Struggling with a Car Decision

"The Dummy Gummy" (dummygummy) 01/18/2019 at 12:55 • Filed to: new car, help, Car Buying, volvo, toyota, xc60, rav4

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My family is expanding and my wife convinced me that it’s time to stop dragging my feet. Our second child is due any day. I have all our finance affairs in order and have a sizable amount I feel comfortable using on a car to keep my family safe. I really do not want to let go of my car that I’ve had loan free for over half a decade, especially since I’m so close to hitting my 200,000 mile goal. But my family is a bit assertive and my wife truly does have the final say.

Personally I want a wagon. I’ve looked at the BMW 3 series diesel and the Volvo v90 & soon out V60. But the rules of this new purchase is no wagon or car. I don’t make the rules, I just play by them. Time line for purchase is within the year, but six months or less is preferred.

[Towing ability is not a deal killer.]

First Choice Used 2018 Volvo XC60 (w/convenience package | 19k miles) ~$40k area

Pros

Quiet cabin

fancy and amazing cabin

reliable

3,500 tow rating (I have a small boat so I could finally haul it around with this car)

beautiful exterior/design

Cons

Premium Fuel (91 octane)

higher normal maintenance costs (oil change/timing belt/and so on)

higher insurance premium

higher cost to fix when something finally breaks

Second Choice New 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid (~$35-40 w/options)

Pros

Brand new and I know exactly how the car was treated

excellent fuel economy

reliable

cheap insurance premium

87 octane

Cons

can’t tow a boat (due to CVT and low tow rating [boats weights more than rating])

cabin not as quiet

Help me Oppo, you’re the only ones. Also any other SUV/CUV recommendations are welcome. I’ll still be pushing my family on the wagon front.

Other information, my daily commute is 50/miles each way; 100miles round trip. Have a 3yo, and soon an infant.

HammerheadFistpunch > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:23

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The adventure grade rav4 bumps tow ratings up to 3500 lbs, matching the xc40. You lose some EmPeeGees but they will still be pretty great.

EDIT

25/33/28 for the RAV4 adventure (on regular) vs 23/31/26 on the volvo.  if it matters.

Chariotoflove > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:23

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Why no wagon? Is it the usual ride height preference? Just asking.

I would pick the Volvo of the two. Time to do it up right. Treat your family. When you have two small kids on a road trip, you’ll thank yourself.

Do you want suggestions outside of these two? Because I’m thinking of a CX-9 signature trim. C hould be all of the pros but will less maintenance and insurance cost (although I have no data to support that statement).

facw > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:28

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Question: You say XC40 but have a picture of an XC60?

RallyWrench > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:28

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I assume minivans have been ruled out? 

Ssfancyfresh > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:29

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My default answer for this is always Jeep Grand Cherokee. Good power. Good towing. Bigly on the inside. Not so bigly on the outside. Good value. Can be had new within your budget with decent options (4x4 limited). Plenty of good  used vehicles to choose from as well  

It’s not the most interesting choice, but we had one and I loved it. Will probably get another when the time comes

The Dummy Gummy > Chariotoflove 01/18/2019 at 13:31

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Not my choice. Wife really hates the low heights and putting the kids in the current wagon. It h urts her back. I’m still working on that, but for now it’s not an option.

This will be child number 2 :). Completely agree with your point here. I was thinking long wrong trips would be a lot more comfortable, but my fear is the destruction that comes with children in the back seat haha.

I would love any and all suggestions. I’ll definitely check the CX-9. My mom has the ‘17 CX-5 and it’s gorgeous. How is it in snow? My commute sucks, it’s a 100 miles round trip.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:31

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Get Adventure trim Rav4 or another try the new Acura RDX SH-AWD. reviews have been really good.

How about Mazda Cx- 5 turbo for around $38K fully loaded?

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2019-mazda-cx-5-turbo-by-the-numbers

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mazda/cx-5/2019/2019-mazda-cx-5-turbo-first-test-review/

The Dummy Gummy > facw 01/18/2019 at 13:32

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Fixed.

Good catch ! It should have been an XC60. I was looking at the XC40's right before I posted this, but a used XC60 seemed like better value. But I’m open to opinions on the 40'

HammerheadFistpunch > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:33

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I will say that I loved our sportwagen, but the GX is a nicer vehicle for kid loading duty.  To say nothing of the fact that crossover and SUV rear doors are tall but way shorter to prevent eager kids from whipping them open into neighboring cars.  

The Dummy Gummy > RallyWrench 01/18/2019 at 13:33

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I’m down for the van, but my wife isn’t. Completely out. They make the most efficiency sens e too.

