I’ve had my current car for 7 years and really like it. I have no issues and no plans to change cars, however I’ve long thought if getting a second vehicle to drive on weekends or for moving stuff and to keep some of the miles off it.

I had one particular older vehicle in mind, that I really like, and sometimes I’ll look at listings of them for fun, and have for years.

Well, one of the local car dealers got one in on a trade last week, which doesn’t really happen often at all. I don’t recall the last time I saw one locally for sale. And it’s really nice, optioned just how I want, great condition, low mileage and new tires on it.

Anyway, all this week I keep thinking about buying it, even though I don’t need a second vehicle, it seems a shame to pass up one that’s in such nice condition for its age, very inexpensive too.

I suppose it isn’t difficult since I doubt my parents would let me park it here when I already have a vehicle already. Maybe once it sells I can just let it go, but right now I can’t stop thinking about it! I’m usually not this way at all, and I rarely want “stuff” anymore.

I don’t need it by any means buy I think I’d enjoy having it for a while. I haven’t brought it up to my dad because I’m afraid to, but I did tell him I looked at it, and I did get behind the wheel and drove it as well and it was very nice.

Personally if finances and your parents allow it, I’d say go for it. A second car would be good to have if space allows as it can keep the miles off your main car as you said, but it can also serve as a backup car if the main one breaks down. And who knows, you might really enjoy it, though you can try it at the dealership.

It’s up to you though. If you have the space, finances, and permission from parents, then go for it. If you are missing one of the three, then try to get that missing piece before you buy the car. If your parents say no, you could tell them about the importance about a backup car but if it’s a firm no ands, ifs, and buts, better to not push it.

Yeah, I agree.

I did test drive at the dealership and really liked it. I probably shouldn’t have let it get that far, but you know how it goes with a salesperson. lol

I definitely have the money available to pay for it, and I’d probably not get colliding insurance because it’s an older vehicle.

I really do feel like I want this vehicle, and I can the because I never set foot at a car dealership unless something truly catches me eye.

Yet I can also see the impracticality of it and I can see my dad saying I don’t need it. Im afraid to ask. I wanted to possibly ask him to look at it with me on Saturday, but he has plans already.

 I also don’t want this to end up where you know how you’ve really wanted something and been eyeing it for a king time, but then you get it and it’s just mundane to you? I don’t want to end up doing that with something that’s more expensive like a vehicle.

If you are absolutely set on buying it, you should only get it if you have the money to buy it upfront, never finance since you'll end up spending more than the asking price when you finance than if you paid upfront.

Yes, I would be paying cash, I have plenty saved up for the purchase and any maintenance. And my other car is paid off as well.

@Cole D. - If it's a Toyota Tacoma, get it...I just sold my old one to a relative after driving it for over 300,000 miles.

@Cole D. Do you remember what model it is?

I'd say get it,

if it's something that you've wanted for a long time, and you don't have a strong want to buy other things often, and you can afford it...

@BT25 – We have an Acura MDX with 292,000 miles and still kicking. Older Japanese cars were built to a different standard....

And yes, Cole, if you have the funds saved up and really, truly want this, then go ahead and get it. Of course, if it's not what it seems, then walk away and don't buy on emotion. But otherwise, go for it!

I ended up passing on it, there was some rust in an area that wasn’t immediately visible and I want a rust free example. Still stinks because I don’t think another will show up again locally. It’s not a huge issue if I never find one though, I’ll just stick with one vehicle.

That is a good call

Yes, especially since in Florida, most native vehicles avoid rusting, so I’m looking for a low mileage example that spent its time here. Plenty around, but the chances of one getting traded in, or finding one come for sale is unlikely.

Back in 2022 i have bought a 90's car in fairly good condition for a 2nd car / restoration project (which is more than half done, but now stalled first due to war. and later due to lack of time). From a trade in. This had been probably a once in a decade find if not rarer, most cars traded in/out are from the last few years, and most 90s cars to be found on 2nd hand trade lists are nowhere near such condition or even a similar car type