Well, we had yet another instance of "Not Right Now" yesterday. With the weather beginning to heat up the van is acting up again with its sluggish response when you press on the gas. It hasn't done it all winter, but is occasionally doing it now. We had it looked at several times last summer and no one could ever find out what was wrong. Well, we thought that maybe we should look into a new car before it gets bad again. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to downsize a bit either. So we packed up the boys and headed to CarMax. We had done some research before so we knew what we could afford and what we were looking for. We also knew we were upside down in the van, so any loan we took out would have to include the negative equity in it. Finally, we knew how much we had to spend in order to keep our monthly payments about the same. At CarMax we checked out the three cars we had in mind - the Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. The CR-V was not quite right, we didn't like the inside or general layout. We loved the storage space on the Rav4 but when Amy test-drove it she said it was cramped feeling and bouncy. So, we decided on the Rogue. It was spacious, comfortable, and had some nice upgrades and amenities. We decided to take the plunge; keeping in mind we had the walk-away power to leave if it wasn't going to be a fit. We knew buying a new car wasn't really according to Dave Ramsey's plan, but we needed a reliable car that wouldn't fall apart on us. So after much waiting we got our results back. It was a no go. Not because of our credit or anything, we were just too far upside down in the van. The banks only will allow you to have negative equity up to a certain percentage of the price of the new car. We were able to get a good interest rate and a monthly payment similar to our current one; we just didn't have the cash the loans were requiring to offset the negative equity. So, once again we get our answer of "Not Right Now" from God.
But again, it's ok. We will survive. The good news is that we were able to get a good interest rate and monthly payment on 0% down! If we were less upside down in the van or owned it outright, we would be fine. That is good news in and of itself. The only bit of bad news we got was the fact that CarMax will not buy a car with more than 100,000 miles on it, the van is at 90,000. So, we are stuck with the van. No worries though, the plan now is to just pay off the van and get a new car later. More good news is that since we got the good interest rate and 0% down we wanted, we might be able to buy an actual new car when we do decide to get one. So, once again we are given this answer and we accept it. It'll give us time to pay off our credit cards and get everything squared away for the adoption and a new car later. We have grown up quite a bit in the past year or so since we began the Dave Ramsey plan and became involved in 931. We are more accepting of God's plan for us and more willing to follow along rather than try to lead. It is comforting to know that all will be ok. Thus is the inspiration from a verse Amy found - Jeremiah 29:11. This has become somewhat of our mantra as we enter the adoption process, but really is something we try to keep in mind in all areas of our lives. It's on the main page of this blog because it has become so important to us. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Amy is great at finding applicable verses for situations and feelings. Another one of her many talents.
All is well, even with the answer of "Not Right Now", in Drosche Land.
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