On the Road Again

In June, 2014, I went car-less.  It was a liberating experience.  I live on a bus line and the grocery store on the same line so shopping was easy.  Getting to and from church was easy as well, just time consuming.  It took just over an hour each way.

At the end of May, 2017, I purchased a vehicle.  It was time to have greater mobility again.  With some family and friends out of the area, it has made visiting easier.  I’m also transitioning to other living accommodations in the near future and having a vehicle will help with this adjustment.

Car-Less

So long, farewell, au wiedersehen, goodbye
(heehee - love that movie!) 

I am officially ‘car-less’.  I haven't driven my vehicle since May 5th.  On Friday, (yep, the 13th) I had a fabulous experience with CarMax.  They do an appraisal on your car and give you a written offer that is valid for 7 days.  This offer is for a sale or trade-in.  Both the appraisal day and the sale day (yesterday) went quickly and smoothly.  I would recommend CarMax to any and all.

My biggest thanks to the Lord as He is good!  I left the outcome in His hands without a worry and it turned out fantastic.  After the car loan was paid, I received a check for the balance.  Thank you to everyone who kept an ear open for buyers and to those who prayed about the sale of my vehicle.

Downsizing

I have been praying for a few months about selling my car.  I decided to sell it and have such peace about it that I know the Lord has spoken to me.  I have put in on the ‘marketplace’ where I work and also where my sister’s.  I have parked the vehicle and am using public transportation (bus) and walking.  I have faith that the right person will come along and purchase this vehicle.

It is one less material item that I won’t have to worry about the monthly payments, gas and maintenance on.  It is rather freeing  :~)

I humbly request prayers for the sale of the vehicle.  I am hoping to receive what I still owe the bank and if I get extra it will go to savings and other debt.  Although I haven’t done a Dave Ramsey class, I know those who have and have chatted with them about the ‘extra proceeds’ I may receive and the steps Mr. Ramsey suggests.

White and sleek

My new vehicle ~ yes, I bit the bullet.  I am ready for winter!  It is a smooth, quiet ride and handles well in dry and rainy weather.  As an AWD, I am sure it will do wonders in the snow.

Thanks for all the advice.  It was taken, reviewed and some was used and some was not.  I think that is how it usually goes.

My goal is to not have to purchase another vehicle for many years  :-)



New Ride?

I have been contemplating [for about a year] getting a different vehicle.

I traded in my CR-V in 2010 for a Honda Civic Hybrid.  Mostly, this was to shed another piece of my past marriage and to help me heal.  I have to say that the car is sporty and gets amazing gas mileage!  However, it is extremely low to the ground which makes driving in the winter snows difficult.

I had mentioned my contemplation to various family members and my dad had a great suggestion which I would like to pass along to the masses ~ rent a vehicle for a week or so to really make sure it is the one you want.  You will save money and headache in the long run, especially if you find you aren't as enamored of the car as you thought you were.

Sage advise from a thought-filled man!