I have a 2002 Ford Focus that now needs a transmission repair that costs nearly as much as the car is worth. DH and I decided not to perform the repair and instead will be getting rid of my car.
Problem is, what do I do with it?
We don't have a Carmax in town and it won't drive far enough to get to a place like that. The Ford dealership wasn't interested it buying it. Should I list it on craigslist even though it needs repairs? Will I get totally scammed?
What would you do?
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@lindseykaye: I would list it (I know you can even list cars to part out & mechanics may find interest).
We bought DH's last car from a mechanic guy that liked buying & fixing up cars (listed on craigslist). When the car went ka-put (however you spell that) we sold it back to the same guy. It was a great little car & lasted the time that we needed it too... it was an older vehicle with alot of miles so it was to be expected that it'd need some major repairs around the time it did (wasn't a lemon is my point).
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Definately try Craigslist. My DH is a mechanic and he and his dad buy cars for super cheap, do the labor and then sell them for a profit.
If you don't get any bites, you could always sell it for scrap metal, or to a junk yard.
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I would post it on Craigslist saying that it's in need of a transmission, list it lower than its worth (obviously) and say Serious and Cash offers only! Good luck this is never fun!
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I would post it on craigslist and say what it needs done. The transmission in DH's work car went out and we got more for it than we expected from listing it.
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Funny it's a Ford - they seem to be notorious for transmission issues. My husband had a Taurus he sold on Craigslist. He sold it as "Pioneer CD Deck with free Taurus." He was upfront that it needed new transmission valves and it was a cash only, u-haul situation. Somebody bought it from him and loaded it up onto a trailer for their daughter!
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This gives me some hope that I won't be totally out of luck in getting at least some money for this car. She has served me well the past 7 years I have had her but man, issue after issue. I literally put $675 into it at the beginning of the month to fix a valve issue, wheel well, and 2 new tires...and now this
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@lindseykaye: yuck! hate car trouble. would it be worth it for the tax deduction to donate instead? otherwise i say craigslist it!
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I'd do Craigslist. Just take only cash or a money order - no checks or online wiring.
My ex and I had a 1995 taurus, same transmission issue. Paid $1400 for the car in 2005, were told the transmission would cost that much to fix in 2006 (for a USED transmission). We were on a road trip in it when it died, so I gave it to the tow truck driver as payment for the tow, rented a car for the rest of the trip, and bought a new car when we got home. New car was not a ford.
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@LazyLightning: Yeah, my family was full-on Ford lovers, but I think it's because my parents only ever drove F-150's and Ford trucks are great... the little cars I have had less than great experiences with.
Kelley Blue Book prices a "Fair" condition of my car at $3250 - if we were quoted $2500 for the repair, is it fair to ask for $1000? Will someone totally laugh at me for that? Should I ask for more so people can lowball?
I am so bad at craigslist. -
@lindseykaye: I'd post it higher than 1000. Maybe 1500? If it's in otherwise good shape. Then if you don't get any bites, lower the price. People like to lowball on Craigslist, so you want to price higher than what you expect to get. I've listed cars for 10k and had people offer me 3k (obviously I didn't accept those...).
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I would start at $1500 in case you end up having to bring the price down a little. Gives you room to negotiate. Don't forget to highlight the good points (2 new tires, etc).
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