Is he being unreasonable?

[Amethyst Rose]

My husband and I currently have a 1991 Ford Explorer, that we've owned for about 2 years. We payed $4100 for it. It is slowly falling apart... it needs a new windshield, the heater needs to be fixed, the front seat needs to be fixed (it won't slide up or back, and he had to prop the seat up with something, or it reclines. The passenger door handle has come off, and you have to close the door with the door opener, or window knob thingy. And it needs new tires. Plus it's a standard. I learned how to drive a standard after we bought it, so I can drive it. However, my husband is 6 inches taller than me, and since the seat won't move up, I can barely reach the peddals, which makes shifting really hard, although doable if I'm going slowly enough in town. I refuse to drive it on the highway or in the city though, cuz it just wouldn't be safe.

So, we want to buy a new vehicle. Our price range is $25,000 CAD. We need something that will fit both our dogs in the back (one very big dog, you can find pics in the pet pic. thread if you're so inclined). My husband wants to buy a 2004 or 2005 vehicle... in which case, we're restricted to stationwagons, (possibly the Dodge Magnum) and some small suvs (like the Toyota Rav4). None of which, I think will fit our dogs well enough. I, however, am happy with a 2000 or higher vehicle, just as long as it fits the dogs. My husband doesn't want a vehicle without a warranty, cuz we've made a lot of expensive repairs on past cars.

So, do you think it makes more sense to get a vehicle with a warranty with not enough space, or one with enough space, with no warranty?

[soilsigh aingeal]

Some places offer their own warranties on the cars that they sell, you may want to check into that.

[Faeawyn]

Personally, I wouldn't buy brand new because it depreciates by about 20-25% the moment you drive it off the lot. I bought my Explorer 2 years old and it still had a full factory warranty on it. I'd buy a 2002-2003 with a warranty :)

[Amethyst Rose]

Some places offer their own warranties on the cars that they sell, you may want to check into that.

Yeah, we paid for a one year warranty on our Explorer, on the transmission and drive systems....but it didn't cover clutch or fly wheel when it needed to be fixed, and that cost us $2,000. That's why he wants factory warranty.

[Amethyst Rose]

Personally, I wouldn't buy brand new because it depreciates by about 20-25% the moment you drive it off the lot. I bought my Explorer 2 years old and it still had a full factory warranty on it. I'd buy a 2002-2003 with a warranty :)

How many years is your factory warranty for, Faeawyn?

[melantha rose]

Buying a few years old with warranty means you get more for your money, and you can find something in your price range, so your dogs will fit nicely in the back --with plenty of room to scratch if the need hits them ;) !

[Philbo]

Are you and your dogs rough on your vehicles? If so, the warranty might be kind of nice. However, dogs need space more than they need other vehicle luxirues. I'd look for something slightly older that can withstand a lot of dog traffic. If you like Hondas, the new Element might work, though they're a bit pricey and funny-looking, but they're very easy maintenance vehicles.

[Amethyst Rose]

Buying a few years old with warranty means you get more for your money, and you can find something in your price range, so your dogs will fit nicely in the back --with plenty of room to scratch if the need hits them !


Hmm... I'll ask him if we can do that. I know that he fully intends on getting rid of it once the warranty is up though, so it would totally depend on how long the warranty is good for.

[KaiTokuro]

I was gonna say Hondas are very nice. I drive a '99 Honda CRV and I love it. Its not too huge, not to small, and does fit dogs well. I had to take both of our collies to the vet before and they fit comfortably in my car. So its always a possibility

[misschief]

well... the first thing i want to say is... early 90's explorers are known for pretty much falling apart. so you probably shouldn't expect that with your next vehicle.. you could do what i do.. take it to the mechanic for a free go-over when you test drive it. as far as having the space.... if you find something you want without enough back room, you could go to walmart and buy a backseat cover for around $30 and you would just be able to take it off and toss it in the washer when you need to. i wouldn't go with brand new either, it's a waste of money if you don't really have it to waste. so.. i'd just shop around and find what you want, there are ways to get around the dogs screwing up the backseat. *shrug*.

[Amethyst Rose]

Are you and your dogs rough on your vehicles? If so, the warranty might be kind of nice. However, dogs need space more than they need other vehicle luxirues. I'd look for something slightly older that can withstand a lot of dog traffic. If you like Hondas, the new Element might work, though they're a bit pricey and funny-looking, but they're very easy maintenance vehicles.

