Sort of but not really. If we'd go second hand, ideally I'd like something like a hybrid corolla, but if we were to get a new car probably a mid sized suv hybrid.

If we get a second hand car, it's most likely gonna be a stop gap (and it'll replace my car in a few years time, and we'll get another larger car)

[–] eagleeyedtiger@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 month ago

Good luck whatever you decide! I've been looking on and off for awhile to replace our Prius, but there's barely anything that grabs my interest locally that is 6+ seats, hybrid and with a lot of space. It's either 10+ year old Nissan Serena's or expensive late model Toyota Highlanders or Sante Fe's and nothing in between here in the Waikato.

[–] Dave@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I've got a Ford Kuga I can sell you, which is a mid-sized SUV.

Just kidding, I'd never do that to you. When we get rid of it, it will be a trade in, as I couldn't look someone in the eye while selling it to them. I think we've probably spent $5k+ on repairs and maintenence since we obtained it in a Great Family Car Swap a few years ago. Just need to wait for another year or two until we don't need 3 car seats side by side.

[–] Panq@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Oof. I'm pretty confident that I've spent less than that servicing every car I've ever owned, which is... 15 years or so?

Japanese subcompacts are so cheap that it's more or less impossible for me to justify buying anything else.

[–] Dave@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Yep, pretty rough. I am keen to get something electric next time around, we have a Leaf at the moment as well but I'm keen for something longer range. But this Kuga with all it's electronics puts me off a car that relies so much on it's computer and electronic system, so not sure what good options there are for a long range EV that is also reliable.

The sad thing is we don't even drive the Kuga that much, only for long trips. I think it would be a reasonable bet that we've spent less on fuel than we have on maintenance.

[–] Panq@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The sad thing is we don't even drive the Kuga that much, only for long trips. I think it would be a reasonable bet that we've spent less on fuel than we have on maintenance.

Last road trip from Auckland to Wellington, we just hired a big car (a mid-size SUV, I guess). 100% recommend anyone shopping for a car (or whatever) does a quick check to see if it's actually worth owning it vs hiring. In my case (one kid and no boat), it's way cheaper to just hire something big and flash for the occasional road trips.

[–] Dave@lemmy.nz 1 points 1 month ago

Hmm possibly. A quick look on budget rentals and it seems you're looking at $1000 a week for a big SUV or $5-600 for the mid-sized SUVs or any other car.

I don't remember if I've ever hired a car, I assume you pay for your own fuel?

Both our parents and most of our extended family live hours away so we probably spend 3 weeks and 5-10 weekends (usually 3 day weekends) a year away. Some years it's more. If that's $5k a year on rentals and you still pay for your own fuel I'm not sure it would be cheaper.

We are probably a bit special though, most people probably don't spend that long away from home if their parents are closer (or really far away - whether horizontally or vertically).

I also underplayed how often we use the car. It's used probably a couple of times a week for short trips, but only because sometimes my wife and I need to do different things at the same time.

[–] NoRamyunForYou@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Haha the three side by side by side car seats sounds like a bit of a handful 😳

[–] Dave@lemmy.nz 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It's pretty awful, yeah. We have booster seats for the older two in our Leaf, but for longer trips we want to try to keep full harnesses as long as possible. Better protection but also they can't slip out of the belt when they fall asleep.

We have these special "clicktight" seats that install using a different mechanism than normal that help you get them nice and tight even though there is no room around them. I've got lots of practice now so even though I try to avoid it, I can install them pretty quick if I have to.

[–] NoRamyunForYou@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Every time I watch a car review online and they start talking about child seats, they were talking to you! Hahaha

[–] Dave@lemmy.nz 1 points 1 month ago

I'm hoping by the time we get another car it won't be a concern anymore 😆. We also had to get an extra anchor put in the car because cars mostly seem to only come with one on each side, none for the middle.

The car industry says you're only allowed 2 kids.