I never understand the new car mania. Drive it until it drops, but take care of it. The 2-5 year cycle of cars is mainly due to car companies needing to sell stuff.

The only reason why I'd want a new(er) car is because mine has two doors. My dad said I would regret that choice later on. As usual, he is right.

The OTHER reason why I'd want a new(er) car is because it has better gas mileage than mine. Oops! That hasn't happened in the last twenty years of car manufacturing.

Shifting requirements is different than just new car fever. I like a 2 door personally, except when trying to stuff a suitcase or large box that won't fit in the trunk into the back seat. If the requirement to have a car for transportation hasn't changed, I am not so sure changing to change is so great. To change for just better fuel mileage, I would likely do it if the mileage doubled on mine from 28 to 56, without dubious battery power that adds huge cost for minimal payoff.

My sense is that it will pay to wait at this point. There are several new hybrid technologies coming on the market presently. This will begin to drive prices down, and you won't have to deal with all the problems that come with buying the 1.0 version of anything. Your best tactic will always be to drive less. In any case, before I purchase my next car, I will be sure to consult your father.

I learned the 4-door lesson after having a child about 10 months after buying a 2 door SUV. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER again will I buy a 2 door car.

Ditto here, sans child but with bicycle.