Nissan Pathfinder

[equ]

No, I have not lost my mind (or at least I don't think so).

I met up with an ex-co-worker. He's moving back to his home country (JP) and is selling his 1997 Pathfinder, 120k miles, clean condition. The company will establish private party value (sth like $5k) and if he sells under it, they'll cover him. So he just asked his mechanic what he'd pay and the shop gave him a number that starts with a 1 (and is only 4 digits). Since he has no incentive in this, he WILL sell it to the shop for so little in a few days. I can essentially pick it up around 2k (I'm guessing). Should this be my first SUV?

Pros:
- Fun from an impulsive decision
- Likely clean car (he has no reason to mislead me, no financial stake)
- Almost guaranteed no loss (or perhaps small profit)

Cons:
- Regret from an impulsive decision
- Hassle (Is it really worth my time to clean this car up, drive it and then after I undoubtedly get tired of it, advertise it to break even or make $1k?)
- Slushy (I haven't owned or missed having an AT in 12 years)
- Hassle (third/fourth car). Hello? I have barely enough time to round up/service/enjoy the herd that I have.
- Mostly his wife's car (he is taking is LHD rx-8 back home as he thinks it'll be "cool" to have that there). He used to say she's no great driver. Probably lots of cosmetics and I don't think I can really examine under the conditions.

[zach]

Originally Posted by equ

No, I have not lost my mind (or at least I don't think so).

I met up with an ex-co-worker. He's moving back to his home country (JP) and is selling his 1997 Pathfinder, 120k miles, clean condition. The company will establish private party value (sth like $5k) and if he sells under it, they'll cover him. So he just asked his mechanic what he'd pay and the shop gave him a number that starts with a 1 (and is only 4 digits). Since he has no incentive in this, he WILL sell it to the shop for so little in a few days. I can essentially pick it up around 2k (I'm guessing). Should this be my first SUV?

Pros:
- Fun from an impulsive decision
- Likely clean car (he has no reason to mislead me, no financial stake)
- Almost guaranteed no loss (or perhaps small profit)

Cons:
- Regret from an impulsive decision
- Hassle (Is it really worth my time to clean this car up, drive it and then after I undoubtedly get tired of it, advertise it to break even or make $1k?)
- Slushy (I haven't owned or missed having an AT in 12 years)
- Hassle (third/fourth car). Hello? I have barely enough time to round up/service/enjoy the herd that I have.
- Mostly his wife's car (he is taking is LHD rx-8 back home as he thinks it'll be "cool" to have that there). He used to say she's no great driver. Probably lots of cosmetics and I don't think I can really examine under the conditions.

If it were me in this situation right this minute, I'd do it. In fact, if you don't do it...

[clyde]

Kinda sounds like a pretty good deal...but one that doesn't have a whole lot of upside for you. Sometimes, those happen.

[John V]

Barring major mechanical issues, I would snatch that up in a second.

[rautox]

Originally Posted by John V

Barring major mechanical issues, I would snatch that up in a second.

+1

[equ]

Originally Posted by clyde

Kinda sounds like a pretty good deal...but one that doesn't have a whole lot of upside for you. Sometimes, those happen.

Bingo, you stated clearer than I would have.

While there is no monetary downside (only hassle), it's not likely to be a particularly cool car (like an old FJ or a proper Jeep/Land Rover e.g.) such that its ownership is an experience. Nor is the financial upside likely to be greater than 1k.

It might have made a good ski trip mobile, but 90% of our ski trip driving is two people on cleared highways. A 330i on snows is going to be much better for eating up the miles to northern Vermont.

[Rob]

Why? I mean, the price is not high and that's great, but do you need the car? What would you use it for? Is it a lot of money saved or $2k wasted? A deal for the sake of getting the deal on a car doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

[kognito]

Originally Posted by equ

It might have made a good ski trip mobile, but 90% of our ski trip driving is two people on cleared highways. A 330i on snows is going to be much better for eating up the miles to northern Vermont.

yeah, but when some old dude slides into you and your Pathfinder, who cares!!!

[lupinsea]

Originally Posted by equ

While there is no monetary downside (only hassle), it's not likely to be a particularly cool car (like a Jeep) such that its ownership is an experience.

Fixed.




I'd have to agree that if you don't need it, why bother paying for it. Some times I get the sense my wife will buy stuff because it's on sale rather than because its on sale AND we need something.

Anything you could / want to use it for that your current cars can't do or you don't want to use them for? Trailer / boat / snowmobile towing? Cargo hauler? Rough(er) road / mountain road explorer? Outdoor activity vehicle (mountain bikes, kyaks, camping, um, stuff)?

Now, if you cold buy it and turn around a sell it for a profit it might be worth it.

Might have enough to buy an old Jeep.

[John V]

I dunno, I think about it as being a more practical version of my current car, but my current car was free so I guess that's the difference.