thank you all so very very much! I just had the chance to read all your posts and felt my actions today were right on your suggestions!
I called my family mechanic and picked his brain. As soon as he found out what I wanted to trade my truck for and he said (lol) "ARE YOU CRAZY? NO!!!" So the fiero was ruled out immediately. He then schooled me with almost all of your suggestions. So I went to about 7 car lots. Bleck. I hate car shopping. They all look the same to me! But I knew a few things
1) I am not financing a dime. I paid my truck in full and wasnt going to pay anything for the next vehicle. I dont do car payments. And I never buy new.
2) like Clay said, I have physical limits and needs and have to take them into consideration. And chrissy is a bigger person and I was worried about him in the fiero
3) My truck is in perfect working order and is well maintained and has held its value. I did my research on the fiero and based on both car and truck, there was a little loss on my end. I wasnt happy with that.
4) While talking with the fiero owner, I tested his level of desperation to unload the car. I put up several demands and he met all of them without any countering. None. This worried me above all else. I know my truck is a premium piece of vehicle and for what he needs, its the best bet. But, anyone who is dealing for a trade, I expected some resistance to some things I said.
5) What I have wanted, ever since they came out, is a PT Cruiser. I have NEVER wanted a fiero. SO I went looking for a PTC. And after 7 lots, I found one. LOVE IT! Its my fav color, black. I drove it. It fits me and my limits well. chrissy will fit well in it too. And like Sachita said, I have a newf. He needs to go to the groomer, the vet, to the park, etc. He would have had to sit in the front bucket seat in the fiero. LOL. But now he has the whole back area. The hatch in the back lifts up and is low to the ground so he can climb in easily. he is older as well and this is an important factor. So, I called my mechanic again and he asked me a few questions then gave me a thumbs up for the type of vehicle. he also said that all cars in this price range (under $5000) will need some work done. Expect it. He had me check brakes, trans, tires, and muffler.I had to check all lights, windows, doors. All passed. So thumbs up again. I haggled, got $500 off, new tires and a door repair done ontop of everything else.
6) I had a cash offer from a private owner. It was $500 lower than I wanted but I just saved $500 on the PTC and felt it was an even steven. They are picking the truck up Saturday and I am getting the PTC Monday.
thank you everyone for helping! Not just me, as I know others will need this thread too and these ideas and suggestions were spot on!
