Potential New Owner!

[hattori.danzo]

Hey guys,

Potential new owner here in So-Cal. My current car is on it's last legs (needs over $6k in repairs). I've been in love with the CR-Z and I've been lurking on the forums for a few months now. Been trying to save up for the down payment right now. I'm hoping to purchase one by the end of September!

The only problem is my car is worth nothing right (because of all the repairs) so I've been looking for the best way to maximize the value of my current car (check engine light is on so I can't sell it to another owner). Should I scrap it for parts? There's a government program that offers up to $1k (or $1500 if you qualify as low income) but I want to know if I can get more for it using another method.

Thanks in advance not just for the feedback but for all the great forum content; crossing my fingers that I'll be able to contribute in the near future.

[heylookitscaps]

Hey man. Where in so cal are you? I have a family member who is a career mechanic and may be able to patch your car enough to trade it in. If you're in the IE I'd love to help you out.

[hattori.danzo]

Hey Caps,

i'm in the SGV. Thanks so much for your offer but I already tried going the repair route (I was going to fix it up and give the car to my dad). I have a few close friends who own a repair shop and even though they were willing to do the labor for free, the parts would just cost too much.

I also took the car in to the Honda dealership to get an estimate for a trade in (have another friend who works there) and he said even if it was in tip-top shape, I'd only get $500 trade in credit. Womp womp =(

That's why I'm looking for an alternative way to make money off the car.

[Ninkylou]

I know here in Western WA Honda has a deal on where they are giving up to 2.5k more than KBB on your trade. It helped me out. I was upside down on my Kia Rondo when I traded it in on my CR-Z last week.

Worth talking to the Honda dealership before that program ends.

[CR-Z Canadian]

Fire paint balls at it and sell it as modern art???
Sorry, no better ideas than that. Is the government program you mention, a cash-for-clunkers incentive? How old is your car?
The only other suggestion is to make a move before circumstances dictate that you HAVE to repair it, in order to get to work. Not having to spend $6K in repairs, is the equivalent to getting $6k for your car, as you won't get any of that back in trade.

Welcome to the forum, BTW, and good luck.

[hattori.danzo]

Originally Posted by Ninkylou

I know here in Western WA Honda has a deal on where they are giving up to 2.5k more than KBB on your trade. It helped me out. I was upside down on my Kia Rondo when I traded it in on my CR-Z last week.

Worth talking to the Honda dealership before that program ends.

Thanks ninky; I'll be sure to check up on that this weekend. I'm also hoping for a sale or a rebate/cash back incentive of some sort during labor day weekend. Hopefully I'm not being too optimistic; I heard CR-Z's don't usually qualify for such things.

[hattori.danzo]

Originally Posted by CR-Z Canadian

Fire paint balls at it and sell it as modern art???
Sorry, no better ideas than that. Is the government program you mention, a cash-for-clunkers incentive? How old is your car?
The only other suggestion is to make a move before circumstances dictate that you HAVE to repair it, in order to get to work. Not having to spend $6K in repairs, is the equivalent to getting $6k for your car, as you won't get any of that back in trade.

Welcome to the forum, BTW, and good luck.

Thanks for the warm welcome! and you're definitely right; I'm looking to unload it as soon as I can. I want to have about $6k saved up for a down. Hopefully that'll be enough for a reasonable monthly payment.

Btw, big fan of your posts. I particularly enjoyed the center brake light flasher DIY.

[heylookitscaps]

Really hope you get one man! My brother lives in canoga, you may see me around!