New Car Buying

[Michael G.]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

[Tvflguy]

Not possible to answer this. A personal decision financially and a Financial Advisor would require much more information to help.

Of course, you’re about to receive quite a few opinions here….

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, yes, as long as you can afford to pay cash. Note that, when I traded in my 13 year old vehicle for a new vehicle about 5 years ago, my insurance premium actually decreased because of the extra safety features. Although, I have a very high liability limit.

[Keefelane66]

We just did this,
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Automatic High Beams
Proactive Driving Assist
It was a no brainer

[dewilson58]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

My father purchased his last new car at age 94.

It was one of those life enjoyments for him.

He put less than 10,000 miles / year on his car.

Buy one and enjoy.
(don't rely on safety features in order to keep driving)

[melpetezrinski]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

All depends upon the value you assign to those safety features. For me, it's a definite yes, as those safety features could potentially save my life.

[rjm1cc]

If my current car was working well I would only look at a new car because I felt the safety features would help keep me safer than the old car. For example a self drive car might be a lot safer for local travel than some one in poor health driving.

[gatorbill1]

We just did this,
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Automatic High Beams
Proactive Driving Assist
It was a no brainer

We also bought a couple of years ago for safety features, same as yours - well worth the cost if it saves a life.

[villagetinker]

Both my and I and my stepson bought new vehicles within the last 2 years and we all got LOWER insurance rates, not much lower but lower. In both cases this was due to the additional safety features.

[Stu from NYC]

We added a second car two years ago.

Was driving 2011 Camry went to 2021 Camry with safety features.

Saved me from an accident so answer is yes.

[jimbomaybe]

[QUOTE=Michael G.;2270357]Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?[/QUOTE
There are a lot of reasons for "car buying" your the judge, but given the current supply /demand situation one could make a good argument for putting off the purchase , if you can. Certainly a auto dealership is there to make money and right now are less inclined to make a "deal" without a market adjustment heavily in their favor, I will try to add a graph from FRED of domestic auto inventories

[huge-pigeons]

Buying a car, house, boat, swimming pool should not involve a financial advisor unless you are buying something over a million dollars, actually you shouldn’t need a personal advisor at all. At our age, every transaction at our age should be based on wants and needs.
If you want a new car buy it. Get all the new safety features as you can afford. Also, at our age, you have to think about getting stranded somewhere because a used car broke down, you have a better chance of not breaking down in a new car.
Do your homework before buying new or used to see if there is a trend in problems/class actions against this car. I actually got rid of a newer car years ago because this manufacturer had issues with their cars/trucks just coming to a stop out of the blue. It happened to us. They told us they fixed the problem. When I went out on the web and investigated this issue, thousands were having this same problem but the manufacturer wouldn’t classify this as a recall. I didn’t want my wife stranded somewhere so I got rid of the truck.

[Travelhunter123]

We just did this,
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Automatic High Beams
Proactive Driving Assist
It was a no brainer

What car did you buy

[Black Beauty]

yes a no brainer

[LonnyP]

Yes, because you are older and live in Florida. Many older drivers that should not be driving and the state is the leader in insurance fraud.

[Rzepecki]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

IMHO it’s worth it because of the safety features. When we get a new car, the top of my list is to get all the safety features. Really helps, especially with the obstructed visibility from wider car pillars and headrests.

[JTLoehnert]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

NO!!

[JoelJohnson]

We got a 2024 Honda CRV, the new safety features are already making a big difference in our driving.

[Keefelane66]

What car did you buy
Toyota. Safety sense 2.0 was standard the extra features rear cross traffic and blind spot monitoring were optional factory installed only not thru dealership I think is was $250 extra on sticker.

[Michael G.]

Another concern is all these safety features and bells and whistles easy to use for older people?
Can you recognize a ding from a dong??

[Keefelane66]

If you can run a tv remote control you can easily use the safety features in the vehicle it’s pushing buttons on steering wheel.

