Which option would you take: [1] Chevy Bolt EUV (2023) + Outback (2012), or [2] Rav4 Prime (2023).

[Anonymous]

We're a one-car family of four with a dog and we're at a decision point. There is conflict (both internal and spousal) over whether to [1] keep our existing Outback for out-of-town trips and add the Bolt for in-town driving (errands, school) or, alternatively, [2] trade-in the Outback and purchase (financed) the Rav4 as our only car. There is lagging confidence in the Outback as still being the every-day car I remember it as, so it looks like we're going to be making a car purchase in a few days.

Option 1 has the benefit of enabling us to have, for now, two cars as our external obligations are growing and the logistics are getting more tenuous. The Outback is starting to require more frequent/expensive maintenance and will, even with a lighter burden, be disposed of in a few years. The downside is that we're not crazy about the Bolt and don't like being in one of the smaller cars on the road. Also extra insurance etc.

Option 2 has the benefit of us buying a car that I do very much like. Even with the trade-in value, its a more expensive lift with a likely interest rate/monthly payment far in excess of what I have ever paid. This will be financed purchase as we have a larger expense on the horizon, and I want to preserve my liquidity for that purchase. Beyond financial, having one car does not alleviate the scheduling burden of needing to get each kid to different places at the same time.

Any thoughts on which option to pursue?

[Anonymous]

If 2 cars would greatly improve your QOL, option 1. Buy since your bigger car is getting older and less reliable, you run the risk of having 2 car payments because the Bolt can't really replace the Outback when that time comes.

I'd vote option 2, but we're a 1 car family (with a hybrid Rav4, as it happens).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're a one-car family of four with a dog and we're at a decision point. There is conflict (both internal and spousal) over whether to [1] keep our existing Outback for out-of-town trips and add the Bolt for in-town driving (errands, school) or, alternatively, [2] trade-in the Outback and purchase (financed) the Rav4 as our only car. There is lagging confidence in the Outback as still being the every-day car I remember it as, so it looks like we're going to be making a car purchase in a few days.

Option 1 has the benefit of enabling us to have, for now, two cars as our external obligations are growing and the logistics are getting more tenuous. The Outback is starting to require more frequent/expensive maintenance and will, even with a lighter burden, be disposed of in a few years. The downside is that we're not crazy about the Bolt and don't like being in one of the smaller cars on the road. Also extra insurance etc.

Option 2 has the benefit of us buying a car that I do very much like. Even with the trade-in value, its a more expensive lift with a likely interest rate/monthly payment far in excess of what I have ever paid. This will be financed purchase as we have a larger expense on the horizon, and I want to preserve my liquidity for that purchase. Beyond financial, having one car does not alleviate the scheduling burden of needing to get each kid to different places at the same time.

Any thoughts on which option to pursue?

No matter what, you need at least one reliable vehicle. And that is definitely not going to be a Chevrolet Volt. So just drop that.

Sounds like you need a crossover or SUV with four family members and a dog. RAV4 is a practical vehicle, but totally joyless to drive. It''ll be reliable. It''ll do the job. But you will feel like a cog in the machine driving that thing around.

What about trading in and going for another Outback or Forester or Crosstrek? I would definitely stick with Japanese in these circumstances. I've liked my experiences with Subarus. And you really can't go wrong with Toyota and Honda for reliability. Maybe a Highlander or 4Runner?

Focus on the one car. The one that really matters. Car prices really are distorted these days. Deal with second car issues when the first problem is solved.

Two cents

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a one-car family of four with a dog and we're at a decision point. There is conflict (both internal and spousal) over whether to [1] keep our existing Outback for out-of-town trips and add the Bolt for in-town driving (errands, school) or, alternatively, [2] trade-in the Outback and purchase (financed) the Rav4 as our only car. There is lagging confidence in the Outback as still being the every-day car I remember it as, so it looks like we're going to be making a car purchase in a few days.

