Have been debating with myself for a few months now on what to do before winter truly hits hard. From northwest Indiana, recently started a new salary job where I am making twice as much as last year but now driving a lot more for work. Roughly 600 miles per week, 2,500 miles per month and potentially 30k+ a year of mileage of driving. My work also pays me an extra "car package" of $400 extra a month, that I could use on a new car or gas. Thanks to rising gas pricing, I'm spending around 400 a month for gas. I have been lucky and still live with a parent and will stay at my brothers place that's closer to work a few days out of the week, so have not had to pay rent/mortgage and saving money being single.
My current car, a 07 Chevy Malibu LS that I bought from family for $2k 3 years ago, has not even reached 100k miles yet and runs like a tap with nothing majorly wrong (knock on wood). Being a sedan its on the small side, having to pack my inventory for work in the back seat and trunk. It does need new tires for the winter and probably a tune up as well so chances of break down while on the road decreases. Though I hate driving in the snow, I would say that it is not reliable in poor weather conditions compared to other vehicles.
With the "chip" shortage, price of used cars exploding, gas prices rising and nothing lasting forever, should I;
Upgrade my Chevy Malibu for the winter or buy a new/used SUV with AWD?
PS, was looking at Hyundai Tucson or maybe a Subaru but open to suggestions
The Malibu likely won't hold up well past 100k miles. In my opinion, I would replace it IF your budget allows.
Stay far, far away from Hyundai/Kia. They have some of the worst quality vehicles on the market today. Subaru would be better, but a Honda/Toyota would be best as they are built to take mileage.
The thing that would tip the scale in favor of a new vehicle for me is the long commute in winter conditions. That sounds like it could get rough even with a 4WD at times. An 07 Chevy Malibu is no match for that kind of driving.
Yeah get something better in winter. I would look at a awd or 4wd/awd 4runner, Highlander, or Rav 4. The 4th gen 4runners are more comfortable, and can be had for a reasonable price, mostly.
Whatever you get, make sure to winterize it as well, that way you don't have to replace the car every few years because it is rotted out.
Drive it til it croaks, that's what is known as a winter beater.
I want to preface this by saying I'm thinking farther down the line.
You may not have a bad winter. Even where your at, the winter cold will be milder in only about 2.5 months, or around another 7500 miles of vehicle travel. Your vehicle should hold up for a few more months.
If I was in your situation I would winterize the Malibu and hold off until later next year when the chip situation stabilizes a bit.
I would also continue spending as if I was making the same money before your new job, and immediately put the extra money into a car fund that you don't touch.
When next spring or summer roles around, you will have a nice stash of cash to more easily purchase an SUV. Not to mention, you may be able to negotiate a lower price.
