Car shopping is STRESSFUL - Progress so far

[@vwestlife]

That microphone is so "1970s reporter" it needs a hat with a press pass in it.

[@vwestlife]

I remember when I bought my Mazda3 (maybe you remember it from the early years of my channel) the dealer sent out an attractive woman in a short skirt to try to convince me to pay extra for an extended warranty and theft protection system -- not realizing that trick wasn't going to work on me. 😄I also declined to pay for window etching, but it ended up coming with window etching anyway -- I think they do that on all new cars when they arrive at the port, with the expectation that most people won't say no.

[@catgirl_eva]

What you've said about the way the seats in various vehicles fit you is one of the reasons why I'm considering a Nissan Rogue as my next vehicle. I've driven crossovers from Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan and the Rogue is the only one that's been comfortable for longer drives. And being a bigger girl than you, comfort is absolutely something I look for in a vehicle. Also, the Mirage, when you look at it for what it is, it's not a bad little car. I had one as a rental a while back and it made a 300-mile round trip without skipping a beat and with minimal discomfort. However, merging into traffic on Interstate 95 is an absolutely terrifying experience in that little car.

[@dysfunctionalwombat]

I feel your plight with comfort. I'm 6 foot 1 and a bit large, and a lot of cars I am uncomfortable or straight up do not fit in. My parents have a 1993 Toyota 4Runner SR5 that they really love but I physically don't fit in the drivers seat, one of the reasons I love my Honda Element so much. But still, it sucks. Legroom especially because I've been in some cars where my legs get pushed up and hit the steering wheel (like my parents 4Runner) (edit) A friend of mine has a 2019 Mirage manual and he really likes it. It gets amazing mileage and is reliable. And it did so coincidentally replace his 2000 Chevy (Geo) Metro

[@bogusproductions195]

Mazda CX-5 is pretty good but there are a few things you might want to consider. 1) Specs wise the high displacement engine (2.5 liters), the 6 speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive is not really a great combination for fuel economy, 2) Typically mazda cars have stiffer suspension as they are tuned for handling, and 3) When I compared insurance rates between makes Mazda was up there. I too did car shopping this year and I was extremely close towards pulling the trigger on a CX5 myself but these factors ended up taking me to the Subaru Crosstrek. If you haven't made up your mind yet, I recommend taking a closer look at that. It should be in your budget and I would say that the suspension is extremely comfortable. Seats are also excellent and has very good front visibility and for the rear you will have to remove the headrests.

[@themaritimegirl]

I'm prepared to take the hit on fuel economy - nothing I'm considering will be as good as the Flocus. I mentioned it in the video but took it out in editing - I like the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback, but I've read time and again that Subarus develop powertrain issues if you look at them the wrong way.

[@bogusproductions195]

​ @themaritimegirl So older subarus did have powertrain issues, like the turbos and headgaskets. However the naturally aspirated engines on the crosstrek (2ltr/2.5ltr) have been around for a long time and they have been reliable. Subaru powertrains were an issue a few generations ago but that's no longer the case. I posted the initial comment before watching the full video, based on what you mentioned about wanting a more compact vehicle, comfortable seats, nice interior I think you should atleast test drive the crosstrek and see how it is. Stick to the convenience and touring 2024 model. I didn't really like the previous gen that much and I think the changes for the 2024 are worth it. Forums will ask you to consider the trims with the 2.5 ltr engine but don't blow over your budget in this economy. Certain things I really like are the excellent steering responsive led headlights, excellent eyesight safety system, it has a 63 litre fuel tank which will easily give you over 500+ kms of range, very comfortable seats (redesigned for 2024). I like the Mazda CX5 too but I would recommend you to try the Crosstrek. EDIT: One thing I forgot to mention is that I have heard mixed reviews on the CX5's seats. Lot of reviewers who have reviewed the higher trims complain that the seats feel like cardboard and are uncomfortable over a long drive, however you are probably going for a trim with cloth seats so you might want to pay closer attention to that.

[@evelynjacobson5203]

@@themaritimegirl following up on my earlier comment, one of my Subarus was a WRX. I replaced it at 256K Miles. No engine issues, but the CV joints were going out and the estimated repair would have been about the total value of the vehicle, at 13 years old. My late wife's Forester didn't get quite as many miles, but a family member has it now, and they are still loving it. My current Impreza is ten years old, around 130K miles, and still going strong. I hope to keep it for years to come.

