Looking For a Car to Replace My Truck - I Need Your Inputs! Or: Talk Some Sense Into Me

[HoneyBadger]

Given the "why you don't want to sell" section, have you considered a used but smaller truck? I haven't priced anything in a while, but seems like $18 could get you a Tacoma/Frontier.

This is one option I'm considering. I think a smaller truck might solve some of my woes.

Keep the truck, do maint a little at a time, buy a 4 cyl beater for commuting.

Sent from my electronic ball and chain.

Unfortunately, owning another car is not an option right now, or I would have several.

I'd just get a smaller, more fuel efficient truck...or a small commuter car, and do the maintenance depending on the math and possible space/parking constraints.

See above.

Dodge Dart. 4 doors, 41mpg, MSRP $15995

I'd prefer a car that comes with a spare tire... :-P

2011+ MINI Countryman S All4.

It meets your requirements, has AWD, (though cost is around $22k-$25k depending on miles), AND it gets 32+ mpg and thats pretty sweet! Not to mention, the MINI is one of the most fun cars I've ever driven and hugs the corners tighter than a 1999 996 Carrera that I used to have access to.

Not really interested in a mini. It's out of my price range for now, and I seriously doubt our carseat (which seems to be the biggest one out there) would fit in a way that is convenient.

I hate to say it but a lightly used Subaru would fit the bill perfectly for you ... just make sure you plaster it in NRA and other pro-gun stickers so you don't look like a douche.

Here's a couple of examples I found on a quick Craigslist search.

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057819897.html
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4057346818.html

Subarus are looking more appealing each time I check them out. Thanks for the links.

That is my other car choice too. Granted, he didn't say he needed 4WD, though I doubt it would be useless in CO. So I just stayed quiet to let someone else suggest it

I don't NEED 4WD, but I certainly would prefer it. If I'm spending more than 10k, it had better have at least AWD. I should have included that in my original post.

Biggest thing for me is your truck paid off? If you own it outright why wouldn't you just keep it and slowly maintain it as you go? It's not pressing for you to get those repairs taken of right away.

Truck is completely paid off. I don't want to keep it for the other reasons listed above.

Agree, and I think someone is feeding the OP a line of BS, because I doubt the control arms need replaced, maybe bushings...

I'll address this below.

It's interesting that you "feel" safe in your truck, when the IIHS rating for head restraints on that truck is poor and the offset crash is marginal.

it is exactly as you said it. Statistics aside, I feel safe.

If you understand that the IIHS only compares cars IN CLASS to each other and the way they do the tests, they almost HAVE to have one model come out as marginal, then your statement makes no sense. A 2001 Silverado, in the 95% crash statistics is safer than any car he would be able to afford.

Shocks, bushings, plus a pitman and steering control total about $400 from Rock Auto. The control arms are not shot, maybe the bushings. But the pitman and steering, yes, around 150 or so , they need a redo. Compare the gas plus insurance to the newer car's gas plus insurance.

Hate to say it, but used Hyundais are pretty good values in this realm if you really decide to go with a car/small SUV.

Replacing the control arms is an easy way out for replacing the bushings. Control arms are not much more expensive than the time and materials invested in replacing the bushings (for me, anyway.) It also needs most of the 100k mile maintenance, which was priced out by the stealer ship at almost $1k. Also, my mechanical knowledge and skill is very limited with it comes to vehicles (something I really want to change someday). I've changed my own oil and rotated tires a few times... That's about it.

Audi S5.. Screw your requirements -- just look good doing whatever.

Not sure about an Audi, but I would love to have a 2008 Benz C300 or similar. I got to drive one for a few weeks in June and loved it. Not quite in my price range though.

Get a scooter for commuting. Tough to beat 80-100 mpg.

Anything less than 4 wheels is not an option. I'm married Also, I have to drop my 5 month old off at daycare on the way to work.

I think this is what you are looking for. Great gas mileage and looks like a 4x4..

i don't think I could fit a carseat in there, but otherwise it looks like a good option!

Chrysler/Dodge Minivan. The only downside is lack of ground clearance. Means you have to ride or walk the bike a bit farther.
When your kids are older with friends with bikes and your hauling more crap the van is really nice.

I don't think I'm psychologically ready for a minivan yet.