Wednesday, April 29, 2009

An Odyssey to Save Money on Cars

Hi blog fans:

Yes, I still have one more day to detail on our Disney World trip.

But here's a preview of next big thing. From the family that orchestrated a simultaneous closing on our old and new house, and from the guy who over-researched every last second of their trip to Disney World comes: "Save Money by Buying a Car in Utah and Shipping it to NYC???" I call it my "Odyssey to Save Money on Cars".

I started researching vans to rent while in Utah for our annual visit. We're staying nearly a month due to a High School reunion scheduled at the end. Mini vans for that long cost in the range of $2,000. "Wow -- that could be several car payments right there" said my smart wife.

"Ah, you're right!"

The timing might be right for us to expand our auto family. And the name of this adventure is going to see how much will it cost -- or how much will I save -- AND at what price hassle-wise. I'll bring you along every step of the way as I evaluate such things as:

• Honda Odyssey OR Toyota Sienna
• Turn in the mini van OR become a two automobile family
• Purchase in Utah OR purchase in NYC
• Buy OR Lease
• negotiating with dealers via the internet only
• comparison of prices in NYC vs. SLC
• how to ship a car cross country
• drawbacks of buying in Zion and owning it in Babylon
• Plans to drive the car back out to Utah (i.e. road trip) in 3 years when lease is up (if I go that route)

The goal is to get the van we want with at least a $1,200 savings (shipping a car is $800; a rental van would be $2,000) and taking delivery within the first 3 days Kathryn arrives in SLC. Can it be done? Stay tuned to my special reports.

We may set off a trend amongst my fellow Westchester / Salt Lakers.

Mark

3 comments:

Liz said...

Definitely an odyssey. We love ours.....Hondas are just better. I know your "rebellious" side wanted to get a Toyota just to steer away from the Newman way, but come back to the light.
Second, I can't believe we are related. Who analyzes anything the way you do?

Mumsy said...

Where did you find a place that will ship a car for $880? WOW. We were taken then. It cost us over $2000 to send both our cars from NY to UT.

We loved the company we used though--they were super reliable.

Sounds like a good plan in any case. Very smart that wife of yours...

Bill said...

If you buy a Sienna and it catches on fire like one of your past vehicles, you can then call it "Burnt Sienna"!!!
What ever you get, spend the $1200 bucks to paint it like the A-Team van Mr. T used to drive....that would be cool
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=3&oq=A-team&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLR_en&q=a-team+van