Why let the wife win? Women are never happy with what men do or don't do anyway, so why give in?

Lol... I understand where you're coming from...but if you think about it.. all relationships are about a balance of power. Those who think negatively of women (and men) are those who lost the power struggle. Ideally, two people will share the power, but that rarely happens. So..instead, if you are with a woman (or man) who insists on doing things her/his way, you need to learn how to get her/him to come up with your idea. That way you both win.

It'* the same with relationships between teens and parents...between managers and subordinates...all relationships. Some of you may be thinking "she'* talking about manipulation"... no, that'* not it. Manipulation has totally selfish motives. What I'm talking about is learning how to deal with people...you can't change the way a person is, you can only change how you react to them.

So...you want to keep the car. But she doesn't see the value or the need in it. What'* in it for her if you keep it? Do you have kids that will be driving soon? If so, then save the car for them - it will be cheaper than buying them one in a few years. Be creative....

She wants to replace your Bonneville with either a FORD or a JEEP? . . .There oughtta be a law or something, cuz that should be criminal. There'* NO WAY I'd repace a Bonneville with a Ford product of any kind, or a Chrysler product. NO WAY. If you need an SUV, let'* hear why, and then we can give you some good advice. Heck, I'd buy a rice SUV before I'd buy either of those. -And I'd keep the Bonneville in either case!

You asked us "What should I do?" . . . so here'* what you should do:

(1) Find out why you need an SUV, and if it'* compelling, then at least get a good one, don't get a freaking Ford. I don't feel much better about the Jeep, but if you put a gun to my head, I'd get a Jeep before I'd ever buy a Ford.

(2) KEEP THE BONNEVILLE. Way better vehicle than either an Explorer or a Jeep.

I can fit our two large suitcases in the Bonneville along with 2 hanging clothes bags and 2 backpacks with room to spare in the trunk. I can only fit the 2 suitcases in the Vibe and they block the rear window. Now the Vibe isn't really an SUV, but that'* saying how big the Bonneville trunk is.

99-04 Grand Cherokee ftw!!! im sure you could find a nice 99 or 00 Limited V8 in your price range. they are great trucks!!

(That'* what I was thinking)

Whats the motivation behind getting an SUV?

I was half kidding on my comments. But since I was half kidding, let'* continue this thought process... It really doesn't matter if you do it your way, or even get her to come up with your idea on her own. Women have proven time after time that they change their minds constantly. So even if you can get her to agree to keep the car, she'll change her mind next week.

I'm 1/2 kidding too... so I'll play along with you.

It'* true that women change their minds constantly...this I will grant you. But the truth is, we have to because men never divulge the all of the facts from the get-go, sometimes by choice (being deceitful) and while other times they're incompetant.

Okay...so what'* the deal... is she going to let you keep the Bonnie or what? Have we helped at all?

$400 trade in? no way....thats what a FORD dealership will currently give me for my car, rust and all!