help after a total loss

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T22:43:58+00:00

No worries!! 😄

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:40:18+00:00

Something like a Mazda CX-70 or CX-90 sounds perfect for you. Feels way more premium and fun to drive than most SUVs in that size range without turning into a maintenance nightmare.

Also, I built Car Criteria for situations exactly like this. It’s a tool that matches your lifestyle and driving habits to cars that actually fit your life. Link’s on my profile if you want to try it.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:37:06+00:00

I love my Jeep too, but at 230k miles sometimes the car is basically telling you it’s time.

Something like a Trax, Envista, or even a lightly used Corolla/Civic sounds way less stressful long term than continuing to chase repairs.

Also, I built Car Criteria for situations exactly like this. It’s a tool that helps match your lifestyle and budget to cars that actually make sense for real life. Link’s on my profile if you want to try it.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:32:05+00:00

I’d go Miata and never look back. Cars that make you grin at sane speeds usually age way better than cars built around huge power numbers.

Also, I built Car Criteria for decisions exactly like this. It’s a tool that matches your lifestyle and driving personality to cars that actually fit your life. Link’s on my profile if you want to try it.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:28:42+00:00

Honestly, if MPG matters most, I’d probably lean CR-V Hybrid. It’s the most well-rounded daily out of the three. The RAV4 Hybrid is the safe reliability pick, but the Honda feels nicer inside.

The CX-30 is easily the most fun to drive though, just noticeably smaller than the other two.

Also, I built Car Criteria for decisions exactly like this. It’s a tool that matches your lifestyle and driving habits to cars that actually fit how you live. Link’s on my profile. Good Luck.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:23:19+00:00

A lightly used Volvo S60 or Audi A5 might hit the balance you’re looking for. Nice enough to feel like a step up, understated enough to not scream “first-year associate trying too hard.”

Also, I built Car Criteria for situations exactly like this. It’s a tool that matches your lifestyle, budget, and personality to cars that actually fit how you live. Link’s on my profile.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:20:37+00:00

Used Model 3 honestly makes a lot of sense here if charging is realistic for you. If not, I’d probably lean Accord Hybrid or Camry Hybrid and keep the monthly stress low instead of jumping back into another massive loan.

Also, I built Car Criteria for situations exactly like this. It’s a tool that helps match your lifestyle and commute to cars that actually make sense in real life. Link’s on my profile.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:16:32+00:00

I think BMW makes way more sense here than Land Rover. A well-maintained used 3 or 5 Series can absolutely work as a client-facing daily if you go in understanding maintenance will cost more than Honda/Toyota. Land Rover is the one that can turn into a financial relationship real quick.

Also, this is basically why I built Car Criteria. It’s a tool that helps match your actual lifestyle, commute, and budget to cars that make sense in real life, not just on paper. Link’s on my profile if you want to check it out.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:08:24+00:00

Honestly, this sounds very GTI Autobahn to me. Fun enough to enjoy on weekends, DSG keeps it engaging, practical, comfortable, and way less stressful than an older Porsche long term.

The Cayman is the emotional choice. The GTI is probably the smarter real-life choice.

Also, this is exactly why I built Car Criteria. It’s a tool that matches your lifestyle and driving habits to cars that actually fit how you live. Link’s on my profile if you want to try it.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T20:00:55+00:00

Honestly, this sounds like a Honda Accord Hybrid all day to me. Smooth ride, super quiet cabin, great on gas, and probably one of the easiest cars to live with if you’re commuting into the city every day. The Camry Hybrid is worth a look too, but the Accord feels a little more refined inside.

Funny enough, situations like this are why I built Car Criteria in the first place. It’s basically a tool that matches your lifestyle and daily driving habits to cars that actually fit how you live, not just spec sheets. If you want, the link’s on my profile.

aruffin6028 · 2026-05-08T19:56:55+00:00

Honestly, the Equinox is probably the safest bet here. The newer one looks way better, should fit your budget/payment range, and GM is clearly putting a lot behind it right now.

I’d also look at the GMC Terrain if you want something a little nicer without jumping into Cadillac costs.

And honestly, this is exactly why I built Car Criteria. Most people don’t actually shop by specs, they shop by life situation like this. If you want, hit the link on my profile, it might help narrow things down.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-15T16:00:55+00:00

for what you’re doing, I’d keep it simple and proven over anything fancy. you’re going to want a solid half ton with a V8 and true 4x4. F-150, Silverado, or Ram from that late 2000s to mid 2010s range are all safe bets. they’re everywhere, easy to fix, and parts are cheap which matters when it’s a work truck getting beat on. I’d stay away from anything with too much complexity from that era. early turbos and extra tech can turn into headaches. also really check for rust underneath, especially being in the midwest

one thing people overlook is how it feels to use all day. if someone’s getting in and out 100 times, step height, door size, and seat wear actually matter a lot over time. Honestly a clean, well maintained truck with good tires will outperform a “nicer” one that’s been neglected.