[MandoMan]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

The latest safety features are terrific and worth having. Many people think they should buy an SUV built like a tank to increase their safety. However, a larger SUV can be harder to handle than a small car, and they are often wider, longer, and higher than a small car. They are much harder to park without bumping something. They are more likely to be bumped in parking lots by other cars. For a small woman driver, the visibility can be poor, and they can be harder to climb into, which can lead to falls.

I would say, look for safety features, but in a small car that is comfortable and that you can get into and out of without difficulty (important) and that lets you see well from the driver’s seat. These smaller cars are often much less expensive than big SUVs, and that may mean you can afford a fancier model for the same price.

[Meeneevan]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

You can talk to your insurance provider to see what your premium would do with whatever vehicle you are interested in. I know that when my wife got a new car in March the premium vs. older car was about the same as insurance companies also give big discounts for new cars that are equipped with accident avoidance systems so many times the insurance cost is actually a wash.

[Sheazo]

From a financial perspective it’s better to buy a car that was pre-owned and like new (a couple of years old) as brand new car decrease in value the moment you drive it off the lot. Let the original owner take the financial hit and you get a like new car for less. Just have it checked out by your mechanic and search the history to avoid lemons. Carnac is great if this approach works for you. Good luck.

[Cliff Fr]

From a financial perspective it’s better to buy a car that was pre-owned and like new (a couple of years old) as brand new car decrease in value the moment you drive it off the lot. Let the original owner take the financial hit and you get a like new car for less. Just have it checked out by your mechanic and search the history to avoid lemons. Carnac is great if this approach works for you. Good luck.

I remember seeing carnac on the Johnny Carson show but I thought he was dead now
:)

[OhioBuckeye]

I guess since it doesn’t sound like you want to spend thousands for a new car, I guess you’re not looking for a EV then! Also being 82 I’m guessing your Ins. has went through the roof. We think Ins. rates are high now, I would like to hear what EV buyers think about owning a EV & how much their Ins. is? Maybe this is the wrong question to ask because I’m sure the ones that own an EV have the money to own one. Just wait until their warranty runs out then they’ll see the real price of maintenance. Most of us can’t afford to buy a EV because of the low mileage it ca get per charge. I had a family member that owned 2 EV’s & he’s a Dr. I never asked why he went back to a gas operated car but he must of had a good reason. If anybody wants a EV buy one. But I’m not driving 2 or 250 miles then start looking for a charging station! EV’s aren’t cheap or cheap to maintain, I’m sure the dealers tell you different!

[Foxtrot]

Had a 2006 Forrester and traded it in for a new 2021 Lexus hybrid. Love getting 44 MPG. Definitely worth it for the safety features. I shopped online at all the Lexus dealers in Florida, got the best price and the dealer drove it here and drove back the Forrester, and got a very good price for the used car. So easy. I'll never shop inside a dealer location ever again.

[Two Bills]

If a driver is relying on all those safety features to get him/her from A to B, in my book they shouldn't be driving.
They should be an aid, not a necessity,.

[Birdrm]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

I have not bought a new car in many years, I buy cars coming off lease with 20k - 30k miles and pay 40-50% less than the price of a new car. The miles are not an issue as I only drive about 5k a year. I kept my last car for 7 years and it had less than 70k when I traded it in and still had value. I just know that buying a new the car depreciates quickly the first couple of years and that is why I buy used!

[dewilson58]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

Sooooooooooooooooo, which way you leaning MG???

[Wondering]

You actually get discounts for new car safety features.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

We just did this,
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Automatic High Beams
Proactive Driving Assist
It was a no brainer I agree I’m in my 80’s and all these things are great to have, there have been 2 occasions since getting them where through no fault of my own if the automatic braking hadn’t clicked on I’m sure I would have had an accident and I love when you stray over the line it alerts you

[melpetezrinski]

I guess since it doesn’t sound like you want to spend thousands for a new car, I guess you’re not looking for a EV then! Also being 82 I’m guessing your Ins. has went through the roof. We think Ins. rates are high now, I would like to hear what EV buyers think about owning a EV & how much their Ins. is? Maybe this is the wrong question to ask because I’m sure the ones that own an EV have the money to own one. Just wait until their warranty runs out then they’ll see the real price of maintenance. Most of us can’t afford to buy a EV because of the low mileage it ca get per charge. I had a family member that owned 2 EV’s & he’s a Dr. I never asked why he went back to a gas operated car but he must of had a good reason. If anybody wants a EV buy one. But I’m not driving 2 or 250 miles then start looking for a charging station! EV’s aren’t cheap or cheap to maintain, I’m sure the dealers tell you different!

