Just for some context I am staying with my parents, and am essentially living rent free just pocketing every penny I can get. I was stupid a few years ago and bought a brand new 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon right off the lot. I paid it off a year ago, and since then I’ve rebuilt my savings up to 30k. I’m really just saving up everything I can for the next couple years and trying to take advantage of where I’m at.
I work with my dad so recently I’ve just been carpooling with him anyways. My girlfriend uses my car for work but she isn’t driving like crazy commuting distances and it’s mostly highway miles. The jeep is still worth around 30k so it’s been in the back of my mind to just get rid of it and maybe grab something used around 15k or so and just pocket the rest and invest like I have been. I still don’t know if long term how great of an idea that is so I really just wanted some other opinions.
When is it a good idea to sell a car with value?
byu/BraidedPube inpersonalfinance
Posted by BraidedPube
10 Comments
If this car is purely for commuting, I’d sell the Wrangler, buy a Camry Hybrid/Prius used and outright, then pocket the rest of the funds for more savings. It’ll be a better ride, better reliability, and better on gas which is still going up. If you don’t want a Toyota, get a Honda Accord Hybrid or Civic Hybrid. Hard to beat any 4 of those cars for just a daily driver commuter car.
Is your girlfriend on your insurance?
No offense but do it before that piece of junk falls apart. You’re doing great. Buy a used Corolla or Camry or really any Toyota. Keep it up, you’re making life for your future self much easier.
Yeah, sell the turd while you can. It could develop a $7000-8000 repair any minute.
I won’t speak to your situation as it looks like some others have provided answers.
When purchasing a vehicle thought the goal is to never buy anything less than 3 years old. At that point most of the heavy depreciation has come off. Secondly, shop around credit unions for a car loan (typically better interest rates than a dealership will offer). Now if selling the vehicle at 30k happens, try to buy something within the 15k.
Good luck!
The best time to sell a car with value is before that value is zero.
If you still want something “off road looking” find an older RAV4 and throw a small lift and some wheels and tires on it for the looks (soft-roader). Really depends on what the replacement for this Wrangler would be used for though.
If you were carless and you would not take $30k of cash and buy the jeep, you should sell it.
Great idea. Nothing like a Prius for commuting.
I say trade it in. Get an older Lexus Gx460. For some reason the Tacoma, and 4Runner used is still expensive. Other viable options are the Nissan frontier, Chevy Colorado, Subaru Forester, rav4. I’d say you need an awd sadan or SUV bc your region is icy.
Subaru Impreza is a great commuter AWD and won’t break the bank.
I’m sure you’re more familiar with the commonWrangler problems than I am. If you still like the car and it works well then there’s actually nothing wrong with keeping it. The “mistake” of buying a new car has already been made and “corrected” as much as it can be by paying it off in a timely manner. The only shitty part is the insurance, which is nuts. I’d shop around to see if you can get a lower rate.