What Did You Consider Before Buying The Vehicle(s) You Now Own?

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind) 05/12/2016 at 22:10 • Filed to: Shopping

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When buying a vehicle, we usually have multiple options before settling on what ends up in the driveway. I want to know in regards to the vehicles you currently own, what other vehicles were you considering just before your purchase? I mean when you had everything narrowed down and were ready to buy one of them the same day of your test drive.

I’ll give you the vehicles I was shopping just before I landed on the choices I actually went with.

1) I was strongly considering:

Hyundai Santa Fe/Kia Sorento with less than 60K miles in the $20K range.

Honda Ridgeline with less than 60K miles in the $20k range.

Volvo XC90 with less than 60K miles in the $20k range.

Ended up with a V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee with less than 30K miles for $23k.

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2) I was strongly considering:

A brand spanking new 2013 Optima LX for around $23k.

Ended up keeping the 2006 Kia Rio with only a driver’s seat and buying a 2006 Kia Amanti with 91,000 miles for $7,500. That way I could have passengers and a nicer car.

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If anyone is curious about the qualities I was looking for, feel free to ask. I just thought that much detail is for another post.

I should also point out that I shop for vehicles almost 18 months in advance, so the “strongly considered” options were in months 9-12 of shopping. The vehicles I ended up buying were me waiting around from months 13-18 for a great example in the right conditions and options to pop up near me.

In this way, I am always shopping for vehicles. I have just about settled on buying a 2015 Volvo V60 to replace the Amanti in another year or so. However, I’m really wanting an Indian Scout, so there’s that wild card now...

The JGC is still pretty far out, but I know that I will never go without a CUV/SUV in my life again. Definitely something about the same size in cargo dimensions, especially in regards to the width.

Flavien Vidal > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:17

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Before buying the turbo SA22C, I considered getting: another corvette, a Toyota Celica 1600 or 2000 GT (first gen), a Nissan 200ZR, a Nissan 350Z or a FD RX7.

I went for the SA22C because it’s the absolute rarest SA22C ever produced (less than 2000 ever made in Japan only) and it also happens to be the most powerful and lightest one ever produced too... The fact that it was tuned by RE-Amemiya helped greatly in my decision too.

As far as my 1992 Mini is concerned, I always wanted one so I didn’t look for anything else.

AM3R shamefully returns > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:17

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Before the 328i: I wanted a manual 335is but I couldn’t find one locally, and didn’t have a car to drive at the time so I had to settle. The 328i has been great though, so no complaints.

Before the C300: oddly enough, I wanted a 996 and then just got a crazy good deal on a low mileage fully loaded C300. Couldn’t find any good 996's around me.

Before the 335i: E92 M3 ZCP. Spent a few weeks with one and realized how I just wouldn’t be able to use it during my commute, the gas mileage sucked, and insurance was excessive. Still a fantastic car, and I want to get one soon to keep forever.

Basically I can't find what I want and then end up with cars that I end up really liking.

MonkeePuzzle > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:19

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my entire decision making process was should I get it in white or black

MLGCarGuy > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:20

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Accord: Was considering a Mazda3 Grand Touring (the 2013 model) because of all the Mazda hype. It didn’t live up to the hype.

Versa Note: Was considering a 2014 Honda Fit, but the deal didn’t go through; also, the Note had better features for the price.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:22

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Before I bought my FRS, I was seriously considering an Elise

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:24

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Oh Christ how much time do you have?

El Rivinado > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:27

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I was considering a lot of things, but I think the biggest thing I was considering before my Eldorado was a 1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII LSC, but I couldn't find one in the area. Then a nice one showed up on CL a week after I bought my car, I was a bit mad. I also considered either an 88-89 Cadillac Brougham/Lincoln Town Car.

Ssfancyfresh > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:28

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Bought a CPO 2014 A4 w/ 6k miles

Was considering:

2012 740i

2010 A8

E60 550i/535i

2011 A6 3.0T

2015 Chevy Colorado

2015 Ford Escape

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:29

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I bought a new 2015 outback, I ended up looking at used Outbacks, and a leftover 2013 Volvo XC90, but in the end, I came to the realization, that due to the strong resale value, and high reliability scores, the new outback was the best deal.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:32

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I currently have a 2005 Ford Focus Wagon. I strongly considered a 2010 Hyundai Elantra touring that cost more than twice as much.

