I am a new grad (hopefully) beginning my first job soon. However, I will be commuting about an hour each way to my hospital. I live in NJ, and weather is four season so I need a car that is good in rain, slush, snow, etc. especially because of my long commute.
My only two other requirements for the car are affordable, obviously, because I am a new grad and am just getting on my feet, and decent/good gas mileage. I'm currently driving a 2005 Honda Civic and while it's great on gas, I can barely drive around town without skidding through at least one stop sign in the snow.
Any ideas? I've heard a lot of good things about Subarus.
That's a 10 year old vehicle. OP will be relying on it for a 2 hour commute.. to a new job where you better not be late. Replacing wear and tear items is not enough.
BRAKES and tires. Most Hondas have front wheel drive, so bricks or sandbags in the trunk is a bad idea -- it will take weight off your drive wheels. (I always used kitty litter -- that way I'd have some stockpiled for the cat, and if you do get stuck you can throw some under your drive wheels for more traction.)
Wow, I responded upon waking up. That's embarrassing. Those kind of spelling errors irk me, too.
You are correct. My mistake. This is why I should make sure I've been up for a few hours before responding... Time for coffee.
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
You have been given good advice, I have heard nothing but good, about the Subaru.....but do not set your self up for additional debt, this early in you career.....there is a big difference in needs and wants.....I admit, I did not realize that as soon as I should have
That's a 10 year old vehicle. OP will be relying on it for a 2 hour commute.. to a new job where you better not be late. Replacing wear and tear items is not enough.
I drive a car older than that- similar commute. A 10 year old car in 2015 is VASTLY different than a 10 year old car in 2000.
I drive a car older than that- similar commute. A 10 year old car in 2015 is VASTLY different than a 10 year old car in 2000.
The car is a 2005 model. Can't comprehend that difference from 2000 and 2015. OP states it is on it's last legs. I am encouraging her to buy a new vehicle , 1) because she deserves it. 2) because I drove beaters myself for waaay too long.
OP asked for opinions re: a new vehicle, not a lesson in frugality.
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
I would have LOVED to get a Subaru, but they are expensive! I too drive a long way (45 mi each way) I traded in my minivan and got a Kia Forte. I have not had bad weather yet, but I love it and it gets great gas mileage, I think it is comparable to the Hyundai Elantra.
Agree on the tires. I had a 01 civic coupe when I lived in CT and it handled better in the snow than my moms Jeep. If tires and brakes are all you need, invest in that instead of taking on a big car payment.
ETA this is from someone who brought a brand new car after nursing school- but my old car was crap on wheels (not my Civic, someone crashed into her and totaled her [emoji30])
The car is a 2005 model. Can't comprehend that difference from 2000 and 2015. OP states it is on it's last legs. I am encouraging her to buy a new vehicle , 1) because she deserves it. 2) because I drove beaters myself for waaay too long.
OP asked for opinions re: a new vehicle, not a lesson in frugality.
My point was that in 2000, a 10 year old car was a 1990 model. The average longevity of a car then was not ten years. Now it is longer. And 'deserving' a new car? That smacks of financial immaturity.
LDAthleteNurse, BSN, RN
407 Posts
Lol! Word.