Help with decision

carfanzzz

please opine.

my 2015 mazda 3 lease is running out next month with buyout option of $12k. Its a really nice and easy to maintain car with avg fuel economy of 37mpg! The interior and exterior are nice and I've always done synthetic oil changes and recommended maintenance so I should be problem free for next 3 years with it. It's only drawback is subpar performance (driving it is like watching paint dry due to optimized fuel consumption engine). AND its market price is $9-$10k so obviously I'd be putting money in dealer's pocket by exercising the buyout option at $12k.

We also have our first baby on the way, so we are thinking slightly bigger and easier access.

For similar $13k I found 2015 VW Tiguan S with 20k miles and 2yr certified warranty on everything. Its only average on fuel consumption at 26 highway, but has nice interior and exterior design/quality and looks to have easier access for baby related activites. I believe it uses premium gas, but not sure.

I also found 4 door Golf TDI (diesel) for $13k with 30k miles and 43mpg. Diesel prices are probably 30-40cents above regular.

So my choices to purchase cars are:
$12k buyout fuel efficient and cheap to maintain Mazda 3
$12-13k for roomier Tiguan with 20k and 2yr warrant with 200+hp and easy access
$12-$13k efficient and roomy Golf TDI with 30k mileage and remaining powertrain only warranty (5yr/60k)
another choice I might be missing? (price below $13k)

kyfdx

Don't buy out your car.. That's a sure loser by $2K-$3K.

stickguy

agreed. The only reason to buy the old car is if the buyout price is better than you could buy a comparable one on the open market. If not, strike one. And it sounds like that going forward, it is not what will best fit your needs. so that is strike 2.

look at it the other way. Pretend your situation was the same, but you did not own a car today. Would you be considering a 3 to be at the top of your list? If not, and doesn't sound like you are, then the lease ending is the perfect time to move on.

The Golf is efficient, but diesel ownership is not for everyone. And correct that at the moment, Diesel fuel is a lot more expensive. with all the diesel scandals recently, it is also unclear what will happen with them down the line. Plus the golf is not really that big once you start loading in kids stuff. Not that a Tiguan is either! Which does require premium gas.

Why not consider a Mazda CX5? The Mazda attributes you like, in a nice sized CUV package. Might be a tad more expensive though but gotta pay to play.

qbrozen

Kia Sportage?

carfanzzz

kyfdx - what about the fact that I've owned and carefully maintained it for 3 years. cant say same for new slightly used/leased car I'd be getting. how much peace of mind worth?

stickguy - you're spot on on all points. except CX-5 = 150hp - for a mid size crossover thats dreadful. I wouldn't mind leasing it, but not own for 5+ years.

qbrozen - i'll look into it. for some reason tiguan residuals are really bad/low and after lease cars are offered 2-3k below competitors.

thank you all!

stickguy

You wànt the cx5 with the 2.5l Engine. That has a lot more hp and is on the quicker side for a compact CUV.

kyfdx

@carfanzzz I'd settle for a little less peace of mind for $2000-$3000.

If you like the idea of that used Tiguan, look for a leftover 2017 model. They have pretty cheap lease deals for those. The payment would be way lower than the finance payment on that used car.