Yes, we've considered the Element and I really like it. The dogs aren't tough on the vehicles at all, beyond getting hair all over it...they only ride in it a few times a year (vet, and on vacations to my parent's).

The argument he's using is that we can spend $25,000 on an old suv, or $25,000 on a new wagon or small suv... that the dogs don't ride in it often enough to really need the space. He doesn't care about the value of a car depreciating. I personally think he just prefers to have something nice and shiny and new. We've never had a new car before. :)

Eh...maybe I'm the one who's not being practical.

[Nighthawk]

Hmm, Pickup with a canopy with a warranty.. canopy locks, can hose out the bed...

[Amethyst Rose]

Unfortunately, new pickups are way beyond our price range, seeing as how we'd need a king cab, so the baby can go in the back with his car seat.

[Nighthawk]

Wow, I was looking at a last years model last night..king cab, four doors with a hemi for 18.. wow.. prices are higher there, dang.. well, if it is a full size, car seat not fit?

[misschief]

Yes, we've considered the Element and I really like it. The dogs aren't tough on the vehicles at all, beyond getting hair all over it...they only ride in it a few times a year (vet, and on vacations to my parent's).

The argument he's using is that we can spend $25,000 on an old suv, or $25,000 on a new wagon or small suv... that the dogs don't ride in it often enough to really need the space. He doesn't care about the value of a car depreciating. I personally think he just prefers to have something nice and shiny and new. We've never had a new car before. :)

Eh...maybe I'm the one who's not being practical.well.. i think EVERYONE should have a new car at some point, it's very satisfying... lol. even if it is money down the drain, it feels nice. LOL.

[Tzhebee]

You should check around the local dealerships. In 2002, we found a 2001 lease return car. Because it only had 15,000 miles on it, it was still under manufacture warranty, and had the option of a FULL extended warenty. And it was about $10,000 less than the new model since it was a lease return!

Take your time looking, and I'm sure you can find something that fits your size requirement and your husbands warranty issues! Good luck!!

[Amethyst Rose]

Wow, I was looking at a last years model last night..king cab, four doors with a hemi for 18.. wow.. prices are higher there, dang.. well, if it is a full size, car seat not fit?

To be honest, I haven't look around a lot, but all of dodge's pickups range between $28,000 and $38,000. I would definately need something with a back seat, that's what makes it so pricey.

[Athena-Nadine]

We bought my Durango July 2003. It's a 2000. It was a certified used car, bought at the Dodge dealership, that came with a 4 yr/48,000 mile warranty (which began at the mileage we bought it, which was 32,000, so it has a warranty on it until it reaches 80,000 miles or I've had it for 4 years). We had the option to extend the warranty but chose not to. It also came with a 90-day/3,000 mile guarantee that covered everything on the car immediately after I drove it off the lot. It cost $23,000 and we've never has a single problem with it.

[Amethyst Rose]

We bought my Durango July 2003. It's a 2000. It was a certified used car, bought at the Dodge dealership, that came with a 4 yr/48,000 mile warranty (which began at the mileage we bought it, which was 32,000, so it has a warranty on it until it reaches 80,000 miles or I've had it for 4 years). We had the option to extend the warranty but chose not to. It also came with a 90-day/3,000 mile guarantee that covered everything on the car immediately after I drove it off the lot. It cost $23,000 and we've never has a single problem with it.

Ah, well, that's another thing - milage. We drive about 50,000 km per year (husband communtes 1 hour each way) I'm not sure we'd make it to the 4 year limit....hmmm The 2005 Durangos starts at $44,000 CAD. Even if we got the 2004 I doubt we'd save $20,000 on it, to be able to afford it, unfortunately. :)

[WynnJera]

1st of all ... call me and I will give you the phone # to our mehcanic ... he got us JD's truck w/o the topper for $ 9000 ... one farmer owner only and her was trading it in for a new model ... yes it did not come with a warranty but he checked it over and made sure it was safe ....