Are you short TESLA? What's the real reason for trying to hijack this thread and spread misinformation? A brand new Tesla costs $38,000 including the rebate. The average cost of a new car is $10k MORE! How about just charging the EV in your garage and NEVER having to look for a charging station. SMH.

[MidWestIA]

Yes to new enough to get the safety features

[VApeople]

A brand new Tesla costs $38,000 including the rebate. The average cost of a new car is $10k MORE!

The cost of our wonderful 2019 Toyota RAV4 cost much less that that.

[jjombrello]

This is hard to answer but, I give thanks to God for the safety equipment now installed on new cars. I have had two incidents recently where a driver crossed into my lane with inadequate clearance and my car sensed this and applied the brakes faster than I would have been able to avoiding a crash. One of these was on the by-pass around Chicago where traffic is dense and high speed. It also warned me of a pedestrian passing behind while backing and I find the lane change warning and correction to be of value. I am 87 with a good driving record and fairly good reactions and I would recommend to anyone of an older age to go for the improved safety on newer cars.

[bumpa]

Consider a lease, much lower cost. We just traded an older Subaru for a new Honda CRv and did precisely for the safety features. No question our reflexes are not as sharp as they were when younger.

[RRGuyNJ]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

Our last couple of trucks were bought roughly 1 year old with just shy of 10,000 miles. We saved a lot of $$ that way. More features that at the time I thought were all gimmicks but now we love them. During the Covid days everything went crazy and used cars were at a premium. I think things are pretty much back to normal now. Just FYI, we usually run our vehicles till they're almost dead. My last purchase was in early 2020 beofre Covid really got going. My 2002 Avalanche was on her way out, but I hated to see her go.
Sometimes, there are better deals on 0% or near 0% financing on new if that's something of interest.

[BrianL99]

Sometimes, there are better deals on 0% or near 0% financing on new if that's something of interest.

You obviously haven't shopped for a new car recently.

Unless you're buying a car no one wants (EV, for example), the going rate for New Car Financing these days, is 8+%

[Dgodin]

Want or need?
We bought a new car last year because we wanted to, not because of need.
We figured to buy a fun car, maybe our last chance to do so.
It was a great decision for us.
But from your message you seem to be more against than for a purchase.

[edtherock]

We just did this,
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Automatic High Beams
Proactive Driving Assist
It was a no brainer


Sounds like a nice car that we all probably want! I know I would like that. But those cars also get crashed by people on their phones, not paying attention and just making bad decisions ( aka roundabouts) as we age or people don’t understand roundabouts. The cost of those features and the repairs over time for those features do they really pay off? It’s a question I don’t know the answer to. But I have been driving for about 50 years and ( knock on wood) have not caused an accident. ( but I have been hit three times). Oh well. Just my before green tea thoughts.
Have a good beer!

[La lamy]

Are you short TESLA? What's the real reason for trying to hijack this thread and spread misinformation? A brand new Tesla costs $38,000 including the rebate. The average cost of a new car is $10k MORE! How about just charging the EV in your garage and NEVER having to look for a charging station. SMH.

Since the post you're talking about is from "Ohio... I assume they've got lots of mileage to do to get to TV. I'm in the same boat, that's why the charging of an EV on long trips wouldn't feel comfortable to me either.

[nn0wheremann]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?
No, but Subaru eyesight’s adaptive cruise control is definitely worth it. Got through Atlanta traffic on I 75 at 11:00 AM with feet flat on the floor. ACC maintained distance and adjusted speed to traffic perfectly. Slows down when it needs to, speeds up when it can. Collision avoidance reacts faster than any human could. Blind spot monitor is a real good feature too.

