Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Paying Cash for a Car

On Monday, January 21st, 2013, Scott and I bought a car.  We paid cash for it.  This is our tale.  It begins in 2008...

As you may already know, we are huge Dave Ramsey fans.  When we got married in July of 2008, a dear friend gave us a Financial Peace University Kit as a wedding present.  It was just the right tool at just the right time to get Scott and I started off well as a married couple.  We needed to do things differently managing our money together than either of us did as single people.  We set our sights on getting out of debt and we did so in 25 months.

Side note:  When I tell people I'm a big fan of Dave Ramsey's and his "program", I get mixed reviews at best.  A whole lot of people are skeptical of how anyone can live without credit in this day and age.  But when I tell them we paid off $75,000 in debt in 25 months, that gets their attention.

I think this is another one of those times that gets people's attention.  Not a lot of people pay cash for cars these days.  When we said we were paying cash, the finance guy at the dealership we bought from on Monday looked at us like we were weird.  (I know...we ARE weird.)  He gave us a speech about how credit is important and how we can't live without it.  He continued in his speech to tell us the best ways to go about getting credit and maintaining it.  Scott and I both did our best to not preach at the guy about how wrong he was.  I did say once, "Credit is only important if you're going to borrow money, would you agree?"  Finance-dude glazed over my question.

Can you pay cash for a car?  Absolutely.  Can you pay cash for a car TOMORROW?  Probably not.  It does take time to save.  Instead of financing a car and paying a dealer or finance company interest money, we save the money for a few years and keep the interest money.  Admittedly, it is unCOOTH to talk about money.  Good thing I'm not too concerned with cooth-ness.  I want to talk numbers.  Not to brag, although I am proud of our accomplishment.  I want to talk numbers so other people reading this story can know they can do it too.  It isn't impossible.

Sorry...I'm getting ahead of myself.  2008, $75k in debt.  2010, debt free.  Even while we were getting out of debt, we put about $200/month in a car fund.  Some months we spent most of that on oil changes, car repairs, taxes, inspections, etc.  Other months we didn't spend any of it and therefore it got added to our car savings fund.  About a year after we got out of debt, we doubled our car savings to $400/month.  We were anticipating needing a new car sooner than later since I was pregnant with our second child.  My 2002 Honda Civic was a wee bit cramped for two rear-facing car seats in the back seat and two tallish adults in the front.

We started our car search last week, with a Scott-set budget of $12-15,000.  I'm the spender of the family.  If it were up to just me, I likely would've allowed myself to buy a Corvette.  Scott's gracious parents came down from Virginia and babysat our kids for two straight days while we drove around town and test drove cars and talked to (car) dealers.  "Talked to dealers" sounded sketch.  Had to throw in the word car to redeem that sentence...  My gracious parents watched the munchkins on car-buying-day.  (Did you know it takes forever at a dealership to buy a car, even if you pay cash?)  We were mostly looking at the Subaru Outback, Hyundai Sante Fe, Honda CR-V or Pilot.  Basically, some kind of wagon or a small SUV.  What we ended up buying was a ginormous SUV.


A 2006 Jeep Commander.  I had never even heard of this type of Jeep before last weekend.  It met our requirements though:  SPACE for two rear-facing car seats without the front seat passengers kissing the windshield, trunk space for multiple strollers, a price within our budget.  The dealer advertised it for $13,600.  We negotiated them down a little bit so that after taxes, tags, and fees, we paid exactly $13,600.  I don't know about you, but I've never, ever written a check that large before.  Of course I screwed it up the first time because my hand was shaking.  Due to massive amounts of concentration, and sticking my tongue out a little to the corner of my mouth (go ahead and try it!), I was able to write the check correctly on the second try.  

Badaboom, badabing, Bettyboop, WE BOUGHT A CAR!  And paid cash for it!  Holy freakin' moly.  

Our car fund is now back to zero.  We'll go back to saving $400/month, minus car maintenance, and hopefully buy Scott a replacement vehicle in about four years.  

So...what do you think?  Are you a believer yet in the Dave Ramsey system?  Or do you still think we're nuts??

ps--fun video about Dave Ramsey's idea of paying cash for cars...

91 comments:

Smiley said...

