Car Shopping--Overwhelmed and Unsure

[tuffyluvr]

UGHHHHHHH. It's the worst! I bought a brand-new Subaru Forester in September, and I loved it. Unfortunately I was in a pretty bad wreck a few weeks ago, which not only totaled my car, but caused it to burst into flames and destroy EVERYTHING in my car--paperwork for the car, clothes I was taking for dry cleaning/alterations, work stuff, sunglasses, etc, etc, etc.... In total I lost about $7000 in property, which sucks. Thank god I have a good job, and I wasn't upside-down on my loan so it's not crushing, but it still sucks. So now I have to replace the car, and I am at a loss of what to do. I am hoping you all have some good advice for me, because I am so overwhelmed and I just do not have the time to invest in this.

I loved my Forester, but I don't really feel safe since a less-than-20mph impact caused the thing to instantaneously burst into flames, and it burned so fast and hot that within less than 3 minutes the entire front end and the whole interior was engulfed in flames. I would like another car of similar size--it was perfect--not too big, but also large enough to fold the seats down and have plenty of cargo space. Does anyone have a small SUV, wagon or hatchback that they love?

No pun intended, but I feel pretty 'burned' that I put $5000 down when I bought that car 7 months ago, which I did not get back. This makes me wary of putting more $$$ down. What is your take on $0 down? Is it worth it? I always thought it was a no-no, but in this case I would have been in better shape if I hadn't put anything down. What about buying new vs buying used? I bought my car new because it's hard to find good low-mileage Subarus on the secondary market. The ones that I did find were only a couple thousand less than new, and I got a better interest rate for buying new, so it made more sense--considering I planned to keep the car for at least 7 years. So much for that!

I have to drive a reasonably nice car for work--doesn't have to be super fancy, but it does need to be a 2008 or newer, and I drive a lot, so I want something safe, reliable, and more fuel-efficient (my Subaru got 22city/29hwy).

I feel lucky that no one was hurt in the accident, but it's hard not to feel bitter about having to deal with all this crap. Especially considering that the accident was caused because some dumba$$ didn't secure his stuff in the back of his pickup truck and he walked away from the accident scott-free, while the parties involved are stuck paying the price.

Anyways, enough of my rant--I am really just looking for some solid "what would you do" advice.
THANK YOU!!!

 

[Skippy123]

I am so sorry about what happened to, how scary!!!

I think some of the car company's have some 0% interest rates out there (check the terms though). We were going to pay cash but I crunched the numbers and did the 0% interest since there was no benefit to paying the car off right away. I think at the end of the day we have to pay $800 over the life of the loan so that was nothing in my opinion to having that money in investments so check around and see which company's offer something like that. Maybe there will be an Independence day special?
I will say when I was shopping around I used the internet to find the best deals out there. good luck and sending good thoughts that you find a vehicle you like.

 

[manderz]

Well, I just bought a 2007 jeep patriot. I bought it from a private seller, and it had average miles for its age. I LOVE it. Puffy, shiny, glittery heart it. I bought an SUV because I kayak, and I need something I can haul around the boats and other crap in, and this one in particular because it's short for an SUV. It's been a really great car so far.

I think it's a great size, as it's smaller than my old Grand Cherokee, though the interior (since it's designed better) is actually roomier. It gets slightly worse gas mileage than your forrester, depending on the version it can get a tiny bit above or below 21 city, 27 highway. I think this is a bit higher than what I get, but I drive city exclusively, and lots and lots of stop and go.

Can I answer any particular questions about it? If you aren't a fan of the look, the compass is literally the same exact car, just with a bit curvier of a silhouette.

 

[HollyS]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Geez, I'm glad you're okay even if the car is toast.

Zero down is crap. Put money down, get a lower loan, and ask the dealer to find you the cheapest interest - - regardless of the price per month. Zero down is where people wind up upside down.

Better yet, find a certified used vehicle, maybe at a Honda or Toyota dealership. They have SUVs in the size you want. And buying used means the biggest part of its depreciation is over.

Good luck.

 

[mary poppins]

What an awful experience. Have you checked Consumer Reports as part of your quest for a new car?

 

[iheartscience]

Good lord, that's scary-I'm so glad you're okay!

My parents just bought a fantastic 2012 (or 2013? Whatever the newest one is) Toyota Camry Hybrid and they love it. I've driven it and it's a great drive, too. I love the Camry because it's nice and roomy up front and in back, and the trunk is HUGE. I had a 2007 Toyota Camry (not hybrid though) but sold it about a year ago when I moved to a city with great public transportation. Even though it wasn't hybrid it still got good gas mileage-I think comparable to your Forester, maybe a little better IIRC.

I've had great luck with Toyotas and if I have to buy a car again I will likely buy another Toyota, maybe a Prius.

 

[manderz]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Geez, I'm glad you're okay even if the car is toast.

