Tag: honda

Weary from car shopping

November 20, 2024

Finding a new vehicle should not be this difficult. We bought our current vehicles in 2014 and 2016. COVID and inflation sure have changed car shopping. Reports of $50k as the price for the average new car are spot on. You definitely don’t get as much for your money and quality doesn’t seem to be the same. All one has to do is look at the recalls on 2020-2023 models.

I found models from Toyota, Honda and Subaru that meet my criteria. Availability in the trim levels and colors I prefer is a concern as many units sell as soon as they reach the dealer’s lot. Considering a used car? Previously owned models (2022-2024) aren’t priced that much less than a 2025 model either.

Basically, I need a smallish SUV that is nimble enough to get in and around Atlanta for therapy dog visits, plus have enough cargo room to carry my sewing gear to different events. I drive a lot, so AWD, good gas mileage and a comfortable ride are important to me. Enough legroom for hubby, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats are also must-haves. The desire for leather interior puts the Honda and Subaru products at the top of my list.

Then there’s one additional constraint. Due to the way our garage is configured, one parking spot is a bit shorter than the other side to accommodate stairs leading from the garage into the kitchen. Vehicle length is something I have to take into consideration. Anything over 190″ in length is out. After seeing the Honda Passport next to my current vehicle at the quilt show on Saturday, I’m questioning if it might be too big, even though comes in at 189″ in length.

My current ride is starting to act a little flighty again. Given all that is coming in 2025 with teaching bi-weekly classes at the SQTM and weekly therapy dog visits, I’d like to get the new vehicle purchase finalized before Christmas.

Photo by Antoni Shkraba on Pexels.com

Car shopping

June 9, 2024

Over the past couple of weeks, if I haven’t been quilting or participating in therapy dog activities, I’ve been actively researching vehicles online. My current ride is behaving; however, my inner voice has been telling me repeatedly I’d better narrow down my choices sooner rather than later. I tend to pay attention when my inner voice repeats herself.

Anyhow, my mechanic recommended Toyota or Honda (and either of their luxury brands if I want to “play in that tax bracket”). It’s been fun researching and exploring the various options available. I ruled out Lexus and Acura based on premium fuel requirements and overall vehicle costs.

A Toyota RAV4 Limited edition with a gasoline engine was my mechanic’s first choice for me. Second was the Honda CRV EX-L. Both are about the same price with AWD and options factored in. If I think I need something bigger, his final recommendation was a Toyota Highlander or Honda Passport with a gasoline engine.

I’m trying to be practical here. I drive a lot – averaging 17,500 miles a year on my current ride. I want comfort, good gas mileage and a sense of safety when driving my vehicle. Ideally, I’d have heated and ventilated leather seats along with 360 degree camera views so I can see what’s around me. I do need a slightly larger vehicle than the one I currently own.

Research has shown me that I cannot have everything I want and still stick within our budget. The Toyota Highlander XLE AWD is the model that actually offers the best value to me – a little more room, color scheme I like and still has the heated seats and safety tech I require. The Honda CRV-EX-L AWD is my second choice.

Next step is to head to the dealerships to have a look-see and take each model for a test drive. I’m keeping an open mind (and a sharp eye out for a deal on a Highlander Limited AWD that does hit everything on my wish list!).