Betty Anne and Scott were so fired up about this Dave Ramsey dude that they piqued our interest...we got on the bandwagon....2006 we had $175,000 worth of debt...NOT including the house. That included $95,000 worth of campaign debt from a run for the House of Representatives in 06. We sold the house, sold our SUV, sold or gave away 3/4 of our belongings, sized down to a reasonable apartment, learned to live on a budget. 2009 we were debt free. 2012 we paid cash for the first time for a car...just like BA and Scott...by saving up for it....never ever thought we would be able to do something like that!
Dave says every time you go into debt you're selling off a bit of your freedom. I LOVE my freedom!!! Try it, you'll like it!!

Unknown said...

we love dave ramsey as well! that is so awesome that you have so much freedom and were able to get a super nice vehicle for your growing family!

it's great to discover your blog and your journey!

Unknown said...

Thanks for your time, I’ve just been interested in info about the following niche for some time after coupled with one is the perfect I’ve found out now.cars for cash

Unknown said...

Hi there! great stuff here, I'm glad that I drop by your page and found this very interesting. Thanks for sharing, hoping to read something like this in the future!
If you have a vehicle that you no longer drive or that you would like to sell, consider cash for cars in Massachusetts. You can enjoy getting paid cash for a car MA even if it is not in the best shape. A good cash for cars company will be happy to purchase your vehicle even if it has paint that is peeling off of it or a few dents in it. Your vehicle does not have to look good to get money though. You can even enjoy receiving cash for cars on broken vehicles.

cash for your car Massachusetts

Unknown said...

Fantastic post. I was verifying consistently this site and I am quite impressed! Incredibly useful facts especially the first part. I proper care for such facts much. I was looking for this particular facts for years. Thank you and enjoy.
cars for cash

Unknown said...

what do you want remove junk car. Don't worry,please communicate with us and remove your scrap car problem.

Unknown said...

This is a nice info in which you told that how to pay cash for car and how to buy a car at a fair price that is according to market.

Junk Car Buyers | Junk Car Removal

Unknown said...

I did say once, "Credit is only important if you're going to borrow money, would you agree?" Finance-dude glazed over my question.
Cash for clunkers

Unknown said...

Very informative post, every user will attain good info.

junk cars new york

Paige Hollingsworth said...

There are some moments in life that just make it hard to be green. Living off the grid is great most days but sometimes you need transportation for family and emergencies. I think the car you chose was perfect. It was used so you are recycling and it is an efficient model. Congratulations on your new station wagon.

Paige Hollingsworth @ Baldwin Motors Lincoln

Unknown said...

Hello! I have just visited to your website and i am super happy while reading this.

Money For Junk Cars | Junk cars | Junk Yard

Anonymous said...

Such a good article. You have provided an information that truly helps consumers how to pay cash for car and how to buy a car at a good and decent price according to the competition in the market.

Soniya David said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Soniya David said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...


Hi admin
Its extremely impressive, that is the diary you admire I likable it.
I have also this related site.
These kinds of lenders are all over the internet so you can buy a house with no money out of your own pocket.
This was how to buy a house with no cash down as a real estate investor.
buying a house with cash

Regards,
abir mahomed

Crystal Coleman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Soniya David said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Charles Faulkner said...

Your blog is very interesting and knowledgeable. I think, when it comes to buying a car, you usually have two ways to go about it. You may either finance the vehicle, therefore, you pay it off over time or perhaps you pays cash means you choose the vehicle completely.

sell my car

Kelly Byrnes said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janice Berry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jade said...

The working and physical condition of your car is also considered at the time when you are going to sell it. we buy junk cars

Andrew Carter said...

Nicely presented information in this blog, I prefer to read this kind of stuff. . Thanks for the post.

cash for cars

Kelly Byrnes said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janice Berry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Car Crushers said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Car Crushers said...

Great post, I buy and sell junk cars also in my spare time and I earn a little money on the side. The price per pound is at 6 Cent a pound here in Georgia, I only pay 100$ per car and take them to the crusher and make about 150$ profit. That sure helps out when I average about 4 cars per week, thank God. cash for junk cars

Crystal Coleman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Crystal Coleman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Soniya David said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janice Berry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jenny Hatcher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janice Marshall said...

Thank you very much for the informative article about paying Cash For Car. Now Consumer knows how to pay cash for cars and to get the car at affordable price. We have some informative blogs as well related to Junk Cars Redcliffe.

bella lauren said...

