Decision fatigue on what car to get
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Anonymous
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I’m having a tough time pulling the trigger on my next car. DH has a strictly work car, and I work from home. We currently have one personal vehicle: a 2006 V8 4runner with 160k miles. DH bought that car years ago so he could tow his small fishing boat. He babies it, so we expect it to keep going for a while. I don’t really like driving it, mostly because it’s a gas guzzler. We have one son, age 11, who plays hockey, and we have a dog.
I’d like to buy a second car for long road trips and city driving. Was thinking Toyota Camry hybrid but found a 2018 Avalon Hybrid Limited that seems like a pretty decent deal at $23k. The high trim Camrys are similarly priced or even more, so seems like it’s a viable option. I’ve been crowd-sourcing opinions and I’m getting a lot of old man jokes. I prefer being low to the ground, so most people are suggesting an Outback. I’m nervous to get a Subaru, but it would be nice to have a “go anywhere” car that could possibly replace the 4Runner when it goes. I did drive one and liked it quite a bit. Haven’t liked much else I’ve tried. Really disliked the Rav-4. Can anyone help me sort this out? I’m all jumbled. Budget is under $30k. Easiest decision is to wait out the market—but I think DH hates me driving his car and I’m excited to get something new. |
Anonymous
| My only contribution to this is that I love Subaru’s. |
Anonymous
| Buy a plug-in Prius. |
Anonymous
| I prefer an SUV but get what makes you happy. |
Anonymous
| My 2013 Avalon Hybrid, which I love, has no passthrough from the trunk to the cabin. If that’s also true of the 2018, would it be a problem with hockey sticks? |
Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
+2! If you're looking at outbacks, also consider the Crosstrek. There's a hybrid version. We have a Forester and love it. |
Anonymous
Yeah 2018 is the same. If it doesn’t fit lengthwise, it has that ski hole pass through thing. 2019 models have folding seats. And are $10k more. |
Anonymous
We are “drive the car as long as possible” people. If we maintain the subaru well, should we expect it to last long like a Toyota? I sold my Camry at year 18 and the 4Runner is doing well mechanically at age 16. |
Anonymous
I would think so, as Subaru is partially owned by Toyota. |
Anonymous
| You have a hockey son, dog, and boat. What is that going to look when the 4runner dies and all you have is a tiny prius. Then you will need to buy another car and own 2 new cars. Just buy another SUV in case the 4runner doesn't live long. |
Anonymous
| I like the look of the new Bronco. Supposedly an electric one is out or about to come out. |
Anonymous
| I loved Subarus for a long time when I lived in snowy climates, but in truth the Outback has gotten huge and high (vs. the wagon it used to be) and none of my Subies ended up being that car you could keep forever. A lightly-used Toyota sounds like a much better option, honestly. Having downsized from my latest Forester to a Corolla, I have no regrets at all about being back at ground level, so I say if that's what makes you more comfortable, go for it! As another option, my hockey-mom sister (with dogs) has driven Priuses to the 200k+ miles mark and been completely happy; they are normal height and hold a ton, though I realize it's hard to find a used one because there's such a market for them. |
Anonymous
| Just chiming in to add my vote for a Subaru! Had an Outback and now have a Forester. For longer trips I prefer the Outback - has more interior cabin space and comfortable seating plus still has a huge cargo area. |
Anonymous
| I bought a used Subaru Legacy and have been happy with it, but gas mileage is not great, nor is the car especially fun to drive (which I miss from my last car), so I'll probably look to get an electrical in a few years once there are more options. |