Wife is making grumblings about new vehicle....

[wag123]

Toyota RAV4 (gas or regular hybrid, living in WY I don't know why you would want a plug-in hybrid), Mazda CX-5, or Mazda CX-50.
I would not recommend a Honda CR-V, I own one, my wife picked it out and drives it. I never liked it and my wife now doesn't like it as much as she once did.
I have owned VWs, I would not purchase another one.

 

[sloinker]

I don’t often agree with Mr. Atilovi, seldom actually but this is spot on. OP is doing due diligence but if she likes the VW and it has no red flags why even look at others? And a used car isn’t a new car, it’s a different used car. And a sedan isn’t a CUV or she’d be looking at a Jetta or whatever.

I’ve always let wife pick her car, maybe with a little guidance about reliability etc but it’s worked out so far. Last one was the 02 Wrangler we’re driving because she thought it was time to have one we’re not getting any younger.

Edit to add seeing OPs attitude above about not helping wife buy a car never mind. It looks like it’s your money not our money.

She has picked her last two vehicles. Both minivans, her choice, I did the research and the transactions were without drama for her. It is interesting that you point out the inequity of my marriage. You are correct in a way. Everything we have is due to my hard work. My wife worked part time for the first part of our marriage but hasn't worked since 1999 when the kids came along. It was a mutual decision. I do value what she does at home and her being there for all the kids functions while I worked upwards of 3000 hours a year. Do I think I have earned the privilege for more say in our finances? Yes, I do. If the shoe was on the other foot there would be more deference.

 

[AZjeff]

Didn’t mean any disrespect, whatever works.

 

[Pablo]

She is telling me how much she like the daughter's Tiguan. Now that I am retired I am not sure I want to dump $35K on a new car. Her van has near 100k miles, my car has 60K miles and our go to the dump pickup has in the 80's. They all run well without issues. Knock on wood. I suppose my question is: Besides the Tiguan, what other compact SUV's are recommended by the folks here? With reading about the better life of CVT's nowadays they can be included. It will be her vehicle and she will probably be oblivious to it anyways. So, best quality, longest lasting, best performance, fit and finish, warranty.....everything that should be considered is in the mix. Oil burners are out,(i'm not talking about diesels), 100k mile head replacements are out too. So what say y'all?

Tell her to pay for it out of her savings/inheritance.

 

[DuckRyder]

She wants to get a tiguan instead of a grand caravan, i fail to see the issue.

 

[shortyb]

Learned long time ago to scratch the wife's itch so to speak. She has picked her last 3 cars and all have been excellent, including her current, 2020 Tiguan. I do all the legwork and run the deal at the stealership, but last ones have all been VWs so have a great sales guy who takes care of me. New Tig is definately value packed for the money and a great driving SUV. Easy as pie to work on too for all the DIY stuff you'll do. I like ours just fine.

 

[raaizin]

She is telling me how much she like the daughter's Tiguan. Now that I am retired I am not sure I want to dump $35K on a new car. Her van has near 100k miles, my car has 60K miles and our go to the dump pickup has in the 80's. They all run well without issues. Knock on wood. I suppose my question is: Besides the Tiguan, what other compact SUV's are recommended by the folks here? With reading about the better life of CVT's nowadays they can be included. It will be her vehicle and she will probably be oblivious to it anyways. So, best quality, longest lasting, best performance, fit and finish, warranty.....everything that should be considered is in the mix. Oil burners are out,(i'm not talking about diesels), 100k mile head replacements are out too. So what say y'all?

My daughter was looking at Tiguans I told her to look at the CRV and she went with the CRV. She went for top of line sport Touring but there are lower trims which are about 35k. If you get the hybrid you will get about 35mpg combine...best Tiguan will do is around 25. When you factor i Honda reliability I thought it was a no brainier. She got 4.9% financing and about 2k off sticker. If you look at my posts on it you can get some info. Just an FYI we had 3 VW's and 4 Audi's so we aren't afraid of German brands I just thought the Honda would be better. The VW is an OLD design has been around pretty much unchanged since 2018.

Mazda CX-5 is another great choice but it is much smaller..if that isn't an issue no problem

Here is a CRV for example:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/2a51d0e2-baa7-43de-9aea-771c22c5d519/

 

[Leo99]

Off topic and certainly no offense to you or anyone. Leaving money to my kids after I leave this planet is not a priority to me and I assume some others. Just like me/us, my kids are responsible to make their own way in life. IF we have money to leave them, that's a bonus. I am not going to deny my wants in old age to support them (unless severe circumstances, i.e., health or other life knockdowns). Plus, we are sharing our wealth with our immediate family (kids, grandkids) while we can enjoy it, that is now. Not huge amounts, but little niceties such as a bit of spending money for grand daughter's senior trip, violin lessons, etc.. My apologies, it just struck a nerve.

Back on topic - following this, because our daily driver is getting long in the tooth and I am not to excited about the options out there.

I think the subject of estate planning is on topic. I've been running numbers to plan my retirement hopefully next year. The standard withdrawals are usually 4% so you don't lose any principal. I think my kids would be thrilled to inherit $100,000. Not sure that they need 10x that after I go.

My wife wants me to buy a new car but nothing excites me for the money. I think another 3 years and cars will have cool new electronics.

 

[Danno]

So what say y'all?

RAV4 Hybrid.
Have her test drive one, and let her decide, as suggested.