Option 1 has the benefit of enabling us to have, for now, two cars as our external obligations are growing and the logistics are getting more tenuous. The Outback is starting to require more frequent/expensive maintenance and will, even with a lighter burden, be disposed of in a few years. The downside is that we're not crazy about the Bolt and don't like being in one of the smaller cars on the road. Also extra insurance etc.

Option 2 has the benefit of us buying a car that I do very much like. Even with the trade-in value, its a more expensive lift with a likely interest rate/monthly payment far in excess of what I have ever paid. This will be financed purchase as we have a larger expense on the horizon, and I want to preserve my liquidity for that purchase. Beyond financial, having one car does not alleviate the scheduling burden of needing to get each kid to different places at the same time.

Any thoughts on which option to pursue?

No matter what, you need at least one reliable vehicle. And that is definitely not going to be a Chevrolet Volt. So just drop that.

Sounds like you need a crossover or SUV with four family members and a dog. RAV4 is a practical vehicle, but totally joyless to drive. It''ll be reliable. It''ll do the job. But you will feel like a cog in the machine driving that thing around.

What about trading in and going for another Outback or Forester or Crosstrek? I would definitely stick with Japanese in these circumstances. I've liked my experiences with Subarus. And you really can't go wrong with Toyota and Honda for reliability. Maybe a Highlander or 4Runner?

Focus on the one car. The one that really matters. Car prices really are distorted these days. Deal with second car issues when the first problem is solved.

Two cents

This two cents is worth a half penny.

OP is looking at a Chevrolet BOLT. Which is not a Chevrolet Volt. BTW, the Volt is an awesome car-but only available used (I drive one and it's great!) OP, although I love the 'idea' of an all electric car-in your case I'd buy the Rav4Prime. That is a PHEV like my Volt. You don't have to worry about charging away from home or on road trips.

Maybe you could hang on to your present car for a few months after you purchase a new vehicle and see how much you really need it. You might end up wanting to keep both, or might decide that you don't need the older car.

[Anonymous]

Option 2. The Bolt is older EV technology and they are discontinuing it. EVs have come a long way since then.

[Anonymous]

I would not be taking a 12 year old Subaru on a long trip.

[Anonymous]

Tahoe.

[Anonymous]

You sound like you know option 1 makes more sense but you want option 2 so I would decide if you can be happy with option 1 or if every time you drive the bolt or make a car payment you are going to be annoyed you didn't get the RAV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a one-car family of four with a dog and we're at a decision point. There is conflict (both internal and spousal) over whether to [1] keep our existing Outback for out-of-town trips and add the Bolt for in-town driving (errands, school) or, alternatively, [2] trade-in the Outback and purchase (financed) the Rav4 as our only car. There is lagging confidence in the Outback as still being the every-day car I remember it as, so it looks like we're going to be making a car purchase in a few days.

Option 1 has the benefit of enabling us to have, for now, two cars as our external obligations are growing and the logistics are getting more tenuous. The Outback is starting to require more frequent/expensive maintenance and will, even with a lighter burden, be disposed of in a few years. The downside is that we're not crazy about the Bolt and don't like being in one of the smaller cars on the road. Also extra insurance etc.

Option 2 has the benefit of us buying a car that I do very much like. Even with the trade-in value, its a more expensive lift with a likely interest rate/monthly payment far in excess of what I have ever paid. This will be financed purchase as we have a larger expense on the horizon, and I want to preserve my liquidity for that purchase. Beyond financial, having one car does not alleviate the scheduling burden of needing to get each kid to different places at the same time.

Any thoughts on which option to pursue?

No matter what, you need at least one reliable vehicle. And that is definitely not going to be a Chevrolet Volt. So just drop that.

Sounds like you need a crossover or SUV with four family members and a dog. RAV4 is a practical vehicle, but totally joyless to drive. It''ll be reliable. It''ll do the job. But you will feel like a cog in the machine driving that thing around.

What about trading in and going for another Outback or Forester or Crosstrek? I would definitely stick with Japanese in these circumstances. I've liked my experiences with Subarus. And you really can't go wrong with Toyota and Honda for reliability. Maybe a Highlander or 4Runner?

