HOW TO SELECT a new car without busting your spouse’s balloon (Flickr/Rebecca Dickinson)

To our readers: The Tribune has launched a new feature called “Tell it to The Jury.” Our “jurists” – who shall remain anonymous – are an Orange County trio of a grandmother, a female college student, and a middle age guy. In each installment, we will pose a question we think is of wide interest along with the “verdict” of our panelists. 

If you’d like to send an anonymous question to The Jury, click here: Submit a Question to our Panelists

The Question: It’s time to buy a new car, and my husband and I can’t agree on what kind of vehicle to purchase.  We are doing well financially, so we can afford the car that we want.

However, one of us wants a vehicle that can do off-roading, and the other would rather have a nicer, prestigious car.

The car that we are using is getting old, and needs a lot of repairs, so we need to make a decision quickly. Tough or sleek?  How do we decide?

Grandma’s Verdict: It is always best to compromise in marriage decisions, whenever possible.  There are many “high end” SUV vehicles that are also very comfortable and yes, prestigious.  The two of you should start by looking at those, and test driving.  If you both like the car, your problem is solved.

However, if the one that wants the “nicer more prestigious car” just doesn’t like that vehicle, then one of you is going to have to give in.

If that’s the case, try making a list of things that you will use the car for.

If you have kids or grandkids, or pets that you transport, than the SUV vehicle may make more sense for car seats and room for the pooch.

If that is not the case, and you use the car for running around town, and traveling for vacations, then the luxury car may fit your lifestyle better.

After you make your list, the two of you sit down and make the decision together!

• • •

Middle Age Guy’s Verdict: I could just tell you to go out and buy a Range Rover but that would be too easy. So, here’s what I propose: you get to choose the off road vehicle he wants and he gets to choose the nicer, more prestigious car that you want. Flip a coin to decide what car you’ll purchase. If you’re both unsatisfied, go out and buy a Range Rover.

 • • •

College Student’s Verdict: My advice would be to look for a car that has most of the qualities you both want. A prestigious off road car would be the best place to start. Some examples of cars are the Ford Bronco, the Land Rover, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Car manufacturers make prestigious looking off road cars, you just have to look in the right place. If neither of you are willing to compromise, though, one of you will have to make a sacrifice. Good luck on your search.