[USER]

Hi. Looking for advice on a car purchase.
I drive an hour to work each way, 5 days a week. Its about 500 miles weekly. I am currently driving a 2009 Chevy HHR.

It has 186k miles, no AC, the blinker lever is broken, speakers busted, and the passenger side windows dont work reliably. I live in FL.

I dont have exact numbers, but I fill up the gas tank 2 times a week, so Im spending about 400 monthly on gas.

I’m wanting to get a 2021 Corolla. It has 34k miles on it. However, my husband thinks I should get something more family oriented because we have 2 kids and want to adopt a 3rd in the next 5 years.

My husband is a stay at home dad, and he drives a 2014 Chevy Equinox. It has 140k miles.

I am not sure which option makes more sense, as they both have merit.

We cant afford two payments, as money is tight already.

Can I get some thoughts?

[Mindy]

On a side note and not to be a downer, but if you’re having a tough time with two car payments (and one shouldn’t even have two car payments but that’s another story), how do you plan to adopt another child?

BTW, I’m just presenting an opinion here and hope it doesn’t come across too harshly.

[John]

We had a similar situation when our kids were young. I drove an older Honda Accord or Civic for the junk commuting miles. My wife stayed home with them and we had a bigger vehicle for her to use daily and for trips.

In your case, I’d opt for an older Toyota or Honda sedan and keep driving the Equinox.

Save money to upgrade the Equinox “family car” when you need to (either not economical to keep it going or outgrow).

I’ve gotten well over 200k miles on several Honda cars and SUVs.

Toyota will be the same thing. Key IMO is you want to put.the junk commuting miles on your lowest value vehicle. Good luck

[Josephine]

Kids adapt. 3 of us survived traveling with 2 parents in a sedan across america. Rent a large car for trips.

Think of your insurance as well before purchasing.

If you have the vin contact insurance before purchase to see what the cost will be.

[Rona]

I’d get the Corolla or perhaps another slightly bigger sedan because he already has a bigger car for family events.

You drive a lot so it should take precedence.

Also, with the savings on gas you can start putting towards your next family car.

[Rachel]

Get something small and good on gas for yourself since you drive it so much for work.

When you get your money right and/or pay off the smaller car, trade his in for something bigger.

[Marissa]

I have a 2016 Corolla it now has 115k-ish miles and is great for the front 2 passengers.

My son complains in the back about leg room and says it’s hot even when air is on full blast (this has been ages 12-15).

So as far as gas saving it’s wonderful but as a family car maybe not. Buttttt!

I do know lots of people who have the rav4 and say they are great and being Toyota it maybe a good option!

[Destiny]

His car is an suv so why do you need a family car when then stay at home parent already has one? The distance that you drive, size of the car/engine (amongst other things) is important for gas mileage.

If he doesn’t feel like his suv is big enough to be family friendly, can he trade his in for something else that is?

If not, he can make due until you have that 3rd child since that’s happening in 5 years.

[Jennifer]

Be careful, you may be trading your $400 gas budget for a car payment, insurance and gas instead.

Only buy another car if you have cash.

No payments.

[Heather]

Get a gas efficient car due to your commute a family car is not a necessity right now.

[Barbara]

Toyota. Camry or. Avalon. I’m 70 and have owned. 14. Cars. The best. Car. I drove for 15 yrs.

Was my. Toyota. Camry.

[Diana]

I know you’re asking about cars..but with driving 500 miles a wk could you move closer to your place of employment?

It sounds like you like your job and plan on working there for a long time?

[Monique]

I know my husband company has the HYR and they have bought several and the motors all made it to 280,000 to 300,000.

[Rebecca]

Get a hybrid. I get over 300 miles a tank on my Corolla Cross hybrid. Saved up and paid cash.

Replaced my 2007 Prius w/185k.

Toyota for me,

[Judy]

If the Corolla is a good price. Get it. I have one and I get 40 mpg on the highway. 33 in town.

[Author]

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