Originally Posted by
Wiggles_dad
I'm currently car free but I'm moving in with my girlfriend who is also car free. We've decided that we should have a car for day hiking trips, going camping, driving to see her parents, etc. I currently have U Car Share which I love and use about once / month. However, a practical car that we use for hauling bulky stuff and going on weekend road trips seems to be what we want.
What would be the cheapest car over the long haul under $7,000?
So how often do you do these things really? Don't just fantasize. Get specific.
Day Hiking Trips - small car, enough for you and she and two packs
Camping - any car will get you to a camp site, if you need to hike in, then see day hikes.
Going to see her parents - small car fine
Hauling bulky stuff - uhaul, budget rent a truck
Weekend road trips that aren't either day hikes, camping or going to see her parents. - unknown, good to have a choice, you might need a Mustang or Vette for the proper ambiance.
Point being that if you actually analyse the numbers, buying a car may not be the best route financially, especially since your budget limits you to older cars. And being a repeat customer with a rental agency isn't bad. They remember you and treat you better.
Of course, we realize that perhaps what you really wanted by asking for a car recommendation in a living car-free forum was arguments against it that you could use with your girlfriend. Otherwise you wouldn't have put a frown in your headline.