2nd we have already looked at the Magmum .... #1 you NEVER look at a new series in it's 1st year or 2 for bugs that it might have ... 2nd the SE base model might be $22,920 ..... but the next model up has more options the the pedals that adjust as needs and that is $26,420 ... plus with possible hwy driving cuz you do not live in the city ... do you not want AWD ... once again the next model up .... that means more money $$$$ when we price it for us we were just of $ 40,000 and we did not add anything we did not need for safety or suruity.....

we are looking at the Pontiac Vibe ..... ( yes it is a wagon )

http://www.pontiac.com/vibe/images/enlarge_image100.jpg

Base is aprx 18,000 new 2005 ....

GT Model aprx 21,000 new 2005

AWD Model aprx 22,000 new 2005

We will not get the GT as it only come ins standard but the engine in much bigger 170 horse .... the AWD in the car in reviews have been said to lag in traction control function ... so since it in RW drive we think for us the base model ... the seats 60 / 40 fold down flat and JD and I and sleep in the back while saving on gas while driving around ... wanna go to Calgary ... wanna to to BC ... saving on Gas and Camping .....

http://www.pontiac.com/vibe/index.jsp?brand=home&pagename=home


if you wanna buy new ... but if you wanna safe $$$ let me get you chris's # he got us a great deal on JD's truck and we love it ... I just wanna update my 1995 Neon ... :smooch:

[Yasmine Galenorn]

It depends on how much you're willing to shovel into the car in repairs. When we got our 1997 (in 1999) we thought it was a good deal, even without warranty. We've put thousands and thousands into that car over the years. This year, when we buy a second vehicle, it WILL be new and it WILL have a warranty. Period.

Yasmine :colorful:

[Athena-Nadine]

Ah, well, that's another thing - milage. We drive about 50,000 km per year (husband communtes 1 hour each way) I'm not sure we'd make it to the 4 year limit....hmmm The 2005 Durangos starts at $44,000 CAD. Even if we got the 2004 I doubt we'd save $20,000 on it, to be able to afford it, unfortunately. :)
I know that. :) Mine was 3 years old when we bought it.

[Amethyst Rose]

1st of all ... call me and I will give you the phone # to our mehcanic ... he got us JD's truck w/o the topper for $ 9000 ... one farmer owner only and her was trading it in for a new model ... yes it did not come with a warranty but he checked it over and made sure it was safe ....

2nd we have already looked at the Magmum .... #1 you NEVER look at a new series in it's 1st year or 2 for bugs that it might have ... 2nd the SE base model might be $22,920 ..... but the next model up has more options the the pedals that adjust as needs and that is $26,420 ... plus with possible hwy driving cuz you do not live in the city ... do you not want AWD ... once again the next model up .... that means more money $$$$ when we price it for us we were just of $ 40,000 and we did not add anything we did not need for safety or suruity.....

we are looking at the Pontiac Vibe ..... ( yes it is a wagon )



Base is aprx 18,000 new 2005 ....

GT Model aprx 21,000 new 2005

AWD Model aprx 22,000 new 2005

We will not get the GT as it only come ins standard but the engine in much bigger 170 horse .... the AWD in the car in reviews have been said to lag in traction control function ... so since it in RW drive we think for us the base model ... the seats 60 / 40 fold down flat and JD and I and sleep in the back while saving on gas while driving around ... wanna go to Calgary ... wanna to to BC ... saving on Gas and Camping .....

if you wanna buy new ... but if you wanna safe $$$ let me get you chris's # he got us a great deal on JD's truck and we love it ... I just wanna update my 1995 Neon ...


Wow, thanks for all that Wynn! We found a Magnum in a dealership down town (on 104th) that was going for $21,000 plus trade-in. We didn't look at all the options though, we were just stunned to find it so cheep. We'll have to take a closer look to see what that paid for.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to convince him to get anything thats not a 2004 or 2005. So you're mechanic probably can't help. Plus, he said he wants a car that he knows no one else drove the #$@% out of. He's a taurus and a lot more stubborn that I am.

I like the looks of that car that you posted, though...it's pretty. I wonder how much room's in the back.... it's another one to consider, thanks. :)

[Amethyst Rose]

It depends on how much you're willing to shovel into the car in repairs. When we got our 1997 (in 1999) we thought it was a good deal, even without warranty. We've put thousands and thousands into that car over the years. This year, when we buy a second vehicle, it WILL be new and it WILL have a warranty. Period.