[@hellhound-si5oz]

I just got a Chevy pickup truck they have nice seats

[@BBC600]

I love the video transitions used throughout.

[@robd1365]

Most modern cars seem to be designed like a sports car SUV with hard suspension, sporty seating, crap visibility and aggressive styling. I’ve seen a few electronic E brake failures too, I dislike anything automatic apart from transmission. European fords are better quality than their USA counterparts too, our Focus and Mondeo (now replaced with an ugly SUV) are amazing cars.

[@evelynjacobson5203]

Any thoughts on a Subaru Forester? Base model in the US looks like it would be well in budget, and there are a couple of colors beyond White/Grey/Silver. I've had four Subaru's in my "fleet" over the years. No other manufacturer has had more than one. Yes, I'm a Subie Girl, but not thee SubieGirl.

[@themaritimegirl]

I regretfully cut it out in editing, but I haven't considered Subaru because I've heard many times that Subarus develop powertrain issues if you don't replace every fluid and do way more maintenance than a car normally needs. But other people are imploring that I try one, so I guess I should do my due diligence.

[@evelynjacobson5203]

Subaru had issues decades ago...think 90s. And, there are some folks that might stress the drive train more...think would be rally kids. Regular road use and maintenance will keep them running just fine.

[@catgirl_eva]

Girl, where can I get one of those CHCO tees?

[@themaritimegirl]

We dont sell them right now, but we hope to someday!

[@BBC600]

​@@themaritimegirlon the topic of merch I still wish that the station had a Maude calendar printed. 🗓️ I have a feeling those would sell like hotcakes 🥞.

[@themaritimegirl]

@@BBC600 Other people have said that too! We have enough pictures for a 365 day calendar 😁

[@BBC600]

@@themaritimegirl That's what the world needs "A Maude a Day" calendar 🗓️ ☺️

[@Cyrix_Instead]

Hey there! I think the CX-5 is a really nice car, never driven one but I've taken a ride in my aunt's '19 CX-5 before and it seemed nice (driving my '09 Kia Rondo into the ground but she's getting pretty rusty too :(, no inspection here in AB though). I know this is off topic, but I've been watching since 2015 (back when you were still in university). Anyway! To the point - I am a neurodivergent university student doing my Bachelor of Science in Computing Science. Is there any advice you wish someone would've told you before you started uni, for success? (or other useful tips for uni success?) Thanks in advance! I really appreciate it. :)

[@themaritimegirl]

I did so poorly in university that I almost didn't graduate, so I don't think anyone should ask me for advice lol. I guess don't be afraid to retake classes if you have to, and seek help from professors and tutors, even if you have to do it with your tail between your legs. Also, if you have the opportunity, take some beginner arts courses in things like philosophy or music - they were the most enjoyable and memorable courses I ever took.

[@trevorstepoo8838]

The Toyota Corolla cross in our area here in Honolulu, Hawaii is around 30,000

[@nikosuoa]

Honda or Corolla :), anyway, happy and safe trips!

[@tall_dude1233]

I'd recommend either a Honda HR-V or a Hyundai Tucson. Hyundai has alot of tech and safety features, but Honda has legendary reliability. The HR-V specifically has the fold-up rear seat so you can fit a small plant between the front and rear seat! The Hyundai Tucson has a shifting transmission (8-speed) where the Honda has a CVT. That's another thing to consider... If you want a manual transmission, it may be possible to find a crossover witih one, it's just hard.

[@themaritimegirl]

I like the Tucson, but it's more expensive than the CX-5 and as expensive as the Nissan Rogue, and for that price I'd rather have something made in Japan. The HR-V is just not a good value in Canada unfortunately. Same price as a CX-5 despite being smaller, and you have to get the top $40,000 trim to get any color other than white grey or black. With that said, maybe I will test drive one in case I have some sort of revelation.

[@tall_dude1233]

End of the year is the best time to buy a vehicle, dealers will try to wipe out their 2023 inventory to make room for 2024s. Heck, you may be able to find a still-new 2022 model that nobody bought, especially if it's a weird colour (like orange or brown).

[@Tom-sg4iv]

Try out some trucks instead, maybe Toyota or Nissan.

[@themaritimegirl]

No offense, but absolutely not lol. I couldn't buy a less useful type of vehicle for my needs.