Becoming a Two Vehicle Family!

We finally did it - we bought a second vehicle, a car!  And it's a really nice 2008 Honda Accord EX-L sedan, silver with black leather interior with low miles (less than 10,000 driven per year).  And we talked them down in price, so we got an even better deal. 

Hondas generally last forever, are relatively inexpensive to maintain and fix, and are cheaper to insure than other vehicles.  This car is also a 4-cylinder engine, and not a V-6, which means it will get pretty good gas mileage as well!  It's roomy and comfy and is even fun to drive!  We are very happy we finally decided on what car we should get and can be done car shopping for a very, very long time.

Josh and I have been car shopping for months.  Josh loves cars and I could often find him sitting at the computer looking at various cars for sale in the area.  As this car will become Josh's commuter vehicle and I will now claim the Chevy Suburban, Josh wanted something fun to drive.  So we looked at some sportier vehicles here and there.  Of course some of these had stick shifts, which I do not know how to drive.  While Josh would be the primary driver, I still hope to be able to use the car when I'm going somewhere by myself, like to book club, the library, church, or a late-night run to Kroger.  So, Josh was willing to teach me how to drive stick shift, though I don't think he really looked forward to that process, because he didn't think I would be a very good student.  So, maybe thankfully we ended up with an automatic vehicle.  Maybe someday he'll get to teach me.

For a long time we looked into getting a VW Passat or Jetta, leaning toward a Jetta, as they are smaller and would cost less.  We also considered each in the TDI version, as they can be driven for 300,000 miles and have excellent fuel economy, but the initial price is more for the vehicle, as well as the fuel. 

We also test drove (and love us) some Mercedes-Benz.  Such beautiful cars.  So comfortable.  So luxurious, and so very fun to drive.  We test drove some used Benz's that would be in our price range (since brand new ones definitely weren't!) of the C-Class variety.  We loved them of course, but thought maybe not right now.

We also talked about buying brand new vehicles, especially as car dealers are trying to clear out their 2012 stock right now and are dropping prices and offering good incentives.  But, I just couldn't ever get over that large price tag (which didn't include taxes and fees yet) plus it would likely mean having to finance part of the vehicle purchase, which would end up costing us more over the long run due to interest.  Also, depreciation: what a joke.  So, while it would be great to know where every mile of that vehicle can from, it's an expensive luxury to have that knowledge.

Josh and I are just so excited to have a second, smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle!  We can't wait to start saving on gas!  Our Suburban gets anywhere between 15-17 mpg.  The Accord should get about 25-27 mpg (we'll have to see).  Right now we're filling up the big bad beast about 3 times a month.  We hope that with Josh putting most of the miles driving to and from school on the car and not the SUV, we'll be able to get that down to one fill-up a month, maybe less. 

Of course, Josh is worried that now that I have a car during the day I may just get out every day because I can.  But, I don't think that will really be the case.  I think I'll have to get used to having a car and remember that I can actually get out if I want to first. Also, I don't think I will be going very far from home if we do go out.  But, a second car allows me so much more flexibility.  I can take my kids to a park.  I won't have to rely on people giving me a ride on days the car is gone.  I won't ever have to worry about taking Josh in on days I do need it.  I also like knowing that in case of emergencies, I have a car (with car seats).  With our third kid soon arriving, I know it will be nice to be able to get out of the house on those days we're all stir crazy.

And to think, it only took us 4 years 2 months of marriage to become a two-car family!  But, then again, we do have (almost) three kids.  When did your family become a two-car family?