Practical / dependable transportation $25k or a car you’d love to drive for $45K ?

[Bir48die]

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Originally Posted by NW-Bound I will say a status symbol would cost more than $20K. If $20K buys one some happiness and he can afford it, why not? A car does not do anything for me, not even a $100K one. So, I don't buy one.

Agree that $50k won’t float a lot of peoples boat. If you’re in a position where you don’t have family travel obligations or just don’t travel or have a sh*tload of money, etc I see where a nice vehicle can bring you pleasure. Heck, if you’re single it might help you get lucky.

[Badger]

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Originally Posted by Red Badger I am in the camp where experiences are a higher value than things. I find that the novelty/fun of an indulgent purchase is fleeting. But that's me, I suppose. In full disclosure, I'm a little silly with travel spending. I just bought our 3rd Santa Fe last week. Still own an 07 and a 14. OTD for a mid-range trim (SEL +) was just north of 25K. Well equipped for the money. Considered (briefly) the Geneses right beside it ($45K+), but stayed in my lane. Santa Fe's are built like tanks. Only out-of-pocket repair so far was the fuel sending unit on the 07 a couple years age. On the very few warranted issues, I've never gotten any nonsense. YMMV....

My wife just bought a new Santa Fe SEL Plus a couple of weeks ago at about the same price. Nice cars with about every feature possible as standard equipment. She wanted blue. I prefer red so maybe in a couple more years I might spring for one too.

The Genesis was nice too but I can't easily get into and out of one that low to the ground. I'll have to stick with an SUV.


Cheers!

[Perryinva]

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Originally Posted by robnplunder When I was in accumulation mode before ER, I'd go with $25k car for sure. Today, I'd happily depart with a part of "would be inheritance to DS" to go with $45k car I'd love to drive. I saved so that I can make an easy decision like this one.

Ding ding ding. Same here. Just did, too, as a matter of fact. But I AM a car guy, so that makes a difference. The new car ownership is not fleeting for me, mainly because I rarely ever bought a new car. New doesn’t have to mean a bad deal, though ordering one exactly how you want it often is. I tire of looking at a growing bank balance. It’s well time to USE that balance for what we WANT. I loved walking away from the dealership (twice). I made it quite plain “I can buy whatever I want, where ever I want. And I don’t need it at all. Make it worth my while.” It was oddly satisfying when they told me it was impossible to sell me what I wanted (off the lot) for $13k less than they had it listed for. They called me back each time closer. Always with “what price will make you buy it right now?” I gave them the same answer each time, but finally settled on $12,800 less. Loving it. Sticker out the door, all in, was $58k. Walked out for $45,200. With 1.9% financing for $30k ( needed to get an APR discount). So that $30k stays in the HIS account at 2.7%, reducing the out of pocket cost a bit more. I’m sure the sales manager was hoping the financial “closer” would be able to eek out some profit of paint protection, extended warranty and high profit garbage like that. Didn’t happen. They actually make you sign a form stating that you were offered and declined all that junk. 8 different things, including tire and rim protection for 4 years for $1200!! What a joke.

And I LOVE the HUD with nav and media choices floating there. Jazzes me every time.

At the other extreme (to DWs chagrin) I still drive my ‘99 Dodge Dakota with 175k on it for what I need it for, about 3000 miles/yr, now. Cost of ownership (not including fuel & insurance) is down to $38/month. Hard to get rid if it when that’s all it costs!

[Perryinva]

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Originally Posted by Bir48die $30k is my limit. Cars are nice and we had and Audi TT convertible for a long time. But, I don’t value another $20k for some status symbol. I would rather drink good booze

180 degree opposite here, though I’ve never bought because of a status symbol. It is the experience. To me, “good booze” is an oxymoron. It just becomes more expensive empty calories and urine.

[IrishMoss]

I prefer dependable transportation. Already had one foray into something more expensive & it was also higher maintenance.

[Hermit]

My 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has been a mechanical nightmare since it was new. I have over 70,000 miles on it and have spent many thousands of dollars keeping it on the road. The engine in it is also an under powered dog. When it isn't broken down, I do like it with the exception of the power issue. It performs capably in rough mountain terrain.