Yasmine :colorful:

Yes! That's exactly his point. The last car we bought that was fairly new, was a 1996 and we bought it in 2000. No warranty left. We bought it for $10,000 and put $7000 into it in 1 year. Absofrekinlutly rediculous. :)

[Athena-Nadine]

Also, the Isuzu Rodeo is a very reliable car, and it can be bought at under $26,000 brand new. :)

My mother just bought a Mercury Mariner with every option, brand new, and it was less than $30,000. If you don't need every single option that's offered, there's no reason you can't get on for $5,000 less than that. :D

[WynnJera]

1st of all ... call me and I will give you the phone # to our mehcanic ... he got us JD's truck w/o the topper for $ 9000 ... one farmer owner only and her was trading it in for a new model ... yes it did not come with a warranty but he checked it over and made sure it was safe ....

2nd we have already looked at the Magmum .... #1 you NEVER look at a new series in it's 1st year or 2 for bugs that it might have ... 2nd the SE base model might be $22,920 ..... but the next model up has more options the the pedals that adjust as needs and that is $26,420 ... plus with possible hwy driving cuz you do not live in the city ... do you not want AWD ... once again the next model up .... that means more money $$$$ when we price it for us we were just of $ 40,000 and we did not add anything we did not need for safety or suruity.....

we are looking at the Pontiac Vibe ..... ( yes it is a wagon )

http://www.pontiac.com/vibe/images/enlarge_image100.jpg

Base is aprx 18,000 new 2005 ....

GT Model aprx 21,000 new 2005

AWD Model aprx 22,000 new 2005

We will not get the GT as it only come ins standard but the engine in much bigger 170 horse .... the AWD in the car in reviews have been said to lag in traction control function ... so since it in RW drive we think for us the base model ... the seats 60 / 40 fold down flat and JD and I and sleep in the back while saving on gas while driving around ... wanna go to Calgary ... wanna to to BC ... saving on Gas and Camping .....

http://www.pontiac.com/vibe/index.jsp?brand=home&pagename=home


if you wanna buy new ... but if you wanna safe $$$ let me get you chris's # he got us a great deal on JD's truck and we love it ... I just wanna update my 1995 Neon ... :smooch:


Opps I talked with hubby and I gave the wrong info ....

http://www.gmcanada.com/english/home/

The previous link was for the Vibe US site ... please see above ....

Can price base start $19,900

Can price AWD start $23,755

Can price GT start $25,670

Sorrt about that ..... they are FWD not RWD ... hey what do I know I am a girl .... :lol: good think I told hubby you you wanted a new car ... :D

[WynnJera]

Wow, thanks for all that Wynn! We found a Magnum in a dealership down town (on 104th) that was going for $21,000 plus trade-in. We didn't look at all the options though, we were just stunned to find it so cheep. We'll have to take a closer look to see what that paid for.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to convince him to get anything thats not a 2004 or 2005. So you're mechanic probably can't help. Plus, he said he wants a car that he knows no one else drove the #$@% out of. He's a taurus and a lot more stubborn that I am.

I like the looks of that car that you posted, though...it's pretty. I wonder how much room's in the back.... it's another one to consider, thanks. :)

There is alot of room .. we want to get it for a camping car ... there is a roof rack standard and then the 60 / 40 seat folds down and JD who is 5'11 can lay flat and sleep in the back with the hack closed ... he rented one for my b-day gift ... it was very nice to drive ... it is a very tall car as well you are in some cases almost as tall as some SUV's... I would take a test drive before making any real choices .... and then in the hack you put a gate across the the dogs and then you are set for quint in the back seat and room for the family to grow and you and hubby on the front .....

[Amethyst Rose]

I'm actually considering the Saturn Vue, right now.... hubby thinks it's ugly, but the 2005 is in our price range, and it looks like there's lots of room....we could have both worlds.

Thanks Wynn for that link... hehe I was looking at that page before you put it up though. hehe :)

We're gonna have to go shopping pretty soon so I can see all these cars in person...there's just too many options out there. :)

[Tzhebee]

Another thing you may consider (depending on how long you wait to buy). Find a dealer that you trust and let them know what you are looking for. Then they can keep an eye out at auctions and whatnot for you.

Some dealerships will also let you "test drive" a car over night so that you can get a real feel for it and how well it fits you, instead of the 20 minutes around town kind of test-drive.