Get rid of the clunker... or not...

By Steve Benton ( Contact ) August 10, 2009

I'm seriously considering trading in the clunker for a more fuel efficient ride. Let's see if my pluses and minuses add up. 1. The old van is rusty, has 200,000 miles on it, and needs more work. Is it worth putting more money into it? 2. I don't need a van any longer since the kids are all grown up and I'm not pulling a pop-up camper around any more. 3. I'm barely getting 19 mpg for combined city and highway driving. 4. I'm currently making payments on my wife's newer car and I don't want to make two car payments per month. 5. Her car gets a little over 31 mpg and only has about 60,000 miles on it. 6. The federal government is willing to pay me cash to junk the clunker. 7. Is all of that, and any manufacturer rebates or deals worth doing something now?

I'm not good at math. How about some help / reactions from you blog readers on my situation.

wjbecky
Aug 15, 2009 at 9:10 a.m.
Suggest removal

I think it's time to put the van to rest, and give yourself a little something special!

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