Focus on the one car. The one that really matters. Car prices really are distorted these days. Deal with second car issues when the first problem is solved.

Two cents

This two cents is worth a half penny.

OP is looking at a Chevrolet BOLT. Which is not a Chevrolet Volt. BTW, the Volt is an awesome car-but only available used (I drive one and it's great!) OP, although I love the 'idea' of an all electric car-in your case I'd buy the Rav4Prime. That is a PHEV like my Volt. You don't have to worry about charging away from home or on road trips.

Maybe you could hang on to your present car for a few months after you purchase a new vehicle and see how much you really need it. You might end up wanting to keep both, or might decide that you don't need the older car.

I don't give rat's a$$ if you call it Bolt, Volt, Colt, or Dolt. Def no Chevy.

- np

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a one-car family of four with a dog and we're at a decision point. There is conflict (both internal and spousal) over whether to [1] keep our existing Outback for out-of-town trips and add the Bolt for in-town driving (errands, school) or, alternatively, [2] trade-in the Outback and purchase (financed) the Rav4 as our only car. There is lagging confidence in the Outback as still being the every-day car I remember it as, so it looks like we're going to be making a car purchase in a few days.

Option 1 has the benefit of enabling us to have, for now, two cars as our external obligations are growing and the logistics are getting more tenuous. The Outback is starting to require more frequent/expensive maintenance and will, even with a lighter burden, be disposed of in a few years. The downside is that we're not crazy about the Bolt and don't like being in one of the smaller cars on the road. Also extra insurance etc.

Option 2 has the benefit of us buying a car that I do very much like. Even with the trade-in value, its a more expensive lift with a likely interest rate/monthly payment far in excess of what I have ever paid. This will be financed purchase as we have a larger expense on the horizon, and I want to preserve my liquidity for that purchase. Beyond financial, having one car does not alleviate the scheduling burden of needing to get each kid to different places at the same time.

Any thoughts on which option to pursue?

No matter what, you need at least one reliable vehicle. And that is definitely not going to be a Chevrolet Volt. So just drop that.

Sounds like you need a crossover or SUV with four family members and a dog. RAV4 is a practical vehicle, but totally joyless to drive. It''ll be reliable. It''ll do the job. But you will feel like a cog in the machine driving that thing around.

What about trading in and going for another Outback or Forester or Crosstrek? I would definitely stick with Japanese in these circumstances. I've liked my experiences with Subarus. And you really can't go wrong with Toyota and Honda for reliability. Maybe a Highlander or 4Runner?

Focus on the one car. The one that really matters. Car prices really are distorted these days. Deal with second car issues when the first problem is solved.

Two cents

This two cents is worth a half penny.

OP is looking at a Chevrolet BOLT. Which is not a Chevrolet Volt. BTW, the Volt is an awesome car-but only available used (I drive one and it's great!) OP, although I love the 'idea' of an all electric car-in your case I'd buy the Rav4Prime. That is a PHEV like my Volt. You don't have to worry about charging away from home or on road trips.

Maybe you could hang on to your present car for a few months after you purchase a new vehicle and see how much you really need it. You might end up wanting to keep both, or might decide that you don't need the older car.

I don't give rat's a$$ if you call it Bolt, Volt, Colt, or Dolt. Def no Chevy.

- np

What an intelligent response. I'll be sure to take your sage advice.

[Anonymous]

I think you'll regret not having two cars but your first option is not great. I'd go back to the drawing board, personally. Keep the Outback for now. Eleven years is really not that old--how many miles? I agree with PP get another Subaru, maybe a used Forrester.

Financing a relatively pricey car to be constrained as a one-car family doesn't make a lot of sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a one-car family of four with a dog and we're at a decision point. There is conflict (both internal and spousal) over whether to [1] keep our existing Outback for out-of-town trips and add the Bolt for in-town driving (errands, school) or, alternatively, [2] trade-in the Outback and purchase (financed) the Rav4 as our only car. There is lagging confidence in the Outback as still being the every-day car I remember it as, so it looks like we're going to be making a car purchase in a few days.

