topic Re: New car advice in Among Friends

New car advice

geegerbee — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 05:03:42 GMT

I am a retired senior citizen with not a .lot of money. According to others in my family, my expected life should end in less than 5 yrs. My 18 yr old car has some needed repairs to keep---oil leak, transmission leak, tire pressure sensors. The repair man said just keep adding fluids as needed. My son agrees. I am thinking of leasing (never leased before) for 4-5 yrs. Thought I should do this soon since the tariffs might make it more expensive soon. I don't have any impartial person to ask, so I am asking here for advice. Thanks.

I wound up buying a 2025 Subaru. Got a pretty good deal. This model had lights that flash on the side mirror if a car is approaching from the side--Blind spot indicator. That's what sold me. I did my homework and testdriving. Would you believe a Honda dealer offered me $1250 for a trade. Never been in an accent, no dents but it is old. No deal there.Thanks again for all the good advice.

Re: New car advice

Venezia — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:28:45 GMT

I'd buy a new car! Those kinds of leaks mean the car you're driving is at the end of its useful life and who wants to have to constantly check and top up those things? (And do you have to pay a mechanic to do it?)

What if your tires lose air while you're driving? Or the oil light goes on? (Not to mention the transmission failing. NOT something you want to happen while you're driving.)

Did members of your family really tell you to expect your life to end in less than 5 years??? No one can predict that and it all depends on how you feel and the state of your health. You'd know that better than anyone.

So what if you buy a new (or gently used secondhand) car? You'll get to drive without worrying about possible breakdowns and, if the worst happens, someone else will be able to use the vehicle, I'm sure.

Re: New car advice

jlkz — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:35:52 GMT

@geegerbee

You need to do some data gathering first:

1. How much has your present car cost you in fluid replacements and any other service charges for the entire year. If possible, go back a second year.

2. What are the monthly charges for leasing the car that you want...if you're considering more than one type car, do these for each car.

3. Find out what the initial fees and charges would be for each type car.

4. Find out the costs / mileage / deadlines for turning in the cars.

Then discuss with your son before making any decisions. Put the info in columns across the paper and down the left column create a block for each option. It does take time but your final decision will be better for it since you will have included all types of fees, charges and payments to measure against your monthly income.

Good Luck.

Re: New car advice

We rescue cats — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:47:14 GMT

Hi Geegerbee! We lease my car every 3 years, I've done that since I opened my business, I'm no spring chicken at 72 and continue to do so. If you are interested in an electric vehicle you may run into a super value, there was a 'hot' car in the showroom when we there earlier this week, no money down and a 2 year lease at $190 a month-probably plus taxes...shop around.

Re: New car advice

PinkyPetunia — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:38:14 GMT

@geegerbee How many miles do you drive in a year? Car leases are higher now as interest rates have gone up but it may work for you. I'd look into a used car.

I also don't like the idea of a car that needs fluids constantly.

Re: New car advice

ahoymate — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:49:34 GMT

Doing the math: new cars average $48K in 2025

In 2025, the average cost of a new car is $48,401, though this varies by model and manufacturer.

Cheapest car 2025:

The 2025 Nissan Versa is the cheapest new car in the United States, with a starting price of $18,330. It's a subcompact sedan with a five-speed manual transmission.

Interest rates: 6.9% in 2025

In March 2025, the average interest rate for a new car loan was 6.94% for those with a credit score of 750 or higher. The rate was 6.69% for those with a credit score between 600 and 699, and 15.69% for those with a credit score between 451 and 599.

Insurance: New cars cost more to insure.

Re: New car advice

stevieb — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:49:15 GMT

@geegerbee Consider buying a used car from among the list of those models and years deemed most reliable. Constantly having to check fluids and so on is draining and however long one might live, becomes a quality of life issue. Older Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas and Camrys are generally considered good bets and will not cost a lot. If you choose to do so, it goes without saying to investigate reputable dealers and have the car checked out by an independent mechanic. From what I gather, leasing is not without certain costs, limitations and is not necessarily cheap.

Re: New car advice

Venezia — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:44:21 GMT

The cost and interest rate will depend upon the make/model and any promotions they have going.

I always buy my new Subarus when they have near zero interest (depending on the length of the loan). My last car loan the interest rate was 0.9% over three years. (Would've been 1.9%, if I wanted a longer term.)

As others have said, it's worth shopping around. I'm sure there are plenty of cars available for less than $48K. That sounds like MSRP and no one I know pays that. Worth checking Kelley Blue Book, too, for a realistic price.

ETA: I see Subaru is offering 2.9% right now. I haven't looked at the terms; just saw it on a tv ad tonight. But they have offers of interest rates as low as 0.9%, depending on the model & year.

