New Car Time

[redpoint5]

So it looks like I'm eligible for $400/mo on purchase/lease of my own vehicle, plus 18 cents per business mile.

I'm leaning toward option 1, and just paying $1,000/yr for the Mazda CX-5, which incurs no other expenses on my part. Any opinions on the Mazda vs Forester?

Program Information:
Retention Cycle: 4 Year/33,000 Miles
Standard Miles Per Gallon: 21.0
Fuel Price Per Gallon: $ 2.648 (Regular Fuel) Based on 07/2017 Prices

Variable Cost
Per Mile: 17.93 ¢ Fixed Cost
Per Month: $ 397.69
Variable Cost Per Mile Detail:
Fuel: 12.61 ¢
Maintenance: 2.75 ¢
Tires: 2.57 ¢

Annual Fixed Cost Detail:
Insurance Total (detail below): $ 1,355.00
$ 100,000/$ 300,000 Bodily Injury Liability $ 588.00
$ 50,000 Property Damage $ 170.00
$ 500 Comprehensive Deductible $ 117.00
$ 500 Collision Deductible $ 480.00
License and Registration: $ 68.00
Depreciation: $ 2,996.00
Sales Tax: $ 534.00
Fixed Adjustment: $ 1,410.00
Total Fixed Cost: $ 6,363.00
75.0% of Fixed Cost: $ 4,772.25

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

My experiences with Subaru were not as great as I thought they would be, so if I were on your shoes I'd be inclined to give Mazda a chance.

[redpoint5]

I decided on the Mazda CX-5 AWD touring and placed the order today. It will only cost me $80/mo to drive for personal use, and all business use and maintenance is covered.

My dream was to never buy a gasser again, but it looks like that day isn't quite here yet. Maybe in 4 years when I have to get a new company vehicle.

I'll dig this thread up in 2021.

[redpoint5]

Well, I just got word that my group is losing our company cars, which is fine by me. The crazy thing is I still haven't taken delivery of the car I ordered and there is no way to cancel it.

So, I'll drive a brand new car for a couple months and then surrender it.

This has me thinking about purchasing an EV again. Perhaps used Leaf prices in Feb will be stellar.

[freebeard]

Well, I just got word that my group is losing our company cars, which is fine by me. The crazy thing is I still haven't taken delivery of the car I ordered and there is no way to cancel it.

Ouch! Whiplash! call an attorney.

[redpoint5]

Would be nice if the field service managers talked to the fleet managers prior to making a proclamation.

I wonder what price the company will offer me to buy the car when it comes time to turn it in. Talk about taking a hit on depreciation.

[redpoint5]

I've got to turn in the company vehicle next month, and that has me thinking about buying another car again. My wife wants an SUV, perhaps partially because we'll have a baby in June, and she envisions easier baby ingress/egress and more room for baby related gear.

I'd really like to get a Spark EV or Leaf, which can be had around $6k these days. The SUVs I've considered are older Lexus RX 450h, or 2014 NX 300h, both of which are around $20k, which is more than I've ever spent. A fully loaded 2014 Ford Fusion Energi can be had for $15k, and I really like the car. Just wish it was a hatchback.

I'm in no rush though since I can take back the Prius and TSX from my parents, and they can drive my truck when needed.

[rmay635703]

A Prius works well for baby transport, more room than many suvs

[jcp123]

We made a Toyota Echo and then a Kia Rio do baby duty. Even with two child seats, we could take week long trips in those cars (Echo was easier to pack than was the Rio). It's quite enough. We then wanted bigger too, but we went minivan because neither of us have ever liked SUVs. Point being, you can get away with a lot more in a much smaller car than you think.

Sucks about your company yanking the rug out from under you :/

[redpoint5]

Any suggestions for used SUVs that get reasonable fuel economy? I've always liked the Lexus RX 450h, and I hear the CR-V is regarded well. My sister has a 2008 CRV she would let go for a very nice price.

Originally Posted by jcp123

We made a Toyota Echo and then a Kia Rio do baby duty. Even with two child seats, we could take week long trips in those cars (Echo was easier to pack than was the Rio). It's quite enough. We then wanted bigger too, but we went minivan because neither of us have ever liked SUVs. Point being, you can get away with a lot more in a much smaller car than you think.

Sucks about your company yanking the rug out from under you :/

Thanks for the feedback. I figure I can make just about any vehicle work, and I already have a Prius Plug-in, which should make for an excellent family hauler. I've always liked minivans due to their utility and amenities. I'd be interested in a Pacifica plug-in when used ones hit the market, but somehow minivans still end up being expensive used. My preference is to not exceed $17,000, which is what I paid for my Acura back in 2010.

I have some serious complaints about my job right now and have been extremely stressed, but I have to say compensation is not among my complaints. The company car was a nice perk while it lasted, but I agree with their move to take them away from us "remote" software support engineers. I'll still get reimbursed the federal rate for business miles put on my personal vehicle. Also nice having a personal vehicle because I can loan it out to anyone, whereas the company vehicle can only be driven by my wife and I.