Car Ponderifications
Apr. 21st, 2008 04:42 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
orikesSo, I've been spending a fair bit of time researching cars and visiting dealerships to sit in said cars to decide if I like them enough to do even more research. I've narrowed things down a bit, but I'm still faced with a pretty big either/or decision.
The car I would LOVE to get is the Nissan Rogue. It's a crossover SUV. That basically means its got some SUV qualities, but it's built on a car platform. It's at the high end of what I think I can afford, but I do think it's in my range. It's also an absolutely gorgeous car. I sat inside it and just went, "ooooooh."
The problem is, it IS in the high end of my range. Depending on what kind of interest rate I can wrangle on my sketchy credit, I might be looking at a car payment that is a bit more uncomfortable than I want to see. I've never been the greatest with money, and while I'm pretty sure I could afford it, I'd have to be more frugal than I have been the last year if I go with this car and the monthly payment is what I think it's going to be.
On top of that, it is a crossover SUV. The gas mileage isn't horrible, especially for its class, but it's not the greatest either. Gas at some stations around here is already at $3.60 a gallon. Am I prepared to get a vehicle that's going to cost me upwards of $70 a tank to fill?
So, I could get something cheaper and a bit more economical on gas. The Kia Spectra5 was a pretty nifty little car and would definitely be more comfortable in my budget. It also comes in a really cool shade of orange. It would definitely be nothing to be ashamed of.
So, do I go with my heart and try for the Rogue, or go with my head and aim for the more practical Spectra5?
The car I would LOVE to get is the Nissan Rogue. It's a crossover SUV. That basically means its got some SUV qualities, but it's built on a car platform. It's at the high end of what I think I can afford, but I do think it's in my range. It's also an absolutely gorgeous car. I sat inside it and just went, "ooooooh."
The problem is, it IS in the high end of my range. Depending on what kind of interest rate I can wrangle on my sketchy credit, I might be looking at a car payment that is a bit more uncomfortable than I want to see. I've never been the greatest with money, and while I'm pretty sure I could afford it, I'd have to be more frugal than I have been the last year if I go with this car and the monthly payment is what I think it's going to be.
On top of that, it is a crossover SUV. The gas mileage isn't horrible, especially for its class, but it's not the greatest either. Gas at some stations around here is already at $3.60 a gallon. Am I prepared to get a vehicle that's going to cost me upwards of $70 a tank to fill?
So, I could get something cheaper and a bit more economical on gas. The Kia Spectra5 was a pretty nifty little car and would definitely be more comfortable in my budget. It also comes in a really cool shade of orange. It would definitely be nothing to be ashamed of.
So, do I go with my heart and try for the Rogue, or go with my head and aim for the more practical Spectra5?
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(no subject)
Date: 2008-04-21 09:32 am (UTC)On the other hand, interest rates have been falling a lot, too. I'm assuming that you're looking into an actual car loan and not just thinking about getting financed by the dealer? "Financing" is where they make their money. Sometimes there are credit unions associated with your workplace and they can offer good loans.
Mileage and safety are the two things I look for first. I wish I had been able to afford a Prius, but oh well. How much driving do you do? I live in SoCal (awful prices) but I also live about a fifteen minute drive from work.
Also, call your car insurance agent because those two cars might have very different rates, especially on comprehensive--and while you're talking to them, find out if you're eligible for any discounts for being a non-scary lady driver.
Good luck. Big financial decisions make me nervous, too, but once this is settled, think how nice it will feel.
PB
(no subject)
Date: 2008-04-22 08:55 am (UTC)Unfortunately with the financing, my credit sucks big time. I've never been good with money, and I currently have some bad stuff on my credit report that's not going anywhere any time soon. Ultimately, I'm not sure if I can get a traditional bank to give me a loan for a car, whereas I know the dealer financing can sometimes be a little more flexible if you go in with a decent downpayment.
I'll give my insurance company a call tomorrow.