Emotional Car Buying

It has been a LONG two months trying to figure out what I will be driving for the next five years. I swear this is quite possibly the most stressful experience I have been through in some time (and I am likely WAY overthinking it).

You see, it's not so much about WHAT I'm driving but WHY. There are so many factors that are being considered in this decision beyond the fact that there are unlimited choices in cars it's unbelievable. Oh, and by the way, I made this decision, it was done and then I took it back.

I would like to buy a home and not compromise my down payment

I would like to have children in the next five years

I do not want to pay for this depreciating asset, but at the same time I want a little more luxe in my automobile.

I want good gas mileage but not a hybrid (I'm of the thought that I don't want it until it's perfected--kinda how people with bad eyesight felt about laser correction at first)

I want space and height because I am officially a pussy driver. Sixteen lane highways at 80 miles an hour every day will do that to a person.

I have grappled with what a reasonable car payment is, I have test drove countless automobiles and yet I still have no idea where I am going to end up. My boyfriend tells me I should wait until October when yet another severe economic downturn will occur (heed the advice, he was dead on last time) so that I can get a lot more car for my money.

I do not have that option unless he wants to drive me around the next three months.

What have I considered? Honda Pilot, Acura RDX & MDX, Lexus RX 350, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Sante Fe, Toyota Highlander, Infinity EX--all used by the way. It's how I justify the "luxe". I know my readers are typically voyeuristic versus conversational, but I would very much welcome your thoughts on this matter.

And now I'm off to test drive a car that the dealer drove to my office on his lunch hour. How nice.

Comments

  1. ShannonJuly 9, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    What do you consider "luxe"? That's where I would start. Are you buying or leasing? I love Honda's because they are reasonable and have some luxe but not compared to Infinity and Lexus. But because you want to buy a house soon and to me they are just cars, I would go Hyundai or Honda. And now I am scared for October because I know how scary smart Scott is. What does he think is the most important thing to do between now and then?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 9, 2009 at 5:50 PM

    Honda pilots are for soccer moms!
    you need something that matches your personality...style, smart, demanding respect, strong and yet good gas milage...i say this: http://tinyurl.com/mgkeeb

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJuly 9, 2009 at 9:02 PM

    "I would like to buy a home and not compromise my down payment" - have you already talked to your bank about financing...what do they say? What price mark can you hit before affecting your future mortgage?

    "I would like to have children in the next five years" - we have an Altima and a Jeep, both provide ample room for our family of 3. Unless you pop out 2 kids in 5 years...you're good sister! Now if safety is your priority, look for a vehicle that allows for a carseat in the middle...some cars have a hump or a shorter seat in the middle. It's important.

    "I do not want to pay for this depreciating asset, but at the same time I want a little more luxe in my automobile." Luxe or not...it depreciates and youre payin!

    "I want space and height because I am officially a pussy driver. Sixteen lane highways at 80 miles an hour every day will do that to a person." Ya, I thought this too, but I feel more in control in the Altima, especially on 85!

    Bottom line make a list of priority features and you'll find what you're looking for!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 10, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    Go with the Acura...it's luxe but also hip (Lexus and Infiniti are for middle aged folks) and Honda gives you $1500 damage waiver at the end of the lease.

    ReplyDelete
  5. CourtneyJuly 22, 2009 at 1:27 PM

    Thank you all for your feedback...as you see, I bought a Volvo, which of course was not on the original list.

    ReplyDelete

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