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Getting a new car--opinions
Much lighter subject manner than my last post! Anyway, Dh and I are considering getting a new car. The question right now is, which one to replace? They are both 2000 model years, and they both have superficial problems to the exterior--I think Kelly Blue Book would probably only rate them in "fair" condition. The KBB value on mine is still higher than his, but at this rate, neither car is really all that much (less than $3K)
They both run well, but my car has at least 50K more miles on mine. My car has a CD player, Dh's only has a tape deck. My car is a 2 door, Dh's is a 4 door. Mine has a/c that works, Dh's doesn't, mine has a sunroof, his doesn't, my back seat folds down for more trunk space (important when transporting bikes) and his doesn't. My car is due for some regular maintenance as well--it needs the timing belt and alternator changed....like 10K miles ago, and that's usually around $500 for parts and labor. I'm trying to figure out if I should get that done if we're planning on trading/selling it anyway.
If you were in our shoes, which car would you trade in/sell?
Re: Getting a new car--opinions
Wow, that's an interesting predicament. I guess it somewhat depends on what you're looking at getting and what's most important to you. CD players are relatively cheap to put in a car, if you're planning on kids in the near future (like next 5 yrs) you probably want the 4 door. Now if that's not the case and being able to haul your bikes around is, then I'd say go for your car.
For the timing belt/alternator, if you're going to trade it in, then I wouldn't worry about it, but if you're selling it I'd still change them (you don't want someone hunting you down if it dies a week later). Alternators really aren't that hard to change out (DH just did his Crown Vic this weekend), if you know anyone who's the slightest bit car savvy, they would be able to do it. All you really need is some sockets. Timing belt is a whole other kit-n-caboodle though, I am lucky we have a mechanic in the family and my dad's buddy is one too. My dad's friend changed mine and all it cost us was the belt (and some traded computer work for my dad). You should see if you can find a mechanic that will let you bring the parts, then you only have to pay labor, everything else you can get at autozone.
Me too. Also, how much would it cost to repair DH's AC? Would the new car be big enough to fit a bike?
My car--Honda Civic
DH's car--Chevy Prism
New potential cars (at least my dream cars) would be Mini Cooper Clubman or Subaru Outback. I think more realistically though, we might have to go with slightly less expensive option like another Honda something or Toyota or Mazda. I like the sporty-ness of both my dream cars, but not sure that I can swallow the higher price tags of both. I'm thinking a station wagon-ish kind of car.
I agree w/ KataMarie, the higher mileage on your car means less to me since it's a Honda.
I think you should get the Outback b/c I think they are awesome!
Ah, but will you think I'm awesome, because I would drive an awesome car? That's the big question....
I would also keep the Honda.
The Outback is more SUV like than wagon like now, correct? For that reason, I probably would not pick that. I would be okay with a wagon, but I do not want an SUV.
Good luck with your decision.
Ditto PP Keep the honda!
I believe in the toyota/ honda thing- they run forever
I currently drive a 99 toyota corrolla with 201,000 miles
all i do is change the oil, and brakes
Love the mini cooper and outback- look into a gently used you can find great deals out there!
Keep the Honda, BUT... get the timing belt and water pump changed ASAP. Hondas are notoriously bad for when timing belts break. The timing belt typically bends valves, which is $$$$$. You want to do these at the same time because they are right next to each other and both are pretty damaging to the vehicle if you let them break on their own. Labor is the most expensive part of this repair.
And why does the alternator need to be replaced? That's not one of your typical parts to replace unless it goes bad.
You? Awesome? But of course!
Curbside, I think the Outback is considered kind of a crossover b/t a wagon & a SUV, but I do think it's put in the SUV category when rated against other vehicles.