Sore eyes, OK car?
In the equation of how much weight to give to various aspects of a vehicle when you’re car shopping, how important do you think looks should be? If you find a vehicle that meets every need but is butt-ugly, would you still buy it?
Umm, I think I see a spousal dispute developing … or maybe it’s already hatched!
Short answer: No. You’ve got to look at that thing every day for the next several years. If the mere fact of seeing it is illness provoking or depressing, it’s not worth it.
My most important priorities are safety, reliability, comfort (much more important to me now than 10 years ago) and price/value — meaning it is the amount I budgeted for, I get everything I want and don’t have to pay extra for junk I don’t.
That said, I would not buy a vehicle I think is unattractive. And I believe there are enough options out there at many price points that probably no one should.
If the car simply isn’t breathtakingly beautiful, that’s one thing. Depending on your resources, you may have to just live with that. But if you’re actively revolted by a vehicle’s looks, I think buying it is probably not a great idea.
You noted that many new cars come without spare tires. How well do those sealant kits work that they provide these days instead of a spare?
Manufacturers say the sealant works really well. You apparently can drive up to 100 miles after you’ve done the patch job but you’re supposed to go to a tire shop and get a professional repair at that point. Manufacturers acknowledge that sealants aren’t effective on 100 percent of flats. If the hole is bigger than one-quarter of an inch, or if the puncture is on the side of the tire, that kit is worthless. The patch won’t work; you’ll need a tow.
My car has a spare. When it comes time for a trade-in, if the new vehicle I buy doesn’t provide a spare, I’ll pay the $150 or so most carmakers charge so I can have one.
One of the arguments for eliminating spares is to save weight (and improve mpgs). There’s a 20-pound difference between hauling a spare and hauling the sealant kit. Really. I’ll cheerfully take that fuel-efficiency reduction for the insurance of knowing I won’t be stranded.
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.