Car or not?

[KillZone]

I could really use a new car, but...

I look at the cars today and either I do not like what I can afford (or, want to pay) or like what I cannot afford. I really could use a newer car. I just don’t see anything on the highway I can even get mildly excited about that I can afford.

When I think about it I find myself almost ambivalent.

Or, I just choose not to think about it.

I lust after what I cannot afford. I guess that makes me a human. Or, not.

[Charles]

Get a pickup truck. Nowadays they're just about as comfortable as a sedan and they are so practical giving you the ability to toss bikes, boxes, furniture, etc in the back. Maybe a 3-5 year old Tacoma as it has all the latest safety features including side air bags and you can take advantage of the depreciation.

Something like this

[Chachma v'Oz]

If there's nothing out there that you particularly like, narrow the field to the ones that precisely fit your needs. Then pick the least unattractive one from those.

I've always bought for practicality, what best suits my needs, whether it was a car or truck. The ones I got I liked because they were the most useful to me.

[BooRadley]

I had good luck with carmax. I put in the specs I wanted and it threw out cars. I researched those and came up with a short list of what I'd want if I saw on in my price range. A month or so later I found what I was looking for.

What is it you want? Two seats, four, six, seven? 4 wheel drive? Convertible? Speed or fuel savings? Trunk or hatch? Performance or practicality? How much do you care about body style? Interior gadgetry? What kind of a price range are you after, and where?

[KillZone]

I had good luck with carmax. I put in the specs I wanted and it threw out cars. I researched those and came up with a short list of what I'd want if I saw on in my price range. A month or so later I found what I was looking for.

What is it you want? Two seats, four, six, seven? 4 wheel drive? Convertible? Speed or fuel savings? Trunk or hatch? Performance or practicality? How much do you care about body style? Interior gadgetry? What kind of a price range are you after, and where?

Took me a decade (almost to respond). Old folks are like that.

I appreciate everyone that responded. Thanks.

BooRadley, I see so many cars and they are all starting to look the same to me. Once (when I was a car nut) I could tell ‘em apart, but no longer can I do that.

I’d like the Nissan 370Z, but that makes as much sense for me as (another) hole in my head. Spending bucks (that much) on an asset that will inevitably depreciate in value is insane to a CPA—me.

I’d love to have a 1969 Boss 302. Ditto the hole in the head. I cannot "wrench" a car so buying a Boss 302 would be an act of insanity. I care not for the new Mustangs (for those who do, then I mean no disrespect).

What do I want and don't want:
Don’t want a convertible. I’ve had one and did not car for that part of the car; I am too lazy to fool with it. I like speed; lots of it. No truck. Performance, lots of it, is preferable. Body style is important. Price range is important, but the kids are out of college, we have no debt, so in reality, I can afford about what I want to—but (as I mentioned above) I have a problem spending a lot of money because I am so damned practical; it just makes no sense to spend a bundle on an asset that will inevitably depreciate in value.

I will no doubt do the dumbest thing possible. Wait until what I drive craters and then be up a creek.

So I'm an idiot.

[RS1723]

Please Get Something With Good MPG! Trust ME You Will Not Regret It!

[Charles]

Please Get Something With Good MPG! Trust ME You Will Not Regret It!

Unless you're in one of those rinky dink 45 MPG cars and you get in a collision with a full size vehicle.

[BooRadley]

http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza-wrx/index.html

Imreza WRX (or it's big brother, the STI) is a good bang for the buck for performance. Not a crazy as hell race car, but as close as you'll ever want on the street. New WRX is around $25,000. 4 door, hatchback, 4 wheel drive, 265 or 305 hp (in a light car), and it's *notorious* for it's handling. The STI is about 34,000, but that really is a race car. I know a guy with an STI and a Porche Boxter and he says it's a joke trying to comare the Boxter with the STI, 'cause the STI will just flat blow the doors off the Porche.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza

I don't like the hood scoop on the STI, though http://www.thecarconnection.com/over...sedan-wrx_2012

[KillZone]

Please Get Something With Good MPG! Trust ME You Will Not Regret It!

I agree. One thing is certain—we oil (and gasoline) prices will not trend down in the next few years as demand keeps growing.

Hey, since the world is going to end (as we know it) on Dec 21, I have no idea why I should do anything.

I’ve always wanted “different;” not really be to different, but to not run with the herd; not give in to what is expected. That’s one reason the TR6 of long ago appealed to me and one reason, as my business partners screamed, “American made or no company car for you from the coffers of this company!” years ago, I bought a Volvo (loved both the TR6 and the Volvo). Screw them. I bought what I wanted, just like they bought boring (back then) Ford Taurus Sedans.

Currently, the Mini-Cooper appeals to me. It ain’t cheap, but the fuel economy is very good.

Maybe no better value exists than the Corolla in a 4-door, but what a boring car.

I'm no closer to knowing what I want than I was 3 years ago. People like me should be shot.

