Edited: A few things have changed since I first posted... see my last comment on the subject on 6/5
I'm not a big car person. I tend to view cars as more of a necessity of adulthood rather than something to lust after. However, if I'm going to spend my hard-earned cash on something, I would like it to tick as many boxes as possible since I intend to keep it for its serviceable lifetime.
As our other car (my wife's) is a 5-door Focus, it handles the around town things pretty well while also coping with her daily commute to maintain a 31 mpg average. But, we have already learned that it's just big enough to get the two of us and a week's worth of food and clothing up to a family cabin. As children are a distinct possibility in the next couple of years, that's not going to cut it.
Here are my acceptance criteria:
Any opinions would be welcome. I just don't have as much time as I would like for this. I still have some time, though I'm not sure my poor car is going to make it to the next winter... or if it does, I wouldn't want to drive it when it's -10F in the morning.
I'm not a big car person. I tend to view cars as more of a necessity of adulthood rather than something to lust after. However, if I'm going to spend my hard-earned cash on something, I would like it to tick as many boxes as possible since I intend to keep it for its serviceable lifetime.
As our other car (my wife's) is a 5-door Focus, it handles the around town things pretty well while also coping with her daily commute to maintain a 31 mpg average. But, we have already learned that it's just big enough to get the two of us and a week's worth of food and clothing up to a family cabin. As children are a distinct possibility in the next couple of years, that's not going to cut it.
Here are my acceptance criteria:
- My commute is stop-and-go for the next 18 months while construction goes on
- Winter driving in both less plowed neighborhood streets and slick early morning commutes
- Ground clearance for minor off-road (rougher dirt roads with washboard and rutting)
- 1,500 lbs or more towing capacity for a future fishing boat
- Aforementioned space for a week worth of stuff while still maintaining space for a pet carrier and two kids
- Mainstream pricing; I know there are some nicer entry-level luxury cars out there, but I would rather keep this below $35,000 is at all possible
Any opinions would be welcome. I just don't have as much time as I would like for this. I still have some time, though I'm not sure my poor car is going to make it to the next winter... or if it does, I wouldn't want to drive it when it's -10F in the morning.
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