Over the past couple months I have been toying with the idea of replacing my truck. Getting rid of the Ford Explorer for a similar vehicle that will get much better gas mileage. 18mpg is what it gets and that is rounding it up.
Plus the brakes have been an issue for a couple of years. I had them replaced 3 or 4 years ago and they keep feeling mushy. Sometimes the front shakes a bit too when braking. The CD player I had installed has stopped working, which reminds me I need to get the 6 discs out of there somehow. And there is something wrong with the electrical system that puts a constant drain on the battery.
Over the past couple of days I have been perusing vehicles with more than a passing interest. Getting better gas mileage is a big plus, but having a better vehicle overall with newer features is what I truly want. I have had the Mustang for 13 years now. I believe I bought the Explorer 11 years ago. For some people that would be an eternity.
Part of what has held me back is the thought of spending a lot of money on a vehicle I normally drive half the year. Well, that is changing too. My next vehicle will eventually replace both of them. No, I am not getting rid of the Mustang. I plan to drive that baby until it decides to go to heaven. My next move would be to go to just one year round car.
So I have thinking of what matters most to me now. This is the list I have come up with:
- Good gas mileage- must get over 25mpg minimum
- Truck like feel- cannot be low to the ground. Years of volleyball have left my knees shot
- Must be able to plug in my iPhone and listen to music- Yeah this matters!
- Be fun to drive- I spend a good amount of time driving. I want to be able to enjoy it
- I need some cargo capacity- Enough room to toss a lawn mower or snow blower in
My original thought was to get a Ford Escape. It isn't that much smaller than the 2 door Explorer I have now. It is affordable as well and I have had great experiences with Ford. The Toyota Rav4 is a possibility. Slightly better than an Escape but pricier. Still in the mix.
But lately a new vehicle has caught my eye. The Nissan Rogue. It is a crossover than is a bit sportier than most. It has a little less cargo room but has more of the car feel than the other too. Or so I have heard. I also hear it handles the snow pretty damn well. I will have to test drive this vehicle. Some say it can be loud with its variable transmission (I need to see what my mechanic says) but overall is a good value.
I did look at the Lexus RX-350. No way I am spending that much for a vehicle.
I guess part of me just wants a newer vehicle to enjoy again. I like my truck. I do. But sometimes we want something new to perk up daily life.
2 comments:
I like the look of the Nissan. Don't forget it has to be roomier enough to haul camping items.
I'm a Toyota gal. I would have a hard time buying something else as a primary vehicle. You can't beat their reliability. Heck, I'm at 87000+ miles and still on the original brakes. They also hold their resale value well.
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