Hey guys, I'm in the market for a new car and wanted to see if anyone could throw any suggestions my way: I'm looking for a reliable SUV or truck, leaning towards something a bit more compact rather than full sized. The vehicle would be used for camping, some very light off-roading (preferably 4x4), transporting bicycles, paddle boards, kegs, camping equipment, etc. I'm currently thinking something like Toyota Tacoma, Honda Pilot, Jeep Wrangler, etc. Thoughts?
These things are impresive: http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/rese...w-toyota-tacoma-trd-pro/ss-AAjl0g6?li=BBnb4R5
$40k which unless you get a great interest rate or put a large chunk down in cash really means like ~$50k? No, I'd have to disagree, that's pretty easy to pass up. My VW Jetta GLI I bought brand new in '04 for $21,844. If I would have kept it and paid the whole thing off, I would've paid $30k for it. That was the first and last time I've ever bought a brand new car. Unless I win the lottery or something, I could never see doing that again. The depreciation is just too much. Sure, it's nice knowing every single thing that the car has had done to it, the maintenance, etc... but if you do your own repairs, buying an older car in cash and fixing whatever breaks is so much cheaper than a car payment. I'm also amused that I have a 02 Jetta VR6 now, that I paid $1500 for (and it's in pretty damn good shape). Hard to believe 12 years later something I bought brand new was had for $1500. I have seen MK4 Jetta GLIs like mine on Craigslist with minor things wrong with them for around $2000. I tried to pick one up, a red '05 that needed headliner and a wheel replaced, but I didn't get to it fast enough. Anyways, my point is - save yourself the metaphorical assrape and buy something used instead.
Like a "NEW" car or a "new to you" car? Edit: I agree with nidex. Even if it's a new year model with 15K miles on it. You still get new for less of the rapage.
One of the girls at work was talking to me about buying cars one day (she brought it up). She's getting ass-raped on her current loan, and she sticks with Mitsubishi because they were the only ones who would approve her on a loan at age 18... so she buys new cars from them every few years or so. She's 27 now. She said this: "I drive a lot... about 20,000 miles a year. I can't risk having something that isn't reliable." Me: "But... Mitsubishi... not exactly reliable." "I like them, and I get new cars. I just can't risk getting something with a lot of miles on it." "You don't need to necessarily buy something with a lot of miles on it..." "Yeah but if I buy something that has a lot of miles, like 30k, it will start breaking soon." (I'm thinking... yeah, maybe a Mitsubishi...) "Someone would really have to beat the shit out of the car and not change the oil to have it be a piece of shit by 30k. That's like a brand new car. First service on most brands isn't until around 50k. Literally all they'd have to do is change the oil a few times and the air filter once by 30k." "That's still a lot of miles and I just can't risk that." There was no reasoning with her. Fuck it, it's not my $4000 falling out of my pocket driving the car off the lot for the first time.
Not to mention that she's not making any equity at all. Rolling over loans like that could mean that she's taking on a $40,000 loan for a $20,000 vehicle.
Yeah, she knows. There was no telling her anything... I mean, she thinks that 30,000 miles is "a lot of miles" on a car.
Maybe back in the 60's. Now, 200,000 miles is a lot. Sheesh! she should just lease a car. A new car every couple years at half the monthly payment. She sure isn't making headway on her loan balances.
Toyota Tacomas hold their value like no other vehicle. Good used models bring a premium price. But, they are great trucks and last forever. If you are thinking of buying a new small truck, keep your eyes open for a used 2015-2016 Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon with the 4 cylinder 2.8 liter diesel. That truck is capable of towing 7700lbs, and will get you up around 30mpg on highway drives. It's one heckuva good setup. -Will Courtier-
