Help me with a car choice, Oppo

"Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!" (patrickgruden)
02/06/2015 at 06:51 • Filed to: None

Oppo, I have a bit of a problem. I get bored far too easily with cars. I can't seem to find one I like for a long period of time. Now, this wouldn't be so bad if I drove a beater, but my last few cars have all been new. Getting bored of a new car that you're still making payments on sucks.

In October 2010 I bought my first brand new car, a 2010 Nissan cube. The cube seemed practical and had a ton of space once I took out the second row of seats. Problem was it was boring as hell to drive. It kind of felt like driving a sofa. And Nissan's CVT sucked. So, I made the decision that I needed to find something new.

So, in June of 2011 I traded in the cube for a 2011 Mazda 3 2.5. That car was more exciting to drive than the cube. Eventually though, the newness wore off and I found myself unsatisfied again. The Mazda wasn't a bad car, but it was too thirsty for my tastes. I only averaged mid 20's in mixed driving, and I hardly ever flogged it. It was becoming apparent that the 3 wasn't the right fit, either.

In April of 2013 I traded in the 3 on a Subaru Crosstrek. I loved the Crosstrek, and had visions of doing all kinds of outdoorsy stuff with it. Obviously, I didn't do that. I'm not a super outdoorsy type. My excitement for this vehicle has been waning too. Making matters worse, the last week or so I've been spending time as a passenger in the Crosstrek, and I have to say the thing blows. The ride isn't that good, and the footspace is rather cramped. It's amazing what being a passenger can tell you about your vehicle.

At this point I'm on the verge of trading it in. I am NOT upside down right now (which certainly helps), but am thinking of going slightly used anyway. If I get bored of this vehicle in a few years I will have taken less of a depreciation hit.

I come here asking for opinions. Why am I getting bored of my cars so quickly, and is there any way to prevent it? And if I get rid of the Crosstrek, what should I replace it with? Ideally I'd like something fun again, but I need to have an automatic. My wife and I carpool and swap cars, and she had zero desire to learn how to drive a manual. So I'm stuck with an auto. Gas mileage is a concern for me as well. I'd like to get in the mid 30's at least. Front wheel drive or AWD only. It has to be fairly roomy as I cart around my dogs occasionally. And, I've become spoiled with Bluetooth. So the car has to come with that. I'd like to spend really no more than 20k

My list of vehicles, in no particular order are:

2012+ Honda Civic EX

2013+ Honda Fit

2012+ Jetta Sportwagon

2012+ Jetta TDi (someone convince me a diesel is worth getting with the price premium at the pump)

2013+ Kia Soul !

2012+ Ford Fusion Hybrid

Anything else someone can recommend?

DISCUSSION (46)

My citroen won't start > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:00

Audi A4 Avant.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:02

Before reading the last part of the text i was going to say to you. Get RWD + Manual and you'll never get bored.

Since that isnt possible to you, the next thing of how not to get bored of a car is getting a very nice, comfy, cool interior.

In my case i love the interior of my Mustang and every time i get in i smile. It feels awesome being in there.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > My citroen won't start
02/06/2015 at 07:15

Interesting suggestion, not sure how they'd fit into the budget though. I'll consider it though.

I_AmDeath > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:15

Why FWD or AWD only?

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > OkCars- 22k Crossroads
02/06/2015 at 07:17

I'D like something RWD and manual. But my wife won't drive a manual, and I'm pretty sure she'd wrap a RWD vehicle around a tree. So, for her safety and my sanity I'm stuck with FWD/AWD and a slushbox. :(

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > I_AmDeath
02/06/2015 at 07:19

Another limitation because of my wife. I know how to handle a RWD car, but she doesn't. I'd like to keep her safe since we share driving duties. To give you an idea on how important driving dynamics are to her, she drives a Corolla.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:19

How about of MINI of some sort? I've driven a couple and they're pretty fun.

