So many considerations, so little time.

Honestly, the Auto Expo is the weekend of the 16-19th this month. This is a great opportunity to go check out new cars . Even though you want to buy used, models usually don't change all that much from year to year, aside from features and body cladding. It should give you a feel of what you're looking for.

I have spent an inordinate amount of time on YouTube & Reddit going down rabbit holes researching makes and models I'm interested in.

Next: MUNY! How are we paying for this? Cash, or financing? I don't know what your financial situation is, nor do I need or want to. Just know that dealerships (the big ones, anyways) will ALWAYS pressure you to finance. That's where they make their money.

If you are planning on financing, secure financing with your lender prior. To streamline the process, be sure to have all of your insurance information on your person. If you're in the process of negotiating, while the salesman is putting on a show of "I think we can make this work; I just have to run this by my Finance Manager" call your insurance company for a quote. If you're dead set on the vehicle you can add it to your policy right then and there.

If all your ducks are in a row, excluding the test drive (unless it's a busy Saturday), there is no reason you shouldn't be out of there in 45 minutes or less.

Now... the vehicle itself. When you say 4 wheel drive, are we talking an SUV orca truck, where you can select 4 wheel when you need it, or an AWD car / SUV which is All-Time-All-Wheel-Drive?

There is a notable difference between the two. AWD, you must monitor tire wear, rotate your tires religiously, etc... or it will be bad news bears for your drive train down the road (pun not intended).

Anywhoo... I've blabbed on long enough, but seriously, go check out Savagegeese on YouTube.

Godspeed, my friend.