[La lamy]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

I wouldn't recommend a new car because a 2yr old one would still have the safety features, and definitely a better deal all around. But if I wasn't as frugal as I am, I would love to break in my own new car one day! I would shop around to see what the insurance costs would be for any model/features I was interested in and go from there.

[Gunny2403]

In the case of buying a car for my 17 year old Granddaughter, I loaded it with safety features. Same for a purchase for my wife.

[Causey]

I read most of this thread with interest. Bought a new vehicle at $55K a month ago and never once considered any "safety features".
We wanted a new vehicle.

[kendi]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

Not if your still a good driver.

[OhioBuckeye]

Don’t know if you noticed but since you haven’t bought a car in 7 yrs. maybe you haven’t priced one yet but to me it looks like used cars with 20 or 30,000 miles on them & now with possibly 40,000 miles on them it seems to me the prices are still at almost a new car prices. But if the price works for you that’s good, but at least you didn’t say I’m buying a used EV!

[Jerry101]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

….. NO ….. (you asked)

[jimjamuser]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?
At age 82 most people's reflexes are slower so if the new car model had advanced safety features like automatic braking then it might be worth it. Obviously, you need to be able to afford whatever model you would want to buy. If it were me, I would check to see if Volvos still had their high safety records and if they had hybrid or all Electric models. But, picking a brand or model is a VERY personal decision. Good luck and happy and safe motoring in whatever the choice is.

[manaboutown]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

At the end of last year, nearing age 81, I bought 2023 BMW X5 M50i and am amazed at its plethora of safety features. My prior vehicle is a 2017 X5 50i. I thought it had a lot of safety features but the new ones are an order of magnitude more. I feel very safe driving it and am glad I bought it.

[Two Bills]

If it were me, I would check to see if Volvos still had their high safety records and if they had hybrid or all Electric models.

Volvo do, and manufacture both.

Volvo Bill.

[jimjamuser]

I guess since it doesn’t sound like you want to spend thousands for a new car, I guess you’re not looking for a EV then! Also being 82 I’m guessing your Ins. has went through the roof. We think Ins. rates are high now, I would like to hear what EV buyers think about owning a EV & how much their Ins. is? Maybe this is the wrong question to ask because I’m sure the ones that own an EV have the money to own one. Just wait until their warranty runs out then they’ll see the real price of maintenance. Most of us can’t afford to buy a EV because of the low mileage it ca get per charge. I had a family member that owned 2 EV’s & he’s a Dr. I never asked why he went back to a gas operated car but he must of had a good reason. If anybody wants a EV buy one. But I’m not driving 2 or 250 miles then start looking for a charging station! EV’s aren’t cheap or cheap to maintain, I’m sure the dealers tell you different!
Strange - the often expressed dislike for E-vehicles. It may have something to do with change being difficult for the older population. Or maybe they have some link or stock shares in the oil or gas industry. I can think of many advantages associated with EVs.

[kkingston57]

Is spending thousands of dollars for a new car worth the expense to get
all the latest safety features and a increase on my insurance premium at my age of 82 yrs.?

Some of the newer safety features are annoying and many people turn them off. IE some of the newer cruise controls slow down drastically when the sensors detect a car in front of that car.

[VApeople]

I can think of many advantages associated with EVs.

Like what?

[Keefelane66]

Some of the newer safety features are annoying and many people turn them off. IE some of the newer cruise controls slow down drastically when the sensors detect a car in front of that car.
Crash avoidance is adjustable near, medium and far traveling distances

[jimjamuser]

Volvo do, and manufacture both.

Volvo Bill.
Thank you, Volvo Bill, you are indeed a gentleman, a scholar, and an appreciator of a great automotive marque.

[jimjamuser]

Some of the newer safety features are annoying and many people turn them off. IE some of the newer cruise controls slow down drastically when the sensors detect a car in front of that car.
Interestingly I don't have a car with sophisticated automatic electronic sensors, yet I manually slow down drastically when there is a car in front of me. If a car passes mine and it pulls into my lane, I slow down to give them (and myself) a safe distance.

