Used Cars: fix up 20 yr van or buy used car, chrysler voyager, toyota corolla

Question
Hello.  My husband and I have a l987 Chrysler Voyager.  It's in pretty good shape, but it is 20 years old, so we're concerned how much longer it will be drivable.  My husband wants to buy (if we can find anything for $3,000.00) a small car to get him back and forth to work, thus saving some wear and tear on the van.  Since I feel unsafe in small cars, I want to take our $3,000.00 and keep it for repairs on the van, when needed....I just don't think we're going to find anything worthwhile for $3,000.00.  Could you give me your opinion, please, as to what would be the best thing to do?  Thank you.

Answer
Sorry for the late reply, I have been out of town on business. I thought I had set the vacation dates with the allexperts website, but apparently did something wrong.

I agree with your husband in that the car might not last much longer. Their isn't much reason not to feel safe in a small car.. they are still crash tested, less likely to flip or tip over in the event you lose control - and they are more agile - which could lead to avoiding accidents all together. You should be able to find a decent little 1995 or so honda civic/toyota corolla for that price - which are very reliable (beware rust on the civic though) - and get great gas mileage. There is one for sale here that I almost bought - 1993 civic with 100,000 miles for 3000 dollars... You can easily spend 3000 fixing the van when it breaks.. but if you end up pouring more into it to keep it running than the car is worth... you are better off spending the same money (in the long run) to have a better working vehicle. At least that's how I see it (i assume thats how your husband feels as well)..

Of course thats just my opinion.. but I've seen a lot of people do what you want to do.. and after about 5,000 in repairs over a few years they regret not simply buying another car with everything they paid to keep their old car running.