<prompt> Human: In 2010, I bought a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire with 38,000 miles one it for 4,000. Last week 2018, someone hit me changing lanes, totaling the car with only 88,000 miles on it. With only basic maintenance never had to repair anything, the car only cost me about 650yr in the long run not including insurance.Things Ive debated:1. I can afford a large payment, but will I hate spending 400 a month on something I rarely use.2. Okay, get a sedan instead of small crossover. Itll be cheaper because its smaller. But then, when I do use it, it doesnt do want I need it for essentially, travel with dog. So do I want a big car and big payment that does exactly what I need, or do I want a small car and small payment, but it doesnt function as well with my life.3. I should by a car that will last Subaru because I can afford it right now. When my expenses go up in three yearsfour years, I will have a reliable car and not have to worry about a payment for 4-5 years.4. I should get a cheaper car used Escape. I can save the extra money. The cheaper car will still last long because I put so little miles on it. Im taking a chance on the reliability5. Dont get caught in features. You dont really need them or care about them. ...okay, with features is only 1500 more. If Im going to have this for 10 years and spend this much money, I should get some of the feature.6. Maybe I should lease.Context: I barely ever drive because I live where I work. On average, I was driving 6000 miles year - I was driving 4,000yr because I lived in SC and my parents lived in Michigan. Now I live in Michigan too - but I travel 2,400yr to visit my dad. My housing and food is covered by my job. My income is 2500 a month. My only CONCRETE expensesmo are: 300 student loans 137 car insurance 60 cell phone 50 pet care I generally spend around 250 on other socialmedicalclothingetc. So I save 1700 a month. My job is a limited contract - I can only remain in it for 3-4 more years. Job and job field are stable, and my partner also makes good money with a stable job. Approved for a 22,000 loan at 2.937;. Can put up to 4500 down, plus whatever insurance gives me for the old car. I plan to pay it off fast 2-3 years.So, financially I can afford a lot, but Im not sure what I can justify.Restrictions: I would like a small crossover for three reasons:1. I have a golden retriever and want to be able to put her in the trunk. I dont want to be embarrassed about dog hair on the seat with passengers anymore - even with a pet cover. Granted, I dont drive or have passengers often, but when I do, my dog is with me.2. I have two small old jetskis and want to be able to tow it around the lake and launch them.3. I want to be bigger on the road. Im tired of not being seen or people cutting me off because Im a small car.I test drove the Mazda CX3 CX5, Chevy Equinox and Trax, Ford Edge and Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Honda HR-V and CR-V, Subaru Crosstrek and Forester, Ford Cruz and Ford Focus Hatchback.Out of those, the Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek were my favorite and meet my few requirements drive up high, good viability through windshield, quite with little road noise, smooth ride, dog space, flat fold down seats, towing ability and things I liked push button start, rear camera, blind spot detection, road assistradar cruise control, heated seat, leather, all wheel drive.Options:Heres what Ive found local: Subaru all have all wheel drive. Fords do not. Unfortunately, its very difficult to find used Crosstreks.2015 Ford Escape Titianium 19800 13,000 miles with hitch, blind spot detection, back up camera, automatic seat adjustments2018 Ford Escape SEL 23000 blind spot detection, back up camera, automatic seat adjustments, Apply play and more phoneAPP stuff2014 Crosstrek Limited 18,995 27,000 miles No features listed above2018 Crosstrek Premium 25,000 Rear Camera, Cloth seats2018 Crosstrek Premium OR Limited 26,500 Rear Camera, Blindspot, Eyesight OR Leather seats, rear camera, and automatic seats2014 Ford Escape SE 12,860 44,440 miles I HATE the display on this because it sits about ten inches back and is tiny.2015 Crosstrek Limited 20,098 - Leather seats, back up camera2013 Ford Escape SEL 15900 41,000 miles - Leather seats, back up camera Only 1.6L Engine. Concerned about towing ability.Im really struggling on what I should prioritize with this decision. I feel like the question is: spend money now or later?Thanks for any advice!  <response>: Buy used. As soon as you sign the purchase paperwork of a new car, it is already depreciating. You can find great used, off lease cars with only 2-3 years for good prices. 