Hi Sajeev -I live in Brooklyn and I have a 2011 Prius that I still owe about $10k on. Before mocking my choice of personal transportation, remember that driving dynamics mean next to nothing when you live in a place where it's hard to go above 40 MPH at any given time and the roads resemble 1990′s Kosovo. That said, my best friend is the service manager at a Volvo dealership and she just received a 1993 Volvo 940 wagon on trade.
It has 124k miles on it, and it's been garaged and meticulously maintained with new tires, new muffler, new brakes, etc. She's having her shop give it a once-over and she can sell it to me for $3k and I'm impulsively forking over the money without giving it a second thought. I've always wanted to own a Volvo wagon; perhaps it's because in 1993, our family owned a 1986 Nova and a 1991 Saturn and I was always painfully aware of the better options on the road. Psychoanalysis aside, I've been a 'car guy' my entire life but I don't know the first thing about fixing a Volvo.
Here's my plan: keep both the Volvo and the Prius for the summer and decide to sell one of them at the end of August. Forge a good relationship with a local, well-reviewed Volvo repair shop. Be honest with myself and realize that the Prius will likely get the boot come August.
Since I'm currently paying $300/month in car payments, I could save that much and presumably spend it on the Volvo (which I wouldn't mind, knowing that I'd be driving my dream car). I don't depend on my car to get to work and would put less than 10k/year on the Volvo were it to become my daily driver.
I can't tell if this is the best or worst idea I've ever had and I'd love to get your thoughts.
Sajeev Answers:
Aside from parking availability, this is one of the smartest things I've seen in months. Here's why.
One of my closest friends lives in Brooklyn, and I've spent a few days there with his family. I kinda loved it, as so many things were within walking distance from their apartment. So I see where you're coming from. And your assessment of the Volvo and your need to find a reputable mechanic implies you're covering all the bases. Considering the roads and availability of public transportation in NYC, having an old Volvo as your only mode of transport isn't a bad idea.
It's kind of a great idea. Plus, if you fill the cargo area with crates of PBR, you'd be the coolest cat in your borough. Sorry, I couldn't resist making a hipster joke.
Get the Volvo, find a good indie mechanic, register on the brickboard forums and be an active lurker, sell the Prius and live a happy life with your dream car. Many of us will be jealous, but we'll be happy that you are happy.
Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.
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