Is this Solara worth it?

[sethster]

I have been away from the Solara world for a few years, I used to own a 2003 SE 2.4. I traded that for a 2006 Nissan Frontier V6 Truck, and although I love the truck I cannot really afford it. I currently:
-Owe $17000 on the truck and pay $383 per month, trade in value will be around $12000
-Have an Extended premiere warranty until 100,000 miles and I am at 51,000 now, but I have owned it from 15,000 miles so I know the maintenance is kept up.

I was thinking of taking a loss in value and trading it in for a used 2002 Solara, I found one going for $6995 here: http://www.coronanissan.com/vehicle/spe ... ehicleinfo

It has 89,000 miles, no owner history of maintenance, but seems to drive well. I can work a deal to where my payment would go down to the $225 a month range. This will save me money, probably about $275 a month factoring in insurance and gas too.

I am just unsure of whether or not this is a smart move. My living situation is changing and I need the extra money to make my own place more affordable. I could put $100 a month away in case of future repairs and would still have another $175 a month freed up for living expenses. What would you guys do, I am torn but my only other option is to buy a cheap newer Nissan Versa or Toyota Yaris or something.

[02slera]

i would like to think so... mine was in an accident in the past so i got it for $6,000 last september. tho it looks and drives great.
but mine is a fully loaded sle model with every option but heated seats and convertible top.
advice: check www.kbb.com to get an idea of what it may be worth, also (more importantly in my opinion) check www.autotrader.com and see how much they are selling for, this is how i found mine and im very happy. btw.. i put 1k down and financed the other 5k and got a low interest rate and my payments are only $165 a month on a 3 yr loan.

[AnglerfisH]

Not a bad price. I got my 2000 Solara with 86k in good condition for $6400. It seems like a good choice to me.

[DSM_Lara]

Got my Lara for $6,100 with around 59K.... $2k down payment with 2 years monthly bill of $286. Overall great buy. Plus it clean for a black car. Try asking if they could bring the price down a little.

[TheGreenDutch]

Go for it. They last in upwards of 250k miles with a couple timing belts and oil. All the things you posted sound like this is the perfect opportunity to keep your cost of living down. 89,000 miles is still a baby although I'd get the timing belt done and a tuneup just to be safe.

[Kenz]

Pretty easy choice the way I see it... Do you need a truck? If you don't need it get rid of it and save the 100$ a month and drive a nice Solara. If you need a work vehicle, keep the Nissan.

[sethster]

Go for it. They last in upwards of 250k miles with a couple timing belts and oil. All the things you posted sound like this is the perfect opportunity to keep your cost of living down. 89,000 miles is still a baby although I'd get the timing belt done and a tuneup just to be safe.

Actually this Solara has the 2.4 liter which does not have a Timing Belt, it has a Timing Chain. I think the car was sold, but I am looking around for another reasonable option.

I definitely do not need a truck, I just enjoy the luxury of having one when I do occasionally need it. Plus I am 6'4" so the head room and leg room is nice. However, considering the fact that I am paying over 8500 a year just to own, insure, maintain, and drive it I dont think it is wise to keep my truck.