Topic: 1 new or 2 used

[Flinter]

The lease on my WRX has less than 1 year remaining so being the car freak that I am, I'm beginning to dream about what I'll do at the end of my lease. So here is the question... with a budget of say 40-45K,  which of the following options would you choose?

Option 1 - 1 new car
- Manual transmission and AWD for all winter use, and it must be a good drivers car.
- Here I'm thinking Subaru WRX 265, BMW 328 xdrive, or Audi A4 2.0T Quattro.

Option 2 - 2 used vehicles
- 1 used utility type vehicle that would be the AWD winter driver, limited towing duties (utility trailer), Budget of 10-15K - Here I'm thinking a 5-7 year old higher mileage used 4WD truck, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 or Highlander, Subaru Impreza, etc.
- 1 lightly used fun sports car, RWD manual, budget 30-35K - Here I'm thinking a 3-5 year old used Honda S2K, Porsche Boxster, BMW 328, Nissan 350/370Z etc.

Obviously, the option of 2 used vehicles would have the added costs of insuring/maintaining 2 used vehicles. However, there is a benefit of having a dedicated vehicles for the utility/winter and fun/sports roles. Plus I wouldn't need to drive the fun/sports car in horrible winter conditons here in Ottawa.

I'm interested in hearing what you all think. Perhaps some of you have struggled with the same decision and have some wisdom to offer.

[y2chuck]

Option 1: Lancer EVO

Options 2: D you need the utility of an SUV for the winter vehicle or is it just any winter vehicle with AWD?  If you don't need the space, I'd go with the Imprezza and a 350Z roadster.

[tpl]

Buy out the wrx ( if it has been good) and buy a summer car.

[Black Hatch]

Whats wrong with buying out the WRX and using it for both winter and summer?

[ovr50]

Whats wrong with buying out the WRX and using it for both winter and summer?

  That's the practical solution, but since when did "car nuts" become practical. Can't go car shopping that way. 

[inco]

Whats wrong with buying out the WRX and using it for both winter and summer?

Are you crazy?  Did you just come back from two weeks out in the hot sun? 

Car people don't do those sane silly things. Being on the board here allows you into the game, but golly, I'm thinking someone needs a hug or a reality check.

Get the new car Wmurrin. 

[Flinter]

Many thanks for your responses. Keep them coming!

Whats wrong with buying out the WRX and using it for both winter and summer?

That's the practical solution, but since when did "car nuts" become practical. Can't go car shopping that way. 

Agreed, the practical thing to do would be to buy out the WRX and use it for both winter and summer. That said, when it comes to cars, practicallity is not my strong point.    

In addition, while I really like the WRX (very fun car with no reliability issues), it is an 08 model and there have been numerous upgrades to the 09 model (Turbo, Tires, Suspension). That combined with the high buyout ($23.5K, 2 year lease) makes me think that I would rather buy a new WRX 265 than buyout the lease.

Option 1: Lancer EVO

Options 2: D you need the utility of an SUV for the winter vehicle or is it just any winter vehicle with AWD?  If you don't need the space, I'd go with the Imprezza and a 350Z roadster.

Thanks y2chuck, I will definately put the Lancer EVO on my Option 1 list. As for the winter/utility vehicle, I think I am open to any used AWD vehicle, but if I'm going to buy a used utility vehicle, I might as well get something with as much space as possible with some real towing capability.

Buy out the wrx ( if it has been good) and buy a summer car.

Definately an option to consider but the buyout of the WRX is substantial ($23.5K) and wouldn't leave me much of a budget for a summer car.

[Zsaw]

I think that owning two vehicles, each with their specific purpose would be what I would do.

Owning a 4x4 truck would be so useful besides just the winter driving, and then you can have a pure sports car for the sunny months.

[2Saabs]

Option 1 - 1 new car
- Manual transmission and AWD for all winter use, and it must be a good drivers car.
- Here I'm thinking Subaru WRX 265, BMW 328 xdrive, or Audi A4 2.0T Quattro.

Option 2 - 2 used vehicles

Funny ... option 1 is the same 3 I'm considering. Also drove the Lancer Ralliart Sportbak - better than the WRX265 in some ways, but I really missed the manual transmission, although it's "flappy paddle" system is probably as good as any.

The Mitsu dealer has called and tried to tempt me into tring an EVO which he reckons he could do a deal on, but I don't think the 5speed manual Evo will be good on the highway.

Option 2 for me is to keep my 8yr old Saab which (oddly enough) has been pretty reliable for winter use and buy the fun car for summer. Similar options to those you listed - used Boxter (or older 911?), 350Z, Z4 etc etc.

Thing is, I'm in Ottawa too .... can I really justify one of the above for 4 - 5 months use per year.

And what is the Saab dies just after I've bought the "fun" car, but .... you only live once etc etc...

Cheers!

[Flinter]

Option 2 for me is to keep my 8yr old Saab which (oddly enough) has been pretty reliable for winter use and buy the fun car for summer. Similar options to those you listed - used Boxter (or older 911?), 350Z, Z4 etc etc.

Thing is, I'm in Ottawa too .... can I really justify one of the above for 4 - 5 months use per year.

And what is the Saab dies just after I've bought the "fun" car, but .... you only live once etc etc...

Cheers!

Yes, the big risk with the "2 used" option is unknown/unexpected reliability issues with your utility/winter vehicle. It is the vehicle you want to spend the least on and you will be using it mainly during the harshest time of the year.

As for the sports/summer vehicle, I think you could get much more than 4-5 months of use per year. I think here in Ottawa, you could start using the car in April and continue until perhaps November. That would be more like 7 months? Plus, since it won't be used in winter, you could probably keep this car for a much longer period of time.

The other kicker with the "2 used" option is the extra insurance costs. That  said, I'm not sure if one should expect much any discount on the summer/sports car insurance since it won't be winter driven and will see less mileage than in a "1 new" car situation??

[mmorriso]

Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage (or Suzuki SX4) for the winter and Genesis Coupe for the summer

or

keep the 08WRX + Genesis Coupe

or

BMW 328i xDrive Touring

or

Mazdaspeed6 + old pickup truck for utility

have fun!

[Giant Dwarf]

For me, I think I'd have a really hard time as a car enthusiast during half the year leaving my favourite car stashed away.  As long as the snow wasn't too deep, I used to have a ball driving the Miata around in the winter and then, come summer time, like a whole new car with the top down and the summer rubber on.  Still, it wasn't very practical.

I call my brother's WRX265 the Swiss Army Knife of cars in that it does everything I want / need a car to do very well... plus it's fun, reliable and practical all year 'round.

Still, if it were me, I'd also have a hard time going into almost the same car that I've already had.  So, what about an alternate do-everything car?  Say, something like an "Audi Assured" S4?  Here's just one example near Ottawa (wagon, and automatic, but you get the idea), I'm sure there are others.  Cheap finance rate and good warranty coverage...  http://en.ca.audivehiclesearch.com/vehicles/170241-2006-audi-s4-avant

[Flinter]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. Based on your feedback I think I should change my options slightly. Here is how it stands right now:

Again – total budget is 40-45K

Option 1 – A single Swiss Army Knife car (Thanks to GD for this fitting category name)

Requirements
- Can be a new or certified used car.
- Manual Transmission.
- Must be a fun driver’s car.
- Needs AWD for all season use.
- Must be able to seat 4 adults comfortably.
- Must be a practical and have decent cargo space.
- Must be a reliable vehicle.

Potential Candidates
- New Subaru WRX265
- New BMW 328 xDrive or xDrive Touring
- New Audi A4 2.0T Quattro
- New Mitsubishi Lancer EVO or Sportback Ralliart
- Certified used Audi S4
- Certified used Mazdaspeed 6
- Buy out the lease on my current ’08 WRX

Option 2 – 2 dedicated purpose vehicles - 1 utility/winter vehicle, 1 sports/summer vehicles

Requirements
- Each can be a new or used vehicle.
- One of these 2 vehicles must be able to carry 4 people in comfort.
- Utility/ Winter Vehicle
      o Must have 4WD or AWD.
      o Must have some towing capability (able to tow a utility trailer at a minimum.
      o Must be practical and hove good cargo capacity.
- Sports/Summer Vehicle
      o Must be a very good handing car
      o Rear Drive
      o Manual Transmission
      o Must have good styling

Potential Candidates (Utility/Winter vehicle)
- Toyota Highlander or Rav4 (used)
- Honda CRV (used)
- Used mid-sized 4x4 Truck
- Subaru Impreza (new or used)
- Suzuki SX4 (new or used)
- Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage (new)

Potential Candidates (Sports/Summer vehicle)
- Honda S2000 (used)
- Porsche Boxster/Cayman or an older 911 (used)
- BMW Z4 (used)
- Nissan 350/370Z Coupe or roadster (used)
- BMW 328i sedan or coupe (used)
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe (new)

Please let me know if I have missed any good candidates. 

[Leviathan]

"Utility/Winter vehicle" - How about 2009 Escape/Tribute? AWD can be had cheap enough on them. Wouldn't really recommend any of the earlier model years with the CD4E 4speed automatic though 

[initial_D]

$23.5K is within the ball park of an E46 330Ci.

I vote for one dedicated vehicle for summer and one for winter usage. Surely a good set of winters can make a sports get by in the winter, however, it is not without some inconveniences (like in deep snow) definitely not as fun. I enjoy winter driving most of the time, and do want a vehicle that can be switched to 'attack mode' when the condition allows.

[Flinter]

$23.5K is within the ball park of an E46 330Ci.

Agreed, the high residual values on the WRX make it an attractive car to lease but also makes it difficult to buy the car at lease end. In the $23-25K range there are alot of great used vehicles including the E46 330Ci.

I vote for one dedicated vehicle for summer and one for winter usage. Surely a good set of winters can make a sports get by in the winter, however, it is not without some inconveniences (like in deep snow) definitely not as fun. I enjoy winter driving most of the time, and do want a vehicle that can be switched to 'attack mode' when the condition allows.

It certainly is nice to have a vehicle that is really engaging during the winter months and not "just getting by". I must admit the WRX is an absolute blast in this regards.

I think the ultimate solution would be a WRX as the winter/utility vehicle and a good used RWD roadster (Boxster, S2000) for summer fun. Unfortunately, I think this would be out of my budget. 

[airbalancer]

How about a nice 2006 530X series for 19gs
For that price it is probably BS
http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=688&Region=-1&subcategory=&CAT=1&ADID=7742565&ADS=7742565%7C

[airbalancer]

2006 CTS-V $27gs probably get for less
http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=1540565&adid=7758030

[Flinter]

For me, I think I'd have a really hard time as a car enthusiast during half the year leaving my favourite car stashed away.  As long as the snow wasn't too deep, I used to have a ball driving the Miata around in the winter and then, come summer time, like a whole new car with the top down and the summer rubber on.  Still, it wasn't very practical.

I call my brother's WRX265 the Swiss Army Knife of cars in that it does everything I want / need a car to do very well... plus it's fun, reliable and practical all year 'round.

Still, if it were me, I'd also have a hard time going into almost the same car that I've already had.  So, what about an alternate do-everything car?  Say, something like an "Audi Assured" S4?  Here's just one example near Ottawa (wagon, and automatic, but you get the idea), I'm sure there are others.  Cheap finance rate and good warranty coverage...  http://en.ca.audivehiclesearch.com/vehicles/170241-2006-audi-s4-avant

Agreed, it would be tough to spend 5+ months of the year with your favourite ride stashed in the garage. On the other side of the coin, it can be nice having a 4WD/AWD vehicle in the winter that isn't a prized possesion. Something you can drive/plow into the snow bank when the snowplow driver fills in your driveway. 

Thanks for the "Audi Assured" S4 suggestion. I had kinda forgot about the S4 but I will certainly see if any are available when the purchase time comes. A former co-worker had the S4 Avant and I thought it was a sweet combination of utility and performance. Fuel mileage would be a bit of a downer but probably no worst than your average mid-sized SUV.

[Flinter]

How about a nice 2006 530X series for 19gs
For that price it is probably BS
http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=688&Region=-1&subcategory=&CAT=1&ADID=7742565&ADS=7742565%7C

As you mentioned, I think the 2006 530X series for 19gs is probably BS. However, I did take a look at other 2006 530xi listings and it looks like there isn't much of price delta between the 2006 530xi and the 330xi. Definately something to keep in mind for an all season car.

2006 CTS-V $27gs probably get for less
http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=1540565&adid=7758030

Thanks!! I had not thought about the CTS-V as a potential summer/sports car option. From what I read it is a pretty potent ride and the pricing looks good to. Another option to add to the list.