For those of you who took the time to share your thoughts and opinions -- thank you!  I truly believe the Lord used you to give me peace and comfort about the decision I made -- and I feel comfortable. 

 

I left it in the Lord's hands -- if I get a loan and can purchase the vehicle for a fair amount -- then that is the one I'll buy.  If not, I will go for one of the other two vehicles that were put in the path.  The Lord opened the doors ... and I basically slid through ... so I feel that He is in control.  We are in the process of purchasing a 2005 Rav4 with 34,000 miles on it in Portland.  It will be shipped up on Samson Tug and Barge -- who quoted the best price.

 

I leave on Saturday for a week long training in Scottsdale, Arizona with the Healthy Native Communities Fellowship program.  I am very excited about it!  We will learn how to be change agents and how to train others in our communities.  It won't, of course, hurt that it is in the high 70's right now.  I also feel that the Lord is putting the right people into my life to make things happen.  Who knew?  Well, He did.  So I may actually have a youth group that I can tap to do a lot of the legwork.  In exchange they will learn how to do graphic design, layout books, videography, write, photograph, and learn traditional skills from elders.  Doesn't that just sound exciting???

 

I hope that this finds all of you well -- and staying warm and safe!

 

God bless you and keep you,

 

Nae 

I have two opportunities ... and I think both are good ... but I'm not sure which is the more wise choice.  I really would appreciate if you would weigh in and give your thoughts and reasons for them (in order to help me learn -- in the future -- how to make these decisions).

 

I can fly up to Fairbanks and buy the '99 Rav4 (2WD) with 101,000 miles.  It has a new timing belt, thermometer and water pump.  It also has Blizzak tires and summer tires (all on wheels).  I couldn't get a loan for the $5750 -- 'cause it is too old.  I can get a personal loan (more interest).  My other option is a '05 Rav4 with 34,000 miles.  I can get a loan for $13,000 -- which is what the Rav4 costs.  It is in Portland.  I can have my son put it on a barge (or the ferry) at the end of the month. 

 

Which is the way to go?  Let's not think just about today ... but also five - six years from now.  I don't buy cars -- and I certainly don't "deal."  I wouldn't know how to bargain a deal down if my life was at stake.  So ... wise advise is ALWAYS needed.

 

I trust the Lord will help give me peace through the wise counsel I am seeking!

 

God bless you and keep you,

 

Nae 

First a friend in Vancouver found a nice van under $2,000.  Then my brother in law offered to give me a van free -- all I had to do was ship it.  So I got a quote.  Then I checked out how much it would cost to fly down and get it, but it was so close (and it is winter) ... that I thought .... well, best to let someone else drive.  THEN the whole shipping the van from MN kind of fell through.  They upped the price by $900.  I figured I could fly down (on miles) and drive it back and save money (from the quote) ... BUT I wasn't comfortable trying to drive a 2WD vehicle back to Alaska with the winter storms.  There have been just too many accidents ... even if it isn't my driving ... some other nut could take me out!

So, I decided to go ahead and purchase a mini-SUV (4x4).  It has been a tough winter ... with nasty driving conditions ... not to mention the fact that I can NEVER drive up a hill in the winter in the van I owned.  AND ... if we are going to continue responding to EMS/fire calls ... then we need a vehicle we can trust to go up the hill and down (safely).

I studied up on the mini SUVs -- and have come to decide that I would prefer a Ford Escape XLT (2002 - 2005) or a Toyota Rav4 (98-01) with UNDER 100,000 miles.  So -- I've been looking -- and they are tough to find!  There are NONE in Sitka and NONE in Juneau ... in my price range (definitely BELOW $7,000).  I did find a 2WD Rav4 in Fairbanks in my price range, but it is 2WD ... so I might not be able to go up hills here.

So, I've extended the search to Anchorage, Seattle, Portland area ... and have considered Phoenix and even Vegas (because I'll be in Scottsdale at the end of this month).  I've asked Pat (an ex boyfriend and mechanically inclined) in Anchorage, Dad (in Vagas), my son, Dan (an old friend and car salesman) and Athena's uncle (a mechanic) in the Portland area, my cousin Curtis in the Seattle area, and EVEN my brother in law, Jon, in the Minnesota area ... 'cause the drive would probably be equally as far as Phoenix ... but maybe not as safe through those mountain passes.  Anyway ... it looks like the Phoenix vehicles might be less expensive ... but I'm not sure about buying a car long distance.  The other bad thing is that the ferry leaves Bellingham one week after I leave Scottdale or 8 eight days later if I drive to Prince Rupert ... either leaves me with a few days to kill ... and burning my annual leave.  What do you think???

If I buy out of Seattle or Portland, then Eiric can put in on the ferry in Bellingham and I can have a gal pal meet the car in Ketchikan and move it off and put it on the connecting ferry the next day.

Anywhere else I'll have to use my mileage to fly down and drive back (in accordance with the ferry schedule).  If I buy from Anchorage (Pat will look at cars for me there), then I just have to drive up two days ahead of time to drive it to the ferry terminal in time.

Thoughts???

This buying vehicles is giving me a headache and making my stomach twist.

 

I hope that all of you are having a safe and happy winter!

 

God bless you and keep you,

 

Nae 

AUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I hate trying to figure out what mini SUV to buy.  Not made of money!!!  If I have to fly out of here to pick up a car, then I need the vehcile to be less than $5500.  If I buy a vehicle then I want one under 100,000 miles.  I've read that the Ford Escape XLT (after 2002) has great gas mileage and cargo space.  I've read that the Toyota Rav4 is good, but I'm pretty positive that I can't afford one that is newer than a 2000.  I've read that the Subaru Forester is good ...

 

All these cars are expensive and slim to none.  I'm surprised that so many of these cars are pricey ... even the ones in the late '90's.

 

So -- my question is what do you guys know about these vehicles?  First hand or knowledge from a friend / family member who owns one of these vehicles?  Can a 6'5" guy fit into these vehicles?  How do they handle on snow and ice ... going up hills????  Steep hills?  Would you trust your loved ones in these vehicles?  What type of car repairs do they need?  Any bad reputation????

 

Next -- how do you negotiate for a vehicle????

 

C'mon ... toss me a bone and share the knowledge!!!!!!

 

PLEASE!!!!!!

 

Thank you!

 

God bless you and keep you,

 

Nae 

 

What do you guys know about the 1970 MG Midget?  It is supposedly kept in the garage and is in very good condition.  It has a rag top with a roll bar and a seven gallon fuel tank.  Is it worth $5,000 with a recently rebuilt transmission (supposedly worth $2,700)???  It has about 100,000 miles on it -- but wanted to know what you guys thought.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

 

God bless you and keep you,

 

Nae