a little advice please
 

How's it going guys. I've had my 8 going on 3 years now, and I almost have it completely paid off ($3150 left :boink: ). Its a 2004 Brilliant Black with gps and moonroof and only 40,000 miles. I've entertained the thought of getting a different car, but I still like this one.

Now my car has quite the wear on it. The front bumper has been scraped with some damage, the rear bumper needs to be replaced, the interior has some burns and the gauge cluster had something sprayed on that damaged the plastic. Everything but the rear bumper was caused by the previous owner.

My question is should I just fix this one up, or trade it in for one that is in better condition. Specifically, I have found a 2005 White Water Pearl (I LOVE black and white cars, but black is so hard to keep pretty.) Its going for $12809 and it has 49,980 miles. It has moonroof but no gps (I use my phone anyways) and clean carfax. I'm expecting about $7000 for trade in and my bank (Eglin FCU) would only allow a 3 year loan. Not a big deal because I pay $400 on the car every month to pay it off quickly.

So what do you guys think? I'm not looking for you guys to decide for me (cuz I'm not ready for that kind of flaming) but just some advice if you were in this situation. Thanks.

I would probably fix the one you have if it runs well. I'd dump money into fixing the cosmetic stuff and then give it a tune up (coils, plus, etc...) just for good measure.

The only reason I'd suggest getting the '05 is due to burn holes. They can't be properly repaired to where they completely disappear. And they drive me up the wall. Yes, I'm that anal. :D

The gauge cluster thing seems to be common on these cars. Most of the 8s I've seen have had shit on the plastic that "stained" it and wont come off.

Fix the one you have.

Another used 8 could be a night mare in Elgin.

If you could afford a new one, then go for it, without the hassle of fixing your current 8. Good luck whichever you decide to do.

My concern is that the cost to fix mine would be just as much as the cost of just getting the 2005. I feel that getting the 2005 would be like fixing mine and paying the cost of the repairs in payments as opposed to all at once. Does that make sense?

I got two for fix and one for buy. Plus one guy here say buy. I'm at a tie buy I'm leaning for buy. Mostly because its white. I do intend on trying FI one day, if that should factor in to it.