Should I get a car/which car? (Read 302 times)

I've been thinking VW GTI (though that Leibherr would be easy to park ON other cars).  I actually based my insurance quote on the new Subaru X thingie.  $168/mo insurance.  It's in the running though, should we get a new car.  Plus, a hybrid comes out this year, that might be cool.

 

I agree the ford focus looks cool, and it pains me to admit Ford now makes some cool looking cars.  I don't want an American car (I do own Ford stock though). Just haven't been pleased with their design and reputation -maybe they're getting better.  Maybe I'm a commie pinko bastard (hey, I did say I liked the idea of a hybrid, lol).

 

I want a tesla.

 

My mother in law used to have a jetta as a second car.  She got rid of it for a song when she decided her volvo was all she needed.  I regret not taking it from her when offered.  It was older but ran well and would have been free or nearly free.  Oh well.

The Chevy Volt is pretty awesome.  I put gas in its 10 gallon tank twice in the last six months.

I REALLY like and hear good things about that new Subaru...Cross-Trek, or something like that.  Wagony sort of crossover thing.  Nice size for a family of 3-4, from the looks of it.  The Ford Focus hatchback looks great to me, too, though I expect it could be a bit cramped with 2 kids worth of stuff.  Loved the Ford Escort I had years ago and would kill for something even half that reliable and cheap to own.

 

I'd avoid any Mazdas...unless you like spending a lot of time and money on near constant repairs.   We've had a few (2 used ones and my current car, purchased new).  They've all been quirky money-pits.  Current car is, by far, the worst of the lot.

My mother in law just bought the Cross-Trek, she loves it.

My wife thinks we need a car.  I think we're fine without one.  I see some merit in having one now that we have twin babies though.

-Double stroller, double extra stuff in general. Lots of crap x2, plus two little people.

 

Previously (pre-babies) we took the subway, walked, biked, ran, you get the picture. It's been 10 years since I owned a car. Occasionally we rent for trips that needed a car.  But we're renting more, and it seems like this trend is upward, not temporary -especially with holidays coming up and the kids are starting to seem to like their grandma, who lives in NJ (we're in Brooklyn).  That means more trips and a car would make those trips much easier.

 

Each time we rent a car it's about $300. That's a car payment down the drain.  I realize there's much more to owning --insurance especially (I estimate $150+/month, which blows).  Gas. Headache/hassle of parking in my packed neighborhood. Worrying about a break-in (had that happen 4x in the past when I had a car). Ug.

 

But, if we DO decide to get one, what do you think we should get?  New or previously owned?  If I have to have a car, I want something I'll enjoy driving and I'm a snob.  I'd want something relatively modern, within a few years.  I don't want something big (see parking in my packed neighborhood) but it needs to carry 2 adults, 2 kids and all their crap. I'd like something sporty, but it needs 4 doors.

 

Suggestions?

Toyota Camry, ALL DAY, SON. I put one of these babies in it. I challenge you to find a more gangster setup.

I have a Mazda6 ('09) and I haven't had any issues with it, I find it more roomy and sporty than similar sedans such as the accord, and it has a really big trunk (relatively speaking). The RX-8 I had previously, on the other hand, had a dead engine before reaching 20k, I'll never trust another rotary.

 

MTA: The MPG on the 6 is crap though (I have the V6)

We have a 2006 Mazda 6.  It's had a couple repairs but nothing major or more than any other car that we have owned.  It's got the 6 cyl and is not bad on gas at all.

We also have a Mazda 3 and no problems, although it is only a year and a half old.

MTA: When I bought the Mazda 3 I was switching from a 2002 VW Golf TDI.  Gas mileage was a key factor as I put over 20K miles a year on a car.  I looked at the TDI's but they were over $5K more than the Mazda.  The Mazda with SkyActiv gets 40 MPG vs the TDI gets about 45 MPG.  Diesel is quite a bit more expensive than regular unleaded.  The Mazda won.  I also went with manual transmission because I want to keep the car a long time and these newfangled auto trannys are pricey to work on when they go.

I'm pretty happy with my 2011 Subaru Forester.  It's a very small SUV with 2.5L 5spd AWD,  29.6mpg avg over the life of the car so far.   Not as big as the Crosstrek but better mileage and cheaper.  Easier to park in SF.  We also use it as our camping car.  Sleep in the back of the thing.  Have driven it all over the desert Southwest and the Sierras and have yet to get stuck.  Knock on wood.   Cheap is good, right?  Mine was <25K out the door.

+1. Also it's pretty nimble in the handling department for a small SUV, and absolutely amazing in the snow.

Also if frugality is a concern, watch what type of gas they take.  Some of the sportier cars require premium.

Mazda Miata.

I'm pretty happy with my 2011 Subaru Forester.  It's a very small SUV with 2.5L 5spd AWD,  29.6mpg avg over the life of the car so far.  Easy to park in SF.  We also use it as our camping car.  Sleep in the back of the thing.  Have driven it all over the desert Southwest and the Sierras and have yet to get stuck.  Knock on wood.   Cheap is good, right?  Mine was <25K out the door.

Still happy with my 2005. 130K miles and still runs like new. Mule in the snow, makes a great locker and/or napping place. 2 car seats and still tons of space in back for whatever. Good car.