We have 2 cars, 2 kids, an 80-pound dog, and a baby on the way. Our friends are giving us a third truck - for free.
We only have 2 drivers, and both of us are laid off. DH will find odd jobs to get us thru the winter, and will most likely be rehired in the spring. I plan on SAHM'ing for the next 5 years, grabbing odd jobs when convenient.
#1. 1998 small pickup truck. Used to commute to/from DH's work (construction). Used for all home projects - trips to the dump, loads of mulch, etc. Paid off. 80,000 miles. Might sell for $1-3,000. Best gas mileage. Can bring one kid in it, but it is only a 2-seater, so not the safest option for kid travel.
#2. 2004 SUV. 70,000 miles. Paid off. I use this now for everything we need to bring the kids to. Might sell for $10-12k after cleaning up the cheerios and dog hair! Technically we could maybe fit all 3 kids if we bought the skinny carseats. With the dog, though, it doesn't leave any room for the stuff we would need to take with us to go anywhere.
#3. 2000 SUV extended version. 3 rows of leather seats. My friend said she is so glad that somebody else will get to love her truck, she loved using it for the past several years. Could bring in-laws with us when going places... although that doesn't happen but maybe once a month. Everyone would be comfortable, and plenty of room for stuff. 160,000 miles on it. Trade in value is like $6,000.
We only have 2 drivers, and both of us are laid off. DH will find odd jobs to get us thru the winter, and will most likely be rehired in the spring. I plan on SAHM'ing for the next 5 years, grabbing odd jobs when convenient.
#1. 1998 small pickup truck. Used to commute to/from DH's work (construction). Used for all home projects - trips to the dump, loads of mulch, etc. Paid off. 80,000 miles. Might sell for $1-3,000. Best gas mileage. Can bring one kid in it, but it is only a 2-seater, so not the safest option for kid travel.
#2. 2004 SUV. 70,000 miles. Paid off. I use this now for everything we need to bring the kids to. Might sell for $10-12k after cleaning up the cheerios and dog hair! Technically we could maybe fit all 3 kids if we bought the skinny carseats. With the dog, though, it doesn't leave any room for the stuff we would need to take with us to go anywhere.
#3. 2000 SUV extended version. 3 rows of leather seats. My friend said she is so glad that somebody else will get to love her truck, she loved using it for the past several years. Could bring in-laws with us when going places... although that doesn't happen but maybe once a month. Everyone would be comfortable, and plenty of room for stuff. 160,000 miles on it. Trade in value is like $6,000.
Anyway, keep the little truck for work stuff, or sell the truck and small SUV and get a replacement truck (a little newer- 12 years is kind of getting up there) pay down the credit card and have some money left to pay for the extra gas. I wouldn't accept the SUV from the friend if you plan on selling it.
