Car Ponderifications

[orikes]

So, 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?

Comments

[robinoli.livejournal.com]

I can't say a lot about car shopping (my choices for cars consist of Grandma's Old Car From the Early 90s, Grandma's Old Car From the Early 90s, and, oh, maybe Grandma's Old Car From the Early 90s? and that's when I get signed up for driver's ed, which I have been asking about for probably close to a year, but I'm starting on a bit of a rant now so I'll stop talking about that), but I'd go with the Spectra5. Pretty cars are nice and all, but getting a car that'll be practical is more important.

[orikes13.livejournal.com]

The Rogue actually isn't too bad as far as practical goes. http://www.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?logtype=6§ion=summary&aff=rochestr&call=crp&makeid=36&year=2008&modelid=4082. Most of the cars I looked at are of a similar type. It's just of them all, this is the prettiest one I looked at.

I shall continue to waffle for while more. :)

Oh, and there's nothing wrong with Grandma's Old Car From the Early 90's, as long as it runs. :)