Choosing new car

[JFortner5]

Hey everyone I know this isn't really tech, but I am going to be in the market for a new (new to me) car. I've had my Ranger for 4 years and I find myself wanting something a little nicer. Don't get me wrong I like the truck, but it's my 4th Ranger and I just really want a change.

I have 2 kids and the regular cab is kind of getting old. My wife drives a 2012 Accord so it's not like I need to drive kids around a lot but I'd like to be able to.

Anyway I'll get to the meat of the post. I drive about 50 miles a day round trip for work. I'm getting around 21mpg which isn't too bad but I can't see gas ever getting any cheaper. I don't use my truck bed too much, but I do own a home so I like being able to run to home depot and grab some concrete and a little lumber or whatever.

I'm thinking I'll have about $8-10k to spend on a car. One thought was to keep the truck and buy a civic or something. The other thought, that I'm kind of leaning toward is selling my truck and buying a hatchback like a Mazda3 or something and a utility trailer. As little as I use the full bed of the truck I think I could make a hatchback work and then have the trailer for when I need it. I don't have anything to tow at the moment but I am considering getting another quad or dirtbike.

If I did that I wouldn't have to worry about insurance or anything for the truck and I'd have possibly an extra 3000 or so to get a better car and a small trailer.

I'm just curious to hear your opinions on it. I'd like to be in the 30's for highway mpg.

A TDI Golf would be awesome, but I'm too scared about VW reliability as a whole.

Thanks guys, have a good one.

Joey

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[RonD]

I've had a '97 Camry since new, darn thing won't die, lol, two kids learned to drive in it and each used it as their driver until they bought their own cars.

Hasn't cost me anything in repairs, well 1 head gasket from one of the kids driving it home after it was overheating, still runs and drives fine.

It is a 4cyl but never got close to 30mpg, it is a heavy car, but that also gives it a nice ride, seats 4 adults comfortably

I would look at Corolla's, lighter so better mpg, and if anything like Camry quality you won't be disappointed.

 

[martin]

Having to chose between what you want and what you need is always difficult. It's made even more difficult when you are used to driving a truck or suv and find yourself needing to seat four people and get thirty plus on the highway. you're on your own on this one, good luck.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

If you want something reliable, roomy, and can tow a trailer id be looking at Vics/Grand Marquis. 8-10k will get you something pristine with very little mileage

 

[bigmark303]

no vehicle that gets 30mpg highway will ever be of any use to a homeowner as a multipurpose vehicle. Thats why all those economical cars are owned by people who rent apartments or live in condos/suburbs with landscapers.

Ive been over this myself time and time again and always just stay with the truck. Trade it in for a newer 2001 and up 2.3L extended cab Ranger. Those get 25mpg highway with the automatics and 28ish with the manual.

Not sure how long youve been a homeowner but there is a good reason the majority have 2 cars and a little beater truck in the driveway, or a large SUV. Dont get rid of the truck as youll find out soon enough how much you really need it.

 

[JFortner5]

I'm going back and forth on this still. My truck is pretty much a beater that's why I'm ready to get something a little nicer. I'm gonna keep looking around. Like I said I don't tow or haul much of anything now. My dad only lives about 20 minutes away and has a full size truck if I ever needed it. I'd say 99% of the time I'm just driving on the interstate to work. That's why I'd like to get 35mpg. I just figured I could find something capable of towing 1000lbs a short distance should the need arise.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[RonD]

Well there is always this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICURd-gTpjg

Or this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNe3QVTiSPY

But seriously, Compact or sub compact car will be able to pull a 1,000lbs load, pulling is usually not the issue, stopping is where you can run into problems.
Engine and trans being upfront makes the back of these cars very light, a load can push them sideways if braking hard while turning.
Trailer with tongue brake would help

 

[adsm08]

Focus wagon.

 

[forgey4x4]

Keep the truck and get the bare bones min for insurance on it and get yourself a nice car, I did the bronco 2 thing and the was always something that wouldnt fit, or when I just had the car trying to cram stuff in that wouldnt really fit. A truck is really nice!!

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Just bought a 2006 scion xa. Gets 40mpg and is still sporty and fun to drive and you get the toyota reliability. Gas bill went from $40 to $20 in a week for my commute. Ranger has been retired to Fridays only or whenever I need a truck

I look forward to Fridays just to drive the Ranger though....been my daily driver for the last 8 years.

 

[JFortner5]

I may end up keeping the truck but only if I can find something I really like that's in the budget without the extra cash from the truck.

I just don't have a big driveway and I'd rather not have the truck in the back yard.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk