More new car help:)

[bekkiz]

I'm not sure how many saw my last post about my dying car But after doing a lot of thinking, we've decided to go for a new one

Now on to some bigger problems I have test driven and researched etc, and I'm down to two choice. They are as different as night and day! Just some background: I'm 24, married, no kids, small dog. I coach water polo (usually 12-15 kinds on a team, I coach 8 yo to high schoolers), so I have had a number of situations where a big car would be helpful. I also drive a lot, and most of the time it's by myself (or with the puppy). My husband has a sports car (nissan 350z, which only seats 2 and has little to no trunk)

Anyway, my two choices:

Scion TC: It's a 2 door, but with a fairly comfy back seat and a fair sized hatchback trunk. It's mpg is pretty good, about 29-31 on the highway (where I drive the most). Bad news, there's a 6 week+ wait to get one, as you special order your color etc

Nissan Quest: A really cool minivan (if there ever was such a thing!), amazing storage space, great safety features, and a really smooth ride! Bad side, not as great gas miliage (26 highway), and a big car when it's mostly just me driving around

Price wise, they end up being about the same:

Scion starts around 17, but dealers require you to "add" options before they order it, so final will be around 20000+

Quest starts at 24, but through DH company, we actually get a below invoice price, so about 21 or so. And if I by a 04 by the end of the month, I also get a 1500 rebate.

Please, please help me. I really like them both, but am having a really hard time deciding which car is more needed in the houshold, and is more practical. DH is leaning towards the TC, but I still am stuck in the middle!

Pic of Scion:
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/sciontc05_01.jpg

Pic of Quest (although, I'd pick a different color):
http://www.ancira.com/nissan/quest/quest.gif

 

[ahutton]

If I was down to those 2, knowing what you know, I would pick the Nissan Quest. I've finally given in and gotten a minivan, after driving either a car or SUV for the past several years. It is more comfortable and versatile than I ever expected. With the purchase program it seems that you would have some instant equity, especially if you throw in trading in your old car (or if you sell it and apply the proceeds) so you are less likely to be "in the hole" with the Nissan than the Scion. And who knows, someday you may want more room, either for people or for stuff. We just bought new twin beds for our girls and DH drove home and with the seats folded down fit everything inside the van!

 

[lilpritch04]

I would also go with the minivan. Although it is mostly just you driving around, it seems that you carry around "things" from time to time and loading and unloading a minivan is easy. (ETA: I also like to have DOORS, lots of doors!)
If you still can't decide, check what your insurance rates will be. There may be enough of a difference to help you make up your mind.
Good luck!

 

[minniecarousel]

Yeah - after checking on the insurance difference, if the minivan wasn't too much more to insure, I would get the Quest. You'd be surprised how often the larger car comes in handy. To be able to lie down (or take out) both sets of seats in the back to haul big stuff is wonderful.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[Timster]

Even though you have a final two, check out the Pacifica. We just got and '04 model and we love it! It got a great safety rating and has lots of room.
Even has a 6-disk in dash DVD system complete with wireless headphones. Short legs can watch her movies on long trips, and we can still listen to our music.

The safety was the big seller, but the extra's are nice.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Quest

 

[oogieboogie]

I'd go for the Quest. Knowing you'll be carting a lot of stuff + a dog, a minivan is nice. Not to mention the view sitting up high is a big plus for me, especially if you're like me and only 5'2".

 

[bekkiz]

I think I agree with all of you DH just can't understand why I'd want a "mom car" now. I personally can't understand why it's so great to have a stick shift and a car everyone stares at (the 350z is nice, but seriously, he's a little obsesed!)

I have one last option to test drive, the Ford Escape Hybrid, but the price alone, and the fact no one has it yet, makes me lean to the Quest

 

[patsvette]

OUt of those 2 the nissan quest.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sorry, I am mini-van free! Seriously I would side with your DH. But then again we have a Yukon to do the hauling if necessary.

Now I want a Infinity G-35...oh yea, baby. Now it is NOT going to happen anytime soon but that is what I want.

We usually buy used. In fact we picked up a 2000 Grand Am for $5100 this week. Good shape but had alot of miles. But for the price we couldn't beat it.

 

[Planogirl]

Nissan makes a good van. I'm not a van fan personally but it sounds like you need one.