February 04, 2011 08:52 PM UTC

I Need A New Car

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• by: MADCO

Well, I want a new car….no, I need one…well….  Ok, I can’t tell the difference any more, so let’s just say I’m going to get a car.

What do I get?

And when I say “new” I mean new for me.  I usually much prefer to buy used – cheaper and less painful depreciation.

I know for a lot of drivers, this is pretty easy.  And it has been for me in the past, but not now.

I live in a two car house. Well, one for now.  My 1989 euro trash car finally died.

Some would say it died some time ago, maybe when the trans started slipping. Or perhaps when the rear brakes required a rebuild (the front is where most the brake action comes from.) I decided to wait until the head gasket blew.  350,000 miles (approx- the odometer has been inop for some time)

So what do I need:

reliable, safe, reasonably efficient (I don’t drive a lot) vehicle that can carry 4 sometimes, 3 often.

Prefer:

electric, convertible,

So recently the one working car was in the shop and the loaner was a 2010 Suburban with tow package.  I haven’t driven an American V8 is awhile- and I gotta say that was fun.  That nagging feeling of irresponsibility was assuaged by it being only temporary.  But 14mpg is not practical or exciting.

So, the car I want does not exist.  

There are a few electric cars – Leaf, Volt – but I need a car now, not in 12-18 months.

And none of them are topless.

So I’ve stirring the budget, needs, and wants (which i can’t always distinguish) together, I’ve boiled the choice down to:

– 5 yr old Civic (gasoline or hybrid- doesn’t matter)

– 10 – 12 yr old BMW or Volvo convertible

– something else

thoughts are welcome.