Zero down is crap. Put money down, get a lower loan, and ask the dealer to find you the cheapest interest - - regardless of the price per month. Zero down is where people wind up upside down.

Better yet, find a certified used vehicle, maybe at a Honda or Toyota dealership. They have SUVs in the size you want. And buying used means the biggest part of its depreciation is over.

Good luck.

Yup, yup, and yup. When I bought, I was torn between a honda CRV and the Jeep, but couldn't justify the $5-6k extra for the same amount of car (year, miles, and features).

 

[iLander]

That is a horrific crash! You are lucky to be alive! Hugs for you!

I really like the Toyota Rav 4. It is oddly roomy in the back seat, actually the most in it's class. I like that the trunk door swings open rather than lifts up, just more convenient. It's a nice middle size among SUv's, and very safe.

Have you checked Nissan Altima? They were selling new for under $16K just last month, and we've had luck with Nissan in the past.

I also like the Prius, it's hard to pass up 47 mpg!

 

[Gypsy]

Toyota's are very stable, low maintenance work horses. Great resale value. And they make a nice impression too. I'd probably consider Rav 4.

Honda's are very similar: CRV.

I'd also recommend the looking at the Nissan Rogue. I think if it were me, this would be my choice. Altima's are also very nice.

 

[sillyberry]

I have had a Ford Escape for the past 11 years (two models) and have loved it. I'm looking into buying a new 2013 model in the next year or so.

Question -- are you getting money back from insurance? Both for the car and personal property? Having rear-ended someone more than once, that doesn't seem like a normal reaction for a car. What has Subaru had to say about it?

 

[Imdanny]

I'm sorry about your accident. I'm glad you're ok!

Does it have to be AWD?

If not, I'd look at Hyundai and KIA (same company). The quality is world class now and the prices are unbelievable. Also, they have great NHTSA and IIHS crash ratings.

Hugs and good luck!

 

[zoebartlett]

That's really scary, Tuffy. I'm glad you're okay and that no one was hurt.

For small SUVs, I like the RAV4 and CR-V. My mom has a CR-V and she loves it. I've driven it a few times and liked it too. My family's owned Toyotas (Corollas, Camrys, and a Prius) over the years and we love them. I prefer Toyota over Honda, but both are pretty consistent in consumer ratings.

A friend of mine has a Nissan Rogue (the smaller version of the Murano) and she absolutely loves it. It's comfy and it drives well. I've never owned a Nissan so I can't give a personal recommendation but those I know who have really like them.

 

[DiamondBrokersofFlorida]

I love my Enclave. I think we were the first in our town to drive one, but now I'm seeing them more and more around here.
But Brad got hit by some lady in ours going about 40 MPH and they didn't total the car. It seems a really safe ride besides being gorgeous and believe it or not it got the best mileage of any SUV out there. Mine gets 21 in the city, and not too sure on the highway. We tend to stick close to home so I haven't really taken it on any road trips. It is a 6 cylander too. Large enough to pull our boat, and we've put lots of lumber etc in it for home projects. Ours holds 7 people comfortably. Also it's made in the good old USA

 

[Missy]

Oh my, Tuffy, thank goodness you are OK and that no one was hurt in this accident. How awful!
I have no recommendations to make but just wanted to add my support and hugs to you!

 

[rubybeth]

Ugh, that's terrible! So sorry this happened. *hugs*

My parents both drive Toyota Rav 4s and LOVE them. I think my mom's is a 1998, which she uses to run around town. My dad's is a 2007 that they just bought in January, because he liked my mom's but wanted the engine redesign, I guess. The 2007 was a good deal cheaper than buying brand new, as well.

Totally anecdotal, but they have a few friends with Honda CR-Vs who have said they wish they got the Rav 4 instead.

I also echo mary poppins with checking Consumer Reports. Usually you can get online access to their complete car ratings through your public library.

 

[QueenB29]

Toyota's are very stable, low maintenance work horses. Great resale value. And they make a nice impression too. I'd probably consider Rav 4.

Honda's are very similar: CRV.

I'd also recommend the looking at the Nissan Rogue. I think if it were me, this would be my choice. Altima's are also very nice.

DH and I test-drove the Nissan Rogue a few years ago and really liked it. It was a bit over budget at the time, so we up getting the Sentra and that's been fantastic too, a really smooth ride. We'll be purchasing an SUV next year sometime, and we'll probably go with the Nissan Pathfinder. Can you tell we like Nissan?

Also, I'm so sorry about your accident. I was the middle car in a three car accident on the interstate a few years ago, and my car was completely totaled. It was terrifying, and dealing with the paperwork after was awful, so I understand a little of how you must feel. I'm confused, though: Why can't you recoup any of your $5000 after paying off the loan with the insurance? Did the Forrester depreciate that much? Yikes!

