So I find myself in this odd place where I’m caught between multiple needs/desires in a new vehicle. Currently I have a 2013 Honda CRV and I’m pushing 87,000 miles. Bought it certified pre-owned and have taken care of it since then. However, my new job is going to make my yearly mileage skyrocket so I’m trying to figure out my next move.
I guess I could hang on to the CRV and see if I can make it to 200-250K miles, but the GF’s car is going to need replacing sooner rather than later. So that puts us in a tough spot because she’s going back to college and will only be working part time. So we could get her a new car, like an $16-20,000 Civic or something. This wouldn’t be a terrible option, except I’m going to be putting 16K miles on my vehicle in work commuting alone, so I estimate I’ll be somewhere in the 20-25K miles per year.
I could get a commuter car, high on gas mileage low on vehicle satisfaction. I should mention I live somewhat in the woods so small electric cars are not only frowned upon, but more importantly lack the utility often needed. This would leave me calling 6 people or renting a truck from HD anytime I need to do something or move something larger than a big amazon box.
I could get a truck which would provide all the utility I need, but obviously the gas would be a little painful. I’ve looked at the smaller pickups, but from what I’m seeing they’re just as expensive in many cases, but are just small enough to not comfortably fit large male humans and/or the stuff I want to put in the bed.
I could go the SUV and trailer route so I get a bit better gas mileage for the commute and then be able to hook up the trailer when I need it. The only problem I see with this is spending more on the trailer and I’m not sure the gas mileage is that much better than some of the trucks.
Anything I’m missing? I’m just bouncing around ideas at this point awash in decision paralysis.
