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

[ahrubyblue.livejournal.com]

I've only ever bought used cars (you can get some great deals on cars that are practically new) so it's usually been a balancing game of money versus milage for me. My dad and brothers have drilled it into my head that the moment you drive that car off the lot it depreciates in value and that new cars technically lose the most. Anyway, igonoring all of that and ignoring all of the environmental stuffs, I think I'd go for whichever car was the better price. And I'd check out what the insurance rates would be for both. It wouldn't be much fun to have a new car but not have enough money to actually drive it anywhere.

You have some time to think about it, right? I'd suggest sleeping on it for a while. I think it's important that you feel confident about your decision.

[orikes13.livejournal.com]

One thing I learned is that with bad credit, they're more likely to give you a loan for a new car over a used car. That way if they have to repo it, they're more likely to be able to make some money off of it. And, unfortunately, I have bad credit. :}