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Mom Weighs Options for Her Next Car
Jun 25 2009 by Sara Lacey
I have to get a new car. You’d think this would thrill me, given my love for new cars. You’d also think that I have the best job to help me make my decision, right? Au contraire, mon freres. Getting a new car is still hard for me because now I feel like I have too much information. I have so many resources and such a big pool of cars to choose from that narrowing it down is really hard.
Back in the day before I started this job (a whole four years ago), it seemed like there weren’t a lot of cars that would suit my needs. I had two kids in ginormous child-safety seats, so I needed a lot of real estate in the backseat. I ended up leasing a Nissan Murano, which means I don’t qualify for the Cash for Clunkers program.
Now, my kids can fit in smaller sedans, albeit with a little griping because they’ve learned the term “legroom” and use it against me without discrimination. I’m also looking at a lot more hybrid options than were available four years ago. Over in the crossover segment, there are more models than you can shake a stick at. Today, I have several categories and models to choose from.
There I go, putting the cart before the horse. What I should do first is figure out a budget and decide if I want to lease or buy. There’s a lot of helpful advice at Cars.com, our sibling site. I hate math issues and avoid them accordingly, so this is usually the least fun aspect of car buying for me. That and the reality that I probably can’t afford those fully loaded fancy-pants cars I grew inappropriately attached to while test-driving. Here are my options:
Leasing: One bonus of my job is I can lease a car and stay well under my annual mileage allowance since I’m often driving test cars. That’s one point for leasing. Also, as I mentioned, I do like a new, fresh car. Leasing allows me to get my new-car fix every few years. It also gets me a lower monthly payment on a vehicle, so I get more car when leasing versus buying new.
Also, if I really like the car I can elect to keep it at the end of the lease. I know my daughter likes the Murano. When I’m test-driving cars for MotherProof.com, my daughter says, “I sure miss that Murano!”
Buying a new car: Since I brought it up, what about buying a new car? If I buy a new car, the upshot is that I will own it at some point. I’ll pay off the loan and enjoy having the title to the car and all that entails. Plus, many car manufacturers are now including basic services with a car purchase; this is happening with some leases, too. That point might end up being a wash.
While there seem to be few points pushing me in the buying-a-new-car direction, there’s definitely a big one in its corner: the fact that there’s no history mystery. I’ve owned a lemon, and I never want to deal with that again. Peace of mind is big with this girl, and until I started writing this article, I hadn’t even really considered a used car.
Buying a used car: I just priced some of the aforementioned fancy-pants cars at Cars.com, and I’m impressed by the prices. I mean, wow. I could get a really nice car that’s a few years old for not as much money as I thought I’d have to pay. I’m glad I thought this out and actually expanded my options as opposed to narrowing them.
Stay tuned, this is going to be a crazy ride.
User Comments
hi sara, found you on cars.com when researching a 2006 Murano. First may i say you have a very entertaining writing style (the perfect jeans story is one only a woman could truly get). But more-so you give us mom’s the info we really need, not specs and techs like all the other reviewers. Thanks for this site and your insight! P.S. I think we are going with the 2006 Murano (new is not in my price range - and besides, I don’t really like the grill on the new Murano’s—a little ferocious don’t you think?) But also considering a 2007 or 08 Hyundai Sante Fe.
Thanks for a GREAT SITE…I’ll be forwarding the link to all my mom-friends
Jasmine,
That’s a 2009 Nissan Murano. It’s a newer model than what Sara is currently leasing, but maybe she should give it a look.
can somebody help. My 1998 ford expedition is at the dealer and down for the count. I’. disabled and use an 85 lb Golden Retriever for assistance. Not exactly a kid, but still he needs an easy car to get in and out of and the seat is in the way in the expedition and high to climb up. Any suggestions for an in expensive used car. I’m on a budget. Never thought I’d be considering a van, too uncool, but maybe? I like the idea of a hybrid, though. Can anyone help?
Isn’t there a tax incentive through the end of the year from the Federal government that will let you write off the sales tax on a new car? I seem to remember that in one of the economic stimulus bills recently.
Yup. Just found it at the IRS site. Might be useful in your decision =)
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205863,00.html
Thanks jenifer! elizabeth, many manufacturers are now implementing pet-friendly options like ramps and seat belts. I think the Toyota Venza is one of them. HDC, it’s good to see you! Thanks for the information on the tax write-off.
Thanks for a great website! I feel like I can make some solid decisions but then I look at all the information available I get a little overwhelmed as you mentioned in your article.
I think I have owned every Jeep out there from Wrangler, Cherokee Sport (good times back in the single years), Grand Loredo and my latest Jeep Cammander (love the stadium seating although not too much room for the dogs). Since I have been married 2001 we have leased Chrysler Jeeps-mostly because I like the rugged drive and they are roomy. My husband loves cars and is a great negotiator so usually we get a great deal and he comes home with a new car.
One time he surprised me with a new VW Toureg which I really loved but had a hard time getting used to the smooth driving and kept going over curves (not feeling them) and popping a tire. I realized I would stick to Jeeps but now with Chrysler out of busienss my husband is asking me what car I want and I honestly don’t know where to begin. We lease our current Cammander and I thought why not lease again? We have 2 kids ages 1 and 8, 2 big dogs that we love taking to the park. Also live in Charleston,SC and live and work in the same town-lots of driving kids around, work, shopping and road trips. Any ideas?
Sandra,
We’re so glad you like our website. We like it, too!
Chrysler isn’t out of business, so you should be able to pick out the Jeep of your choice. We were really intrigued by the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that we saw at last year’s auto shows. It won’t be available for awhile, but it’s a beauty. See our story on it here: http://www.motherproof.com/news-rants/story/new-york-auto-show-2011-jeep-grand-cherokee-is-a-showstopper/
If you want to try something different, take a look at the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
what car is that called it looks nice.