Cash for Clunkers - vent

bob'smom

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My current car is a 1996 Chevy Caprice. Needless to say it qualifies for Cash for Clunkers. All my co-workers are coming up and asking me when I'm going to trade it in. This has become extremely annoying! I keep explaining that the car runs, it's paid for and the insurance is dirt cheap. I don't want another bill on my shoulder at the moment, even if it's one I can afford. I would rather pay down my credit card balances. And my co-workers should know better. Our parent company recently bought a company who's staff will be merged with ours this fall and some jobs (on both sides) will be eliminated. I don't want to be in the situation of buying a new car and then finding out I'm laid off a couple of month later. God can't people just mind their own business! If they want to buy a new car and theirs qualifies then go right ahead. I need to conduct my life the best way I see fit, and a new car right now doesn't fit in.
 

mismaris777

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I think you're being very smart about this. So many people go out on a whim and do impulse things, like get all caught up in this new cash for clunkers without thinking first, then get stuck in a crap-boat (my new word, sry
). You're happy with the way things are right now, as far as your vehicle goes, and there's no reason to change it. If you're comfortable, do what you think is best. I don't know what to tell ya about everyone bugging you all the time about your car, I don't have to experience that so I'm sorry for the lack of advice

I hope everything works out for you with your job- I'm sure we all don't want to see another person out of work! Tough times, tough times. I don't blame you for your frustration. When you want a new car, you'll get one. But if you're happy, stay happy. No reason to go and ruin a good thing, right?
 

^tanya^

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You are being responsible, that's a good thing. Besides, even if you knew you could afford it and chose not to buy a new car. Who cares? It isn't anyone elses business.

I hope everything goes well at work.
 

darkmavis

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My boyfriend has been getting hassled by coworkers about his car for years now. He's got a 1998 Nissan Altima, paid-off, runs great, but has some big scratches and the paint is starting to blister. Yeah, he's an engineer, could afford a nice new fancy car, but his priorities are different than other people's; he doesn't need to be seen in a pretty new car to feel good. He'd rather spend his money on travel or a day trip or something else fun. Plus, like you said, everyone's got job insecurity right now, so it's best not to add new bills into the mix right now.

So I say screw those guys, and run your old car into the ground!
 
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bob'smom

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It's funny - the people doing the asking are driving Mercedes, Acuras, etc. Maybe they think seeing the Behemoth (as it's known in my family) as an embararssment. Hey - if they want to pay for me to have a new car (and the increased insurance rates) I'll listen.
 

rahma

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We're having the same issue with buying a house. We'd like to buy one in the next few years, but my husband just started his job and we'd like to make sure he has a little bit more stability in it first before we commit to $1000+ a month for 30 years. Yeah, we'll miss the $8,000 tax credit, but it's better then being foreclosed on.
 

binkyhoo

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Originally Posted by Bob'sMom

My current car is a 1996 Chevy Caprice. Needless to say it qualifies for Cash for Clunkers. All my co-workers are coming up and asking me when I'm going to trade it in. This has become extremely annoying! I keep explaining that the car runs, it's paid for and the insurance is dirt cheap. I don't want another bill on my shoulder at the moment, even if it's one I can afford. I would rather pay down my credit card balances. And my co-workers should know better. Our parent company recently bought a company who's staff will be merged with ours this fall and some jobs (on both sides) will be eliminated. I don't want to be in the situation of buying a new car and then finding out I'm laid off a couple of month later. God can't people just mind their own business! If they want to buy a new car and theirs qualifies then go right ahead. I need to conduct my life the best way I see fit, and a new car right now doesn't fit in.
not meaning any disrespect, but I dont feel your pain. I Have a 1995 taurus and I dont qualify. I am car shopping with or with out. Maybe I am wrong. If anyone can tell me otherwise.I just went to the web sites. I was told I have to make under 18 mpg? My taurus does 22?
 

keycube

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As "successful" as the CfC program has been in regards to being a working stimulus program in the short-term, I'm assuming most of these people aren't paying for their new cars with cash. In the wake of a supposed economic crisis, I'm a bit surprised at the amount of ballsy people out there willing to throw some pretty big money around and deal with more credit debt.

Yeah, I know we all have to spend money to jump-start the economy, but still...
 

natalie_ca

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I think your smart about this too!


There is no need for you to justify your reasons for not getting a new(er) car with anyone. The next time someone starts in on you about your car and this "cash for clunkers" etc, simply smile and say "Thank you! But I like my car!" and walk away.
 

mrblanche

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Some think we may see a big wave of repossessions 6 months down the road.

The 1996 Caprice wasn't a bad car, especially in SS trim.

And any sharp economist will tell you that the least expensive car to drive is the one you have right now, if it's paid for.
 
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bob'smom

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I have to say it's like driving a sofa (in terms of seat comfort). So it doesn't have a CD player - big deal. I get to work, I get home. And that's what counts.
 

emrldsky

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Originally Posted by Bob'sMom

I have to say it's like driving a sofa (in terms of seat comfort). So it doesn't have a CD player - big deal. I get to work, I get home. And that's what counts.
I have a 1999 Escort, basic. I find it comfortable (I'm 5'2") and it also doesn't have a CD player. I just use an FM transmitter for my iPod, and go. And I'm really not that sad that it doesn't qualify.
Enjoy your PAID FOR car, and enjoy the fact that you won't need to worry about how to pay for it later down the road, if things take a turn for the worse.
 

capt_jordi

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As long as you are happy with the car then I wouldnt worry about them! Just laugh when they are dropping the $200 a month on a car payment and you can have some extra money to buy what you want!
I noticed last night I couldnt qualify because my 95 1/2 Nissan Sentra gets 32MPG on most tanks LOL! And it is paid for and just had the engine rebuilt but at the moment sounds rather beasty with its lack of exhaust... oh well.
As for the home buyers credit, we are taking advantage of that!
 

goldenkitty45

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Put up a sign on your cubicle that reads "I LOVE my car - don't ask me to get rid of it"

And put a cute picture of your car or similiar under the sign.

Maybe add in smaller print "next person that asks me will be taken out the back door and dealt with!"

If anyone mentions anything - then point to the sign and tell them to read it.
 

emrldsky

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Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

Put up a sign on your cubicle that reads "I LOVE my car - don't ask me to get rid of it"

And put a cute picture of your car or similiar under the sign.

Maybe add in smaller print "next person that asks me will be taken out the back door and dealt with!"

If anyone mentions anything - then point to the sign and tell them to read it.
Or "Next person that asks me will be sold to Cash for Clunkers instead."
 

missmeowmy

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I'm a huge car freak, so I'd probably take advantage of this program if I had something that qualified. That being said, what YOU do with your assets is no one's business but your own!


Honestly, I think your coworkers are probably just trying to make conversation.
But after awhile, anything that repetitive will inevitably be annoying!!!
 
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