And other candidates were the Mazda 3, Ford Focus ZX5, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mazda 5

Svend > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:33

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To be honest when we got the previous car it was something inexpensive that drove great, reliable, great interior space, etc...

I had a friend that drove a Skoda Superb Mk2 estate as a taxi for a while so when it came time for a good honest car it had to be a Skoda Superb Mk2 estate and then when it was time for a new car again without even looking or considering any other car or going for a test drive, ordered a new Skoda Superb Mk3 Hatchback. Ordered in 30 minutes from entering to leaving the dealership. The only consideration was whether to go for another estate or go for the hatchback and I liked the Hatch more.

Never looked back and love the Mk3 even more than we loved the Mk2.

Mk2 estate.

Mk3 hatchback.

PRBot II > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:33

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First I was all

But then I was like

Ssfancyfresh > Ssfancyfresh 05/12/2016 at 22:34

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Other car is 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Considered XC60, X3, SRX.

Wobbles the Mind > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/12/2016 at 22:35

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About 2 hours before I start my day (4am to 6am) and another 2 hours at the end (7pm to 9pm). I’m a single man that loves scheduling and planning...aka I don’t have a social life, because people don’t stick to plans!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:35

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2016 Fiesta ST: 2016 Camaro Turbo or New WRX

Reasons Against Both of Them: Price, Insurance, Financing Options

Reasons Against the Camaro: After actually test driving it on the road, most of my original sentiments from my first test drive went away. It’s faster, and the interior is better, but the visibility is a real killer. Plus, I knew I would be going down dirt roads, and the Camaro is blinged out and pretty.

Reasons Against the WRX: I would never use it to it’s full potential, and I just wanted another Subaru. Plus, with the trim I would have had to settle with, I would have regretted it.

1995 4Runner: GMT400 or P38 Range Rover

Reasons Against Both: Reliability

Reasons Against the GMT400: I lusted after these up until I test drove one. My dream car when I was a kid was a green GMT400 Blazer. Never meet your heroes. To this day, its the second worst model of vehicle I’ve ever driven. Also, we’ve been fucked by GM too many times in the past.

Reasons Against the P38: Reliability, and I bought the 4Runner before I checked one out.

While It Wasn’t Technically Mine, It Was Bought For Me to Learn to Drive In, the 1978 Subaru BRAT: Nothing, My Dad Found It for $275.

Wobbles the Mind > MonkeePuzzle 05/12/2016 at 22:36

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You’re sort of like Batman, but with double the choices.

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:36

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I didn’t actually consider anything else before I got my ZHP. I had wanted one since I read its review in C & D in ‘04, and finally had the ability to afford one. I mean I wouldn’t have turned down an M3, but I knew the ZHP would be a much better fit for me.

Die-Trying > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:38

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things i consider..... is it less than $500? can i make it fast?

is it a chevy?? is it a truck? does it have ANY straight panels? is it 4wd does it come with any engine or transmission? is there paper to it? what is the price of scrap metal at? is it a parts truck for a parts truck, parts truck.

for small cars: can i fit a v8 and 4 speed in it? is there paper to it?? what does it weigh(can i trim that to less than 2000lbs?)? what size tires will fit? can i make it quick?

Wobbles the Mind > Ssfancyfresh 05/12/2016 at 22:40

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Ha, all three of those choices were what I was considering having my mother look at when we were considering a Lexus RX. Ended up keeping the sedan and getting a nice sedan for her to fit in with all her church/work friends.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:42

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Before buying the Allroad i looked at

F150

Sport Trac

XJ8

Wrangler

AMC Eagle

Focus

Land cruiser FJ60

MR2

A4

Older WRX

V70R

Range Rover

I may be missing a couple

TractorPillow > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:42

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Outback and GLA250...got a viper

Evora and mazda3...got a cayman S

MUSASHI66 > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:44

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I bought a 2016 Forester XT to replace my 2013 Pilot. Considered a basic Forester 2.5i with a manual, Toyota 4Runner Trail, Subaru Outback 2.5i, CR-V, Pilot etc... basically a vehicle which would fit my two large dogs. Decided that XT would be fun and worth the money- I guess I like turbos. I really wanted the 4Runner Trail, but it was $10000 more.

