Hi All,
We decided to go with the repairs. One month of good driving but unfortunately car broke down again on the way to work. Had it checked out and would need a ton of repairs worth way more than the vehicle. So looking for replacement. Could really use help/advice. Currently we live in DC area but are planning to relocate to Chicago in the spring.
We searched all weekend for a car but couldn't come to a decision. A couple we narrowed it down to were the Toyota RAV4 and the Scion xD. The RAV4 seemed too big for me (bigger than my old CR-V) but would probably be a great pick for Chicago. The Mrs. liked it.
Re: 2WD, wondering if it could be a good option to get a smaller car like the Scion or even a mid-size car and put snow tires on it during the winter. This MMM article about AWD giving you more power but not more traction made me think:
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2014/12/01/all-wheel-drive-does-not-make-you-safer/Another question I had is if it's true that red cars get more tickets/have higher insurance. I have been gravitating toward red cars and don't usually speed but wasn't sure...
Here was our experience with the different cars we tried:
Models recommended by my car enthusiast friend Liz (also no offense if you own below models):
Mazda 3 (both) - felt too small in back
Hyundai Elantra (both) - preferred other cars more
Mitsubishi Outlander (older) - want to try at other dealer where available
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (new - lease)
Hyundai Sonata (both) - preferred other cars more
Kia Optima (both) - reliability ratings not great
Toyota Corolla - hated the interior dash/not our style but drove well
Possible Mike models:
Toyota Matrix - want to try at other dealer where available
Kia Soul - not enough visibility
Subaru Impreza (after ‘10, need to check reliability) - out of price range
Honda Fit - too small
Toyota Prius - hated the feeling inside
Originally our preferred budget was $12k, upper limit of $15k.
We found two good options for the RAV4:
2011 (high reliability year) from Tysons Koons Toyota-
$15,500. Total price incl dealer fees and taxes: $16,865.27. Tried our best but couldn't get a lower deal. Seems like a great value for the money but not at peace of going out of our budget
43k miles, very clean interior and exterior
Certified Toyota pre-owned w/ 160 point inspection, powertrain warranty coverage through Aug 2018, and one year of bumper to bumper warranty from date of purchase
Carfax showed 2 owners, most recent who had the car for only three months but previous owned had for term of the three year lease
2011 (high reliability year) from Falls Church Koons Toyota -
$13,500, need to check on final price out the door
58k miles, great condition
Not certified by Toyota owned
No Carfax issues but didn't look at report ourselves
2013 Scion xD from Tysons Koons Toyota-
$11,503. Total price incl dealer fees and taxes: $12,700
Unusually low mileage: 2,000. Carfax showed the car was a lease from near downtown Boston. Not sure if oil change would have been done by the owner, seems unusual mileage is so low. Note: there was another Scion with 30,000 miles for $1,500 less
Toyota Certified pre-owned w/ 160 point inspection, powertrain warranty coverage through 2020, and one year of bumper to bumper warranty from date of purchase
Liked the ride of the car but felt really small after being in the RAV4
Would put snow tires on for Chicago winters but wondering if this is a bad idea
And open to other options. At this point the rental we have (Chevy Cruze) which we first hated is seeming pretty nice...