Option 1 has the benefit of enabling us to have, for now, two cars as our external obligations are growing and the logistics are getting more tenuous. The Outback is starting to require more frequent/expensive maintenance and will, even with a lighter burden, be disposed of in a few years. The downside is that we're not crazy about the Bolt and don't like being in one of the smaller cars on the road. Also extra insurance etc.

Option 2 has the benefit of us buying a car that I do very much like. Even with the trade-in value, its a more expensive lift with a likely interest rate/monthly payment far in excess of what I have ever paid. This will be financed purchase as we have a larger expense on the horizon, and I want to preserve my liquidity for that purchase. Beyond financial, having one car does not alleviate the scheduling burden of needing to get each kid to different places at the same time.

Any thoughts on which option to pursue?

No matter what, you need at least one reliable vehicle. And that is definitely not going to be a Chevrolet Volt. So just drop that.

Sounds like you need a crossover or SUV with four family members and a dog. RAV4 is a practical vehicle, but totally joyless to drive. It''ll be reliable. It''ll do the job. But you will feel like a cog in the machine driving that thing around.

What about trading in and going for another Outback or Forester or Crosstrek? I would definitely stick with Japanese in these circumstances. I've liked my experiences with Subarus. And you really can't go wrong with Toyota and Honda for reliability. Maybe a Highlander or 4Runner?

Focus on the one car. The one that really matters. Car prices really are distorted these days. Deal with second car issues when the first problem is solved.

Two cents

This two cents is worth a half penny.

OP is looking at a Chevrolet BOLT. Which is not a Chevrolet Volt. BTW, the Volt is an awesome car-but only available used (I drive one and it's great!) OP, although I love the 'idea' of an all electric car-in your case I'd buy the Rav4Prime. That is a PHEV like my Volt. You don't have to worry about charging away from home or on road trips.

Maybe you could hang on to your present car for a few months after you purchase a new vehicle and see how much you really need it. You might end up wanting to keep both, or might decide that you don't need the older car.

I don't give rat's a$$ if you call it Bolt, Volt, Colt, or Dolt. Def no Chevy.

- np

What an intelligent response. I'll be sure to take your sage advice.

You will thank me later

[Anonymous]

Imagine being excited about the prospect of driving a RAV4 every day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a one-car family of four with a dog and we're at a decision point. There is conflict (both internal and spousal) over whether to [1] keep our existing Outback for out-of-town trips and add the Bolt for in-town driving (errands, school) or, alternatively, [2] trade-in the Outback and purchase (financed) the Rav4 as our only car. There is lagging confidence in the Outback as still being the every-day car I remember it as, so it looks like we're going to be making a car purchase in a few days.

Option 1 has the benefit of enabling us to have, for now, two cars as our external obligations are growing and the logistics are getting more tenuous. The Outback is starting to require more frequent/expensive maintenance and will, even with a lighter burden, be disposed of in a few years. The downside is that we're not crazy about the Bolt and don't like being in one of the smaller cars on the road. Also extra insurance etc.

Option 2 has the benefit of us buying a car that I do very much like. Even with the trade-in value, its a more expensive lift with a likely interest rate/monthly payment far in excess of what I have ever paid. This will be financed purchase as we have a larger expense on the horizon, and I want to preserve my liquidity for that purchase. Beyond financial, having one car does not alleviate the scheduling burden of needing to get each kid to different places at the same time.

Any thoughts on which option to pursue?

No matter what, you need at least one reliable vehicle. And that is definitely not going to be a Chevrolet Volt. So just drop that.

Sounds like you need a crossover or SUV with four family members and a dog. RAV4 is a practical vehicle, but totally joyless to drive. It''ll be reliable. It''ll do the job. But you will feel like a cog in the machine driving that thing around.

What about trading in and going for another Outback or Forester or Crosstrek? I would definitely stick with Japanese in these circumstances. I've liked my experiences with Subarus. And you really can't go wrong with Toyota and Honda for reliability. Maybe a Highlander or 4Runner?

