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Full time employment: Posting here.
It seems like we all like talking about spending other people’s money, especially when vehicles are involved.
So…
I’d like some help making a decision on a new vehicle purchase.
I don’t need to replace my car now but I’m starting to feel like I want something new. I think that if I take my time and shop carefully before I’m desperate to get a replacement I’ll be able to get the best deal. There aren’t many new vehicles that interest me but I have narrowed my choice so that there are two that I’m considering. So far this seems like a fairly easy choice to analyze, but there are some interesting complications because it really isn’t an apples to apples comparison.
Let me provide some basic information and my own analysis.
My current vehicle is a 2002 model year Nissan Xterra with 121,000 miles on the odometer.
This vehicle has been very satisfying to own and I have arrived at the conclusion that for my needs this type of vehicle combined with the utility trailer I have is an ideal solution for my transportation and hauling needs. I really am satisfied with this combination but considering the mileage on the Xterra I’m beginning to have some concerns about its reliability or the need to have it out of service for repairs.
I’m deciding between a Mini Cooper and a Toyota FJ Cruiser.
If I buy the Toyota I’ll be trading in the Nissan.
If I buy the Mini I’ll be keeping the Nissan for use only when the weather is severe or when the trailer is being used. This will be only a few thousand miles per year and will provide a great deal of convenience as well as prolong its life.
Coincidentally, with either of these purchase scenarios my initial cash outlay will be almost identical.
Combined annual insurance, registration, inspection and financial opportunity costs will be about $500 more for the Mini and Nissan than for the Toyota alone.
With the Mini & Nissan combo the annual fuel expense will probably be about $1,000 less than driving the Toyota exclusively.
These are rough numbers but I’m pretty confident that the overall cost of ownership for each of these choices is about the same.
I’m not sure which of these choices will make me happier and I guess I’m not asking for advice on that.
I’d like to know if anyone sees factors that I’m failing to consider or has any insight that might help make this choice a more obvious one.
Sorry about the length of the post but I’m anticipating some interesting responses.
So…
I’d like some help making a decision on a new vehicle purchase.
I don’t need to replace my car now but I’m starting to feel like I want something new. I think that if I take my time and shop carefully before I’m desperate to get a replacement I’ll be able to get the best deal. There aren’t many new vehicles that interest me but I have narrowed my choice so that there are two that I’m considering. So far this seems like a fairly easy choice to analyze, but there are some interesting complications because it really isn’t an apples to apples comparison.
Let me provide some basic information and my own analysis.
My current vehicle is a 2002 model year Nissan Xterra with 121,000 miles on the odometer.
This vehicle has been very satisfying to own and I have arrived at the conclusion that for my needs this type of vehicle combined with the utility trailer I have is an ideal solution for my transportation and hauling needs. I really am satisfied with this combination but considering the mileage on the Xterra I’m beginning to have some concerns about its reliability or the need to have it out of service for repairs.
I’m deciding between a Mini Cooper and a Toyota FJ Cruiser.
If I buy the Toyota I’ll be trading in the Nissan.
If I buy the Mini I’ll be keeping the Nissan for use only when the weather is severe or when the trailer is being used. This will be only a few thousand miles per year and will provide a great deal of convenience as well as prolong its life.
Coincidentally, with either of these purchase scenarios my initial cash outlay will be almost identical.
Combined annual insurance, registration, inspection and financial opportunity costs will be about $500 more for the Mini and Nissan than for the Toyota alone.
With the Mini & Nissan combo the annual fuel expense will probably be about $1,000 less than driving the Toyota exclusively.
These are rough numbers but I’m pretty confident that the overall cost of ownership for each of these choices is about the same.
I’m not sure which of these choices will make me happier and I guess I’m not asking for advice on that.
I’d like to know if anyone sees factors that I’m failing to consider or has any insight that might help make this choice a more obvious one.
Sorry about the length of the post but I’m anticipating some interesting responses.