requisite paperwork and all. Leaning toward a simpler deal.

Jim, I think I'll try your suggestion and contact some new or used car dealers; explain her temporary job situation and see if they're open to a used car sale and buyback type of deal. If they're cool to the idea, ask them for suggestions.

Since the most variable element is selling it, a worst case scenario is we donate the car to a charity (Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.) and write off the donation on our taxes.

There's also the option of bringing (drive or transport) the VA car to CA after completing her summer job. From some research, registering a 49 state car in CA shouldn't be a problem as long as it passes a smog test. There may also be a smog impact fee to pay.

Sherwood

Dueller · 08:25 AM

I will be facing a similar situation next summer. Out of curiosity/OCD I called a Rent-a-wreck franchise in St Michaels MD and spoke with a Kelly. She was very nice. Basically if Mom/Dad rents it and lists dtr as secondary driver AND dtr is on Mom/Dad's auto insurance, they will waive the underage driver fee. Runs about $500/month with no mileage fee. Miost of the cars they have in inventory are Taurus' that are 2-3 years old.

Here's a list of franchises closest to Norfolk...

http://rentawreck.findlocation.com/results.aspx

Might be worth the hassle factor/repair risk to just spend $1000-1250 and walk away at the end of summer. Even if you did buy a car you'll still have to spend $$$$ registering, licensin, insuring, etc. She doesn't have her own car at school?

VaSteve · 04-19-2008, 05:46 PM

Be real careful with Rent a Wreck. They are about exactly as advertised.

Once I had a problem with my DD when I was about 23...hail damage all over..full repaint. I didn't have rental insurance on my policy (since I didn't understand it at the time) so I got a rent a wreck pick up (cool put the bike in the back). What a pile of ****. The alignment was so bad, it's a wonder I kept it on the road.

Seahawk · 04-20-2008, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911pcars

Chris,
Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the idea. I was just starting to look in VA., but DC is not that far and maybe more selection.

Sherwood

Sherwood,

I'll be living in DC during the week starting in June...let me know if you need any help.

911pcars · 04-20-2008, 10:41 AM

SH,
Thanks for the generous offer. We should be okay by then, but it's good to know for plan B, whatever that is.

Regards,
Sherwood

911pcars · 05-06-2008, 05:41 PM

Here's an update to the child-in-VA-saga.

Per suggestions from this forum, friends and others, I've decided to pursue finding a car at a local car lot in the area. The plan is to describe the circumstances (3 months, short trip from home to work, budget limits, good driver, etc.), then ask what they suggest. I'm hoping they can arrange a deal where they sell me a reliable beater for 3 months, then buy it back for an amount that makes everyone happy. Well, that's the theory. We'll see how close it is to reality.

Second choice: Purchase from a private party. I've gathered a list of about 100 possible Craigslist cars in Md and VA. However, looking for the next buyer would have to take place shortly after arriving just to ensure the car goes away in time. Timing is critical and doesn't work in the seller's favor in this circumstance. I'd need a garage to inspect it for fatal flaws and a day or so to fly in to take a look and do the deal in either case.

An alternative is to donate it to a charity following the job stint.

Rental is out due to the fact she's too young. If she were a little older, they'd add a daily surcharge to the rental total, in some cases, an amount equivalent to the actual rental charges (e.g. $2000 surcharge).

So here's the question. Can someone recommend a reputable car dealer with a supply of okay cars located in/around/near/sorta close to the Norfolk area? Otherwise, it's keystrokes through the internet.

My head hurts.

Thanks,
Sherwood

VincentVega · 05-06-2008, 06:09 PM

Sherwood - I just learned a friend is selling a mid 90's Volvo wagon. PM/email if you are interested.

williecoyote · 05-06-2008, 07:09 PM

Sherwood,
I live about 2 hours south of Norfolk,Va.
I am in the area on a fairly regular basis. I would be glad to assist you in any way I can.

911pcars · 05-06-2008, 11:21 PM

PM's sent.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I think you're gonna run into issues trying to register a car in VA with a CA driver's license. And it would be silly to get a VA license if she's only gonna be there for a few mos.

Porsche_monkey · 05-07-2008, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Martin

Sherwood - I just learned a friend is selling a mid 90's Volvo wagon. PM/email if you are interested.

Could be a very good choice.

Scuba Steve · 05-07-2008, 08:11 AM

Solution - Buy my 924S. It's marked down 1/3 because of the marked title from way back when, but I've rebuilt and serviced most of the car over the years. There you go, cheap reliable transportation

911pcars · 05-07-2008, 01:21 PM

Scuba,
Where is the car and is it A/T? She is not practiced with a manual shift.

Rick,
Thanks for the tip. I'll research VA DMV.

Thanks,
Sherwood

Scuba Steve · 05-07-2008, 03:03 PM

Sorry, it's a manual and I live near Seattle. I've seen an automatic 924S before, but they're pretty rare.

When I was helping my girlfriend find a good car to get around in I tried the company classified ads. If you know someone that works at a major corporation like Boeing or Microsoft that may be a good route to try. I got a better feeling about a lot of cars I saw posted there compared to Craigslist. Lots to look at, but some of them seemed shady.

I hate to have to sell on Craigslist but I may have no other choice. Ideally I'd be able to find a good home for the 924S but if I go that route I'll just have to leave a piece of paper with the URL to this forum in the car and say "Go here!"

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Buy a solid, safe car that gets good mileage...thoroughly service and test it out and then drive your daughter out to VA and get her set up for the summer and fly back. Make it a father/daughter bonding trip that neither will forget. It will cost a bit more...but, daughters are priceless.