First, let me clarify, I LOVE MY CAR. It's a 2005 that I got at the very end of June. I get average 48mpg (it's hilly here).
But it looks like I will be leaving the country for an extended period, anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. 6 months is a low estimate, most likely at least 8 and if things work out... So my questions are this:
If I'm just going for 6-8 months, is it worthwhile to keep paying the car loan and insurance in order to keep it road-ready and just leave it with mom to drive around? Or should I just sell it and free myself of the worry and expense? (And of course, when I return I'd be able to get an even newer-and-better model!
If I'm going to sell it, does anyone have any hints on how to do it? I live pretty rural so there won't be a lot of people around here looking to buy an almost-new car, especially one that's a little "different". I would think that in the right place, being hybrid would be a benefit, but I'll still have to compete with new cars, since mine is only 5 months old (also I have a long commute so I've been racking up miles faster than normal.) I know all the rules about selling a car in general (detail it, lots of pictures, etc) but I wonder if there's something special for hybrids that would make it sell easier.
I'm specifically not mentioning any details about the car because I don't want anything thinking I'm just looking for free advertising. I'm just looking for advice from fellow hybrid owners on how to proceed. Also commiseration on having to give up my lovely vehicle.
Finally, if I sell my car in the same year that I bought it, I assume I will still get the tax deduction? Otherwise I might be able to wait until January.
Thanks for any advice -- Rebecca