spoil me or economize? which car would you buy?

[chicanueva]

Hi moms,

Ive read everything on CM on this subject, and BIG than ks to all who've posted before me.

I've narrowed it down to a 2003 Subaru Forester   $8000?

Or a 2004 Acura MDX, about 13000?

Which inner voice do I listen to? The "save money, you got other priorities"

or the one that says "I'm 46, divorced, and tired of scrimping, plus I can't afford new after all so I wanna spoil me this time"

I can afford both, both will hold up well, safe etc. I did my research. For me, I needed a car with comfortable seats, (baaad arthritis)  and these two were it. No Fords, Toyotas etc felt just right.

My 10 year old, of course loved the MDX with the DVD player, 3rd row GPS  and all. My only worry is the price of gas, and if it needs repairs. Insurance isn't much different.

Or, I can buy the Subaru and think of all the money I'm saving. I may regret it later  when I need to haul around kids' friends, luggage, building materials, or take our planned road trip to Arizona. (1800 miles!)

And yes, in the end I know  I got it good. I have friends who drive 10 year old compact cars, so I'll feel thankful either way.

So moms, what would you do?

[FL2AK]

The luxury one.

[anotherhalf]

I'd buy the Subaru and use the rest of the money for a vacation to Hawaii.

[So.Ill.Mama]

Go all out :-)

[seraphimsong]

I'd do the same

Quoting FL2AK:

The luxury one.

[GirlWSemiAuto]

The one that doesn't involve a car payment.

[Grumpylilpixy]

IDK I am having the same issue. A Dodge Magnum or a Honda passport. I am leaning toward the honda passport. I would have to finance the DODGE Magnum I wouldn't the Honda passport. We go look at the Honda Passport tom. I am leaning toward the passport because I am in college and don't think financing would be the best... UGH! 

If I were you I would def look up the reviews on both. The Subaru's go FOREVER!!!!

[CuriousArentYa]

Subaru, I love Subarus! I just got an Outback to use as my around town car and I love driving it. But now that I think about it, I would not choose it over my Armada. But because the Armada gets 12 mpg I had to get the Subaru to save on the gas mpgs. LOL. Ah, I must be no help. 

[sweetmissy_05]

Acura it will last longer than a Subaru!!

[brittany208]

Do you have money saved up in an emergency fund and for retirement?

[SommelierMom]

$13,000 for a 2004 is a bad move financially.  The car's almost 10 years old.  Things will likely begin going wrong with it, if they haven't already.