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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Fortuna on May 26, 2014, 12:26:58 PM

Title: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: Fortuna on May 26, 2014, 12:26:58 PM
I bought a 2007 Pontiac Torrent (new at the time, GM employee discount from BIL) which is now 6 years old.  6 Cyl engine not the best on fuel but has been reliable and no expensive repairs so far.  So I am trying to decide between driving this into the ground and selling to buy something more fuel efficient.  A couple of points:

1) I drive 18 KM daily for work.
2) My wife's car is a 4 cyl fuel efficient sedan which we try and use for any long trips that do not require the SUV.
3) I have run the numbers and to upgrade to a Chevy Trax which is the new GM Model I would consider (again BIL GM Discount) it would not pay off over the next four years even factoring gas and repairs.  Cheaper to stick with the paid off Torrent.
4) My requirement for a replacement would be small SUV or roomy hatchback that is fuel efficient with a roof rack.

So would you replace the Torrent going through the effort of selling and buying something else or just stick with it and limit the driving as best possible?  Any suggestions on replacement options?
Title: Re: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: nereo on May 26, 2014, 12:39:05 PM

3) I have run the numbers and to upgrade to a Chevy Trax which is the new GM Model I would consider (again BIL GM Discount) it would not pay off over the next four years even factoring gas and repairs.  Cheaper to stick with the paid off Torrent.
4) My requirement for a replacement would be small SUV or roomy hatchback that is fuel efficient with a roof rack.

You don't seem to be considering purchasing a used vehicle.  Why not?  That is where you are most likely to make significant savings.
Title: Re: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: Scandium on May 26, 2014, 12:45:03 PM
How great is this GM discount? It must be pretty fantastic since as everyone (should) know: new cars = dumb.

Plus you have to drive a GM..
Title: Re: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: Ottawa on May 26, 2014, 01:12:58 PM

1) I drive 18 KM daily for work.
2) My wife's car is a 4 cyl fuel efficient sedan which we try and use for any long trips that do not require the SUV.
3) I have run the numbers and to upgrade to a Chevy Trax which is the new GM Model I would consider (again BIL GM Discount) it would not pay off over the next four years even factoring gas and repairs.  Cheaper to stick with the paid off Torrent.
4) My requirement for a replacement would be small SUV or roomy hatchback that is fuel efficient with a roof rack.


I'm sorry...but I can't stand idly by waiting for someone to facepunch you.  So..here it is = !FACEPUNCH! for not having any option other than to replace the vehicle with another vehicle.  18km (9 km each way?) is a trivial biking distance or public transport...why are these not considered? 
Title: Re: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: JoyBlogette on May 26, 2014, 01:27:41 PM
This post is a joke... isn't it?  New car = Facepunch, SUV = Facepunch, Driving 18 km daily (9 km each way?) instead of biking = Facepunch.  Just in case this isn't a joke, here's some fun reading you should take a look at.
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/04/22/curing-your-clown-like-car-habit/
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/03/19/top-10-cars-for-smart-people/
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/09/20/a-diy-roof-rack-make-your-small-car-carry-big-stuff/
Title: Re: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: CarDude on May 26, 2014, 02:01:38 PM
I bought a 2007 Pontiac Torrent (new at the time, GM employee discount from BIL) which is now 6 years old.  6 Cyl engine not the best on fuel but has been reliable and no expensive repairs so far.  So I am trying to decide between driving this into the ground and selling to buy something more fuel efficient.  A couple of points:

1) I drive 18 KM daily for work.
2) My wife's car is a 4 cyl fuel efficient sedan which we try and use for any long trips that do not require the SUV.
3) I have run the numbers and to upgrade to a Chevy Trax which is the new GM Model I would consider (again BIL GM Discount) it would not pay off over the next four years even factoring gas and repairs.  Cheaper to stick with the paid off Torrent.
4) My requirement for a replacement would be small SUV or roomy hatchback that is fuel efficient with a roof rack.

So would you replace the Torrent going through the effort of selling and buying something else or just stick with it and limit the driving as best possible?  Any suggestions on replacement options?

Don't do the new purchase thing. Either keep the current Torrent or sell it and pick up a used vehicle.
Title: Re: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: William on May 27, 2014, 05:36:16 PM
Sell that thing. Spending money on fuel is the most boring thing a human being can possible spend money on, don't you agree.

And buying/selling cars isn't that complicated (at least where I live).  Sounds like you want to make a change but are just thinking too much about the details.  I do that all the time.
Title: Re: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: Fortuna on May 27, 2014, 09:46:07 PM
Hmmm lots of passionate feedback that is good.  But first let me clarify a few things:

1) Was not considering a new purchase - that makes no sense.  If I sell it would be to buy something else used.

2) The biking to work option is not possible, first my job requires me to visit client sites so sometimes I need to go to appointments all over the city and need a car.  Second I have no facilities to wash up at work and shower and need to wear business attire.  So cleaning up an changing at the office are not viable.  If they were I could bike and have on the rare days I can dress down and don't have to go anywhere. Sitting in the office sweating up the dress shirt is not a good feeling ;)

3) Public transport sucks badly and turns a 15-20 minute commute into 45-60 - time if valuable too!

4) GM discount was pretty good, plus at the time there was a good factory rebate, plus at the time the inlaws donated $1500 in GM Visa points.  So the cost for this vehicle was better than buying used in some cases.  And as for having to buy a GM these have been very reliable and good SUVs.  First time in my life I bought GM because it was the first time they had something decent that fit my needs.

5) I have read all the references MMM posts - so sure could look at some of those vehicles  the need for a roof rack is because our major vacations are canoeing trips and I need the storage for our gear and to put two 16 foot canoes on the roof.

So when you do the math over the next 3-4 years depending on what you budget for repairs (a variable), factor in the value of what you might get for the Torrent (unfortunately GM does not make Pontiac so resale may be down and I have higher mileage), factor in the taxes for buying again (don't pay that if I sit tight), plus other factors I may not be thinking of - the case to change is not a slam dunk and I was throwing it out there for opinions.  I could be a wash?  Or the savings over 4 years might be so low that it is not worth the hassle, at least I know this car.  Or you could get a lemon and end up in the red!

If you want to go back in time and face punch me for buying this in the first place go ahead but I can't change that now.
Title: Re: Should I replace my SUV?
Post by: nereo on May 28, 2014, 05:25:59 AM
ok - thanks for the clarification.
A few things jump out at me.  First, whenever anyone talks about a vehicle "upgrade" it automatically triggers thoughts of buying a more expensive (and fancy) car.  That of course is unmustachian.
You addressed the commuting problem - not everyone can commute, that's just a fact of life.  I hope work is at least reimbursing you for your costs to meet clients.

My advice then for you is to do one of two things; either
1) just keep the Torrent (which seems to get a rather miserable  est. 19mpg combined), drive it as sparsely as possible and maintain it so that it will be your car for years to come, or
2) sell the Torrent and find something used with much better MPG.  There are a lot of cars that can carry two canoes on the roof.

What matters is how many miles (km) you drive per year, what fuel prices are in your region and what your Torrent is worth now.  If you can fill in those details it would help me (and others) give more solid advice.

FWIW, I'm in a similar situation - I own a 2005 compact pickup from another job and another lifetime ago that isn't worth very much at resale.  I drive about 4k-5k miles/year, so my fuel expenses are relatively low.  For me, I want to go the higher mpg/car route, but I've hesitated because I'd likely need to bring a few $k to the table in order to buy a used vehicle, and that expense would take a few years to recoup.  but I'm on the lookout for a reasonable replacement in good condition in my area.