Sitting on the fence about getting rid of SUV

[twuoo]

Ok, I have an SUV that's a 2001. It's got around 84K miles. Brakes need work....brakes seem to need work year after year now.

At any rate, I read these articles on the internet about how some car dealerships aren't even accepting suv for trade in's because of poor gas mileage.

I don't really "need" a new car. It would be just a "want." The suv is still servicable. Of course, it'll need repairs.

However, I'm worried if I keep holding on to this gas guzzler, any value it still has will be dwindling at a very rapid rate.

Thus far, in trying to do research for a replacement vehicle, my head is just spinning as there are quite a few that I like.

A Saturn dealership has given me the best trade in value so far, approximately $4,000. I've gotten as low as $2000 from a Toyota/Scion dealer.

I drive ALOT because of my job.

So would it make sense to just dump the suv, take on a car payment....OR....just ride out the shakey economy and stick with the suv, knowing it'll be drinking gas like water???

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

[morallyBR2]

Gas relief is not coming any time soon. If you can get into something like a Scion I think you will really be happy that you did. I would chunk the SUV. I drive a 95 Honda with 285000 miles and I get 40 mpg's no problem. You will not be dissapointed at all. If you drive a lot you will see a break even in less than a year. If your suv has that many miles you will start to experience some uninvited problems over the next 20k miles as well. It's already time to change the timing belt or chain and that isn't cheap. Have you done that already? Consumer reports says that a 3 year old GM vehicle will experience the same amount of problems as a 20 year old Toyota. What do you drive by the way? I say trade that sucker!

[Cali]

I have a 2006 SUV and I am getting rid of it. I am looking at getting a Hybrid Camry or Accord.

[twuoo]

Since the beginning of the month to now, I've already driven about 700 miles for my travelling job!

I'm debating between the following, not in priority:

-saturn astra

-scion xb or xd

-chevy hhr

-dodge caliber

I like the functionality of trunk space. Need it haul my wares, which includes a toddler ;)

Any votes?

[ichb]

The square(ish) Scion does not get as good gas mileage as whichever one replaced the Xa. Looks more like a wedge. I love my Scion Xa, it's been a great car and good gas mileage 36 mpg/in city.

I would definitely ditch the SUV if you drive a lot. It's not the economy that's raising gas prices but mostly the other way around.

[PoorGrammyinBK7]

My daughter and husband bought a Caliber a few months ago and love it - don't know details tho. They have a toddler too.