 

[tina sparkle]

Ditto Sillyberry's comments about the Ford Escape. It's a great, small, SUV with excellent mileage. You can get really good deals on them now because there's a new model coming out and they are phasing out the current styling. Also, it's made in America, which is a bonus

 

[movie zombie]

scary experience: glad you're ok.

i'm a devoted honda car person.
hubby drives a 1993 honda accord ex with over 320K miles on it....
i'm on my 3rd only because for a period of time i wasn't driving so i sold my 1997 prelude.
after a few years i was driving more so i bought a used 1996 honda accord ex with 146k miles on it which i gave to my grandson in TN.
and a year before i gave it to him i bought a used 2005 honda accord ex and i love this car. leather seats and full loaded.

the last two cars i've bought off craigs list.
depending on your confidence level re car shopping, access to a good mechanic, and/or proximity to an area that would have a good inventory of used hondas, i would think about it.
in my case, i'm close to the SF bay area and i have a knowledge of the area and a good sense re used cars. so it works. hoewver, this isn't true of all areas, such as tennessee......that's why i ended up driving my 1996 out to my grandson last june.

imo, you cannot go wrong with a honda.

 

[ame]

Toyota's are very stable, low maintenance work horses. Great resale value. And they make a nice impression too. I'd probably consider Rav 4.

Honda's are very similar: CRV.

I'd also recommend the looking at the Nissan Rogue. I think if it were me, this would be my choice. Altima's are also very nice.

I presently drive a rogue and it's quite nice. I get decent mileage for an SUV, and it's got good pickup. I am normally a Honda person, but this beat out a CRV for me at the time, but now that I've seen the new CRV...I want it. Getting a new car every freaking year is the one real perk I miss from my old job situation. I've had this 3 years (bought it brand new, already paid off) and this feels like an ETERNITY for me.

I will say that I am SHOCKED at what happened with your Subaru. That in my experience is VERY unusual. I am glad you are ok, though the speed and loss with such a minor seeming collision is...wow.

 

[amc80]

Zero down is crap. Put money down, get a lower loan, and ask the dealer to find you the cheapest interest - - regardless of the price per month. Zero down is where people wind up upside down.

I disagree with this. I don't think it makes sense to put money down on a depreciating asset.

 

[Clairitek]

First of all, I am so sorry about your wreck. That is absolutely terrifying!

I just bought a 2012 Mazda3 hatchback and I freaking LOVE the thing. I paid for the base model + an upgraded stereo and moonroof. I paid $2k below MSRP after doing a lot of homoework. I got a nice low interest rate through Mazda (1.9%). They gave that to me regardless of what I put down (I did put money down but mostly to lower my loan payments). It has a nice amount of cargo space with the seats folded down.

Best of all? The gas mileage. I was originally going to buy a used car but Mazda so greatly improved their transmission/engine for the 2012 base models (and the sport models, but theyre tuned differently with more horsepower and less fuel efficiency) that I average 33 mpg (mostly surface streets) but I get 40+ on the freeway. Amazing, right? I did a cost analysis for the used Mazda (which a 2010 was only $2k less than I paid for my new car) and a new one and it turns out that the new one was about $400 per year cheaper to run than the used one. So that is how I ended up with a car with 6 miles on it.

Best of luck with your car search. I hope you are able to get something you love as much as you loved your Subaru soon!

 

[justginger]

I agree with Danny - for safety and value, you can hardly pass up a new Hyundai or Kia. The brands that USED to be the safest and went for years and years (and years and years!), like Toyota and Honda, have really let their standards slip in the last few years. My DH is a devoted Corolla fan (drives a Corolla Sportivo now), but will not buy one newer than mid 00s because he says they've "gone to crap." I think these companies are riding their good reputations and many people are ending up with inferior cars, while the brands that previously had poor reputations have pulled themselves together nicely and are producing superior vehicles.

Good luck - take your time and lots of test drives! Don't get bullied or guilted into buying something that you don't love.

 

[radiantquest]

I am glad you are ok. I cant imagine the feeling you must have had when within minutes your car was on fire. So scary.

My SIL has a Mazda somethingorrather. It sits low like a car, but has the back doors that slide like a minivan. She loves it.

My MIL has a Nissan Murano. I drove it once and was not impressed. I personally think they have a rough ride

My next car will be the Buick Enclave. Even if I have to buy it used I am just in love with them

My best friend drives a Lincoln MKX and she LOVES it. Very comfortable ride if you spend a lot of time in the car, but it feels heavy and doesn't have as much pick-up as she would like. Her nickname for it is "slugger" and she still loves it.

I drive a Ford Escape AWD. I was hit in the drivers door and didn't have a scratch on me. So I bought the exact same thing again. I like it, but if you are driving long distances it will make your butt hurt after a couple hours.

As far as money down, that is a personal choice. Most times you will come out better when you trade in if you put a few thousand down. However, in your situation you are out that money. You could always do 0 interest and no money down and make sure you get GAP insurance. GAP insurance costs waaaay less than a typical down payment and if your car should get totaled in the window where you owe more than its worth you will not owe anything.