 

[Danh]

My 2003 Jetta TDI was made in Mexico as well. Has over 500,000 miles on it. Only service was timing belts every 100,000, fuel filters and air filter every 20,000 miles oil every 10,000. All electronics still work. My 2012 jetta TDI, built in Mexico has 200,000 miles, same services as 2003. My mom’s 2013 Passat TDI with only 75,000 miles built in Chattanooga doing same services as Jetta has been terrible. Leaking water pump at 60, 200 miles did the whole timing belt, oil filter housing cracked, charge air cooler, DEF heater, I’ve worked on that more than anything. My 2015 golf TDI has 260,000 miles on it built in Mexico. Same services as Jetta never broken, so please tell me how Mexico sucks.

If you had read my post it was not directed at the quality of Mexican workers or Mexican products. Some folks simply prefer to buy things that employ Americans and Canadians. I could’ve recited the litany of failures in my VW purchases (never again), but thought my sample size was too small to declare Germany sucks.

 

[SC Maintenance]

If your asking me what I would do, I would take the wife to look at a couple other models - just to look, then get her whatever she wants. My wife wanted a Honda. Went to look at a Toyota. She liked it better. Her purse fit in the center console easier. Really. You can't make this up.

Its just a car. What difference really? Get her what she wants.

If you can't or don't want to afford it - just say so and see if you can work that part out. If you decide to get one though, might as well let her pick.

 

[edyvw]

Check does current Tiguan has same issue with easily cracked windshield as Atlas.

 

[Macrider]

I don’t often agree with Mr. Atilovi, seldom actually but this is spot on. OP is doing due diligence but if she likes the VW and it has no red flags why even look at others? And a used car isn’t a new car, it’s a different used car. And a sedan isn’t a CUV or she’d be looking at a Jetta or whatever.

I’ve always let wife pick her car, maybe with a little guidance about reliability etc but it’s worked out so far. Last one was the 02 Wrangler we’re driving because she thought it was time to have one we’re not getting any younger.

Edit to add seeing OPs attitude above about not helping wife buy a car never mind. It looks like it’s your money not our money.

I'm retired too. My Pilot has 125,000 miles on it and is still very dependable. I've never had any wear / tear repairs, i.e because it gets consistent care. Never miss an oil change, flush transmission at 60,000 and replace the drive belt at 100,000. Why replace it when who knows whats coming in future vehicles? Who knows what's coming with Medicare, 401s, the economy, etc? Good luck.

 

[macarose]

It would be a mostly cash transaction I suppose. Don't like drawing down my nest egg though. The kids will inherit whatever is leftover after we pass. My folks left everything to my younger brother as they knew he wasn't really capable of getting by on his own. He has bought a couple new cars in the last two years with his inheritance. I told him last time I saw him that the house he now owns free and clear thanks to the folks is not a bank and when he runs out of dad's cash he will need a job again. He also inherited a couple parcels of property in the sticks. I told him he needs to keep at least one because when he squanders everything else he can build a shack on the land and be one with nature. He wasn't amused.
I am hoping it is just a phase with the wife. We will buy her a new car if she really expresses that desire. I will tell her to grab the checkbook and go meet the rapists at the stealership without me. That will slow her down for sure.
I was looking at a plug in hybrid Toyota but they are stupid pricey above MSRP and I won't go there. Closer to invoice is my happy place. May pay to wait until the factories start closing their doors due to oversupply and take our chances with an un-warrantied orphan vehicle.

I have been a dealer for over 20 years and have a popular car buying service on Facebook called '48 Hours And A Used Car'. Also, like you, my wife has been a stay at home mom since 2000. She now dog-sits a bit, but she's incredibly good with money.

The Tiguan is frankly overpriced in the used car market. You already have everything you need right outside your front door.

If she complains, get her an excellent detail and upgrade the sound system on the van. Or if the seats are ripped see if you can get them reupholstered.

 

[Haakon]

If you had read my post it was not directed at the quality of Mexican workers or Mexican products. Some folks simply prefer to buy things that employ Americans and Canadians. I could’ve recited the litany of failures in my VW purchases (never again), but thought my sample size was too small to declare Germany sucks.

If "made in america" is your criteria, get a Tesla Model Y. Cheaper than a VW Tiguan too over its lifetime.

 

[bobdoo]

You must test drive the CX-5. I've had Honda's, Subaru's, a Mitsubishi, an Eagle, and an audi.

The CX-5 is the best across reliability, handling, ride, mechanical design, interior, and joy of driving.

With three vehicles, I'd suggest to the wife that you *also* get a new vehicle, and drop down to 2 vehicles. See how she reacts to that!

 

[Haakon]

Oof, I feel for you guys... My partner's own choice of vehicle was an Alfa Romeo - am super happy my car nerd credentials have rubbed off on her a little and she also hates SUVs on the basis they're **** to drive, look stupid and have zero redeeming features

 

[dogememe]

If "made in america" is your criteria, get a Tesla Model Y. Cheaper than a VW Tiguan too over its lifetime.

I'd wait for the refresh. Supposedly the suspension is MUCH improved on the new Model 3s, and the Y should get the same treatment/updates.

 

[Haakon]

I'd wait for the refresh. Supposedly the suspension is MUCH improved on the new Model 3s, and the Y should get the same treatment/updates.

Or better yet ditch the whole SUV crap and get a Model 3

 

[dogememe]

Or better yet ditch the whole SUV crap and get a Model 3

Meh, there's something nice about SUVs. I definitely miss my SUVs and my next vehicle will be larger. Literally the only thing I don't like about Bolty is that it isn't an SUV. So, I'd wait, personally.