I have visited this site so frequently.I discovered this website on the internet. I have gotten a good stuff of information. Many thanks. keep updating me.
Unwanted car removal Brisbane

Anonymous said...

Great information about auto recycling please keep us fast car removal & cash for cars, car removal logan, cash for scrap cars brisbane, free car removal brisbane, old car removal, unwanted car removal
A1 Brisbane car removal and fast cash for scrap cars in brisbane
car removal and cash for cars sunshine coast, car removals, old car removal sunshine coast, scrap car removals sunshine coast, junk car removal

jone arthur said...

Thanks for providing such impressive information about junk car removal. I really appreciate you for giving information about how to get rid of junk cars by scrapping them or donating them. People can get good information from your article and sell junk car to any right junk removal company and get good cash for their cars.
auto wrecking
auto wrecking yards
sell my car

Kim Lopez said...

While marketing can be tricky, it is the content that makes the site important. If you provide informative content that serves the needs of your visitors, word will spread.
Scrap Metal Recycler
car disposals brisbane
car removal south brisbane
car removal east brisbane
car removal north brisbane
Free car removal brisbane
scrap metal sunshine coast
scrap metal brisbane
scrap metal ipswich
scrap metal north brisbane
scrap metal south brisbane
scrap metal removal
cash for scrap cars logan
cash for scrap cars willawong
free car removal willawong
free car removal brisbane
cash for scrap cars ipswich
cash for unwanted cars brisbane
cash for unwanted cars logan
free car removals logan
cash for cars logan
cash for scrap cars brisbane
cash for scrap car logan
scrap cars brisbane
scrap cars for cash logan
scrap cars for cash brisbane
junk cars removal brisbane
junk cars removal logan
junk cars removal redcliffe

Unknown said...

I truly appreciate looking at and also pursuing ones publish when i obtain them extremely useful and also fascinating. This specific publish is actually equally useful in addition to fascinating
car removal
sell my car
cash car near me
wrecking yards

Hazel Donovan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Weza Solange said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janice Marshall said...


While marketing can be tricky, it is the content that makes the site important. If you provide informative content that serves the needs of your visitors, word will spread.
cash for cars brisbane
cash for cars
cash for used cars
car removal brisbane
cash for scrap cars brisbane
cash for cars ipswich

Krystal Nielson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Sell your car to a car removal company so that you can get handsome cash for the car which is just occupying space in your backyard.

Cash For Cars

Janice Berry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Crystal Coleman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kelly Byrnes said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Paul Frank said...

Thanks for sharing the useful information. When you think that old and junk cars are useless, you are really wrong. There are various companies which give good price for unwanted car and quick car removal services.

Cash for cars Perth
Car Removal Perth
Cash for cars
Car Removal Malaga
Car wreckers joondalup
Car removal
cash for unwanted cars perth
car wreckers perth
car wreckers malaga perth
cash for car removal perth
Cash for car Perth
Scrap Car Removal Perth
junk car removal perth

Unknown said...

Wonderful post!!! Genuinely loved this kind of post. Although I want much more information on like precious subject matter.
Take out fast cash for cars Newmarket
scrap car prices Toronto
junk car removal toronto cash
scrap car prices Canada
scrap car removal Ajax

Melissa McCarthy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Soniya David said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julia Roach said...

Thanks for the great content. It is nice to go through the process at a high level.
cash for cars
cash for car
top cash for car
cash for car brisbane
cash for cars brisbane
cash for car caboolture
cash for cars ipswich qld
cash for cars gold coast qld
cash for scrap car brisbane
scrap cars brisbane
car removal brisbane
car removals ipswich
scrap cars removal
used cars caboolture
cash for old car brisbane
cash for car caboolture
cash for cars caboolture
cash for car ipswich

Janice Berry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
cash for car said...

This is a nice information in which you told that how to pay cash for car and how to buy a car at a fair price that is according to market.

fastcashforcars said...

I am not sure where you're getting your info, but great topic. I need to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
scrap car prices Canada
Scrap Car Removal Toronto
junk car removal Toronto cash
scrap car prices Toronto
Scrap car removal Brampton
Junk car removal Mississauga
scrap car prices Canada
Scrap cars Richmond hill
junk car removal Toronto cash
scrap car prices Toronto
Scrap cars Markham
Junk car removal Mississauga
scrap car prices Canada
Scrap Car Removal Toronto
junk car removal Toronto cash
scrap car prices Toronto
Scrap car removal Brampton
Junk car removal Mississauga

Soniya David said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Nice blog..Great information sharing for us..

