Alright, I just bought a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT last week. The vehicle has 82,000 miles, loaded besides leather, it is a one owner very VERY clean. I bought it from a guy I knew at Patriot Subaru and he cut me a deal. THe car books for $8,400 private party on KBB. To get to the point I took a trip to Rhode Island this weekend and this thing loves gas, I can definately afford the vehicle and I like it alot however I was contemplating getting out of it to get into a car, something sporty and it does not need to be fast, as long as the car has been taken care of the mileage is not an issue because I only plan on keeping it for a year or so... the same intentions that I had with the Explorer. I think the extra space is nice and the winter time capabilities are as well but I don't really NEED it, and I would sacrafice it to get more drive time per tank of gas. I was thinking of getting a 1998 or 1999 Eclipse Spyder GS or something along the lines of that, probobly $7000-$7500 or so in nice shape, 5 speed. I like the smaller more agile feel vs. the body lean and gas sucking ability of the Explorer. My payment is $256.17 per mo on the Explorer and my insurance is $267.00 per mo. I am 19 and just got my license, the Eclipse would be cheaper to insure, I got a quote for $240 per mo... I am looking at better gas mileage and cheaper insurance for a fun little summer car to get me by until next year when I get my WRX, my buddy has a 1997 Eclipse GS and it's been a good car for him, I am just wondering how to go about this.

My credit score is 687, I have 4 months job history and 9-10 months credit history but I am thinking that it was the dealer that got me financing and if I were to try on my own it'd be a different story. I just wish I could sell my truck private sale, and buy a cheaper car and just pay on my exsisting loan but switch the titles but I know it's more complex than that. I can't do it through a dealer because I would lose way to much, it's not that I can't afford the Explorer but I had the thought running through my mind that if I don't NEED to spend the extra bill for the gas and space then get something smaller and something more to fit MY needs. I need some serious help on how to do this and if it's realistic. I have never done it before but worst comes to worst I will keep the Explorer I just needed some insight on this matter and any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

I think that I am in a good spot right now, I just had a thought and took some time to think of it, my payments are fairly cheap, the gas is not THAT horrible but the loan is only 3 years and I plan on refinancing as well It's a good truck and I will appreciate every time it snows, maybe now is not my time. I am smart for my age with money that is why I am going to keep it.