Big man/Small Car. How do I into bigger car?

"Carl (@stuffcarlsays)" (carllevine)
07/07/2014 at 12:24 • Filed to: None

So, after !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , my wife and I have decided that the Mini has to go. It's too small, harsh riding (she had a back injury last year, and mine's no worse for the wear) and impractical for stuff we'd like to be doing (eg. kayaking, building stuff). After we hit a big enough crack in the road to send both our backs into a raging fury, we agreed that if I could lower my car payment by $100/mo to about $315/mo, that I have license to get anything I want if it means getting out of said English car.

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I worked in the car business long enough to know that I am not going to get nearly what I owe on my Mini on a trade, so I went ahead and put it on Craigslist in hopes that I'll find someone who has that kind of cheddar to spend. Failing that, I am prepared to roll at least $3k of negative equity into a used vehicle costing roughly $13k to get that payment into that range. Has my optimism really been that dashed by that lowball trade figure from Chevy? What do you all think?

DISCUSSION (13)

Textured Soy Protein > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:31

A large part of the Mini's harsh ride comes from the OE runflat tires. While I'm sure you're hesitant to put more money into the thing, you might consider getting some non runflat tires before getting rid of the car.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:31

Without making the mandatory recall jokes, I think a used Chevy may be your best bet. Either the Malibu, (My wife used to have one, and it was a solid car), or an Impala. You can get them for pretty decent prices, just say goodbye to good gas mileage. Your ride however, especially in the Impala will be luxurious when compared to the Mini.

For Sweden > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:32

Unhelpful answer:

Get an OG air-cooled Beetle. Most headroom in a small car in the history of history.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:32

Seeing quite a number of people in Coopers with Kayaks on their roof racks...

... Can't help you.

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > Textured Soy Protein
07/07/2014 at 12:36

Mine never came equipped with run-flats. It has a donut under the rear bumper.

Rico > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:37

I'm currently reading your other post but because I'm work I'll just ask really quickly, any chance you'll just settle for a slightly older used SUV/Pick up? I'm sure you could easily get one for under $10k and it won't be ancient.

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > Rico
07/07/2014 at 12:38

I was looking at '07ish Volvo XC90s with the 3.2. Not the worst automatic gearbox they offered, very well equipped and right in that sweet spot of 13k or so. I know the 3.2 was lovely in the S80, so I'm optimistic that the experience in the XC90 would yield similar reliability.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:41

This:

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Made me think of this:

I'm am sorry

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
07/07/2014 at 12:42

All day, every day.

Your boy, BJR > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:46

Get an Impala! that car is dope!

Textured Soy Protein > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:49

Oh, well in that case not sure what to tell ya.

Rico > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:52

Volvo's are good, not sure the reliability on those. Anything should be better than a Mini reliability wise. I just think going used would be the best route.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
07/07/2014 at 12:55

How about a couple cars people never think about? Those tend to be the best deals.

You'd be surprised how nice a used Mercury Milan will be. Pretty good mileage even with the V6. Oh and they're cheap.

If you want a Truck, or even just something up a little higher Escape's have a bit of a harder ride, though the Edge is smooth and my 6 foot 8 friend drove one with no head room issues. Also, not terribly expensive.