I also bought a 2014 FIAT Abarth 500 Convertible GQ edition for my fun car. Considered a 500 Abarth hatchback as well. Mini Cooper S. Thought of a Miata as well. Abarth 500 Convertible depreciated so fact, I got as new car with 6k miles for almost 1/2 half of the MSRP. Plus, the grins I get from the exhaust are worth every penny :D

Land_Yacht_225 > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:45

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I was seriously considering a Lexus LS430 with the Ultra Luxury Package . Mercedes-Benz debuted radar cruise control, but Lexus came into the market with a LIDAR system a year later. Believe it or not, because it’s a Lexus, and Toyota reliable, I was priced out of that option real quick. So the V12 S-Class Mercedes with a 2x bigger MSRP was, I guess not surprisingly, the cheaper initial option. When it comes to the layout I’ve made thus far, I should say I should have bought the Lexus. But the V-12 gives me tingles this thing never could have.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:46

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Got a Prelude because the RSX Type S I was going to buy got sold from under me. Looking back, I’m OK with that.

Chariotoflove > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:54

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What factors did I consider? What my wife wanted. Seriously, we looked at CUVs and minivans that were easiest for her to get in and out of easily and were comfortable for her to drive. It came down to the Sedona, and there really was no second.

My car had to be a sporty coupe with a usable back seat able to get the wheelchair into. And blue. I considered the G35 and the RX-8 and got the RX-8 after 2 test drives. I had looked at the Solara and Accord coupe but they just didn't speak to me.

WhiskeyGolf > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 22:57

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When I had to replace my first Golf, I really didn’t consider many other cars. Technically there are lots of competitors in the hatchback class but after driving mine for a little over 3 years, I really liked it and jumped into another one almost immediately (whether misguided or not). I like German cars and I’ve been really happy so far (no fires!)

Wobbles the Mind > TractorPillow 05/12/2016 at 22:58

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Dafaq?! This is exactly the kind of response I was hoping for!

Wobbles the Mind > Svend 05/12/2016 at 23:00

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Lawd I wish we got Skodas in the US. They just seem like knockouts across the entire range! I love seeing your pictures of your MK3 after cleaning!

Old Red Wagon > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:00

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I currently have a 2016 GTI and cross shopped a WRX, Focus ST, and a Fiesta ST. The Fiesta was to small and I didn’t like the interior. Focus had the same interior, felt cheap and I just didn’t like the ergonomics. WRX seemed too plain on the outside and the interior was also a bit meh. Was a sedan in the end and it just wasn’t talking to me much design wise. Ended up with the GTI cause it delivered everything I wanted. Interior quality was nice, tartan seats were a win, 35+ mpg highway, hatchback to fit all my shit in, and fun to drive. After looking at pros and cons of all vehicles it came away with the most points.

Cash Rewards > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:01

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Considered an explorer, xc90, highlander, sienna, and a pilot, ended up with a 2016 pilot to upgrade my wife’s cr-v.

I looked at a mazdaspeed 3 and wrx before randomly pulling into a vw lot, ending up with a 2011 GTI.

Before that, got a 2005 mini copper s. Didn’t consider anything else after that test drive.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:05

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4Runner. It ran. It was a family car so I knew where it had been. I didn’t really have much choice given that my parents wanted me to buy something safe and reliable. Gas sucks. But insurance is pretty cheap.

BayAreaMiataBoi > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:09

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Was considering a non-leaking 2001-2005 Mazda Miata NB2 for daily driving/infrequent HPDE track days, as a replacement for my leaky ‘99 NB1 Miata. (Ready to track with helmet, roll bar, brake upgrade, and a set of track tires.)
Was considering a Fox-Body Notchback Mustang with crate motor and track-upgraded suspension. (Massive fun, but not enough shade-tree cycles for wrenching.)
Was considering an upgraded 6- or 8-cylinder Lexus with upgraded suspension. (Cool cars, look good even with mods, kinda pricy for an un-molested version.)
Was considering an early-60's Ford Falcon with upgraded everything. (Way cool, but I don’t know how to weld, not enough shade-tree cycles for wrenching, and The CEO is tracking and limiting my car spending. . .)

Bought the upgraded Miata.

Svend > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:15

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Yes, well except the Roomster. Ugly.

The Roomster has been dropped though.

Thanks she does look beautiful. She’s been getting dusty with the hot weather so I will have to go over to the summer car shampoo with UV and anti-static properties to reduce dust settling.

