Searching for a New Car

Image via Wikipedia

Article first published as Searching for a New Car on Technorati.

My 1997 Honda CR-V has logged 175,000 miles.  It is 14 years old and although it is still running, its age has  started to cost money.  Parts are rotting out, it rattles off and on, and there are numerous drops of oil all over the driveway.  My feeling has always been that as long as the car runs, there is no need to think about a new one.  However, I have finally decided that I don’t want to put more money into replacing parts, and want the security of going on a long drive without worry.  So, the search for a new car has begun. 

I am in the market for a crossover vehicle.  The size suits my needs and I feel comfortable driving this type of vehicle.  After looking at many makes and models, there are some features that seem to be similar across the market.  The boxy shape has become extinct.  Most have rounded the shape starting with a sloping front windshield, a curved top, and a rounded back-end.  The back window has shrunk so much so that in some models, it looks like a peep-hole.  There are many blind spots which for me, is not good.  I don’t think I can adjust to the lack of vision.  This bubble shape has also cut down on the amount of cargo space.  I also find it interesting that so many have added that little triangle window on the side.  Did one person  design all the cars for 2012?

Sit inside and the dashboard looks like the cockpit of an airplane.  So many tiny buttons, screens, bluetooth, iPod plugin, etc.   Is all this really necessary?  All I need is a good radio, heat and air conditioning, lights, and wipers.  No doubt all these buttons and knobs contribute to the growing number of distracted drivers.  One dealer went on and on about the phone access and the moon roof.  I finally said that those features weren’t big selling points, and that I could live without them.  He realized that I wasn’t going to be buying the top of the line model, and started showing me the more basic one.  Talk to me about gas mileage, leg room, cargo space, all wheel drive and I’m all ears.  I have done my homework and know what I want. 

The fall out from the Japanese earthquake is still being felt.  Go on any dealers website and you will see that a number of cars are still in transit.  This is one reason the American cars have increased in sales.  They are available, and ready for purchase.  Right now I am leaning towards the Subaru Forester because of its size, shape, and features.  I have not made a final decision, and will probably change my mind multiple times before I take the plunge this spring.   When you buy a new car every 15 years, you want to be sure.  Any suggestions are appreciated.

Small Cars at Costco

       I went shopping at Costco last week.  The drill is always the same.  I plan to go in for a “few” items, which should only take a “few” minutes.  Well, this never happens but I like to try and fool myself into thinking that someday it will.  The few minutes always turns into at least an hour.  The few items double or triple by the time I get to the checkout.  That is why I would really like to know what you buy when you go to Costco in a small car.

   I buy cereal,  coffee, meat, and breads on every trip.  There are other necessities that get added at times such as toilet paper, juice, cleaning products, aspirin, soap, etc…  Then there are the items that you didn’t know about before you walked into the store.  Here you can find clothing, a CD, a book (even though I already have about 10 unread at home), something for the house, or something seasonal.  I’m not an impulsive shopper, but sometimes those deals are too good to let go.    

  Most items are large, bulky, and heavy.  The toilet paper alone, all 48 rolls, can take up half the cargo space in the car.  Other items can weigh a ton.  I wonder how I got that herniated disk.  In any case, you need space in your vehicle to be a serious shopper at Costco.

   So I wonder how one manages with a small car.  Maybe they are only going in to use the pharmacy.  Maybe they live close by and go more often.  Maybe they are creative in making it all fit.  Here’s a thought.  Maybe they just buy a “few” items.  Much as I would like to believe it, I don’t think that day will ever come for me at Costco.