Divorce Vehicle - Need Tips

Thanks a bunch! That was a wealth of information that obviously took some time to write, and I'm very appreciative!

Fortunately, most places in the NE (including NJ) don't get below 10 degrees very often. So, if I had to make due without a heater, I can easily do so, as I actually enjoy the colder weather anyways. But the heat is my kryptonite. Don't like it or humidity. And it would be almost impossible for me to sleep well in a vehicle without a/c during the summer months. What I was CLOSE to doing was getting a small teardrop camper that has an a/c unit installed. You can get these brand new for about $3,000. But the problem with that is, my current car isn't the most reliable, and pushing it even more than necessary to haul an 800lb. trailer around is a recipe for disaster. Additionally...

Lugging ANY type of trailer around - no matter how small - is a pain the the butt, and really limits where you can stay. Further, the a/c unit would obviously work only when plugged in to shore power, which means I'd have to stay at a campground...and they are EXPENSIVE. All of which is to say...this is how/why I have arrived at the Prius option.

Do they have Gen 2's and higher for the years 2006 to 2010? I'm asking because those are probably the years which I am most able to afford.

 

Appreciate the info! Life is short, gotta take a gamble every once in a while. If the car blows to smithereens I can always buy a skateboard

 

I understand completely why some would be wary of recommending them in my situation, so no worries. Not sure what Honda you're referring to, but, yes, I have looked at alternative hybrid vehicles. The problem with that though is, most other brands of hybrid vehicles are newer to the market, and it's extremely tough to find an older, used model. Since the Prius' have been around for many years, it's a lot easier to find low priced ones around, which is all I can afford.

 

Apparently, we think a lot alike, Leadfoot. I could care less what a car looks like, provided it gets me from point a to point b. This is excellent advice, and now I have another option at my disposal. Thanks!

 

I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone on this forum. I've been a member of many different forums over the years, for a variety of topics, and this is probably one of the most welcoming bunches I've ever seen. I know this isn't a camping chat, so I greatly appreciate everyone's patience in reading about this unusual situation of mine.

I'd also like to clarify what I'm expecting out of my vehicle. Since I'll be buying an earlier make with high mileage, I certainly don't expect the car to last 6, 8 or 10 years. That's unrealistic. I just need it to last 2 or 3 years so I can go on my adventures and get back on my feet. So, here's where my thinking is at...

Suppose I spent $4,000 on a Prius and it went dead after two years. This isn't actually too bad, as my home's "rent" would've only factored out to about $170 per month ($170 X 24 months). Not many places where you can live for $170 per month! If the car lasts longer, even better. Of course...

The big issue is what happens if the car CANNOT make it to 2 years, and this is the big worry. My luck, the battery would need to be replaced 5 months down the road (or some other major issue), and that would present a real conundrum. So...

The million dollar question is, can I find a halfway decent Prius that can last 2 or 3 years with my only maintenance upkeep being minor things like oil changes, brake pads, etc.?

 

That's about the funniest thing I've ever heard! Thanks for the laugh, but it's actually really good advice.

P.S. - I'm in NJ, but I'm an avid metal detectorist and have hunted in PA many times. You are blessed with a LOT of history up there! And it isn't paved over like Northern NJ.

 

Unfortunately, due to my budget, I cannot get around having to buy an earlier make. But if I follow what you're saying, if I can get one where the battery was recently replaced with a NEW part, then the odds are strongly on my side, yes?

That's excellent advice, and was actually contrary to my prior thinking. I spotted a few used Prius' on Craigslist which mentioned the battery being replaced, and I instantly wrote those ads off as they seemed to me like opening a can of worms.

But according to your logic (which makes sense), the seller basically spent THEIR money prepping the car for me

Hope I can find those ads again!

 

Heck, if I have the luxury of spending only $170 per month on "rent", I can potentially save a bundle. So, to answer your question, yes, that is a very good plan.

 

If I was a bit sharp-tongued with you earlier, maybe I was off base. But the tone of your reply came across as snarky & condescending. Just being honest. However, since I didn't like it, I should've simply said nothing and ignored it, so THAT part is my fault.

I don't know where you come from, but in my world, a person with only a few thousand bucks to their name is considered broke, or "destitute". If you don't agree with that label though, how would you define my situation? Well off? Wealthy? Rolling in dough?

As to your point about me not having my priorities straight, not only is it an insensitive thing to say, it is also an ASSumption you are making, when you don't even know me.

I've worked hard my entire adult life, have helped raise a child, and have been a responsible member of society, to the best of my ability. If I choose to go out on the open road to clear my head, travel and meet other people after going through some very dark times, is that so bad? And who are you to judge or question my actions?

Your feedback is appreciated, but it's obvious that we are worlds apart in our viewpoints and you have a bone to pick with my plans. So, I think we should leave it be right here.

Thanks for offering your two cents.