Don't forget that the Mercedes Metris is (or will shortly be) available. They seem to start at $33k but it looks like one you'd want to drive is closer to $38k and up. Still, they tow 5k lbs, which makes them a legitimate truck alternative. Maybe. I need to go drive one.
Duke wrote: In reply to Mad_Ratel: I was at $23k all in, with fees, tags, etc. It's a 2012 lease return we bought from a dealer in March of 2015. It stickered at a little over $39k new.
Wow great price from what I can see. We are test driving friday. She's ok with driving the ol POS for as long as possible so we can save up some cash for the downpayment. (ok more cash.)
She likes the Mazda5 most. THinks the caravan/TC is "UGLY" but yeah... we'll see.
So the free minivan and dump the mustang is the plan? And slam as much in the bank as possible while the free van holds out?
Sounds like a fantastic plan. If I'm understanding it right.
Mazda 5 owner here. It certainly handles very car like, has a tight turning radius, generally fun to drive. May not apply to a family of 5, but for adults the middle row seats are surprisingly roomy and comfortable despite their flat appearance.
Mazda 5 will be a tight fit with 3 kids in carseats. Sister in law's sister loved theirs, but I am told they had to load their 3rd kid through the trunk into the back seat. Might be a hassle, might actually work ok if you have half the back seat folded down. I have not tried it. Also with back seats up, you have a compact car size trunk.
It might work out ok if you have kids old enough to load themselves into their seats, then they could climb in back and buckle in. Or alternatively you could have one of the middle seats unbolted providing you a lot more access to get the kids in.
Just things to consider.
Dusterbd13 wrote: So the free minivan and dump the mustang is the plan? And slam as much in the bank as possible while the free van holds out? Sounds like a fantastic plan. If I'm understanding it right.
She's more than willing because I hinted at a foxbody project car while doing this. :P (she's a mustang girl.)
you have it right. dumping the mustang saves us around 700 a month... (tax/tags/payment/insurance)
I'm going to try get her to drive it for two years. why two? because if we decide to have three kids, in two years we'll be having the third. At that point she'll be much better able to decide on minivan or not. (i.e. if we have three, she'll know by then just how much E36 M3 two kids have: if we stay with two, then she can get a focus and be ok.)
Also by that point my eldest will be four, meaning should be able to climb in and buckle. Even if we space out the third to three years that'll make him five and even more able to buckle in... (I hope.)
Now I have to start parting out her current mustang (AMR 18x9 charcoal wheels/Rousch exhaust) put it back to stock and actually get someone to buy it. I'm hoping it' snot as much of a PITA as my 350z was. (I tried to sell it in tx for over 8 mo before paying carmax to take it.)
I wanted a Mazda5 when I was on kid #3, but I went to look at one and opened the hatch "uhhh, no thanks". If you plan on using the rear seats, a roof box or hitch box will be mandatory for luggage.
Keep in mind my Supercrew will be for any long distance driving etc. We fit all of the families E36 M3 and ours last year going on vacation and I got 23 mpg going to Oak Island NC.
Mad_Ratel wrote: Keep in mind my Supercrew will be for any long distance driving etc. We fit all of the families E36 M3 and ours last year going on vacation and I got 23 mpg going to Oak Island NC.
Yeah. I got that. Why? That's silly. My Caravan gets near 30 mpg on those same trips.
tuna55 wrote:Mad_Ratel wrote: Keep in mind my Supercrew will be for any long distance driving etc. We fit all of the families E36 M3 and ours last year going on vacation and I got 23 mpg going to Oak Island NC.Yeah. I got that. Why? That's silly. My Caravan gets near 30 mpg on those same trips.
I can haul a TON of E36 M3 in total comfort. And I already have the vehicle rather than buying another to do the same dooty. :P. I have a camper top so everything stays dry. I filled the bed from floor to rafter last year and will probably have double the E36 M3 this year. (no top last year). Like I said as long as possible before we need another payment. Also, she's happier in a smaller car. So if the only reason between the m5 and the caravan is long distance driving, she's going to be much happier if we just use the truck.
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