Advice on replacing our second car

[Anonymous]

I’m looking for advice on replacing our second car. Right now, we have a 2016 Subaru Forester as our main family (2 kids) vehicle and a 2008 VW Jetta that’s mostly used for driving to and from the Metro and running small errands.

The Jetta has become a pain to maintain, so we’re ready to replace it. Here’s where I’m torn:

• Option 1: Stick with something small and efficient, since this car is primarily for short trips to the Metro or local errands.
• Option 2: Upgrade to a larger vehicle that could serve as a second family car, just in case we need it for road trips, carpools, or other family activities.

Any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m looking for advice on replacing our second car. Right now, we have a 2016 Subaru Forester as our main family (2 kids) vehicle and a 2008 VW Jetta that’s mostly used for driving to and from the Metro and running small errands.

The Jetta has become a pain to maintain, so we’re ready to replace it. Here’s where I’m torn:

• Option 1: Stick with something small and efficient, since this car is primarily for short trips to the Metro or local errands.
• Option 2: Upgrade to a larger vehicle that could serve as a second family car, just in case we need it for road trips, carpools, or other family activities.

Any recommendations?

I have a 2017 Forrester, and my DH is driving an ancient Chevy Blazer and we will be in a similar position soon.

I think we are likely to buy a Subaru Crosstrek.

[Anonymous]

Get an inexpensive EV. Ideal for that kind of use case, where range isn't a concern. Maintain a ICE vehicle for road trips. Best of both worlds until the EV charging infrastructure is built out more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get an inexpensive EV. Ideal for that kind of use case, where range isn't a concern. Maintain a ICE vehicle for road trips. Best of both worlds until the EV charging infrastructure is built out more.

+1. any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

We get a new first car and use the newer old car as #2. We know its history.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get an inexpensive EV. Ideal for that kind of use case, where range isn't a concern. Maintain a ICE vehicle for road trips. Best of both worlds until the EV charging infrastructure is built out more.

Inexpensive EV? Other than the draconian Leaf, those don’t exist. And that’s more long range golf cart.

How old are your kids? An 8 seater like a Sienna or Highlander would be useful for carpools, visiting family etc.

For small cars, Mazda 3 will drive spiritedly like a Vw, but be far more reliable.

Your Subaru is not young; it’s fine (we have a 2010 Honda going strong) but if replacing a car, you will likely get something newer, and I would aim for a bigger prime car in the mix.

[Anonymous]

Maxda Cx-30, Cx-5, or Cx-50.
Toyota Cross, maybe hybrid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get an inexpensive EV. Ideal for that kind of use case, where range isn't a concern. Maintain a ICE vehicle for road trips. Best of both worlds until the EV charging infrastructure is built out more.

+1. any suggestions?

Chevy Bolt.

[Anonymous]

We are replacing our 2012 Subaru Outback with a 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Went to dealership in early November; car expected to be available in Feb. Mainly noting this in case you have a road trip coming up—you may or may not be able to get a car quickly.

I fell in love with the Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid, but it won’t fit in our garage with a second car and given frequency of hail storms…it’s a no go for us.

[Anonymous]

Wow these old cars are dangerous and lack safety features always get a new smart car

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow these old cars are dangerous and lack safety features always get a new smart car

Least helpful post of the day award for you! 🏆

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get an inexpensive EV. Ideal for that kind of use case, where range isn't a concern. Maintain a ICE vehicle for road trips. Best of both worlds until the EV charging infrastructure is built out more.

Inexpensive EV? Other than the draconian Leaf, those don’t exist. And that’s more long range golf cart.

How old are your kids? An 8 seater like a Sienna or Highlander would be useful for carpools, visiting family etc.

For small cars, Mazda 3 will drive spiritedly like a Vw, but be far more reliable.

Your Subaru is not young; it’s fine (we have a 2010 Honda going strong) but if replacing a car, you will likely get something newer, and I would aim for a bigger prime car in the mix.

Were I the OP, I would refuse to take advice from anyone who (mis)uses adjectives the way you do.

[Anonymous]

I really love my Honda pilot it’s a 2018 but when my kids were about late elementary/middle school age, it became helpful to have a seven seater car just so that we could once in a while drive people in a group. Now both kids can drive so we don’t use it as often, but it has been helpful whenever we need to take big load somewhere. I love the car. I’m planning to drive it into the ground.

I’ve heard good things about the Hyundai ionic SUV that is electric.

Otherwise, you’re really doing fine with a Honda pilot or a Toyota Highlander. Or if you really don’t want a seven seater, the RAV4 or the CRV.

[Anonymous]

Bigger

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get an inexpensive EV. Ideal for that kind of use case, where range isn't a concern. Maintain a ICE vehicle for road trips. Best of both worlds until the EV charging infrastructure is built out more.

Inexpensive EV? Other than the draconian Leaf, those don’t exist. And that’s more long range golf cart.

How old are your kids? An 8 seater like a Sienna or Highlander would be useful for carpools, visiting family etc.

For small cars, Mazda 3 will drive spiritedly like a Vw, but be far more reliable.

Your Subaru is not young; it’s fine (we have a 2010 Honda going strong) but if replacing a car, you will likely get something newer, and I would aim for a bigger prime car in the mix.

Were I the OP, I would refuse to take advice from anyone who (mis)uses adjectives the way you do.

NP. Was it draconian? Great word, but not in the right context. Try again with draconian!