Brian Silvestro > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:20

new WRX

BlurpleToyotaDishwasher > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:20

The way I see it, it's about figuring out what features are the ones that are the ones that make you smile - great seats, engine noise, handling, driving involvement, great looks? If we just make loads of suggestions of good cars and you buy one that seems nice now without figuring out that part, then you'll just be in the same position in two years time, where really minor issues start bugging you and you don't have a "yeah, but THIS IS AWESOME" for another part of your brain to reply with.

Alternatively, the problem could be where you're driving, not what you're driving.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish
02/06/2015 at 07:20

Minis really aren't too bad, and I forgot to put them on the list. They are rather fun to drive. They might not fit my space requirements though. I'll have to do some searching to see if a Mini would work.

My citroen won't start > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:21

Something like this.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Or if you prefer sedan (they are easier to find and cheaper)

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Brian Silvestro
02/06/2015 at 07:21

Find me one for under 20k and I'll buy five of them. lol

I_AmDeath > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:21

I honestly think your probably going to be stuck in a loop of quickly getting bored of cars for quite awhile unless you can get yourself a second car for having fun in. A FWD car with a slushbox is just going to be a dull commuter car for the most part. That might sound harsh but they aren't the most engaging or fun cars from the get go.

I'd look around for a cheap sports car that would satisfy your need for fun far better then anything on your list.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > My citroen won't start
02/06/2015 at 07:22

Damn, those are cheap. Do resale values on Audis suck that much?

Brian Silvestro > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:23

the newest Saab 9-5 you can find

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:24

A countryman or a clubman might have just enough space depending on how big the dogs are and how many you have.

Kinja'd!!!

Snooder87 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:25

(1) Just fucking lease.

(2) You are buying fairly generic cars. Even the Fusion is still just a mid level family car. Nothing in your list is the sort of amaze balls classic that will look sharp for decades.

My citroen won't start > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:25

Well they are 5 years old, a new one costs 35k.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish
02/06/2015 at 07:27

Hmm, maybe. I have five dogs (2 labs, 2 hounds and a pit bull), but I normally don't take more than three at a time anywhere. The Mini is now on the list. Thanks!

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Snooder87
02/06/2015 at 07:29

Just fucking lease is a serious consideration. But I drive about 18-20k a year. I'd have to look in to what kind of terms I could get with that mileage.

I agree I am buying generic cars. And I'm sure that is part of the problem. I don't care about how it looks, I just care about how it feels to drive it. Maybe I just need to suck it up, or just go back to driving $1,000 POS's that I can dump when I get bored.

My citroen won't start > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:31

Also, you can get a 2012 A3 Sportback for around that much, if you AWD a 2008 quattro will set you back 16k.

Snooder87 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:34

I'm guessing that you do care about how it looks, you don't want to admit it to yourself.

Start with a list of cars that make you drool and lust over. Then pare it down to what you can afford. Then go test drive and see which one feels best when driving. You'll likely find that you are willing to let minor imperfections slide on a car that gives you that special tingle in the crotch area.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Snooder87
02/06/2015 at 07:38

I get what you're saying, but judging by some of the cars I've had in my life, I really can't say I care about how it looks.

What I want, really, is a car that drives like a mid 80's Honda. I had an 85 Prelude, 85 CRX, 86 Accord and 87 Accord hatch and I loved all of them. Unfortunately I don't think a car like that exists in todays new (or slightly used) car market.

BlurpleToyotaDishwasher > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:39

Do you have space for an extra car?

If we're sticking to the requirements, the best suggestion I can think of is a VW Golf GTI with the DSG transmission. But if it comes down to the whole manual thing over and over, then that could be awkward.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > BlurpleToyotaDishwasher
02/06/2015 at 07:45

I don't necessarily have the space for another car, unfortunately. I've never driven the DSG before. I'll put that on my list of things to try.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:48

Yeah, because they'll cost more than the depreciation to keep running. It's a trap.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
02/06/2015 at 07:51

That's kind of what I was afraid of. I want something that's going to be reliable. Although I could go the Doug DeMuro route and get one with MaxCare...