Re: New car advice

Mz iMac — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:51:02 GMT

@geegerbee Start your research w/Edmunds website.

The poster jlkz provided EXCELLENT advice.

Re: New car advice

LavernLuvsShoes — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:07:16 GMT

IF you don't do a lot of driving now...

Perhaps consider selling your "clunker" and using the proceeds to help pay for ride services such as Uber or Lyft, when you need transportation?

Re: New car advice

tansy — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:11:51 GMT

What a fun family, @geegerbee. 😏 I'm kidding but, honestly, they have no idea of when you will die.

Do you have other transportation available to you, even if it's not quite as convenient as owning a car. I would not want to be in the car market at the present time.

Re: New car advice

tansy — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:12:52 GMT

@LavernLuvsShoes wrote:
IF you don't do a lot of driving now...

Perhaps consider selling your "clunker" and using the proceeds to help pay for ride services such as Uber or Lyft, when you need transportation?

Plus, you will no longer need car insurance, @geegerbee

Re: New car advice

FranandZoe — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:16:08 GMT

I personally like to buy used cars. I bought a 2 year old Elantra with 7000 miles on it about 6 months ago - it's like a new car and is still under warranty.

I also have a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I bought when It was a year old - 20000 miles on it and like new. It's still like new.

Used cars will likely become very poplular again once these tariffs start.

Check cargurus.com for used cars in your area.

Good luck!

Re: New car advice

hopi — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:16:48 GMT

Buy a honda civic.... it's affordable, will last forever, reliable, safe, easy to drive.

Don't lease

Hope they are not talking about your life expetancy but the car. @geegerbee you have a whole lot of years ahead of you, stay strong.

Re: New car advice

Flying Dove — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:18:18 GMT

Dear person, there is absolutely no way that others in your family can predict when your life on this earth will be over. Please live your life to the fullest, every day.

Re: New car advice

catmama — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:26:04 GMT

We bought a new car last fall because our two vehicles (SUV and truck) were 12 years old and we were downsizing. My husband is in his late 70s and I'm in my early 70s. We drive very few miles anymore - less than 5000 a year. We were originally looking at a hybrid but the sales person said that with our low mileage a hybrid or electric vehicle was not a good option as those vehicles are meant to be used for higher mileage usage.

We knew this would be our last car purchase. We thought about leasing but decided with our trade ins that purchasing was a better deal for us.

Re: New car advice

spumoni99 — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:31:53 GMT

Plus new cars have higher registration, at least in CA they do. I think you deserve to be safe and have peace of mind while your driving.

Re: New car advice

AuntG — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:32:12 GMT

Let's set aside your life expectancy @geegerbee. Rather, how much longer do you think you'll be driving? If you don't envision yourself doing much driving (like only 3000 miles a year), I think you might as well keep driving your current vehicles. If you have a reliable mechanic, adding some fluids isn't a big deal. I'd never tell you to buy a new car, or lease one either. Practically speaking, a decent used car might be just what you need if you still drive somewhat frequently.

Re: New car advice

haddon9 — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:38:15 GMT

@Venezia wrote:
I'd buy a new car! Those kinds of leaks mean the car you're driving is at the end of its useful life and who wants to have to constantly check and top up those things? (And do you have to pay a mechanic to do it?)

What if your tires lose air while you're driving? Or the oil light goes on? (Not to mention the transmission failing. NOT something you want to happen while you're driving.)

Did members of your family really tell you to expect your life to end in less than 5 years??? No one can predict that and it all depends on how you feel and the state of your health. You'd know that better than anyone.

So what if you buy a new (or gently used secondhand) car? You'll get to drive without worrying about possible breakdowns and, if the worst happens, someone else will be able to use the vehicle, I'm sure.

I totally agree! My mother was 90 when she got another car. The car she had was over 20 years old and was having problems. It was not a quality car to begin with and near the end it would stall and sometimes just not start.

My brother and I would make comments about what a piece of junk it was, but what motivated her to replace the car (finally!!) was when I mentioned to her how would she feel if the car broke down along the road in the hot Florida sun while she stood outside with her walker waiting for help?

She didn't drive for years in her late 80s into her 90s but had an aide assist and take her places. However they used mom's car.

The thought of being stranded at her age prompted her to buy another car. It wasn't the funds as she could well afford to pay cash for a brand new luxury car but opted for a two year old Toyota Corolla. (the Great Depression never left her) . It was much more reliable than the old piece of junk that she sold for $300.00!

So when my brother and I were visiting we took her car shopping.

Re: New car advice

LavernLuvsShoes — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:08:23 GMT

@tansy wrote:
Plus, you will no longer need car insurance, @geegerbee

True, and in my area, you also have to pay a yearly registration fee as well as an annual personal property tax.