Could I trade up a 2005 GMC Canyon for a new car?

[b long]

I am a college student and I have a 2005 GMC Canyon in great condition. The problem is that it needs new rotars. I do not have the money to replace them, and the insurance is going to be too much for me to pay while at law school next year since I won't be able to swing a job in which I could make enough money to pay for the insurance and the gas.

I'm considering trading it in, I looked on kelly blue book and it said that my truck was worth about 10-11k. I was wondering if there are any cars that I could trade my truck for straight up without having to pay any money, or at least very little. Like a cobalt or something along those lines. the thing is that this truck means a lot to me, it was my grandfather's and he passed away in 2007 and the last day he was alive and I went to visit him, he asked me to take it. I told him I would take care of it and I have done just that, to the best of my ability. The thing is that it is not practical for me to have a truck like that bc I do not have the money to pay for the high insurance (4wd, extended cab, and I am under 25, though no violations are on my driving record besides two warnings) So I do not want to give this truck up for anything. If I do trade this, I want a new car, and a decent car that will last me at least 4 years.

Anyone have any words of advice, it really upsets me that it's to the point where I have to consider getting rid of my truck but it's something I will more than likely have to do.

 

[The Eagle Keeper]

There aren't any more cars that are new for $10-11K anymore. Well there is, but I don't recommend it (Nissan Versa). Your not going to get any options on it though. You want nice, new, & budget. All you can do is find the best little used car in that budget. A Cobalt LT would do it. Lots of the usual Civics, Sentra, Corolla's, Ford Focus, & Cobalts out there. So look hard & make calls. Many cars on lots are not advertised b/c they just took it in. If the GMC just needs rotors, then get that done. When you trade a truck in that needs repairs, the dealer will assume the worse & stick it to ya. At age 25 the insurance should not be that bad. Maybe you need to change policies & reduce coverage. Drive the truck less b/c even a little truck like that can get crappy mpg's. Honestly I would really try harder to come up with an alternative to simply getting rid of it. It sounds to me like it's important to you & I would not just give up yet. G'luck!