Vehicle Removal Perth

Joyce Fischer said...

Thank you very much for the informative article about Spare Parts Auto. Now Consumer know how to pay cash for cars and to to get car in affordable price. We have some informative blogs as well related to
instant car removal
instant cash for cars
car removal brisbane
car removal gold coast
car removal sunshine coast
car removal for cash
car removal near me
quick car removals
old car removal
junk car removal
auto parts
car wreckers brisbane

Kelly Byrnes said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Crystal Coleman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hazel Donovan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melissa McCarthy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eliza Beth said...

Some really useful content here. I've been looking for something like this to help with a research piece I've been working on.
car wreckers brisbane
Holden wreckers brisbane
mazda wreckers brisbane
Toyota Wreckers brisbane
Nissan wreckers brisbane
auto wreckers near me
auto wreckers brisbane
Car wreckers near me
wreckers brisbane
best wreckers brisbane
4wd wreckers brisbane
wreckers brisbane
ford wreckers brisbane
south brisbane wreckers
auto parts brisbane

Eliza Beth said...

I am not sure where you're getting your info, but great topic. I need to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
car wreckers brisbane
Holden wreckers brisbane
mazda wreckers brisbane
Toyota Wreckers brisbane
Nissan wreckers brisbane
auto wreckers near me
auto wreckers brisbane
Car wreckers near me
wreckers brisbane
best wreckers brisbane
4wd wreckers brisbane
wreckers brisbane
ford wreckers brisbane
south brisbane wreckers
auto parts brisbane

Eliza Beth said...


This is the nice post which I was waiting for such an article and I have gained some useful information.
car wreckers brisbane
Holden wreckers brisbane
mazda wreckers brisbane
Toyota Wreckers brisbane
Nissan wreckers brisbane
auto wreckers near me
auto wreckers brisbane
Car wreckers near me
wreckers brisbane
best wreckers brisbane
4wd wreckers brisbane
wreckers brisbane
ford wreckers brisbane
south brisbane wreckers
auto parts brisbane

Rebecca Popper said...

Wonderful post!!! Genuinely loved this kind of post. Although I want much more information on like precious subject matter.
cash for scrap cars sydney
cash for scrap cars brisbane
cash for cars gold coast

David Woodhouse said...

Glad you shared your story about Dave Ramsey system. We offer top cash for cars in Perth and along with that, we offer free car removal in Perth to those who sell their old car, junk car to us.

Amiry Enterprises said...

This is very nice article. This article is very helpful for car consumers.

Clarence Foley said...

Thanks for sharing a great post, additional new tyres,Tyremate742 has the largest range of quality tested using car tyres in Australia. A large majority of our second hand tyres has barely been used and our team will advise on the best option for your car. call:- 0738752150 second hand tyres and used tyres today!

Will Wong said...

Some really useful content here. I've been looking for something like Cash for Cars Gatton service who is offering free car removal service

Will Wong said...

It's really a helpful piece of information. Thanks! more cash for cars , cash for cars gold coast This is the amazing facility to earn money to sell your scrap car in such good money. Willawong Cash for Cars offers you approx. $9999 which is not a small amount to earn against your trash car. call top cash for cars :-07 3279 8991 today.







Janice Berry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anzella SuZane said...


It's Such a wonderful post, keep up the good work. more, cash for cars,cash for cars brisbane,scrap cars brisbane Cash for cars Brisbane will let you help with car removal Brisbane Are you wondering who buys scrap cars around here? Calling any car removals is often the best existing option for disposal of an undesirable vehicle.

Pixelz360 said...

Thank you for sharing this interesting information, more web design brisbane,web development brisbane,seo brisbane,Pixelz 360 is the amazing online website that deals In IT services. Web design, marketing, developing, Search Engine Optimization are the best services provided to clients in order to complete their requirements.

scrap cars brisbane said...

Thank you so much for this wonderful information.more car removal brisbane,You can earn up to $8999 with fast cars removal.Even if your vehicle is wrecked or damaged it can be sold to fast cars removal where you can make cash for trash.

Soniya David said...

