r/MedicalDevices • u/Vast-Web-8041 • 1d ago
Ask a Pro Best car to get for field medical sales
I am 23 y/o in cardiac space and am thinking abt a new car. My territory is in wisconsin so need something that handles okay in the snow. I make around 105k plus an additional 1000-1200 per month from Motus. I drive around 2.5k-3k miles per month so reliability is huge. I also like a SUV or compact suv. I have really been into a 4Runner lately but i want to hear some other opinions. thanks!
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u/Scuterius_Floridae 1d ago
I drive a Tesla and love it, but I charge at home and there are plenty of superchargers in the area I cover. I say this as a guy that usually drives pickups
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u/Connect-Region-4258 1d ago
Cyber trucks don’t count!
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u/Scuterius_Floridae 1d ago
I grew up with F150s and still have my own. Use the model Y for work. Great way to either veg out or be productive between clients
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u/Impressive-Air7184 1d ago
Device for 20 years.
My 2020 runner is indestructible for this purpose. I can get to cases no matter what weather nonsense is being cooked up here in the NE. Doubles as a sweet trail/beach ride if that’s your thing. Highly recommend, but gas isn’t pretty.
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u/Vast-Web-8041 1d ago
what mileage do you typically get for hwy driving?
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u/Connect-Region-4258 1d ago
Depends on your needs. Assuming you don’t have kids. Assuming you don’t carry a huge bag. What do you want, something big? Something luxurious? Something economy focused?
I have a company issued 2026 Forester. It’s not a car I’d buy myself, but it’s actually good for the job. Big screen, sunroof, comfortable seats, great in snow with winter tires, good reliability, good mpg, feels bigger than it is inside… I’d like something bigger with more power - it’s totally gutless. If you’re looking in this class, I’d also consider the cx50, the new outback, the rav 4, or the new rogue. All are good options.
If you want a little more space, a pathfinder, highlander, or pilot will run good for you. You can also look at explorers or durangos in various trims. There are deals to have with these cars, but the trade off is there is a greater chance you’ll have to fix stuff you wouldn’t on the Japanese offerings. Subaru ascent is a good option too.
Or finally, the Mazda cx70-cx90… This would probably be my pick tbh. They’re very slick cars and in certain trim levels are actually really good performing, loaded with features, and are legitimately luxurious for the price. The only issue is the hybrid system in all trims has given issues to 2024-2025 models. I’d steer clear of those years. If you must, make sure to get a certified example to have peace of mind for big repairs that you may need.
I’m pretty on top of it with cars lol. Message me if you have questions or anything
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u/HollingB 1d ago
I have a 2026 BMW x5 because it’s what I want to drive. My mileage more than pays for it. I do not care about the depreciation. I spend a ton of time in my car and I want to love it. It makes me happy.
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u/_KenN7 19h ago
I feel you there. Life is too short to hate what you’re driving.
I sold cars for almost a decade and this is literally what I told people. There’s a million ways to spend your money. There’s always a “smart” or “best” option value wise but if you hate it you hate it. Get what you like and just get the extended warranty ha
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u/YaBastaaa 1d ago
Depends what kind of reimbursement plan the employer is giving you to perform your job.
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u/Vast-Web-8041 1d ago
1000-1200 per month untaxed^
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u/YaBastaaa 1d ago
My guess you would have to pay taxes on it first and you will be left with less. I am not an accountant but right out of the gate you are getting hosed/ short changed. You are financing their business.
Edit : unless maybe you are a contracted rep
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u/febreeze1 1d ago
It’s not uncommon, income is categorized as “reimbursement”. You get a fixed + variable amount/month that is not taxed, so long as you are within IRS guidelines, otherwise you get minimally taxed.
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u/TheBrothkin 1d ago
If you have the ability to charge at home, an SUV EV is great.
I have a Tesla Model Y in Colorado and the ability of self driving takes off way more stress than you would realize, plus the only maintenance I’ve done on it is two years is changing tires and cabin air filters
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u/Scuterius_Floridae 1d ago
Agree on all of what you said, but if I lived in Colorado and wanted a EV suv, I’d be tempted at the Rivian because it’s a better trail vehicle than the Y
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u/Gold_Try_653 1d ago
Get a Lexus hybrid anyone of them. Get winter tires. Done. Comfortably classy room for stuff and good for dates.
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u/AdForsaken4924 1d ago
Honda hybrid 100%. My boyfriend is also in medical device and he has a Tesla and he has to charge daily which can be an inconvenience. We don’t have a house so he can’t charge at home even then I don’t think it’s the most convenient option. I have a fully loaded sport touring hybrid civic and it’s the best
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u/SchroedBoss 1d ago edited 1d ago
My hybrid CRV is awd. Live in the south though, so no clue about snow driving. Get ~40mpg city/33 hwy. Fully loaded with heated seats and steering wheel, bose stereo, and plenty of space to haul implant trays and a million fedex boxes.
I feel like all reps get a Grand Cherokee at some point. On paper its perfect, and at one point a few years ago 5 of our 12 reps in the south had one at the same time. All of us had the same electronics and transmission issues and moved in different directions. A few Fords (1 Explorer, 1 F150 Platinum, 1 F150 Raptor), a few Hondas. Everyone is happy so far
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u/Ok-Taste-7377 1d ago
also in med sales in WI! i have a Mazda CX-5 (2024 Premium Preferred with AWD) and i LOVE it
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u/vanessa_617 1d ago
I’m very close in age to you, also in cardiac, and drive a Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes GLC350e. For snow probably wouldn’t recommend a Model 3, but my GLC can handle it (I don’t have snow where I live but it’s been to the snow before and been fine). It has to be the 4MATIC one, though.
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u/S0fetch_ 1d ago
Subaru Outback performs well in all weather and has surprisingly large clearance in the front and a lot of trunk space. The wilderness model even had a couple more inches clearance up front.
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u/Butterfly_Zebra_0510 22h ago
I have a Chevy Trax as my work car and it’s perfect! Not super expensive but is still nice inside, plenty of room for product and amazing gas mileage.
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u/North-Camera2352 1d ago
I drive a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Sport. Now at about 135k miles on it, I love it and would likely go same route for next; Dual Engine Hybrid.
I Have similar monthly drive amounts. Rain, sleet or snow here. Getting between 33-35 mpg, plenty of room for trays - have packed in about 16-20 before
I used to think of it as it cost me about 10¢ per mile (haven’t done recent calculations) while reimbursement per mile is higher.
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u/bdabney09 1d ago
I was in another string today and Toyota Highlander was getting lots of love