We are going to be in the market for a new vehicle in the next year. My van has over 133k miles (granted probably 2/3 of them are highway miles) and with the traveling we do that makes Matt uneasy, especially since I will be driving many of them by myself.
Exciting right? Who doesn't like to go test drive new vehicles, inhale that new car smell and run their hands over the car interior? Sure I love doing all those things, but the idea of picking up a car payment, when we have been basically payment free for almost 3 years, makes my stomach turn. Plus, I really don't know what I want. I love my minivan, but we have also been toying with the idea of a SVU because we will need something to tow the boat if Matt's truck was to die. I can't drive large vehicles, so that puts a damper on that idea. And we really would like a hybrid vehicle, but none seem big enough for us. (Vehicle choices definitely are limited with 3 kids and lots of traveling) Matt says we should check out some of the crossover vehicles to see what our options are with those. But to be honest, I have no clue what even is a crossover vehicle.
So I thought I would start checking out our options and also compare new cars to Used Cars. After all you lose such a huge amount driving off the lot, if we could fine something with maybe 5k or 10k miles it would be worth it. So I've been looking at Lemonfree to see what options are in our area. So far most of them are cars, but it never hurts to look. Plus I am trying to see what our vehicle would sell for because we need to decide whether to trade-in or sell ourselves my van. (Just the idea makes me want to cry - sniff sniff) Maybe I will list it at Lemonfree when the time comes. After all not many places offer free listings anymore online.
Has anyone seen a cool vehicle lately or know of one that you think I would look supercool driving? A BMW convertible isn't in my near future, so I would love some ideas.
5 comments:
Good luck! Finding what is best for your family. It's hard with so many choices out there.
Maybe get the Consumer Report and check out what they got listed. (If you decide new)
I love the large SUV's - my fave is the Nissan Armada. LOVE IT!!!
Here's some crossovers so you have an idea of what hubby is talking about . . :) http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/industries/automotive/15748624.htm
Have you seen the Chrysler Aspen? It's new and I like it a lot. It doesn't look as big as some SUV's but is the same make as your van and has a really cool look.
By the way . . . vans seem "big" to me! I think you could drive an SUV just fine :)
Isn't Ford making their Expedition (really big SUV) in a hybrid? Not that it's fuel efficient by any means, but at least it gets more than 10 MPG or whatever the regular Expedition does.
Have fun shopping-- it's fun to buy but all the hassle of deciding, paying, etc. is decidedly not fun.
BTW- I too love the looks of all the huge SUVs and sometimes wish I were driving one, but I still adore my Chrysler T&C w/Stow-n-Go. We use that feature a lot more than I ever thought I would and, overall, I'm still very happy with our purchase.
Hey Alexis..I'm Val's cousin and I lurk on your blog once in awhile because I too, love to read! Anyway, I read your post and I'm going to be in the market in the next year also. So keep me posted as to what you find! I haven't had a car payment in 8 years so this is going to kill me!
Crossover Vehicles (IMO) aren't worth it. The backseat has NO legroom, whatsoever! It's just a smaller SUV honestly. They look like big station wagons. They have a third seat and in most cases only two people can sit back there.
SUV's, the Dodge Durango and Nissan Pathfinder aren't huge and they both have third seats... I think Chevy still makes the Tahoe... Actually GMC has a lot of vehicles that I'd look at if I were in the market for an SUV.
I've driven an Infinity QX56 (same idea as a Nissan Armada, same body style) TONS OF ROOM, wonderful to drive, but breaks down often! Right now, I'm not impressed with Nissan, as the cars we test drove the batteries died in cold weather... nice.
If you want a car that travels well and will pull a trailer (boat or otherwise), I'd go for a midsize SUV (Pathfinder/Durango/Explorer/Expedition/Tahoe/Denali --not the XL--/etc.)
Good luck with your search. I hope you come across a vehicle that you just can't do without.
We just purchased our first minivan... I'm really enjoying it, but HATING the car payment and the increase in insurance! Blech!
Can't wait to see what you get! :)
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