Matt Nichelson > TractorPillow 05/12/2016 at 23:19

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That is how you do it.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:26

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Looked at A5, TL-S, ATS 2.0T, then re-evaluated longterm costs...

Looked at Accord (9th gen), Legacy, Fusion 9(2nd gen), Malibu (8th gen). The accord and fusion were just coming out and priced high with no budging. decided I didn’t need the awd mpg penalty (because i run snow tires) and got a good deal on the malibu.

For fun i finished restoring the 914

TractorPillow > Matt Nichelson 05/12/2016 at 23:28

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It’s called having no kids, supportive wife, and depreciation.

TractorPillow > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:29

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100% true. Back when I had an Elise and wanted a commuter vehicle I got a 1972 Mini.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:30

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Let’s see what I can remember off of the top of my head. I’m only counting ones I looked at in person and test drove because I would end Kinja if I typed every one I looked at online.

1995 Toyota Land Cruiser

2004 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon

2000 Mercedes ML320

1986 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

1999 & 2004 Subaru Outback

1999 Oldsmobile Aurora

2001 Saab 9-3

2004 Audi A4 3.0

1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

2002 Isuzu Trooper Ltd.

2003 Volvo V70 T5

2000 BMW 528i

1995 Mercedes S500

2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0

2004 Isuzu Axiom

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 V10

1996 Lexus LS400

1998 Mazda MPV 4x4

2001 Dodge Durango 5.9

2006 Ford Crown Victoria P71

2003 Infiniti Q45

2002 Land Rover Discovery II

2002 Mitsubishi Montero

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (my uncle’s)

2004 Buick Park Avenue Ultra (my grandpa’s)

2009 Ford Flex SEL (my dad’s)

I’ll let you know if I think of others.

Matt Nichelson > TractorPillow 05/12/2016 at 23:30

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I see nothing wrong with that. You only live once. Enjoy the ride because you never know when the ride will end.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:42

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My wife was driving a 10-yr-old Neon and we were looking for something considerably bigger. We were looking at minivans and even went as far as renting a Caravan for one trip and a Traverse for another. We test drove an Odyssey and an an Enclave, the latter of which she really liked.

Then she decided she didn’t want a minivan.

So we started driving SUVs. We started small with the Escape and RAV4. Too small, she said. So we went big and tried out the Excursion and the Sequoia. Too big, she said. So, we started looking at the Highlander and the Explorer. Then my in-laws came into town and next thing I know, they disappeared for a couple of hours then reappeared in our driveway with a used Explorer and a salesman. They convinced my wife that the Explorer was the way to go. Despite my protests, she drove it home that afternoon.

Funktheduck > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:45

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My thought process was this:

Needed a compact

Needed as good or better gas mileage than the Corolla it was replacing

No drum brakes

Preferably a manual hatchback

I listed out all the current compacts for sale and struck out any that didn’t meet my requirements.

Wound up with a Mazda 3

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > Wobbles the Mind 05/12/2016 at 23:54

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I was considering several different used cars in the ballpark of $4000-5000. A sampling: 1993 Infiniti G20 manual, 68k miles, one owner, $4500. 1990 Toyota Camry LE V6, 100k miles, $3995. 2000 Subaru Impreza sedan, 70k miles, $4995. I ended up with something considerably newer and more expensive on the assumption that it would be more reliable and easier to own. And while I’ve never been stranded, the car has been somewhat more maintenance-intensive than I’d anticipated. =/

Teflexing > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 00:46

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Still considering right now to be honest....I know I might get flack for this but I’m getting a first car in the near future and I’ve really been thinking about a high mileage e92 m3 or low mileage e46 m3. Which should I get??

Darkshoe (With Straight 6) > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 01:25

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Bought: 1990 BMW 735i 5-speed standard.

Considered: R53/6 Mini Cooper S, E39 BMW 540i, X308/350/358 Jaguar XJ,

Bought: 1998 E38 BMW 740iL

Considered: W124 Mercedes-Benz wagons of various engine sizes, E34 BMW 535i (because it has the same engine as my other ^ car), Jeep Cherokee XJ, Volvo 200/700 series wagons (still want to buy the wagon, had a 240DL in college, now I’m looking into 2JZGTE swaps), 3rd-gen Lincoln Town Car, 2nd-gen Chrysler 300

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 01:49

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I sold my ‘05 350Z a couple weeks ago, and considered...

a modern RX-8s,

a Celica All-Trac (‘90-’93),

An MGB

A Triumph, TR7 possibly

any V12 Jag

...

