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

[ndainye.livejournal.com]

I can't add much at this point, I'd probably end up with the Spectra while regretting that I didn't get the Rogue. I'd look into the financing and the insurance on both though before making a final choice. Insurance on the Rogue is bound to be higher than on the Spectra but how much higher is the question.

[orikes13.livejournal.com]

Right now, it's looking as if I can get into a Rogue for about $20k and a Spectra5 for about $18k. If that's all the difference there is, I may push for the Rogue. I guess it all depends on what kind of financing I can get.