Thinking...

A while back, I posted about some new vehicles we were considering.  Since then, my 96' Maxima has bit the dust twice and shall be revived no more.  We may be able to hold off on a new car for a little while longer though--hubby already takes the train to work and I might be able to do the same.

I'm just thinking out my thoughts here...so here goes (sourced through random googling):

Research
2007 Prius = <$15,000
MGP = 46 combined
Cargo space = 14.4 cubic ft

2012 Prius V (wagon) = $29,000
MPG = 42 combined
Cargo space = 34.4 cubic ft. (seat up) and 67 cubic feet (seat down)

Analysis
That is a HUGE difference in price and in storage. Our initial goal was to buy a gently used vehicle and let the first owners take the depreciation hit.  We plan to buy it outright rather than to make monthly payments unless the financing rate is very very low.

We already have a sedan but we have continually needed a larger "hauling" vehicle and it has been a huge PITA trying to stuff things into the little car or borrowing people's trucks/SUVs.  Plus, it'd be nice to have a larger car when we have a family.  A stroller fits easily into the trunk of hubby's TSX but it leaves no room for anything else.  Of course groceries/stuff can be put in the backseat of the car but we'll still be tight on room.

On the other hand, a '07 Prius is about half the cost of a new Wagon.  Is it worth the extra cargo space?  le hmm.  Perhaps it is not a good idea to compare a wagon with a sedan.  It's more accurate to compare the wagon with a SUV.  Could we wait another year or so before buying a new car?  That way we might be able to get a used 2012 wagon then?

Hm.

To be continued.