second car dilemma

Parent Cafe
1

<p>H and I downsized to one car nine years ago. But recently we’ve been thinking about getting a second car that D and I would share, with the thought that we will probably let her take it to college with her next year (junior year). Since we don’t absolutely need a second car right now, we could wait until next summer to shop around, but there are lots of deals on, and I keep thinking it might be a good idea to see if we could pick up a year-end model at a good price. </p>

<p>Our car is a 2005 Hyundai Tucson, bought new and completely paid for, that we absolutely love. It’s the third Hyundai our family has had, and we are very pleased with our experience. It has 66,000 miles on it – our only problem was resolved with a new engine put in at 60,000 (under the excellent Hyundai warranty). My H adores this car and there’s a lot of life in her still. We live in snowy upstate New York, so the higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive are definite plusses. It has been very well-maintained and the engine only has 6,000 miles on it. Since D goes to college in Buffalo – even harsher winter weather than where we are – my first thought was, “why not just let her take the Tucson next year, and get a new car for H and me?” </p>

<p>But because my H loves his Tucson so much I feel him resisting this idea, and he’s starting to drop hints that we should get the NEW car for D and me and call it a combined Christmas present for the two of us from “Santa” (yes that’s how he thinks LOL). </p>

<p>If the vehicle was just going to be for me, I’d be perfectly happy with the small Accent 4-door as a run-around-town second car (we bought an ’04 Accent for older D that was great). But really, although she doesn’t know it, we are thinking that whatever car we give orchestragirl the “use of” now will ultimately become our outright gift to her in a couple years’ time. I am most concerned about getting the most suitable, safest, affordable small new car for winter driving conditions, but it would also be nice if it had some degree of a “fun” factor.</p>

<p>We will look at the Accent at our local Hyundai dealer, where we have excellent service for our Tucson. But I’ve also been researching other makes/models in the small/modest/ affordable category, including the Nissan Versa, Suzuki SX4 and Honda Fit and we may do some test drives during the winter break. Although I am not opposed to exploring the used car market, I think our preference is to buy new. </p>

<p>Any suggestions or advice from my CC friends?</p>

2

<p>I’ve been surprised at the range of opinions on this subject. At one extreme was a relative who started buying new BMWs for his 16-year-old … three years, three purchases … sheesh. At the other end was a wealthy relative who told his kids “I paid for your education … everything else is on you.” Ugh. One of my D’s friends was given a car with a hanging throttle … she wore out the brakes trying to slow the car on the freeways!</p>

<p>We’ve tried several approaches with our daughters. They seemed pleased in each case. I’d suggest talking with your D, and I’m pretty sure she’ll be happy with whatever you choose to do.</p>

3

<p>My parents live in a snowy place and they drive Subarus. They swear by them. Say they are the absolute best cars in the snow.
We buy cars fairly frequently and I never buy new. Buy something one year old. If you buy in December you can get something “last years” model with a very small amount of miles on it. The depreciation in a car is heavy in the first year. Several years ago I bought a Cadillac Escalade (I know a splurge). Bought last year’s model and it was about 5K less than the “new year” model.<br>
I just sold a truck we owned for 5 years. Paid 12K for it with 8K miles on it. Sold it for 5K with 110K miles on it. I’d say I got my monies worth out of that one.</p>

4

<p>Do consider the Certified Pre-Owned, or CPOs. They are excellent and the warranty is terrific. If you find one with low mileage, it’s almost like getting a new car for half the price.</p>

5

<p>I have to second the Subaru. My d is at school in Rochester, about as tough a winter as in Buffalo. She has an older Subaru Forester and absolutely loves it! It always goes, no matter what. And it carries everything she needs.</p>

<p>If you’re looking for the “fun factor”, there are smaller Subarus that have the best four wheel drive train around.</p>

6

<p>I second the one year old car idea.</p>

<p>We bought a 2008 Scion XD in August with 6000 miles on it and paid about $4K less than new. Still has 2 years of bumper to bumper and longer on powertrain.</p>

<p>One or two years old is way to go.</p>

7

<p>We’re about to give the 1999 Mazda 626 to son 1 (he’s been driving it for three years) to register and insure. I’m driving a 2004 Saturn Ion that we’d like to replace with a nicer car for trips, and give the Ion to Son 2 (currently a junior). The replacement car would be a 2005 or 2006 Toyota or Honda that we’d give to son 3 upon his graduation, and THEN I’d get a new car for myself.</p>

<p>The whole plan breaks down because we can’t afford even a used car to replace the Ion right now. Sigh.</p>

8

<p>Thanks for the ideas. Much food for thought. We’ll definitely look into the certified pre-owned strategy. Happy Turkey Day everyone!</p>