The $4,000 question

So the GF's car, a 2008 Saturn, is having some mechanical issues and she took it in The garage called this morning.

It will be $4,100 to replace the transmission as it is going out. It seems that in Saturns, the car's computer module is housed in the transmission and that adds some bucks to the job.

Anyway, the mechanic seems to think that the car might have some other issues that will need repair eventually but wasn't clear, or at least she didn't give exact details.

So, here's the question, spend $4,100 to get the car fixed or spend that money on a down payment and then be on the hook for car payments.

Go.

 

Whatever smallpotatoes says, go with.

 

New car, no brainer. They haven't made Saturns in how many years. Either put that down toward a new car or get a used car that doesn't need a new transmission. Not sure where you are, but in NY, NJ or PA if you have good credit you should get a very good rate now.

 

Junk the Saturn.


And buy a TESLA!!!!!

 

If I put four grand into repairs, I'd be deathly afraid with every mile that another expensive problem is coming around the next corner. I don't venture in used car dealings, but I'd guess there are newer, reliable vehicles that'll be easier on the wallet than a brand new '15 or or 16.

 

I can pretty much guarantee a car from 2008 is worth less than $4,100, especially if it needs that much work.

 

NADA guide doesn't list any 2008 Saturn as worth more than $4,100, except the Sky 4-cylinder. Even that is $7,650 at the max. Many of the others not even valued over $4k.

So you could buy a used 2008 Saturn for less than it would cost to fix this one.

 

Jay, is this a Saturn Ion we're talking about? If so, I doubt you could sell one for $4,100 in good condition. In other words, sell it and get what you can for it. For $4,100 you can be on your way to a decent used car.
That sounds insanely high for a transmission. I once had a '93 Saturn SL1 with the common Reverse Slam problem. Yes, the problem was so common with automatic transmissions on older Saturns it had its own name. You put the car in reverse and nothing happens. You tap the gas and it slams into reverse. That was $1,000 to fix. The next week I discovered the car was burning oil due to bad rings (another common older Saturn problem, and a bit ironic considering the name).
When the Ion came out, it created a huge and ugly division among Saturn fans.

 

Keep the 4100 and buy new at 0% interest.

 

Depending where you are, you need good credit for 0%.

 

She has an 850 plus credit score. Her current car, it is an Aura, came with zero percent financing.

The Kelley Blue Book says car's value is between $3,000 to $4,000.

I personally think go find a car, and buy it this weekend. But she makes decisions at a glacial pace. We've only been dating 7 and half years, living together for nearly six years, and only this past weekend did it occur to her that marriage might be the end result of our relationship.