You may remember my post from a few weeks ago where I was hit by a man whose brakes had stopped working. I mentioned that on the way home, my speedometer had stopped working.
It started working a few days ago, but my airbag light came on and stayed on for a while. When I had my brakes replaced a month ago, they mentioned that I would probably need a new battery soon. The battery in my van is the original battery, which makes it 9 years old. I think we’ve had a good run.
On Monday afternoon, when I went to get in the van to pick up Monkey Girl from school, it wouldn’t start. Just wouldn’t start. So, I called her school and said someone would be coming to get her, just not me, then got a hold of my father who went and got her. We called my father-in-law, who has an extra car, but someone else was using his car.
So, we called AAA and they came and tested the battery and yes, it is completely dead, and they went to replace it, but when taking the cables off of the battery, one of the posts broke off inside the cable, and yadda, yadda, yadda… Anyway, eventually it was resolved and I have a new battery, but let’s be honest. I don’t know how much longer this baby is going to run. Last month when I had the front brakes replaced, they told me that the back brakes were going to go soon, as well. Guess when the squeaking started? Yesterday. So, pretty soon, I think we’re going to need to start thinking about a new car. Yes, I’ll drive this one until I can’t drive it anymore, but we need to start doing our research.
I’m asking you, my faithful readers, if you have any car recommendations. Keep in mind that I have three monkeys, which equals a car seat and a booster seat and an 8-year-old. Also, it’s becoming pretty evident that with at least one of these monkeys, I am going to be toting sporting equipment around, so storage is also an issue. I’d love to be green and not get an SUV, but I am having a hard time finding a sedan that will meet our needs. I know I definitely do NOT want another van.
So, any recommendations? Any and all are welcome!
you could try your local enterprise rental place..they sell their old cars and are fairly new..it seems your family will need an suv as you need storage.
Comment by diana — December 16, 2009 @ 1:56 pm |
Hubby who is a mechanic has said that most vehicles nowadays are not up to par but if he had to recommend anything for an SUV, it would be a Honda. They seem to have the least amount of longterm problems but they are spendy. DON’T buy a Kia! You will be sorry.
Hubby’s words, not mine as I don’t know much about vehicles. Good luck! 🙂
Comment by Debbie — December 16, 2009 @ 3:22 pm |
i still don’t know why people buy cars. my opinion is that if you are going to buy somethigng substantial it should appreciate and cars do not do that. leasing a vehicle gives you more freedom and you don’t wind up typically having to invest more in a car that would never appreciate anyway. (keep in mind that this girl hasn’t had a car in almost 10 years, but it’s still my general philosphy)
Comment by Kim — December 17, 2009 @ 3:11 pm |
Because leasing is throwing money away. At the end of your lease, you have no equity and nothing to show for it!!!
Comment by Amy — December 17, 2009 @ 3:48 pm |
Love Love Love my Pilot…got it used…we’ve got a guy in Garwood who sells really great used cars if he doesn’t have what you want he’ll find it for you…let me know if you want his info 🙂
Comment by Sharon — December 17, 2009 @ 8:48 pm |
Hi Amy, Joel is a car buff. Reads Road and Track and Consumer Reports and all that faithfully. He says if you don’t want an SUV go with the the Subaru Forester. Great ratings and good repair/track record. For an SUV the best is the Honda Pilot. He thinks you would look best in an Audi A6 wagon with red leather. Good luck on that one.
Julie
Comment by julie ramseyer — December 18, 2009 @ 2:41 pm |
Hi Amy – was just thinking about your situation and reading some of the others comments. Are you looking for brand spanking new or new to you?
If you’re looking for a new to you car have you thought about the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix? Essentially they’re the same vehicle but more like smaller car with hatchback. Subaru Outback is a wagon and the Forrester is a bigger sized wagon though the 2009/2010 looks kinda SUV’ish.
A former coworker trader her well used Mazda in for a Chevy Equinox (the new one) and loves it!
I will vouch for my friend who made his first new to him car purchase. A 12 yr old Outback – its a wagon and he loves it! Great for camping and shopping and going to Home Depot lol. It’s in great shape, still great on gas and is a tank but the bonus is AWD 🙂
Hope that helps!
Comment by Libby — December 22, 2009 @ 12:38 am |