HammerheadFistpunch > facw 01/18/2019 at 13:34

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I was also wondering about this.   

camarov6rs > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:38

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With potentially 2 car seats on board I would go Rav-4 as I am pretty sure that an XC40 will be too small really quick.

CobraJoe > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:39

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Personally I want a wagon. I’ve looked at the BMW 3 series diesel and the Volvo v90 & soon out V60. But the rules of this new purchase is no wagon or car

There are some crossovers that are more wagon in feel than crossover. We have an Outback, and it definitely feels more like a wagon. Crew cab trucks are another option for a 4-5 seat family hauler, they have a lot more room than you’d imagine inside.

But definitely go test drive each option, and also try to fit the car seat in the back. Those rear facing infant carriers take up a lot of room, and it might cramp the front seat occupant.

Get your wife to look at one wagon option along with the crossovers, just so she gets a taste of what she’s eliminating. But after having two kids of my own, the slightly higher ride height is actually nice. It makes strapping your kids in a lot easier, and it’s not like you’ll miss the better handling when driving your entire family around. Just say no to a sedan, strollers (especially jogging or 2 seat ones) can be massive and hard to get in and out of a trunk.

Oh, and if you’re considering having a 3rd kid, just go for the minivan now.

HammerheadFistpunch > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:41

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Me personally I couldn’t own a volvo. We shopped for a long time to find an XC90 or XC70 we liked and even looked at the XC60 but time after time I was disappointed with how they drove and felt after a few miles had been put on them, plus they were overpriced used to say nothing of the maintenance costs.  That being said one item that damn near sold us was integrated child boosters in the XC70 and 90 and the sliding middle row in the XC90.  Such kid friendly vehicles.  ALL family oriented vehicles should have flip up boosters in the second row...ALL OF THEM.

Chariotoflove > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:42

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I figured that was it.

I don’t have snow to drive one it, but my understanding is that’s a good driver.

Also, seat covers in the back might not be amiss for corralling kid mess. 

The Dummy Gummy > camarov6rs 01/18/2019 at 13:47

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What about the xc60?

I mistyped earlier,  I’m looking at the xc60.

The Dummy Gummy > Chariotoflove 01/18/2019 at 13:48

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100% doing that this time, but kids find a way to destroy everything  haha

The Dummy Gummy > CobraJoe 01/18/2019 at 13:51

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I’ve owned a true wagon and have a 2008  Impreza wagon now. We are a Subaru (she has a forester) family, so the outback is definitely a good idea.

Yea I have a Bob stroller I run with. That thing is stupidly big. These are all good suggestions. Thanks!

Chariotoflove > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:53

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Agreed. 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:54

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Atlas or Ascent too big / thirsty?  Audi Q5 or Lincoln MKC too pricy?

HoustonRunner > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 13:57

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I have roughly the same commute, but double the kiddos, and daily a 2015 Suburban. I do live in Texas, so much of the infrastructure (including parking) is built to accomm odate those size vehicles. But the Tahoe / Yukons are great family haulers, nice inside in the higher trim levels, and (at least in the south) retain value very well as the miles rack up.

I assume you mention the commute with respect to mileage. Yeah, it ain’t great. 15 in town, 20 highway, and I average 18.5 on my commute where the first 12 miles are slow and go around 30mph, then the remainder about 30 miles the cruise is set at 72mph and very little deviation.

I also have a sentimental attachment to Suburbans, since I grew up roaming the back of an ‘82 diesel ‘burb, so definitely take my opinion with a grain of salt.

The Mazda’s are a great choice also - interior and exterior styling is crisp.

RacinBob > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 14:00

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My uncle is very pleased with his Outback 3.6. The flat 6 has good power and its rated for 3700 pounds. He uses his to tow a large sailboat so I figure your boat will be fine. Good mpg too. 

camarov6rs > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 14:04

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Just about anything in the compact crossover class should do just fine. When you look at Subcompact class it would be tight. My wife has a 2018 Equinox and back seat room is plentiful for 2 rear facing convertible car seats. With our setup you can even fit a skinny adult in the middle for short trips.

CobraJoe > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 14:08

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It was test driving a dealer’s suggestion of a Forrester that flipped my wife on the thought of owning a Subaru. W e liked the Outback better, and now she loves that car. It’s a 2012 2.5i with the CVT, but I really can’t say anything bad about it. The base cloth seats are actually comfy and have seat heaters, the engine is small but it doesn’t feel slow or overworked, and the CVT is actually ok (The paddle shifters work faster than any “manual shifted auto” I’ve ever driven). Plus it handles decently and was pretty fun on the twisty roads of the black hills.

