When I started my 6FiguresNBroke blog, I mentioned that I loved my 2006 Infiniti G35 which was financed at a “fantastic interest rate.”  Well even with the great rate, the payment was still $820.00 per month.  Not only was the payment high, but upkeep was also expensive.  See, it wasn’t just your typical 2006 Infiniti G35 coupe, we put several thousand dollars of after-market parts in to the car (to the tune of $13k-$15k).  As a result, the rear tires needed to be replaced twice a year.  These were 20″ tires and wholesale price on each tire was close to $300.00.  So there is $1200/year in tires. 

Oh wait, this is a luxury sports coupe.  Gotta have the luxury synthetic oil changes.  Those run about $75-$95 an oil change.  You have to get that done at least four times a year.  It doesn’t stop there, the car runs on premium gas.  Sure you can put 87 into it but with a $45,000 car, why would you put 87 in it?  Yup, that’s right - each fill up was with 91 (the best you can get here).  I quickly realized that my car was causing much bleeding.

About a month ago, close to the two year anniversary date of purchasing the car (I loved the car, I remember the date I purchased it) we traded both that car in plus our 2001 Chevrolet Malibu with 98,000 miles on it and purchased a 2005 Nissan Murano with 46,000 miles on it.  Now I know those that follow Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover plan will squawk at taking out a new car loan.  I am dedicated to getting out of debt but honestly not comfortable driving a $2,000 car.  I am a freak about safety and even felt uncomfortable driving around in the 2001 Malibu.

So now I have a $300-ish a month car payment, I’m saving $100/mo on insurance and believe it or not I am getting better gas mileage in my Murano than I was in my G35.  Something about the roar of the engine when you get on the gas makes even the most docile driver a lead foot behind a sports coupe like the G35.  Overall I am looking at a net savings of about $700/month.  This means we are going to be getting out of non-mortgage debt much, much sooner.

I still miss the car and I fear the time I see it on the road and am honestly hoping that I don’t.  I had a major emotional attachment to the vehicle and evidently it is still there.  I did, however, leave my virtual tiara in the driver’s seat.  I am no longer a Princess and I believe I have made a responsible adult-like decision in letting it go.