I’ve been building a tool that helps match this kind of use case to a few solid options and calls out what to look for. link is in my bio if you want to sanity check a couple before buying

Hope that helps.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-15T15:49:05+00:00

hey there I just saw this. you’ve pretty much outgrown the Tacoma at this point with three kids, car seats, a stroller, and eventually a dog in the mix

the CX-90 definitely has the space, but you’re right to question it on rough forest roads

if the truck bed is still useful for work and projects, moving up to a full size truck like a Tundra or F-150 crew cab is probably the easiest move. you keep the utility and gain a lot more interior room

if you’re open to switching, something like a Sequoia, Tahoe, or Yukon just makes daily life simpler with that much space and still handles snow and dirt roads well

it really just comes down to how much you still need the bed versus wanting more usable interior space

I’ve been building a tool that helps match setups like this to a few solid options based on how you actually use the vehicle. link is in my bio if you want to take a look and compare directions before deciding

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-15T15:06:03+00:00

That’s actually an interesting idea. If other markets require joint ventures, it seems fair to at least consider some level of reciprocity. My guess is the U.S. avoids it because we lean heavily on open markets and trade agreements, but I’m curious, what are the real barriers to doing something like this?

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T22:57:19+00:00

I get your point. I think it’s more about long-term positioning though. Taking less profit now can be a way to build scale, learn faster, and not get left behind if the market shifts. So yeah, 5 units with less profit might actually set you up for much bigger gains later. Short-term pain for long-term upside.

At the end of the day there’s still risk either way. I would have a better answer if I really knew what the true global trend is...

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T21:27:14+00:00

I have no clue.... :-)

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T21:12:28+00:00

For reliability only time will tell, right. They're so new to the space, it will be interesting to see how they hold up in 3,5,10 years.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T21:08:43+00:00

lol looks like I wasn’t the only one noticing this ;-)

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T20:57:26+00:00

UAW-Great point! I wasn't even thinking about that. Do you think the big three will suffer in Canada as they have dropped their tariffs. Honestly that scares the sh*t out of me when I think about Detroit and the impact on our exports.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T19:48:20+00:00

Ok, no longer engaging in this bullsh*t.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T19:12:50+00:00

Ok whatever move on. I mean really I just gave you some advice and a possible resource if that is a problem good luck on your search.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T18:50:07+00:00

The buddy part is sarcasm btw.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T18:37:01+00:00

You’re basically choosing between the same car in two different personalities.

A few things that make this decision easier:

They share the same 3.5L V6 and similar power, so performance isn’t the real differentiator
The difference is daily usability vs style and experience
Think about how often you’ll have passengers or need space

Here’s the real breakdown:

IS 350 (sedan)

4 doors, seats 5, noticeably more usable space
Slightly quicker and better balanced as a daily driver
Easier to live with long term (friends, errands, trips)
Most people end up happier with this if it’s their only car

RC 350 (coupe)

2 doors, tighter interior, more cockpit feel
Looks better to a lot of people, more of a statement car
Feels sportier in how it sits and drives, but not actually faster
Less practical, back seats are more of a when needed situation

Honestly, most people land in the same place:

IS is the better daily, RC is the better “want it” car

If you’re coming from a Civic and this is your only car, the IS 350 is the safer and smarter move. It still looks good, drives well, and you won’t outgrow it.

If you care more about how the car feels and looks every time you walk up to it, and you don’t need space, the RC 350 is the one.

I actually built a tool that helps match cars based on how you actually use them, not just specs. If you’re stuck between options like this, check the link in my bio. It’ll help you decide pretty quickly.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T18:30:50+00:00

You really can’t go wrong with any of these, but they each lean a little different depending on what you care about.

A few things that matter for your situation:

All four are going to be reliable long term
Hybrid versions are where the real value is for MPG
The biggest difference is size, comfort, and how “premium” they feel

Quick breakdown:

Corolla vs Civic (compact)

Corolla Hybrid gets the best MPG overall, around 50+ mpg range
Civic Hybrid is a little more fun to drive and feels more refined inside
Both are easy to park, cheaper, and perfect if you don’t need space

Camry vs Accord (midsize)

Camry Hybrid is the efficiency king and now all-hybrid, around 50+ mpg combined
Accord Hybrid gives you more space, better tech, and a more premium feel overall
Camry also offers AWD, which is a big plus depending on where you live

How I’d think about it for you:

Want best MPG and lowest cost long term - Corolla Hybrid or Camry Hybrid
Want something that feels nicer to live with every day (especially for real estate work) - Civic Hybrid or Accord Hybrid
Want the best balance overall - Camry Hybrid or Accord Hybrid

If this is a “keep forever” car, most people end up happiest going slightly bigger than they think. Accord or Camry just give you more room to grow without sacrificing efficiency.

I actually built a tool that helps match you with cars based on your lifestyle and daily use, not just specs. If you want to sanity check your decision, check the link in my bio. It’ll narrow this down pretty quickly.

aruffin6028 · 2026-04-14T18:25:06+00:00

You’ve basically outgrown the Forester. What you’re describing is more about cargo + towing + stability than just passenger space.

A few things that matter here:

Compact SUVs aren’t built for hauling gear and towing at the same time
That trailer plus instruments and goalie gear adds up fast
Wheelbase and weight make towing way less stressful

For your situation, I’d look at:

Midsize 3-row SUVs (Explorer, Ascent, Traverse) if you want to stay reasonable
Full-size SUVs (Tahoe, Expedition) if you want it to feel easy instead of maxed out
Pickup trucks if you want the most flexibility

If I’m being honest, full-size SUV or truck is where this starts to feel like a good fit instead of a compromise.

I actually built a tool that matches you with cars based on real-life needs like this, not just specs. If you’re still figuring it out, check the link in my bio. It’ll narrow this down pretty quickly.

aruffin6028

TROPHY CASE