~ THE BAD NEWS ~
On Tuesday, my car wouldn't start. It tried to, but it just couldn't. Luckily, my parents get me AAA for Valentine's Day every year, so I was able to have it towed to the car shop we use that's only about a mile away. The tow truck guy said it was probably just the starter, but I still had a bad feeling...
The next day, the bad news came. Paul text me to let me know the timing chain was out of sync and the cylinder head of the engine needed replaced. It would be $3000. Not only that, but they couldn't guarantee that when they replaced everything, that the parts would line up right. If they didn't, the pistons would break and then my engine would be shot. It was time to cut my losses and buy a new car.
**Note: I have no idea what I just typed, I'm just telling you what they told me. Most of the paragraph may as well have been in Greek to me!**
Now to be clear, I'm not in love with my Chevy Cobalt, even though I have had it for nine years. But it was paid for. You can't beat PAID FOR. It has a ton of miles on it, so I suppose this was inevitably going to happen...
I'm not excited to car shop. I know nothing about cars and I don't really car about cars. I feel very stressed and overwhelmed.
~ THE GOOD NEWS ~
There is good news. Even though I don't want a car payment, I can afford a car payment. Such a first world problem, right?
Also, my parents are letting me borrow my mom's mini van (they have three vehicles, she uses the van for her craft shows, which she doesn't have right now) so I don't have to rent a car and I don't have to feel rushed to buy anything.
These are two VERY GOOD THINGS. So I am lucky. Even though I didn't want to be in this situation for another couple years, I am lucky.
Who knows, maybe I will find something I like!? I'm looking for a subcompact SUV. I definitely want certified pre-owned. I am researching: Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona, Toyota RAV-4, and a Honda CR-V. Any other suggestions or thoughts on those cars???
Do you like to drive cars until they are dead or do you enjoy getting new cars?
Any tips for me as I start this endeavor?
Ever drive a mini van!? It's not that bad!
Oh, I feel you! I got into a car accident last year and had to rent a car (with no rental insurance) so I felt VERY rushed and stressed about the whole thing. I had definitely planned on driving my old one for a few more years, at least. Not to mention I had just totaled my car, so the idea of driving in unfamiliar territory was terrifying. My husband and I fought because he remembered how excited I was about my last car and could see me just wanting to get the process over with this time around. In the end, he was right, because I knew EXACTLY what I wanted with a few more days of calm research and test driving. I'm in a Mazda CX-5 now and absolutely love it. So my advice is to stay relaxed and don't just settle on any old thing even though the process sucks!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that sound advice! I test drove a Mazda CX-5 and I LOVED IT TOO!! I'm going to go look at one more in my price range today.
DeleteI LOVE my CR-V! It's almost 9 years old and to date I've only ever had to have the oil, air filters and tires changed. It's never given me any troubles, until recently when it started making that noise I texted you about.
ReplyDeleteWe rented a car once and they gave us a mini van and I didn't think it was bad at all! I actually really liked it because it was super spacious!
Yes, so much room and lots of windows to see!
DeleteI will admit car shopping is awful! Especially when you are doing it because you HAVE too! I was super sad and very mad when I was in my accident ( and it was NOT my fault) and my car got totaled! I would have still had that car if it had not been totaled. What will you be able to do with your cobalt? Will you be able to trade it in or will they junk it?
ReplyDeleteI would have no need for an SUV but if I did I really like the Honda CRV. My aunt has 2 of them. They are really nice. Sounds like You have lots of good choices!
I think the cobalt is junk. :(
DeleteCar trouble is the WORST. It's never convenient, even when you have a backup car. I'm glad you don't have to feel rushed to get a new car.
ReplyDeleteToyotas are known for their longevity. If you want a car that'll last you a good 300k miles, I recommend a Toyota. I couldn't tell you if a RAV4 is good though...definitely check out Consumer Reports and Kelly BlueBook!
A friend of mine told me the same thing about Toyotas!
DeleteI hate car shopping! I leased 2 cars then bought my first Mazda which was amazing and lasted me 13 years (with only one repair that was less than $200). I decided to get another Mazda (the CX5) and love it. I think from now on I will always drive a small SUV. Rick used to always tell me to get a mini-van but I couldn't do it! LOL. I know they are great but my ego won't let me!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking at a CX-5 this morning! I test drove one yesterday and I freaking loved it!
DeleteUgh! That's the worst when it can't be guaranteed that the fix is going to really fix it. Sorry, that sucks. But, new cars are fun! I had a CRV for a long time and LOVED it. It just got too small for my growing family of four and I upgraded to the Kia Sorento. At the time is seemed really big, but now my kids knees are hitting the seats in the back again! Sadly, they will probably be getting their own cars before I replace my Sorento. I love that vehicle too. Never thought I would even look at a Kia, but after 79,000 miles it has been super reliable and no problems with it! Small SUVs are so comfortable and convenient. Good luck on your search!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you love your Sorento! I have an idea... kids drive Sorento, you get a new car. :)
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