Seeking transportation wisdom
 

One of our cars was totaled. We're early 80's. Which makes more sense financially, buying a used ('20-'22) mid-size hybrid SUV, or leasing a mid-size hybrid SUV ? I believe it's not possible to rent a used SUV - is it?

I would purchase. If, later, you can't drive you can simply sell the vehicle. Far simpler than ending a contract (lease) early.
Far better to have a vehicle available in emergencies than count on others (renting a vehicle), in my opinion.

Now, if you have another vehicle then it's a completely different decision. Renting is probably the best course of action.

Hybrid or conventional isn't an important decision element. As you probably don't drive enough to recover the higher cost of a hybrid. Purchase what you desire.

Agree.

Buy.

How badly do you need two cars? Now is a good time to downsize. Compare the cost to own and operate a vehicle to taxi or uber costs. We found that with the golf cart and one vehicle we can survive.

Buy a safe car that you will enjoy. New cars have so many safety features that will make driving a pleasure.

FWIW I saw an article or youtube (?) that suggested skipping 2020 to 2022 used vehicles because during that period Covid and chip issues made some of the builds marginal.

That would be my response.

If you do most stuff in TV in a golf cart then one car may suffice.

When we moved to The Villages 4 years ago and were both 65, we had one car, and purchased 2 golf carts. We live in Marsh Bend, south of 44, and have not had any reason to have a 2nd car.

We are both quite active with sports, activities, and golf.

We see no need for a 2nd car, and of course, don't expect that to change.

The only time leasing makes sense financially is when you can write off the cost. Dealers love leasing because they make a lot of money off them. Try getting by with one car while taking your time finding something to buy. If you really need a 2nd car for a week or so consider using Turo which is a service where you rent a car from an owner who lists it on there for rent.

Sounds like a good reason to buy a motorcycle. But, that's just me.

Leasing is an option depends how much you drive. Leasing you are in a new vehicle, full warranty etc. buying a one owner 2 year old is going to cost a premium although less than new, third option ,if you drive less than 10000 miles per year save thousands and buy a higher mileage 2 year old suv.

You go!

About seven years ago, we down sized to one car and have two golf carts. A few thoughts:

1) While you don’t mention what your other car is or what the age of that car, I would be asking if you have considered the annual cost of the second car? For us, it wasn’t that we couldn’t afford it but did we really need it.

2) why do you want an SUV? If you don’t need the extra storage space regularly, a similarly equipped sedan will be cheaper and get better gas mileage.

3). Finally, you might want to wait a year or two. Not sure what effect the current strike is having on the availability of cars/pricing right now.

Or dangerous when you have to put your life on the line hoping
the features work.

Wow. Another "Covid did this" story. Unbelievable

You are in your mid-80s? Buy a convertible!
But in reality, don't lease as you probably don't drive 10,000 miles per year so you would not utilize the lease mileage.

You'll be stunned at the prices of used cars!

SUV because it is easier to get into and out of

So true always be aware. I do appreciate my crash avoidance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and pedestrian avoidance features but like anything nothing is perfect ultimately it’s the driver’s responsibility.

Financially, if you want/need a second car, you would save considerable money by buying an older "clunker". Presumably you already own a nice dependable newer car that you can count on for road trips or important trips around town. A second car would then be used for the less important local "convenience" trips. A relatively high mileage clunker would serve that purpose quite well.

Additionally, you wouldn't have to pay nearly as much for insurance on the second car and depreciation would not be a concern either since it's already depreciated down to just "transportation" value.

Of course, if owning/driving a clunker would be unbearable for your image, then buy the newer used car that you like. After all, you can't take your money with you when you "check out".