The Long List

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As mentioned earlier, I've put together a long list of cars. It’s cars that I plan on going and checking out in person, and probably writing about. The list is mostly based on the criteria that I listed in my last post and my own personal aesthetic taste. Not everything on the list necessarily fits all of the desirable but not required features, and all are pending wife approval. It’s likely that I will get priced out of some of these. There are some things you’ll notice about what’s not on the list:

Vans – I’m not even sure you can get an AWD van in the US. It doesn’t matter. My experiences driving vans have been uneventful at best, and never pleasant.

Pickup trucks (for now) – Full size trucks are completely beyond anything I would need and quickly spiral out of my price range. Midsize trucks are becoming more available, but they always look odd to me with the crew cabs. It’s a flimsy reason to discount them and I may still take a look when I’m wandering around.

Mitsubishi – I would really only consider the Lancer anyway, but the the closest dealer is out of state and inconvenient even from my office.

Nissan – The Xterra was originally on this list, but they discontinued it after the 2015 model year.

GM, with the exception of Cadillac – One of the things I should have mentioned in my list of desirables was fewer electronic gadgets. I know that’s harder and harder to do, but GM is purposefully going in the opposite direction. A standard wi-fi hotspot pushes them over the breaking point. I don’t want it. I still want to take a peak at the ATS.

You may also notice that there are a lot of crossovers that easily fit the criteria but didn’t make the list. I have a hard time with crossovers. I understand why they exist and why they sell so well. In fact, if someone told me they bought a Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4, I would congratulate them and tell them they made a good choice. These are both really good cars. I could also say the same for a lot of other CUVs. They just really aren’t for me. So when I do have one the list there’s something in particular I like about it, or it’s close enough to a hatchback or a wagon that I can convince myself that’s what it is.

Anyway here’s the list with some brief preliminary thoughts thrown in:

Dodge

Charger – it’s a cop car

Chrysler

200 – These got good initial reviews in the press but rumor has it the transmissions are finicky. I’m also on the fence about the styling. It’s still light years ahead of the old version.

300 – I don’t know if I’m old enough for one of these

Ford – The last Ford I had was a probe, so there’s that.

Fusion – particularly the 325 hp sport version they’re releasing

Taurus – I always picture the 90’s version when I hear the name.

Jeep

Wrangler – I’ve always wanted one of these, but I’m concerned about the practicality of daily driving

Wrangler Unlimited

Grand Cherokee

Mazda

CX-5

CX-3 – might be too small?

Kia – At one time I said I would never own a Kia. They’re staggeringly improved over the first one I drove in the late 90’s. If they made an AWD Optima, this whole exercise might be moot.

Sorrento – this is best looking AWD vehicle Kia makes. It’s probably too big.

Hyundai –

Genesis – Probably too expensive, also maybe no longer a Hyundai?

Santa Fe Sport – maybe?

Toyota

4Runner – one of the last genuine SUVs in existence. They’re big and they get expensive quick. Used examples are somewhat rare and still expensive.

Honda

HRV

Subaru – When in New England, do as the New Englanders do?

I’m open to anything but the BRZ. I’ve also heard that the Legacy is a little weak compared to other cars in its class.

Lexus

IS

RC

BMW – I’m not sure I can pull off a BMW

2

3- I particularly like the wagons but they’re pricy

x1

x3

Infiniti

Q50

Q60

QX30 – this really is just a hatchback. They’ve said so.

QX50

Mercedes – I… have a hard time with Mercedes.

CLA

GLA

Volvo – fun fact: there are three Volvo dealers in Rhode Island. THREE!

S60

V60/crosscountry

XC70

Volkswagen

golfR

Fiat

500x – I don’t know why, but I like the way it looks. The interiors are supposed to be really nice.

Audi

A3/S3

A4
A5

Allroad

Jaguar

XE - I’m not sure I can get one configured the way I want in my budget. They also aren’t actually on dealer lots yet in the US as far as I know

Land Rover

Discovery Sport – same issue as the Jaguar.

Cadillac – I don’t know if I’m old enough to drive a Cadillac

ATS/coupe

Lincoln – I don’t know if I’m old enough to drive a Lincoln either.

MKZ

Mini

Clubman All4 – Probably not.

So that’s the list. I probably won't actually start looking at cars until the weather warms up a bit. Let me know if there’s anything I missed, or a reason that something that’s here shouldn’t be.

I'm in the Market for a Car. Want to Read About It?

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I find myself once again in the market for a new car. I’m currently leasing a Kia Optima. This is the first time I’ve ever gone down the lease road. I may not have considered it but at the time it seemed like the most viable option given the situation. It hasn’t been bad so far, but I may feel differently when the lease is up and it’s time to turn in the car. Speaking of the car, I have been really pleasantly surprised by the Kia. It’s well put together, sporty (for a midsize sedan), and not bad to drive. I might even consider keeping it, except that I went for a less equipped model because of the situation at the time. There are a few things it’s missing that I’d really like to have.