I have my eye on the just announced Ford Super Duty Tremor F250 or F350 with full off road capability. The Jeep was my first new and high priced car. I figure that, at 70 years old, the Ford, quite likely, will be my last new vehicle. So why not make it something really nice that will go where I want to go? The pricing on this vehicle has not been announced, but I'm sure it will be pricey.

[davebarnes]

Honda Accord.

[Bir48die]

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Originally Posted by Perryinva 180 degree opposite here, though I’ve never bought because of a status symbol. It is the experience. To me, “good booze” is an oxymoron. It just becomes more expensive empty calories and urine.

BMW driver?

[Starsky]

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Originally Posted by Snidely Whiplash I’m considering buying something nicer this time - a vehicle that would probably be classified as my “favorite vehicle ever”. I can buy a practical and reliable vehicle that will cost about $25k or one that has always been my dream car for about $45k. I can afford the more expensive car but my personal frugality is struggling with the choice. Determining value is a pretty personal thing, but I’m curious what standard others here might use to determine the value / happiness / cost ratio? Do you find it easier to write the check for a car you love or a smaller check for basic transportation that you can live with?

Just went through this after driving a Prius for 10+ years. I figured this new vehicle might be my last real vehicle (that I would drive), so getting a nicer - i.e. 'dream' car was definitely the goal, I didn't really start with a dollar limit. However, I am historically frugal and I'm not a car person, I just want a vehicle that enables my retirement adventures in decent style. Because I like spending time in the great outdoors, it made me decide that a sports car wasn't practical, nor was an electric car like a Tesla - which was the car I always thought I wanted in retirement.

I ended up with a 4Runner - my favorite truck - which is not cheap, but it has a wide price range depending on options. I chose a 4WD because I love exploring the Eastern Sierras year-round. This is where my frugality kicked in, and although I got my 4WD truck, I chose the standard SR5 instead of the Full Monty TRD Pro, which is $10K+ more. I added my own shocks and tires and other stuff to customize it for a lot less. I paid mostly with cash, but took out a small loan that we may pay off in a year or so, but I'm loving the upgrade despite the new payment.

I discovered that I prefer getting the car that I love over something more economically practical, now that I'm retired and not in a hardcore savings mode. However, I'd still be uncomfortable over-spending, or buying something cool but impractical, just because it's my dream car. Retirement is the time I can feel most comfortable doing something nice for myself to make up for the years of driving cheap, practical work transportation - but I don't need to go crazy. (If cars were my 'thing', I might feel differently.)

I have to laugh because I went from 40+MPG to about 16.5MPG overnight, but I feel great because my truck takes me where I want to go [and my beloved old Prius can't].

[NW-Bound]

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Originally Posted by Starsky I have to laugh because I went from 40+MPG to about 16.5MPG overnight, but I feel great because my truck takes me where I want to go [and my beloved old Prius can't].

We do not drive much in retirement. That lessens my guilt of driving the 8-mpg gas-guzzling motorhome for as many as 10K miles in one trek. I only take a trip like that once every 2 years, and the gas I burn is less than for commuting to work.

[Mr._Graybeard]

The OP's "dream vehicle" is a truck. These days, $45K isn't too extravagant for a new pickup. I personally find that crazy, but the market does not cater to nutcases like me. The domestic auto industry loves the demand, since pickup trucks produce the biggest profit margin of all vehicles that roll off their assembly lines (correct me if I'm wrong, Bamaman).

I bought a 7-YO 2005 Ranger FX4 with 100K miles about seven years ago for $7K. It was dinged a bit, but I knew I was going to ding it up some more. So far, 7 years and 20K miles later, it has served its purpose -- 2500-lb tows and a couple 500-mile road trips along with general runabout duty. I'm happy with it, especially since reasonably decent used Rangers are hard to find. My BiL tells me it's because they are massively popular in Latin America, but then my BiL could be FOS. He often is.

My personal opinion is that 4WD and AWD are massively oversold in the US. Go for the basic 2WD option, with towing package if you prefer, and then find a good local trim shop to design the interior you like aftermarket. