Friday, January 16, 2009

fix or buy new?

So we still have the big green minivan. The same one we've had since the twins were a year or so old. It has nearly 170K miles. Three years ago we replaced the transmission. Shortly after that we replaced the radiator and water pump. Then the brakes and tires, etc - tbut that's just regular maintenece stuff that is to be expected, eh?

Well, we decided about three years ago, when we decided to replace the transmission, that we would literally run the vehicle into the ground before buying somehting new.. at least wait until Dan is working regularly again, done with school, and all that jazz. Last August, we put in another grand (not including the hotel room cost that resulted in the car breaking down hundreds of miles away from home...). We have to look, hopefuly for a newer vehicle -- why chance buying used if repairs might be similar or worse. At least we know what we have yet to replace in our van -- the engine is really about all that is original, scarily enough!

So I ask, how much is enough? The cost of the repairs, although seemingly costly when done once or twice a year, are quite reasonable when compared to a few hundred dollars for a car loan each month (that is if we could currently qualify for a car loan!).
Also, the decision on our moving is finalized: we're staying in the little itty-bitty house we are currently in - why bother moving if we might have to move again when Dan graduates and gets a job somewhere/anywhere in two years? So we're looking into fixing up this ole house whilst we're still in it (paint, windows?, bathroom cabinets). Might as well enjoy it whilst (hi, Sue) we're here - I always wonder why I fix stuff up after we decide to move out? I know it'll be easier to sell, most likely get a better price?

And as I know everyone just love photos:
On a completely different note, Gavin and I baked cookies yesterday evening. He says he wants to be a baker when he grows up. Either that or a "medic."



I am certain that getting to lick the beaters is a big part of the attraction for him!

6 comments:

  1. So, no Nicholas Dr, eh? Curious re: the details...although I can imagine.... SO, then you can definitely come visit us down south in March as you won't be dealing with a move!!! Did you get Sharon's phone message? Fixing up the homestead can be tiresome, but the results are so worth it! Makes it even more HOME. Stay warm! Freezing at night here and highs only in the 50's... it feels COLD and everyone is in a tizzy! What Floridians, huh!!! What's it up there? Negative what????!!!!

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  2. Whilst reading your post, I had a few thoughts...

    The houses we sell are NEVER the house I actually lived in. I tend to look around and think, "Wow. It's actually kind of nice."

    We also plan on driving our little van into the ground and perhaps beyond that for a bit. I really, really, really don't want a car payment again. Ever. I say enough is enough when it doesn't move any more.

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  3. kold enuf 4 U folks in haleytown? I C glens falls
    had -21's, last nite; ugh! Thank god are wear-out
    dates are, for the most part, a bit longer than th
    modern contrivances we try to drive. Thanks for
    the haley visit time, and esp the great cookies
    the medic/baker produced. I esp enjoyed the walk
    in the woods, w/ connor&Gavin, and of course the
    mutts, and the two hrs as a playmate w/ the G-man.
    love to U all! Grandpapamitch/daddio. :>) xoxo

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  4. Hola' Haley household, frum cool sara springs.
    hope all the guys&gal, and the menagerie r
    staying warm. Got a kall frum Ms Kathy B, U.K.,
    who says hello, cherrio, and passes on her love.
    While talking 2 her, missed a call frum Sharon,
    who wants to come back, and have us go down 2 C
    him! Kalled bak, and Kathleen says hello 2 U!
    Kathleen is going to try to sneak in a visit
    over the president's wkend., if a cheap flight
    available. love U'all!:>) Grand-PAPA-Mitch XO

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  5. Papa,
    It's hard to read your comments - you spell not very well! (It's just weird.)
    xo Rael

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