Should I accept a Free Second Hand Car?

Sarahj999_2

Hi, My parents have offered us their 10 year old Volvo saloon, 80k on the clock, been looked after really well, slight clutch issue, anfd they're giving it to us free of charge.

I am really grateful, but we went down to one car about 12 mths ago, and it has saved us so much in insurance, tax and running costs, and we just about manage by using bike and train.
Our 2005 reg Ford Galaxy has 95k on the clock and is running ok, but is not in best condition.

Should I take on the Volvo too? Am just unsure, due to it's age, and the costs involved, whether it's a good idea - or am I CRAZY to turn down a good FREE car??? Please help!

p00hsticks

Sarahj999 wrote: »

am I CRAZY to turn down a good FREE car

But as you recognise, it's not free is it ? You're going to have to go out straght away and road tax it, and then pay for MOT, servicing and insurance etc. It's a nice gesture from your parents, but if you're managing OK with one then it would be false economy to start running another just because it's been given to you....

If you're cheeky, then you could always suggest to your parents that you'll happily take a cut of what they get when they sell it.....

vikingaero

Have you run an insurance quote and checked out the VED (annual cost of a tax disc)?

I received a free Corsa automatic from my mum and we ran it for 3 years and 60k before it died. I loved that car. You could park it anywhere and not worry about parking dings.

davehills

I'd take the Volvo and sell the Galaxy!

Get the clutch fixed and it'll last far longer than the Ford..

Sarahj999_2

Thanks for the posts.
Poohsticks, it will be MOT'd and serviced, just before they give it to us...
The Volvo, although older, is probably in better condition than our battered Galaxy. Maybe I should take it, and sell the Galaxy...??

vikingaero

If it's free and the insurance/tax is reasonable I'd keep both. Then when one expires or has a major problem you can ditch it and cancel the newer policy with the least no claims.

rev_henry

Sarahj999 wrote: »

Thanks for the posts.
Poohsticks, it will be MOT'd and serviced, just before they give it to us...
The Volvo, although older, is probably in better condition than our battered Galaxy. Maybe I should take it, and sell the Galaxy...??

Well that's a large chunk of the year's expenses on it taken care of already. Maybe you should take it for now and see how you get on.

ailuro2

Give your parents a hug and say thank you very much....

the way bus and train prices are going it will be cheaper to run the Volve into the ground ( or the Galaxy)

somech

keep the volvo bin the galaxy imo

optimus_primera

No brainer, accept the car.
What have you got to lose?

gilbert_and_sullivan

Just a thought, if this Volvo really is as good as you say and only needs a clutch, then it could well last donkey's years with good maintenance.

It might be worth investing some of the money you could get from selling the other vehicle into getting the Volvo converted to run on LPG, fuel prices only going one way...check LPGA forum for alternative LPG suppliers in your area, much cheaper than rip off filling station prices.
Takes roughly 30k miles to break even on the investement, so worth doing the sums.