Test Drives
Monday, December 03, 2007
I’m trying to decide on a new car… that has been the most painful part of the process so far, and I haven’t even discussed price with any dealerships yet! Most of it has been in the form of agonizing over different makes and and models, looking at their stats and pictures and records of reliability, depreciation, crashworthiness, etc. It’s driving both me and Dave crazy, but buying a new car is a big deal for us, and we want it to last at least 7-10 years.
So far we’ve test driven several contenders:
Toyota Camry – It felt just like Dave’s current 2005 Camry (smooth and easy to drive), and it looks even cooler. What’s not to like? But I’m hesitant because of negative reviews on Yahoo! Autos.
Honda Accord – This car did not feel as familiar as the Camry – the steering was tighter, the gas pedal was harder to push, and the engine was noisier. The design inside and outside was very angular and masculine, which appealed to Dave but not so much to me. It had an MP3 disc player – very important to me.
Nissan Altima – I was quite impressed. Nissan is introducing CVT technology transmissions, which is usually used in luxury cars and hybrids. It feels like one continuous acceleration when you press the gas pedal, and there are no bumps or jerks of the transmission switching gears, because there are no gears! Pretty cool. The power was great for a V4, thanks to the CVT. The Altima had the biggest glove compartment we’ve ever seen – enough space to hold two Los Angeles Thomas Guides!
Mazda 6 (5-door) – Similar to the Accord, it felt noisier and more “sporty” than I am used to. The fifth door, i.e. the hatchback trunk, opened to reveal a very large storage area.
Honda CR-V – Yes, we are considering an SUV, in order to have an alternative to the Camry with more space, and for something more fun. Also, everyone at work who has kids tells me that I should get a bigger car if I plan to have kids in the next couple years. I don’t really understand why. I know a kid means more stuff, but does such a small person really require that much space?
Toyota RAV-4 – Not a contender. Too small and the side-swinging trunk door annoys me.
Still agonizing over the decision…
Haha, a little person doesn’t take up much space, but you plus the little person together at the same place takes up more space than you 2 separately. A bigger car makes it easier to get in and out, and a <span class="caps">SUV</span> that is higher up is easier to take the little person in and out.
If you are getting rid of your old car, we are in the market to get a used car for Elliot. Let me know before you trade it in.
I tend to prefer Honda/Acura to Toyota, but for much the same reason as Dave. Toyotas feel heavy and sluggish and look like they were designed for grandmothers.
I wouldn’t base much of my purchase decision on the presence of a MP3 cd-player. There are dozens of aftermarket options to pick from. I bought one from crutchfield.com a couple years ago and installed it myself in my integra. I think I spent about $130 and an afternoon on it.
As far as <span class="caps">SUV</span>s and mini-<span class="caps">SUV</span>s, I’m skeptical of the need unless until you have multiple kids who are no longer in baby-seats, or are frequently going on long road trips. I’d wait until replacing Dave’s car before getting something that size.
That said, if I were in the market for an <span class="caps">SUV</span>, I’d be more interested in an Element. Its not attractive, but you don’t buy <span class="caps">SUV</span>s because they’re pretty. The advantages for getting kids and things in and out would be a lot more dramatic than a CR-V, and it costs less. And actually, the biggest reason I prefer the Element over the Scion (other than the latter is even more ugly), is that it has 4WD as an option, which isn’t really that big of a deal in SoCal. If you haven’t been in one before, ask Tony to ride in his. Its about as spacious as anything you will ever encounter, even in the back seat.
Katy – Haha, I asked a young mother at my work why I’d need a bigger car when I have a kid, and she looked at me like I was crazy. “Say you’re going to Costco with your kid,” she said. “You’d need to bring the stroller, diaper bag, milk bottle, food, and toys. Then you’ll buy huge boxes of diapers, baby stuff, and the normal necessities. How else will you fit all that stuff???” And, given my back problems, I don’t want to hurt myself by bending down to fuss over the baby seats etc.
Batman – I went to Honda’s site to look at photos of the Element and, man, it really is ugly! Well, 4WD is an option for the CR-V too. I think I’d get it just to enhance the safety features. Every time it rains down here there are tons of accidents and inevitably some driver is seriously injured. That’s a good point about the sound system. I shouldn’t let that be a dispositive factor.
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