ResQgeek

We've known we needed to replace our minivan for months, but have not managed to actually take any steps towards accomplishing a purchase. However, last week, we sprang a leak in the brake line on the minivan, which became the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. We dragged ourselves out to test drive the Honda Odyssey (having actually test driven the Toyota Sienna a couple of weeks ago), and started talking prices with the two dealers. In the end, the Toyota was a bit more expensive, but better fit our needs, with more comfortable seating for 8 passengers and a towing package. The only one in the region that had this combination of features was silver, which probably wouldn't be our first color choice, but color is cosmetic, and when we saw the van, it actually isn't bad looking. There was a little bit of a wait while it was retrieved from another dealership, but I drove it home last night and we have until Friday to pay for it.

Now we need to decide what to do with the old van. It sounds like we can't expect much from a trade-in, so after talking to my wife, it looks like we'll try to use Craigslist to sell it. We'll list it "as is" at a asking price significantly below book value. Hopefully, we can find an interested buyer without too much of a delay, and still get more money than the dealer will give us.