...

...

and I just got back from a very long road trip tonight after buying a ‘74 Stingray*

*Full Oppo review coming shortly

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 01:56

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I bought my GLI after driving a lot of cars. i paid $21K for it, but i could spend up to $27K here’s a list of some cars i can remember that i drove/looked at before buying it:

-Fiesta ST (3 month waiting list in august 2014....)
-Focus ST (why would i buy one over the FiST?)
-mk6 GTI (just like GLI, just more common....)
-mk7 GTI (wasn’t available yet.... would have bought but couldn’t wait)
-WRX (awesome but too expensive since there were no base ones on order at the time)
-Civi Si (coupe and Sedan) (stigma)
-V6 stick mustang (felt slow, regret not driving it more....)
-V6 stick camaro (never liked it much)
-500 Abarth (adore this thing. 14/10 would drive if i could fit....)

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 02:15

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GLA250, ML55, 211 E-class 4matic wagon. Bought R500.

‘98-03 XJR, ML55, series 1 or early series 2 XJ6/12, 211 E55, 205 C300/450. Bought 210 E55.

Ducati Monster and scrambler, triumph thruxton and street triple. Bought Harley sportster forty eight.

I know, I’m boring.

duurtlang > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 02:53

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DD : Nothing. Wanted a Peugeot 406 coupe, got a Peugeot 406 coupe.

Weekend toy : Nothing. Wanted a Peugeot 205 GTi, got a Peugeot 205 GTi.

Convertible : I did consider some others here:

Ended up with a 306 convertible as you get a lot better car for less money, without the Miata issues (rust, more rust, modifications). Do regret it slightly.

€500 winter rally banger : I considered lots of cars here. All of them in the €500 range. And, to be honest, somewhat regret my pick as it’s been characterless, way too slushy and unreliable. Nothing could beat its price though, the French cars tended to be more expensive when decent. What I looked at:

What I got:

random001 > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 03:11

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God, too many to list. I ended up using a metric I have never once used to buy a car in my life through 34 vehicles. Warranty. I considered the Outback, WRX, another Outback, Kia Optima...man, the list was huge. I went with the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec for the 50k miles of warranty left and the 60% depreciation from new. This last one was so weird for me... Lucky number 35.

Eggplant > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 03:12

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1 - Suzuki Capuccino
2 - Daihatsu Mira Avawhatever TR-XX Turbo
3 - Suzuki Alto Works
4 - Autozam AZ-1

Ended up buying a Honda Beat

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 07:56

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1994-96 Impala, 1991 Caprice, 1980's Monte Carlo, 1993 S10 350 swap, 1985 4.3 S10 w/ manual, various GMT800's and 400's, moved up to GMT900's when I realized I could afford them and then struck it lucky by finding a V8 Colorado and grabbed it.

FromCanadaWithLove > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 09:01

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I drive a ‘14 M235i. Considered waiting for the S550 Mustang GT and Audi S3 (they weren’t available at the time). Also considered a BRZ and used Cayman S.

Alex Zapata > Wobbles the Mind 05/13/2016 at 12:58

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Boxster S, Mini JCW, BMW Z4 3.0, New Mini S, new Focus ST, Miata, MR2, Leon Cupra and a couple of other 350Zs.

Ended up with my very very mint 5,500 miles 350Z, and it was the cheapest of them all by quite a bit.

And as far as the SUV, we saw Q7s, the new Tucson, a new CRV, GLK, 2 Series Active Tourer, A-Class and we almost bought a Q5 before deciding for our W164 ML350...

Bytemite > TractorPillow 05/13/2016 at 13:19

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This is how we all should live life.

thejahbro > Wobbles the Mind 05/14/2016 at 04:17

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Was considering a Challenger, WRX, FiST, MS3, and ended up buying a brand new 500 Abarth, for about 19 grand out the door. Cool little car!

wafflesnfalafel > Wobbles the Mind 05/14/2016 at 21:35

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Looking to replace my wife’s old Altima - looked at the Mazda CX-5, Outback, CRV, Rav4, Crosstrek, Accord, Mazda6 sedan, current gen Altima, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, Forester. She thought she wanted a Cx-5, but we ended up with a hyper blue Crosstrek and she’s super happy with it.