Teatopia

If I was in your situation, we would buy a used car with higher mileage that would still be safe and get us around. One day, the insurance company might settle and give you a good amount of money and then, you can sell that car ( if you want) and buy a newer one. But a car just needs to be safe and reliable. You dont need to be worrying about car payments and money problems now. Family and friends that say otherwise? ignore them. they dont know what this stress is doing to you and what your financial situation is. Its better to buy what you can afford than to finance something.

You have to do what is best for you and your family. If other people approve well that is their dilemma. Maybe you can lease? Good luck!

General advice about insurance companies:
They ALWAYS offer a really low amount for your settlement. Their job is to pay you as little as possible. Your job is to research current market value of your car. I suggest looking at dealer ads, as well as blue book value (Kellybluebook.com). The insurance company will probably use the "if you're selling to a dealer" value, which is much lower than the "if you're selling yourself" or even the "if you're a dealer selling the car" value. Argue with the representative, and tell them it's their job to compensate you for a REPLACEMENT of your vehicle, NOT the blue book value. Does that make sense? Let them know how much your car is going for (hopefully it's a good amount).
Also, if you have a lawyer involved, you should be in good hands. That lawyer should be able to get you compensation for your car, and your injuries/medical bills. If this case went to trial, your win would cripple the insurance company. You're pregnant, it wasn't your fault, and she lied to the police...You get the idea.
I've been reading for about a year...sorry so quiet. I just don't want to watch you get taken advantage of!!!

I agree with alfredsmom. I'm definitelf against buying anything I can't afford. There's nothing wise about taking on big car payments or loans right before you plan to cut your income by staying at home. I know that if we were in your situation, my in-laws would probably advise us to go find a new car or lease something instead of buying something used. They don't mind accruing a bit of debt, we do.

I would seek out a car in the price range you're comfortable with. Safety always comes before mileage, so if it's higher mileage for a car you feel safe with, go for it. The only negative thing about a car with higer mileage is that it's more likely to need visits to the mechanic (which costs more money in the long run sometimes). Maybe you could look into non-Saturn (less expensive) alternatives with similar safety ratings?

I'm sure you'll figure something out. Hopefully you guys can carpool after the rental runs out to buy yourself more time to find the best car possible.

a couple short pieces from me...

First, DONT use Kelly Blue book. It has the LOWEST of all prices (atleast it was when I was in the car market last year). Dealers use NADA (http://www.nadaguides.com/autohome2.aspx?LI=1-11-1-2032-3-234-27511&wSec=10&wPr=0&wPg=2111&) because it is more "realistic". There is also Edmunds that is a middle ground between the two others.

Second, I think you and James need to sit down and find out what both of yall are most comfortable with because it will be YALL'S car, not anyone elses. YOU will be the one paying for it and driving it and maintaining it. Don't let anyone else make you feel bad about your decision unless they are willing to fork over some dough to help with the purchase! Remember, it is YOUR car.

I have sort of a debt phobia, so if it were me I'd probably do anything I had to do to get out without taking out any kind of loan, yet I wouldn't want to sacrifice safety. Do what you're comfortable with, but I still think you should get more money out of this lady's insurance company. Follow the advice of one of your other posters...have your lawyer threaten this company and they might give in.

People are stupid. I am sure you and your husband will make the right choices for yourselves and when you need advice, you will ask the people's opinions you value. Some people, think that money really grows on trees and with other people I think they have bottomless bank accounts. My boss often laughs at my financial hardships and can't seem to comprehend what it's like to be a single mom who don't make squat. Bleh, sorry to poo in your comments ;)

I agree with Allison- this is YOUR car and YOUR future you're considering, don't let anyone make you feel badly! What does James really want to do? What do you feel you *can* afford, comfortably, considering you're not going back to work? I think in your situation, I would probably go for a used car that's still in decent shape, one I could get a good few years out of and still afford without totally strapping myself financially. But like I said, it's up to YOU!

So now, how are you feeling? Are you still getting BH?

I'm glad ya'll found a church!!!

It's YOUR money, and unless they are going to pay your bills, what they think doesn't matter!! The last thing you want is to get into a situation where you have to go back to work because of a car payment. Do what you can afford on one income. Your daughter will thank you.

I would take the small loan and get something somewhat better. Not a big loan as you are already going to have less money after becoming a SAHM. HUGS

I understand completely about the car stuff... both of our cars are 95... and people at church are like buy a new one... we don't have the money to buy a new one... holy smoke... i can't imagine dealing with a new car payment or just a car payment in general, being at home with Wiggles, and everything else that comes with a baby... you just gotta do what is best for your family and bank accounts... and ignore everyone else... hugs!