Big Bubba Ray > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:51

Teach your wife how to drive stick and buy a four door Civic Si. Everybody needs to learn stick at some point and I bet you she'd end up having fun in it. Its FWD, four doors (room for the dags), mid 30's on gas and hella fun to drive. I think you need to introduce your wife to driving stick so you won't keep getting bored with your cars so often!

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Big Bubba Ray
02/06/2015 at 07:54

Trust me, I've tried about a half dozen times. She's stubborn as hell and won't even try. No clue why she has such an aversion to learning how. My sister was the same way for some reason.

I agree, everyone should learn how to drive stick. You never know when you'll be in the situation where it's the only car available, and you need to get somewhere.

SlickMcRick > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 07:55

If you see you're about to go over the mileage limit turn it in early. Typically the most you'll get is 15k a year. Maybe you can push for more. But if you feel you're too close to going over that 45k allowance just trade it in. That said you seem like the perfect candidate to try out the Jeep Renegade. I believe it'll take care of a solid portion of your needs. Decent MPG, 4WD and seems to be quite spacious for such a tidy package.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > SlickMcRick
02/06/2015 at 07:57

Yeah, the Renegade is on my other list of vehicles to look at, although I don't think they've hit the dealers yet. I'd actually prefer the Renegade with the smaller turbo engine, but Chrysler won't sell it mated to the automatic. :(

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 08:01

Yeah, that's the only way I'd ever consider doing an overcomplicated luxury car with a reputation for electrical gremlins.

SlickMcRick > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 08:04

Ahhh just realized that. Well don't count out the 2.4 Tigershark motor out yet. From the reviews I've seen on YouTube the 1.4T motor tends to gas out a bit. Everyone seems to agree the bigger motor is better suited for this vehicle and that the automatic works wonders.

44444444444 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 08:20

Always my goto wagon: Volvo V70R

qbeezy > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 08:50

I think the problem is with your list. None of those cars push the needle on 'excitement'. Maybe something outside of the box. Something you haven't taken a look at before. Something coupé, something with a lot of power, something rwd.

sellphones2493 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 09:00

I'm a little confused. You said you got bored with a lot of your cars, but not a single car on your list is really all that fun to drive.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > sellphones2493
02/06/2015 at 09:03

Hence the reason I got bored with them. The Mazda3 wasn't too bad.

Maybe I just need to find something to do with my car that might make it more enjoyable to me. Like Rallycross.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > qbeezy
02/06/2015 at 09:04

Like a Challenger Hellcat? It does tick all your boxes. lol

qbeezy > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 09:30

Lol true. I was in a similar spot. Driving SUVs and small sedans. I always got bored. Until I bought my last car which was outside of my ususal comfort zone. Then I stopped being bored and did some donuts!

sellphones2493 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 09:58

I second the idea of a GTI DSG.

Also, consider maybe a 2011 Acura TSX, or Nissan Juke.

miataisme > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 10:27

Don't sell any cars and get a 20 year old Miata. Thats what I did and it was the best decision. It's super cheap to own and run. One of the most fun cars you can own for close to nothing. Your wife can still drive the automatics, but you will have a stick to really have fun with.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 10:43

Don't buy a car before you drive a CX-5.

Kinja'd!!!

CX-3 is coming, too.

Kinja'd!!!

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/06/2015 at 10:50

I cross shopped the CX5 and Juke when I bought my Crosstrek. I just happened to prefer the Crosstrek better.

I think I might just be leaning towards buying a cheap fun car I can wrench on and keep my daily driver.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 11:11

Sounds like a good plan.

gas head > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 11:21

You have VD. Vehicle Disease. Terminal.

911e46z06 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/06/2015 at 13:28

You're getting bored of your cars because you keep buying boring ass cars. Buying a Honda, VW, Kia, or Fusion hybrid, and not considering RWD cars is not a good way to overcome this problem.

Get an e90 335i or something. Your wife can handle RWD.