This puts me in an interesting situation. I like cars and driving but I wouldn’t exactly call myself an enthusiast or an expert. My wife calls me a car snob, but she has to listen to me talk about cars. I live in an area with a prolific variety of car dealers. I don’t really hold any brand loyalty. I do have a fondness for Jeeps, and admittedly, I’ve owned as many Chrysler products as other brands combined. That said, I’d like to explore all the options.

But this leaves me with a lot of choice. The auto industry is probably the best it has been in my lifetime. No matter what your requirements are there is a good car to meet them, and probably two or three. If I randomly wandered on to dealer’s lots I would probably waste a lot of salespeoples’ time getting lost in all the options.

So I’ve decided to put together a list of requirements in order to narrow things down. Oh yah, I’ve also decided to write about my experiences and the cars I look at in order to give you a layman’s view of the car buying process. Maybe we’ll all learn something. Maybe (likely) you’ll all laugh at how stupid I am. Anyway, here are my requirements:

NEW (or possibly CPO) – In the past I have purchased used cars almost exclusively. The depreciation hit a new car takes alone is worth it. I would still consider a used car if the right one came along. The problem is (1) the used car market, at least in my part of New England is really ugly. It’s almost as if cars don’t take anywhere near the depreciation hit they used to. (2) there are A LOT of used cars out there. At least for the purpose of trying to decide what I really want, it’s better to focus on the new ones. Maybe after I narrow things down to a specific model or two I’ll take a look and see If I can get a deal on a gently used example.

AFFORDABLE – I’m going to avoid talking actual numbers here because I think it’s crass. If you pay attention you’ll be able to figure out what the range is anyway. I will let you know if I come across a great deal. Something like $10K below MSRP for example. Anyway, the goal here is to keep both my payments and my insurance from making me want to drink when I get the bill every month. I should also note here that I’m open to leasing again if the terms are favorable.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION – I know; hardcore car guys shun autos. This is part of the reason I don’t claim the enthusiast title. My wife and I can both drive a stick. The problem is the area of the Midwest where we both learned to drive is MUCH flatter with much straighter roads than Southern New England. My wife doesn’t want to worry about making a mistake in bad weather or heavy traffic and causing an accident. She will occasionally drive the car. I can’t blame her. Auto it is.

AWD/4WD – I understand the arguments. I know without a doubt that a good set of snow tires will do more in winter weather than AWD. I have driven front wheel drive cars and even a rear wheel drive pickup in northern winters without major problems. Still, the weather is unpredictable here with intense rain and snow blowing up out of nowhere from time to time. It would be nice to have an extra bit of traction when things get interesting. It also limits the pool of contenders a bit.

SEATS 4+ - I honestly don’t have passengers, other than maybe my wife. Still, it’s nice to be able to cart visitors around when we have them without having to rent a bus. I may need to take the dogs somewhere at some point too. I can’t see fitting all three of them in a two seat coupe.

WIFE’S APPROVAL – She will have to drive it occasionally. She will have to be seen with me driving it. I’m spending our money. She gets a say.

Other things that would be good to have, but aren’t deal breakers if they aren’t possible:

SEAT 4 COMFORTABLY – Like I said, sometimes we haul visitors around southern New England all day. Ever ridden in the back seat of a Mustang?

25 MPG COMBINED – Gas is fairly cheap now, but I’m not holding my breath that it will stay that way. 25 MPG combined isn’t too much of a stretch given current engine technology. Also: environment and stuff.

HEATED/COOLED SEATS – the better to be comfortable with.

HEATED STEERING WHEEL – Every winter I want one more and more.

REMOTE START – I never knew I needed this until I had it. I’m not sure I can live without it anymore. I love going out to a pre-warmed car on a cold morning. I know, it’s not so environmentally friendly.

USABLE CARGO SPACE – we like to go places. It’s nice to take stuff with us, especially if we’re also bringing the dogs. I also have a decently sized garden and lots of home and yard projects. The more cargo space, the better.

FUN TO DRIVE – This should probably be required rather than nice to have. The practical side of me says this shouldn’t matter. I’m stuck in slow traffic for part of my average commute anyway. Even so, there is a great deal of value to me in having something that is enjoyable to spend time in since I spend at least of an hour of my day there. I’ll probably end up putting a great deal of weight on this quality.

So that’s it. My plan is to throw up my longlist of options in the next post with some preliminary thoughts. I would love to get suggestions and thoughts as I’m going through this process. You can even tell me I’m making mistakes. I’m open to constructive criticism. Please don’t tell me “FORDSUCKSCHEVYRULEZ!!!!” though. I already know.