Help me pick my new car!
Okay...so, my car is super dead....bummer...Im trying not to be depressed about having to shell out the doe and getting committed to a multiple years long loan situation....So, help me pick out my new car...
What I want is something that is big enough to haul a small tumbleweed home (if you are one of the vegwebbers who missed that thread before, just google it...I imagine they are the weight of a trailer....) but I dont want it to be like, so huge that its a gas-hogging emissions emitting monster, you know? It must have at least three back passenger seats, but Id actually like five or more--I work as a nanny and the possibility of the family growing is always there (as well as the possibility of having kids friends along) although anticipating a POTENTIAL growth in the family is not really enough to make or break my decision. Ummmm...I REALLY like driving the mom-I-nanny-for's Honda Pilot, which is a crossover. I think I like it because you have really good visibility out the back and its easy to tell how close you are to something because you dont have the trunk space to judge for...I feel a little nervous with how tall it is, because I am afraid of tipping over!!! But I just feel very "in control" of that car (and it has the five or six back passenger seats that fold down-which is also great)
Although I would kinda like a bio-diesel car, I'm not sure that would be a good choice for me right now because you have to have people who know how to work on them and if you convert a diesel car, it voids factory warranties and bla bla bla....Oh, and my price range...ummm...I dont even know, I'm assuming under 10k? So, Ill probably get something used...I dont even know...it should be a car that can last me a good bit. (another good reason to have copious passenger seating---so I can haul all MY foster kids around in it in like 6 years time...but Im so not ready for a minivan ;))
Okay vegwebbers, what do you know?
If the family you nanny for grows, it's their responsibility to get a car that fits the kids (which is sounds like they already have), right? And if it's used, you may likely have another car in six year's time.
So, I recommend putting your $10k into a long-lasting used car. Like a Toyota or Honda sedan. Boring and practical, but they'll be fuel efficient and have (potentially) less repair bills.
My hubbys a mechanic and always suggest Toyota
Also if you buy used from anywhere but a dealership (although I suppose a dealership may try to sell you a lemon also) get a pre purchase inspection by an independent mechanic. My hubby charges about $400 for a four hour inspection. $400 seems like a lot, but on a $10000 (or more) purchase it's worth it and can save you $1000s
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I was going to suggest a Toyota as well.
I bought a used Toyota during college and put another 125K miles on it.
I currently want the Scion XB.
No one else seems to like it though.....
I also like the Dodge Caliber.
BEATTLE!!!!
I second a used Honda or Toyota...if you can find one! I took one Accord to almost 200k before the "guardrail incident," now I have another one with 192k. Cheap to repair...great gas mileage!