Undoubtedly, I enjoyed every little piece of information. Thanks! more cash for cars north brisbane North Brisbane Wreckers buy and wreck your car and pay up to $9,999 cash for cars and offer free car removal throughout the Brisbane.

sara said...

This is a nice piece of information.more cash for cars brisbane , Your Junk Car isn’t useless at We buy vehicles. Get up to $9999 Cash For Junk Cars Brisbane when you call us.call us:- +61 411 471 196.

Janice Berry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kelly Byrnes said...

Hey, This is a really great post.more cash for unwanted cars brisbane We buy cars Brisbane and offer a wide range of services like cash for junk cars Brisbane, car wrecking, recycling, and easy scrap cars removal service in all suburbs of Brisbane.

APlus Car Removal said...

This is an interesting and informative piece of article.more Cash for cars We at A plus car removals do not care of the make, model, and condition of your vehicle and just wants to provide you a hassle-free car removal wooloowin service.

A1 Auto Recycling said...

Thanks for such an interesting blog, more scrap car removal services Call car removal Brisbane and get a free quote of your vehicle with no obligation to accept.

scrap cars brisbane said...

This is quite an interesting posting. more cash for scrap cars brisbane The benefit of using fast cars removal is that you receive cash for any car regardless of its make, model, age, and condition. Our services are fast and friendly and best of all completely hassle-free.

fastcashforcars said...

Excellent post. I will certainly come back to read more of the articles about food. We love to try new receipts.
scrap car pick up

Alex ken said...

It is not easy to sell a junk car, because nobody would like to buy a scrap car. But some of companies are actually buying junk cars and paying unexpected cash for any model, year and make.

Auto Wreckers Services In Vancouver

Admin said...

The auto salvage and auto wrecking industry is a $25 billion dollar industry-meaning your junk cars are worth much more than you might imagine. Scrap Car Removal Mississauga
Cash For Junk Cars
Scrap Car Removal Vaughan
Car Scrap Yard Mississauga
Junk Car Towing
Junk Car Bin
Auto Recycling Mississauga
Scrap Car Removal Toronto

auto recycling said...

Get the highest cash for cars Perth of all makes & models. We are one of the leading car removal companies for all scrap, old, unwanted cars. Cash For Cars Perth not only accepts cars of any make, model, age and condition, we also accept trucks, vans, utes, commercial vehicles, 4x4s, SUVs, and any other type of motor vehicle, foreign or domestic, running or not. No matter what the shape or size or even condition of your truck or motor vehicle, we offer free instant cash offers on trucks, vans, Ute, etc.

Adrians Metal Recyclers said...

It was extremely helpful for me to read this article. It's great that so many car owners can benefit from your service. Australian car dealers offer a wide range of car models and makes. On Adrian's website, a service called Cash For Cars Ipswich accepts all kinds of vehicles. Most recycling centers across the country also accept it for recycling.

Max Cash For Cars said...

Readers must be captivated by an author's writing or interests in order to earn their attention. Even though he uses straightforward language, he is able to engage his readers. Cash for Cars Brisbane is one of the best cash-for-car companies in Queensland. Brisbane's best cash-for-car company has a high return rate.

Metal Biz Recyclers said...

Good writers keep their readers interested. Nearly everyone knows about Metal Biz Recyclers. A second service we provide is cash for cars and vans. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Friendly, knowledgeable employees make our company great. Metalbiz offers customers a variety of services and products, including Cash For Cars Brisbane, along with other automotive products and services.

Messan Jackson said...

You've come to the right place if you want more information. Online car removals with Fast Car Removals can be done quickly and easily. Here you will discover how to save time with 'Cash for Unwanted Cars Sunshine Coast' services from Fast Car Removals.

Scrap My Car Canberra said...

A win-win situation can be achieved by educating and creating elements together. Organizing and presenting the information were both well balanced. You can remove and tow a car or a vehicle for free at The Scrap My Car Canberra website.

Melbourne Cash for Cars said...

You are an admirable writer because of your attention to detail! It's amazing how much you've accomplished. Congratulations are due to you. We are distinguished from other companies by our attention to detail. It is worthy of your congratulations that you have accomplished such a great feat. For instance, there is Cash for Cars Melbourne, which provides free car assessments, instant cash transfers and does not require faxing or scanning. Customers can easily, quickly, and free transfer money using the company's money transfer service.