[jimjamuser]

Like what?
Obviously, you have NOT read one of my many posts on that very subject in the last 6 months. I believe that it is possible to bring up all my posts and learn all the details about the advantages of EVs over the internal combustion engine types.
.........But I will give a short version of EV advantages. If you read a sports car design book by Colin Chapman (as I have)....... in the book is a detailed explanation as to WHY a LOW center of gravity in an automobile is SO advantageous. For any given HP engine and any given brake system, the vehicle chassis with a lower Center of Gravity (COG) will accelerate faster and brake better than one with a higher COG.
........An EV will always beat a piston-type ICE vehicle in a zero-to-sixty race. It would be like the tortoise and the hare racing. The piston-type ICE vehicle has the hopeless disadvantage of having a HIGH COG - it also has inertia and high friction loss in the pistons going up just to reverse and go down (up and down wasting heat to high friction loss).
...........The EV uses a CIRCULAR TURNING HIGH INSTANTANEOUS TORQUE DC MOTOR, which accelerates the E-vehicle so rapidly - it appears like the piston-type engine vehicle is standing still.
...........Also, the EV needs no standard or automatic gearbox. It is easier to produce on a production line - so cost could come WAY down. The rotary motion of the E-engine means much higher RELIABILITY than an IC engine vehicle could ever HOPE for. And EVs will become lighter when lighter battery technology becomes available.
............How's that for advantages???????

[Aces4]

Obviously, you have NOT read one of my many posts on that very subject in the last 6 months. I believe that it is possible to bring up all my posts and learn all the details about the advantages of EVs over the internal combustion engine types.
.........But I will give a short version of EV advantages. If you read a sports car design book by Colin Chapman (as I have)....... in the book is a detailed explanation as to WHY a LOW center of gravity in an automobile is SO advantageous. For any given HP engine and any given brake system, the vehicle chassis with a lower Center of Gravity (COG) will accelerate faster and brake better than one with a higher COG.
........An EV will always beat a piston-type ICE vehicle in a zero-to-sixty race. It would be like the tortoise and the hare racing. The piston-type ICE vehicle has the hopeless disadvantage of having a HIGH COG - it also has inertia and high friction loss in the pistons going up just to reverse and go down (up and down wasting heat to high friction loss).
...........The EV uses a CIRCULAR TURNING HIGH INSTANTANEOUS TORQUE DC MOTOR, which accelerates the E-vehicle so rapidly - it appears like the piston-type engine vehicle is standing still.
...........Also, the EV needs no standard or automatic gearbox. It is easier to produce on a production line - so cost could come WAY down. The rotary motion of the E-engine means much higher RELIABILITY than an IC engine vehicle could ever HOPE for. And EVs will become lighter when lighter battery technology becomes available.
............How's that for advantages???????


Bah, I'm amused by people who have purchased EV's and don't like them but won't admit it to people who inquire if they're happy. Hybrids may have a place in the world but if you could hear the real conversation between many couples whom have purchased EV's, the truth would be known. chilout

I should add for the OP, my rule is if in doubt, rule it out. To be perfectly honest, my vehicle has all the nutty bells and whistles to help you drive and it's a pita, in my mind. When I drive, I turn off as much as I can. I also leave the radio off and don't use my cell phone and I am driving! If you're relying on the bells and whistles to get you there safely, you are probably best with short trips on familiar paths with your current vehicle. Needing the bells and whistles indicate you are an inattentive driver or not as sharp as you once were.

[VApeople]

............How's that for advantages???????

Thanks for writing your very well written and informative post.

However, none of those advantages matter to me.

[BrianL99]

Thanks for writing your very well written and informative post.

However, none of those advantages matter to me.

To say nothing of the fact, the poster neglected to mention the fact, that those EV's with all their mechanical advantages, still need "fuel" that the USA (& much of the world) can't manage to produce.

EV vehicles may become practical, as soon as folks realize the only practical way to produce the required electricity to power them, has to come from nuclear energy production.