Automotive purchase restraint

"LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com" (limitedtimeonly) 04/07/2019 at 07:54 • Filed to: Unnecessary Car Shopping, Hiking, Mazda3

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I know that this may be confusing given the plethora of car purchase posts in the last 24 hours, but I’m inclined to delay my recent intent to replace my wife’s car with an off road capable SUV. Hiked Stone Mountain in NC yesterday.

Took my wife’s 2014 Mazda3 that she almost never drives anymore (she works from home or flies to clients and prefers to have me drive when we are going places together). I enjoyed the comfort and fuel economy. Still prefer my GTI, but the Mazda3 is a very good car with the 2.5L NA 4 cylinder.

I had been considering that, really, this has become my second car, so as long as I replace it with something that she can stand driving occasionally, I could replace it with an occasional toy, like a 4Runner. But as this weekend shows, I would give up so much ride comfort and fuel economy, when the 3 has enough ground clearance for many forest roads that I used to take the Prius on. As much as I enjoy technical off road wheeling, I’d rather just be camping and hiking, or autocrossing, and not add a new hobby.

Check back in with me in a month when I start obsessing about a new automotive option, possibly back to the 4Runner or a Wrangler .

E92M3 > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 04/07/2019 at 08:28

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I didn't even realize NC had a Stone Mountain (I grew up in Stone Mountain, GA).

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > E92M3 04/07/2019 at 08:41

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That’s why I’m careful to specify. Quite a different place. 

aquila121 > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 04/07/2019 at 08:49

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I’m going to regret bringing this up (since I’m normally against the tidal wave of crossovers that have hit the market), but if you want something like the Mazda 3 in terms of ride, fuel economy, and handling, but can take a little more off-road trail as a second car—maybe consider a crossover like the CX-3. In my mind, you’d get a little more ground clearance, still retain car-like driving dynamics and efficiency (unlike a Wrangler or 4Runner), and you already know that if you like Mazada’s recent designs and interiors, you’re not giving anything up there, either. I know it wouldn’t do dedicated off-road park kind of trails like the Jeep or Toyota, but you might be able to scratch a small part of the same itch for less money for a similar model year and with fewer compromises.

vondon302 > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 04/07/2019 at 08:52

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I had planned on spending 15000 or so on a new daily. I think the wife was sick of riding around in my p71 for the last 5 years. Just get a loan for the rest she says. Next thing I know stubby is in the driveway. I was actually looking for a mid 90s Ford truck.

I think this might be a better purchase in the long run. We'll see.

Ash78, voting early and often > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 04/07/2019 at 09:18

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Both are giant slabby  granite outcroppings from the same Blue Ridge system, but otherwise totally different. My buddy in NC plugged it into his GPS once and got halfway to ATL before realizing...

Ash78, voting early and often > E92M3 04/07/2019 at 09:19

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Kids last week. For a potato pic, I thought it was a cool shot. 

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > aquila121 04/07/2019 at 09:54

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Wife has expressed that she would like a CX-5 as the replacement. But since I've decided that it's really my car, I'm only taking that under consideration. It's probably the right choice. 

DutchieDC2R > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 04/07/2019 at 09:56

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Youre not alone man. Ive been eyeballing other cars to replace the ITR, but as of a week ago, I fixed some issues and since then, its been running like new. Im holding off on replacing it for another couple of weeks....or until something breaks and starts pissing me off again. 

E92M3 > Ash78, voting early and often 04/07/2019 at 11:02

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If you had told me this was the GA one, I’d believe it. Looks identical minus the carving. You could even ride the cable car and probably get a shot like this with the carving out of frame.

Future Heap Owner > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 04/07/2019 at 14:17

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Kiyute pupper!

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Future Heap Owner 04/07/2019 at 14:44

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Thanks, we got lucky when we got each other.