For the Love of God Why is Picking a Vehicle so Difficult?

"4B11tFTW!" (4B11tFTW) 10/22/2016 at 06:27 • Filed to: None

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I am in the midst of a automotive conundrum, I want to buy a new (used) car, and am more able to pick up feminine products at a car store than I am able to decide on my next vehicle. I have been looking for the better part of the past 6 months really. Meanwhile I’ve been digging myself out of debt slowly from a vindictive ex wife, but that’s neither here nor there!

To make matters even worse, I really don’t have any criteria to go by, my only real “preference” is that it is either AWD or 4x4, but it’s not something required. Top end of the price range is $35k.

SUV/Pick em’ up Truck

I’m a redneck at heart, born and raised in Georgia by a humble farmhand, I love going off road, but also love speed and power just as much. Most vehicles I’ve considered seem to be more sport oriented, such as the SRT-8 Jeep. However I’ve also flirted with the idea of maybe an Escalade, or possibly even a Wrangler. For this decision, I’m trying to take into account that I live in Minnesnowda where our winter wonderland consists of endless snow and sub zero temperatures for 4-5 months out of the year. Having a 4 wheel or all wheel drive vehicle would be very beneficial in this category, but again, 4 wheel drive is only a luxury. And one that I could live without, but would be very convenient to have.

Luxobarge

Ahhhh yes. For luxury cars I have my eyes on the Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec, but I’m also considering putting myself into financial ruin again by purchasing a (relatively) used Mercedes. I’ve had my sights set on an E63 AMG, but am also open to the idea of a CTS-V. The big question for this category is “do I go with something new and reliable, or something that could potentially ruin my credit all over again from expensive repair bills.

Racecar

The epitome of what we all want, cars in this range that I’ve had my eyes on are a used C6 Corvette, newer model Camaro or Mustang. Pretty much the most appealing cars, but the least functional. Do I sacrifice function for raw power and speed? These are the cars we all dream and fantasize about as kids, but now I have a stable job and can afford to “treat myself”. My largest concern in this category is still practicality. What if the female counterpart and I decide to take a road trip? It’d be hard to load up all the crap that she would bring in such limited cargo space. The make-up bag alone would be enough to fill a boot on a ZR1 Vette.

Honorable Mention - Rally Cars

I’ve owned an Evo X previously and absolutely loved it. Never been a real big Scooby fan, but I’d be open to the idea of possibly taking ownership of one of the newest gen STI’s. At this point I should probably admit that the Evo X is pretty much my fall back vehicle that I would like to own if I can’t settle on anything else, so I do have a back up. Now the real question here is, “do I go with what I know, or try something new?”

In conclusion, I feel like I’m leaning towards an SUV overall, but with so many choices I honestly can’t decide, I feel like a 90's kid in Toy’s R Us anxiously waiting the release of a new Nintendo 64 game. I know what I want, but don’t know what I want simultaneously, why must the automotive gods tease me with so many delightful selections!?

Berang > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 06:33

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Mitsubishi Mirage.

Wobbles the Mind > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 07:01

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Get a WK2. Doesn’t even need to be an SRT since the 5.7L does plenty. But I will say an SRT will cover all four of those categories while being a daily driver and a one vehicle garage. Plus 2012 and 2013 models are close enough to $35k to be called in your range.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 07:02

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Rally car! But perhaps somewhat more civilized, in the form of a CPO Golf R, GLA45 AMG or M235xi (not sure what they’re going for over there)?

4B11tFTW! > Wobbles the Mind 10/22/2016 at 07:05

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Yep, I think that’s the front runner really, I just hate being so indecisive!

Wobbles the Mind > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 07:22

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I know what you mean, this is why I keep a list of most wanted cars for a particular price range! A lot of great stuff is in the low $30k range. My heart is on a 2012 Jaguar XJL Supersport though, just two more years if all stays on track!

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 07:45

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Porsche Cayenne with CarMax warranty

https://www.carmax.com/cars/Porsche/Cayenne/2010/13502810

This one is $29K leaving $6K for taxes and warranty.

MUSASHI66 > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 09:38

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Why not a brand new, reliable car for under $20k instead of spending up to $35k on a used car? Somehow, digging yourself out of debt and buying a potentially really expensive to maintain/insure used car don’t go together.

brjklein > MUSASHI66 10/22/2016 at 09:43

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If I was in the OP’s position, I’d be in the same camp as you. Get a brand-new WRX, save $10K in the process.

Unless you absolutely require luxury, in which case just get a used GLK350 and be done with it.

MUSASHI66 > brjklein 10/22/2016 at 09:54

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You are too generous - I was thinking Fit

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 10:01

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Regarding your headline... because there are so, so many good options out there.

As for the choices, used + reliable exists in the 35k range.

10-14 GM full size SUV.

Tahoe LTZ/Z71 checks many of the boxes. In my opinion it looks better than the Yukon and isn’t as ostentatious as the Escalade

BMW X5M

2010-12 models with 55-75k miles can be had for under 35k. Absurd but fast and can handle snow.

15+ Challenger 6.4:

Brutish, fast, roomy, comfortable, big GT car. Trunk big enough for 2 snitches and a dirty rat.

Patrick Nichols > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 10:07

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If you’re feeling the need for a fun 4x4,Taco/4R TRD Pro?

Textured Soy Protein > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 10:14

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The big downside of an SRT-8 Jeep is the stock wheels and tires are too big for snow tires so you need to get another set of wheels for winter, even though it’s an SUV. I also really like the Infiniti FX50S (a.k.a. QX70 5.0) but it has the same issue with stock 21" wheels. Another one to look at is the BMW X3 35i M Sport. If you find one with the dynamic handling package it’s surprisingly nimble while still comfy thanks to the adaptive shocks.

I shopped in this segment for a while (I’m in Wisconsin and it seemed to make sense) and then did the least practical thing possible and got a 335xi coupe with a stick shift even though my wife doesn’t drive stick, and modified the crap out of it for shits and giggles, and yeah it’s stupid but I like it.

CompactLuxuryFan > 4B11tFTW! 10/22/2016 at 12:17

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You could probably squeak a brand new Golf R under 35k and be all sensible and grown up and stuff. Although I agree a new WRX seems like your best option by far. Definitely don’t see a C6 Corvette being useful in a Minnesota winter!