I ended up with a crew cab Titan for my vehicle. It’s got room enough for 5 adults to fit comfortably, tons of cargo space, and more towing capacity than I’m probably ever going to use. It is a nice luxury to never have to worry how I’m getting something home. (Though it does suck gas like crazy, is almost too big for our garage, and not it’s not the most nimble vehicle, though it handles well--for a truck .)

Under_Score > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 14:08

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Discounts should be great on leftover 2018 RAV4 Hybrids. I have a 2012 RAV4, and it hasn’t had any major issues in 6.5 years and 80,000 miles. The only time it’s been “in the shop” the past couple years were two wrecks. Interior-wise, the 2013-2018 gen seemed to fix some of the comfort lacking in my generation.

Plus, I just think the new RAV4 is hideous, but that’s just me. I like the bright blue color, but I like how the 2018 Hybrid Limited in bright blue looks, too.

Edit: Saw the towing requirement, which the hybrid doesn’t meet. :( Highlander Hybrid does, though, and a new XLE has a ton of options at RAV4 Limited pricing.

Tristan > HoustonRunner 01/18/2019 at 14:11

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First car I ever drove was the family’s ‘84 6.2 Diesel Suburban and I also currently own a Suburban!

RallyWrench > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 14:22

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That’s a bummer. I was antivan for the longest time but when we had Thing 2 we got rid of a beloved manual trans BMW wagon (which itself replaced a GTI upon the arrival of Thing 1 ) for a Sienna, and needless to say I’ve seen the light. M y wife loves it, and if she’s happy, I’m happy . Comfy, good stereo, decent economy for its utility (over 23MPG average ) , hauls all 4 of us and our stuff and extended family just fine. That’s something to think about if any grandparents, nieces/nephews, kids’ friends will be with you regularly, most SUVs quickly run out of space and legroom when actually filled with people unless they say Suburban on the back . We were the first to adopt the van life in our circle of friends and after riding in ours, others have followed. Just another vote for the van here, good luck in your search nonetheless!

MUSASHI66 > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 15:28

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Vehicles which might be fun to drive:

CX-5 with the 250HP engine and AWD for $35-40k

Used base model Macan

Used Audi SQ5

Vehicles that would work:

Outback H6

Subaru Ascent

New Honda Passport might be out in time

Or any other SUV/CUV in $35-40k range, which is probably like 50 different cars.

The Dummy Gummy > MUSASHI66 01/18/2019 at 15:37

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I wish I could do the Macan. I love the design and look. I just worry long term expenses would get high and diapers are expensive as fuuuuuu***

Will consider the other choices for sure.

nermal > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 15:44

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Just get a pickup. Take your choice of any of the domestic 1500s, they’ll all get ~20mpg on the highway as long as you don’t drive too stupidly. 25+ mpg if you go for a diesel, but the total ownership cost may not work in their favor, depending on fuel prices where you are.

~$40k will get you a decent crew cab / 4wd, new with a few options. Just make sure you buy it right, get one with lots of rebates. 

The Dummy Gummy > nermal 01/18/2019 at 16:10

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I appreciate the input, but I think trucks are out for me. You’re talking $625 yearly hit in fuel economy alone over my current car (avg $2.50 gallon, gets worse as gas goes up) , for a louder cabin and rougher ride.

I did seriously consider the new Ranger  because they claim they can hit 26mpg’s, but the up charges got astronomical. I won’t rule it out completely, but we’ll see!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 16:12

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T ell her CUVs are just sliderless minivans.

Honestly, I was against minivans, then we got a deal on one and I’ve never been happier.

The Dummy Gummy > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/18/2019 at 16:24

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Took her for a ride in one. She was a hard no :(

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 16:50

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What minivan?

Asking because after driving pretty much all the new minivans, I can say there’s really only 2 I would consider from a driving dynamics standpoint. The Transit Connect is a great driving minivan, with car-like dynamics, but it is more utility based. Otherwise the Grand Caravan GT is 2nd best driving IMO. The rest all seem to drive like rolly pigs.

What is she looking for in a vehicle?

nermal > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 17:47

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Pricing on domestic pickups is dumb, but you need to play the game. Don’t go by MSRP. They all have $5k - $10k in discounts built into the price, so the dealer can use that to get you to buy TODAY instead of waiting.

Ride quality and noise levels on nicer 1500s is comparable to a nicer car. They’re all sur prisingly comfortable.

DarkCreamyBeer > The Dummy Gummy 01/18/2019 at 18:23

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I own a 2015 Acura MDX SH-AWD and honestly I love it. It drives and handles better than anything its size really should. The interior isn’t as nice as my Audi, but it’s fine, and has held up to the kids and dog well. My wife says we’ll bury her in it.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > The Dummy Gummy 01/19/2019 at 22:52

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also the rear seat is smaller than the others . remember trying to get someone into a car seat.