Trade in for good car or just get fixed?

Question

OK so September of '06 my mom and I were in a car accident. I car was totaled, middle/end '07 she bought a used '03 Altima 2.5S. The car was perfectly fine until about 30 minutes ago. My mom went down to start the car and it didn't start! This car has less than 40 thousand miles on it and has been in perfect condition. I have read reviews about the car and multiple people said the car fails but I was unaware of this until after my mom purchased the car (was in school during time). She still owes money on the car and is currently paying it off, I want to know is there any way she can trade the car in for a new car and not have to have double payments (new car and used car)? Also if she doesn't have to make double payments, what is a very reliable, mid-sized sedan that doesn't get 19 city and 20 highway. MPG, size, and extremely well reliability is what I'm looking for.

Answer 1

Before you look at buying a new car, check out your car to see what the problem is. It could be something as simple as a loose connection. It's worth a few bucks for a qualified mechanic to check it out. Besides, if you buy another car, you won't get much trade-in for your current car if it's not running. And if you buy another used car, you might just be buying someone else's problems. Unless you are buying a brand new car, take any used car you're thinking about to a qualified INDEPENDENT mechanic (not the one at the car dealer) and he'll probably charge you $100 to check it out. It's a lot cheaper than getting stuck with another lemon.

BTW, as far as a new car goes, I'd suggest a Nissan Altima. I bought one new in '06, and never spent a dime on it except oil changes and maintenance. I got hit by a truck 6 months ago, and it totaled my car, but I walked away. I was so impressed that I bought a new '08 Altima. It now has 29,000 miles on it (I drive a LOT), and not a single problem. It gets around 30 MPG, even with my lead foot. Plus, the keyless ignition makes me grin every time I start it up.

Answer 2

Wow overreaction much? Just fix the car.

Answer 3

didn't start like dead battery? or like no gas?

Answer 4

until you know what's wrong with it, it would make no sense to trade it in

Answer 5

03 Altima with only 40,000 miles ?

Need to get it looked at... Sounds like the Battery has just went out ... Simple 5 or more years old ....

If it Just clicks or nothing at all when you turn the key...

If it just spins over and over its No spark or No Fuel

With 40K miles its worth fixing !!!

Spark plugs last to 100K miles easy in that motor (I replace them at 60K)

Fuel filter was to be replaced at 15,000 to 20,000

Most people don't ever replace them til the engine stops running or burn up the fuel pump.

Get Someone that knows cars to come over and look at it with you.

Answer 6

Every car needs service and repairs.  

If you jump into another car you'll be bringing the old loan into the new loan (minus the trade-in value which is never very good) and your payment will be substantially more.

If it were mine, I'd fix it.  But I drive a '66 Chevy because that's the decision I always make.