Focus on the one car. The one that really matters. Car prices really are distorted these days. Deal with second car issues when the first problem is solved.

Two cents

This two cents is worth a half penny.

OP is looking at a Chevrolet BOLT. Which is not a Chevrolet Volt. BTW, the Volt is an awesome car-but only available used (I drive one and it's great!) OP, although I love the 'idea' of an all electric car-in your case I'd buy the Rav4Prime. That is a PHEV like my Volt. You don't have to worry about charging away from home or on road trips.

Maybe you could hang on to your present car for a few months after you purchase a new vehicle and see how much you really need it. You might end up wanting to keep both, or might decide that you don't need the older car.

I don't give rat's a$$ if you call it Bolt, Volt, Colt, or Dolt. Def no Chevy.

- np

What an intelligent response. I'll be sure to take your sage advice.

PP's right though. Don't get a Chevy. I'd go with Rav4 or Rav4 hybrid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a one-car family of four with a dog and we're at a decision point. There is conflict (both internal and spousal) over whether to [1] keep our existing Outback for out-of-town trips and add the Bolt for in-town driving (errands, school) or, alternatively, [2] trade-in the Outback and purchase (financed) the Rav4 as our only car. There is lagging confidence in the Outback as still being the every-day car I remember it as, so it looks like we're going to be making a car purchase in a few days.

Option 1 has the benefit of enabling us to have, for now, two cars as our external obligations are growing and the logistics are getting more tenuous. The Outback is starting to require more frequent/expensive maintenance and will, even with a lighter burden, be disposed of in a few years. The downside is that we're not crazy about the Bolt and don't like being in one of the smaller cars on the road. Also extra insurance etc.

Option 2 has the benefit of us buying a car that I do very much like. Even with the trade-in value, its a more expensive lift with a likely interest rate/monthly payment far in excess of what I have ever paid. This will be financed purchase as we have a larger expense on the horizon, and I want to preserve my liquidity for that purchase. Beyond financial, having one car does not alleviate the scheduling burden of needing to get each kid to different places at the same time.

Any thoughts on which option to pursue?

No matter what, you need at least one reliable vehicle. And that is definitely not going to be a Chevrolet Volt. So just drop that.

Sounds like you need a crossover or SUV with four family members and a dog. RAV4 is a practical vehicle, but totally joyless to drive. It''ll be reliable. It''ll do the job. But you will feel like a cog in the machine driving that thing around.

What about trading in and going for another Outback or Forester or Crosstrek? I would definitely stick with Japanese in these circumstances. I've liked my experiences with Subarus. And you really can't go wrong with Toyota and Honda for reliability. Maybe a Highlander or 4Runner?

Focus on the one car. The one that really matters. Car prices really are distorted these days. Deal with second car issues when the first problem is solved.

Two cents

This two cents is worth a half penny.

OP is looking at a Chevrolet BOLT. Which is not a Chevrolet Volt. BTW, the Volt is an awesome car-but only available used (I drive one and it's great!) OP, although I love the 'idea' of an all electric car-in your case I'd buy the Rav4Prime. That is a PHEV like my Volt. You don't have to worry about charging away from home or on road trips.

Maybe you could hang on to your present car for a few months after you purchase a new vehicle and see how much you really need it. You might end up wanting to keep both, or might decide that you don't need the older car.

I don't give rat's a$$ if you call it Bolt, Volt, Colt, or Dolt. Def no Chevy.

- np

What an intelligent response. I'll be sure to take your sage advice.

PP's right though. Don't get a Chevy. I'd go with Rav4 or Rav4 hybrid

Pp literally didn't even know what model car they were talking about. Saying, don't get a chevy, is not really helpful because you're not backing it up with anything. I mean, I even said that I think the op should get the RAV4 prime, but I think that because it's a phev.
I've had Chevy's all my adult life and everyone has gone well past 250,000 miles with minimum trouble.