[jwreck]

I have the turbo Mini Cooper and that thing is flat out fun to drive. Not the fastest thing on the street for sure, but the WEEEE!!! factor is off the charts.

[KillZone]

I have the turbo Mini Cooper and that thing is flat out fun to drive. Not the fastest thing on the street for sure, but the WEEEE!!! factor is off the charts.

I am very easily tempted into sin.

Edit your post and tell me you hate it, please!

[jwreck]

Sorry, just can't say I hate it.

My only complaint with it is that I can either carry stuff, or people. It does carry more than you would expect. I can carry my goalie gear and skater hockey gear both as long as I'm by myself. Or I can carry 2 adults and 2 kids.

[BooRadley]

http://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMNA/j...om/overview.do

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo is another hot small car. Also 4 door, 4 wheel drive, but more expensive. 291 HP, but $34,000. Comparable to the Subaru STI.

The Mini is definitely a good price for a good looking car. I'd ahve to drive one to decide on it, though.

http://www.vw.com/portal/en/configur...0204/20402/121

You can get a 4 door VW Golf GTI for $24K. Also a quick car with good handling, but a small hatch back.

http://www.vw.com/portal/en/configur...0204/20402/121

[KillZone]

BooRadley

The Mini is definitely a good price for a good looking car. I'd ahve to drive one to decide on it, though.

You can get a 4 door VW Golf GTI for $24K. Also a quick car with good handling, but a small hatch back.

I'm 5' 9" (okay, maybe just 5' 8.5") and weigh 150. I have short legs and pull the seat up, so I don't want (or need) a big car. I like small cars because they handle so much better than a big car. One can zip around and in and out of traffic easier, and they sure are easier to park than a big vehicle.

MY 4-RUNNER: I have a Toyota 4-Runner now, and although I love the way I feel safe in it (it's heavy) and being up high, it handles terribly and has no zip. Still, I do enjoy driving it. I feel like I think I would feel in Fort Knox when I'm in it. Very safe, very secure. One thing about it: It has been a hell of a reliable vehicle. Getting 12 mpg (on a good day) has gotten old. If I commuted, it would have been gone years ago. But it is 2 miles to my office from my humble home. If I travel for a client, they get billed. But it does need replacing.

MINI: The Mini is plenty big for me, and even though it ain't a race car, that's okay. I put my cruise on 5 mph over the speed limit (unless it involves a school zone, cops don't bother with the extra 5), and no doubt the Mini would be able to do the same. It isn't too expensive and it is efficient with fuel.

My problem? It's embarrassing to admit, but the reason I've not gotten serious about the Mini is because an old man--I'm 56--think I would look stupid in a Mini. I know... I know... I shouldn't care what others think.

VW: 4 door VW Golf GTI is a nice vehicle. It doesn't appeal to me like the Mini does. I need to drive one of them.

Corolla: It's a very nice vehicle that has ceased to appeal to me, and that's a shame. It would be difficult to go wrong buying a Corolla.

[KillZone]

BooRadley,

Thanks for the suggestions. I did drive the cars you listed. Nice cars, all of them.

I've about decided to get the Mini. I drove one. My wife has a 2012 Ford Taurus, so if we need room, we can use it, our kids finished school and are on their on, I don't need the 4-Runner I have, I like small cars since they handle so easily, I'm only 5' 9" so it fits me, the price is okay ("okay" means I can live with it), and I like it.

I drove one and it fits me fine.

I was gonna buy a Corolla, but I don't like the changes they made, even though it is a very, very good car; maybe one of the best cars for the bucks on the road.

See how easy it is for me to rationalize/justify a car just because I want it?

Me deciding to buy a car? There is a God in Heaven! Or, I am insane. Or, both?

TURN UP THE RADIO!

[jwreck]

So you bought a mini?

[KillZone]

So you bought a mini?

Not yet. I was going to until I got sick and I spent 10 days in the hospital, getting out Monday afternoon. I don't recommend hospitals, but it beats the cemetery.


Now, I am at home and healing. Won't be long until I obsess about a new car again. Just need a little more time. Yes. I can obsess with the best of them.

It, the Mini, is the only car in that price range that I care about. And why spend bucks on a car that will be boring 3 days after I get it? As much as a car costs, I think I am at a stage in life where I should find one that is fun, and nothing else in that range is fun to drive (or, if so, I've missed it).

Why the hell not spend the bucks since I can't haul it in a U-Hall to heaven with me, or, to hell for that matter. My kids are educated, we have no debt (FINALLY!), so what am I saving what little we have for? So my kids can inherit it and spend it before I'm in a wooden box 6-feet down? Nah...

As far as carrying people or junk, we can use my wife's Taurus if we have company. Or, they can be squeezed in the back. I'll be driving so the hell with them.

[jwreck]

Sorry to hear you were ill. Glad you are better.

[KillZone]

Sorry to hear you were ill. Glad you are better.

A new Mini or something would really help me heal.

How easily I rationalize things.