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.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Agreed. I drive a 1999 buick 80 mi one way. I live in ND, so use your imagination re: the weather. Haven't had one moment where I needed to take the truck instead, the front wheel drive granny car with good tires, great brakes, and an experienced, cautious driver have gotten me to work just fine.
I've never bought a new car, so I can't honestly say which are the best, but I truly believe that there is no reason other than vanity to buy brand new. Not saying it's bad.
I like to buy brand new cars, and then drive them until they die. Or until enough parts of them die as to make them not worth fixing. That way I know they've been well maintained. Buying a used car can be buying someone else's problems . . . I pity the poor person who bought my first Subaru station wagon. That thing was a true money pit after less than five years. I couldn't in good conscience sell it to someone, so I traded it in on a new one. My second got 250,000 miles (or thereabouts) before we took to taking wool blankets with us everywhere we went because the heater didn't work, the hatchback wouldn't open until it did and then wouldn't close and it needed more work than we could justify paying for. My Toyota is 9 years old and running just great, and the 12 year old Honda with 180,000 miles on it is battered a bit, but runs just fine.
Buy Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Book. Follow his advice. Buy a used car you can pay cash for. Best thing I ever did was GET OUT OF DEBT. I am 37 years old, don't owe anyone any money at all and IT FEELS GOOD!!! Worked overtime to pay off the student loans early and drove used cars. YOU can do it too, I promise! It takes hard work and lots of sacrifice, but so worth it in the end. Not worrying about how will I pay bills and being stress free when it comes to finances is one of the best feelings ever. Granted I do not own a house but have over $120,000 saved in investment accounts and 401k.
I am now an oldy -moldy. I was never financially immature.
I am looking back regretting having a high stress job with a lot of responsibility, a family with a lot of responsibility, and finances with a lot of responsibility. And driving a beater the entire time I was being RESPONSIBLE.
Regret stinks. I understand completely what you posted. I covet a certain tank like SUV that I know I'll never own. On the other hand, I don't have to worry about what gets juggled because I have a car payment. I might regret not driving that big SUV tomorrow, but I save myself the worry about money today.
I've been responsible, code for putting myself last, my entire life.
Maybe you're right and the OP should buy her new car.
I think being cautious and knowing your car is more important than the actual car itself. I had a Volvo S60R sedan with AWD and traction features for snow/icy driving, but I don't feel that the Camry I drive now is any worse or better in bad weather (except I do miss the heated seats and mirror defrosters). My boyfriend drives a new(ish) Audi SUV and all the fancy features in the world still won't help him become a good driver.
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Just got those this year. My car is over 160k miles on it and it's definitely on its last breath :/
If you're going to get another car, don't waste your money on a brand new car. Get one that was either leased or traded in after a few years.
I would take a look at Consumer Reports; they have an annual review of cars that's very helpful, and they're good at helping steer you away from tricks dealerships use to jack up the price of the car.
If you see a car you like, don't buy it right away. Give yourself a couple of days to think about it, when you're not in "new (to you) car love." If you have a relative/friend who is knowledgeable about cars, take that person with you.
Finally, don't buy a car that breaks your budget. The financial planner my parents and I see says you should try to pay your car off in three years if you plan on buying it outright. Once you've paid it off, keep it for a few years. (Doesn't sound like that will be a problem for you, since your car has 160K miles. )
if you need AWD, any of the newer compact crossover vehicles will be your best bet. But even those will run you upwards of 20K for the most basic AWD version if you're buying new. And weighing down the trunk of a Civic won't help it much in snow. It's a front wheel drive car.
I'm on my third Subaru. I had two fosters and now an outback. I'm in upstate NY and we are definitely four seasons here. You can't go wrong with a Subaru! Love them! However, all of mine have been used ones so we didn't break the bank. Just a thought!
If I had 2 Fosters, I wouldn's be able to drive. If they were the big ones.
if you need AWD, any of the newer compact crossover vehicles will be your best bet. But even those will run you upwards of 20K for the most basic AWD version if you're buying new. And weighing down the trunk of a Civic won't help it much in snow. It's a front wheel drive car.
Actually putting weight in the back of a front wheel drive car reduces traction. Think see-saw.
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 don't know your whole financial picture, but sounds like getting a new car is out. Even if you weren't a new grad, I'd say go with a used car. Who wants to be saddled with that debt, and full coverage insurance imposed by the bank, especially if you're going to have to start paying back student loans?
But there's nothing wrong with a Honda Civic. I vote for possible new tires. Or move closer to your job.
Full disclosure- I still drive my 1996 Honda Civic and it's always been great in the snow and a great car. Yeah, it's a beater, but it's a reliable beater. Better a used car than a broke nurse.
Just spend the money on a Subaru. They are amazing in snow and really hold their value. I come from a family that has survived many bad winters and only buys subarus (3 foresters, 1 outback, 1 cross trek, and 1 wrx - do you think we love subarus? )
Get something, anything, with a reasonable monthly payment. I know so many people, including myself, who went out and bought an new vehicle out of school, now with whopping monthly payments... not worth it.
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Ruby Vee, BSN
17 Articles; 14,051 Posts
I like to buy brand new cars, and then drive them until they die. Or until enough parts of them die as to make them not worth fixing. That way I know they've been well maintained. Buying a used car can be buying someone else's problems . . . I pity the poor person who bought my first Subaru station wagon. That thing was a true money pit after less than five years. I couldn't in good conscience sell it to someone, so I traded it in on a new one. My second got 250,000 miles (or thereabouts) before we took to taking wool blankets with us everywhere we went because the heater didn't work, the hatchback wouldn't open until it did and then wouldn't close and it needed more work than we could justify paying for. My Toyota is 9 years old and running just great, and the 12 year old Honda with 180,000 miles on it is battered a bit, but runs just fine.