[Rzepecki]

Originally Posted by 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.?

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]

Originally Posted by 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.?

NO!!

[JoelJohnson]

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

[Keefelane66]

Originally Posted by Travelhunter123

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]

Originally Posted by 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.?

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]

Originally Posted by 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.?

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.?

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]

Originally Posted by 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.?

Sooooooooooooooooo, which way you leaning MG???