I was driving my 2011 Hyundai Sonata with 103k miles, and the engine seized. WTF. It happened to be a Hyundai recall, and they replaced the engine (long block). So I had a 103k mile sonata with new engine, starter, all belts (serpentine too), 1 yr old brakes (calipers/rotor/pads), 1.5 yr old A/C compressor, and was in fantastic exterior condition. As we are paying 100k (total) for two girls private high school starting next year, I was perfectly happy with a very sound, and PAID OFF car.
.....until last Thursday night.
I was bringing my 10 yr old to Travel Softball practice, and I get hit by someone running a red light. Both me and my daughter get whiplash and concussions, and burns from the airbag...in a lot of pain for a while but basically we are ok with what looks to be no permanent damage (fingers crossed). But my 2011 Sonata is totaled.
.....so I have to get a new car. FUCK ME I didn't want to shop for a new car. I didn't know what was out there really, and sure didn't want to have a car payment.
But in the end, after a lot of research, and a few test drives, I am very happy with the new car I got.
2019 Jetta
I am not concerned so much with style, as I am much more concerned with value and substance. This car is very conservatively styled, which is fine as it wont likely look silly or outdated in a few years. It is the base model in the dark grey with some flake. It has the black cloth interior with some carbon and leather trim, and has the alloy wheels. What impressed me was the butt load of features on the base model...especially after driving a 2011 with no features. It has large touch screen with apple play and lots of other shit, back up camera, lane change warning/assist, and front end warning/braking. Got the window tinting thrown in, and an extra set of rubber floor mats. 30/40 mpg with an eco setting to do even better. Large trunk with split back seat fold down. 1.4L 4-cylinder with turbo. All LED lights as well. AND a 6 year, 72,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty!!!!!!!!
All in all a very nice car to suit my needs, and all the tech and safety I could ever hope for.
The best part is I negotiated the price of the car down to $15,486! (Sticker was $21,125) I paid $5600 less for this 2019 Jetta with all those features than I did for the 2011 Sonata!
So far the car has exceeded my expectations, from performance, ergonomics, and tech.....and the low price makes it even better....takes the sting out of a car payment when the mileage reimbursement I get from work every month basically pays my car payment.
Anyway, just thought I'd share.