Currently, my wife and I have an '09 Toyota Corolla and '07 Jeep Wrangler 4x4. Living in the Midwest, we see varying winters ranging from low snowfall up to 60"/winter like this past winter. The Corolla was very reluctant to perform well in the deep snow, even with snow tires.
We don't need new vehicles any time soon, but we were talking through our distant (still several years away, hopefully) vehicle options the other day. I have always wanted to have a truck and my wife would like a slightly larger car or crossover/small SUV. The truck would also come in handy for things around the house, as I was routinely "that guy" last summer borrowing her father's truck often.
Currently, we spend 34-35% of our total income and feel like we do a good job at trying to keep expenses low (e.g. no cable, landline, gym membership, internet). The hard part to swallow is that if we choose, for example, a truck and small SUV instead of two smaller fuel-efficient cars, the truck and SUV would likely push us up to spending roughly 37-38% of income and would delay an estimated FI date from age 38 to age 39.
On one hand, by buying two small fuel-efficient cars, it would be great to eventually have two vehicles getting in the 30-40MPG and low overall cost to maintain. On the other hand, spending more to have a truck / suv would offer more utility and be a bit safer/more reliable in the deep snow due to higher ground clearance. For what it's worth, we have no kids at this time, but may have one in the future (not sure if you can even have a baby seat in a regular cab truck or if it would need to be an extended cab?).
I am looking to see how everyone would go through this thought process. Ultimately, I know it will be our own choice, but I appreciate everyone's perspective on this.