Car Shopping
In the beginning of the year, we knew we had to get a new car pretty soon. We've put some money aside for it and started automatic deductions from our checking account to our savings to simulate a car payment. None of us have ever had a car payment and I'm not looking forward to it at all. We don't really have a time frame as to when we want to purchase one, but we'd like to be ready for it if one of our cars breaks down and we don't think the money to fix it is worth it at all.
For the longest time, we were all about the sedan family car. They were practical, reliable, and roomy enough for the family we expect to have in 1-2 years. It really did kill me to consider a Toyota Camry because it seemed incredibly suburban and soccer mom, but it really is a great car and fit the budget. Plus, the new model out this year is redesign, sleeker looking and with a V6 engine it came with a lot of power. We also considered more sporty cars like the Infiniti G35 (which we both loved) and an Acura TSX but thought that was starting to push the budget too much.
We went car shopping on Saturday morning ready to test out the Camry and the Honda Accord. The Camry was nice, as expected, but it really didn't wow me or get me excited about buying a new car. We were wandering the car lot and we spied a small SUV that was actually pretty cute. We had marked off SUVs because we didn't want to deal with the high gas mileage and we didn't think we could really afford one. But when we looked at the price tag and the gas mileage, they were the exact same as the Camry. I originally had negative thoughts about the Rav4 but upon seeing it newly redesigned, I have to say it's pretty nice looking for a smaller SUV.
Our sales person had already left us since we told him we were leaving so we didn't get to test drive it. But since it has the same engine as a Camry, we were pretty confident that we would like the drive and wanted to move on.
Next we hit the Honda dealership and test out the CRV. At this point, Wilson moved from totally being against an SUV to only looking at SUVs. I didn't mind at all since I thought they would be very practical with the kiddies, and also if we ever wanted to go up to the mountains. We'd have AWD for the rugged terrain and the snow conditions. Neither of us liked it at all and we left without even giving the Accord a glance.
The Subaru dealership was next. Now, I have to admit that I am not a fan of Subaru at all. I don't think their body styles are very attractive but I have heard nothing but great things about all their cars. Wilson loves Subarus and has always wanted one. We looked at the Forester, their smaller SUV. And although it screamed station wagon to me, I didn't think it was horrible. We took it out for a test drive and that was when I really started liking it. It was lovely to drive and it felt comfortable. I'm still a little iffy on the body style but it is growing on me a little.
I'm kind of torn and I wish we had test driven the Rav4 now. I hate that my decision is based purely on style, but I liked the interior of the Forester best, but the exterior of the Rav4. Wilson is pretty gung-ho on the Forester and it is his new favorite car.
I know we still have plenty of time left to decide since the earliest we plan to buy is the end of the summer. Decisions, decisions. This is the first car I will buy completely on my own and I am already finding is so stressful!
For the longest time, we were all about the sedan family car. They were practical, reliable, and roomy enough for the family we expect to have in 1-2 years. It really did kill me to consider a Toyota Camry because it seemed incredibly suburban and soccer mom, but it really is a great car and fit the budget. Plus, the new model out this year is redesign, sleeker looking and with a V6 engine it came with a lot of power. We also considered more sporty cars like the Infiniti G35 (which we both loved) and an Acura TSX but thought that was starting to push the budget too much.
We went car shopping on Saturday morning ready to test out the Camry and the Honda Accord. The Camry was nice, as expected, but it really didn't wow me or get me excited about buying a new car. We were wandering the car lot and we spied a small SUV that was actually pretty cute. We had marked off SUVs because we didn't want to deal with the high gas mileage and we didn't think we could really afford one. But when we looked at the price tag and the gas mileage, they were the exact same as the Camry. I originally had negative thoughts about the Rav4 but upon seeing it newly redesigned, I have to say it's pretty nice looking for a smaller SUV.
Our sales person had already left us since we told him we were leaving so we didn't get to test drive it. But since it has the same engine as a Camry, we were pretty confident that we would like the drive and wanted to move on.
Next we hit the Honda dealership and test out the CRV. At this point, Wilson moved from totally being against an SUV to only looking at SUVs. I didn't mind at all since I thought they would be very practical with the kiddies, and also if we ever wanted to go up to the mountains. We'd have AWD for the rugged terrain and the snow conditions. Neither of us liked it at all and we left without even giving the Accord a glance.
The Subaru dealership was next. Now, I have to admit that I am not a fan of Subaru at all. I don't think their body styles are very attractive but I have heard nothing but great things about all their cars. Wilson loves Subarus and has always wanted one. We looked at the Forester, their smaller SUV. And although it screamed station wagon to me, I didn't think it was horrible. We took it out for a test drive and that was when I really started liking it. It was lovely to drive and it felt comfortable. I'm still a little iffy on the body style but it is growing on me a little.
I'm kind of torn and I wish we had test driven the Rav4 now. I hate that my decision is based purely on style, but I liked the interior of the Forester best, but the exterior of the Rav4. Wilson is pretty gung-ho on the Forester and it is his new favorite car.
I know we still have plenty of time left to decide since the earliest we plan to buy is the end of the summer. Decisions, decisions. This is the first car I will buy completely on my own and I am already finding is so stressful!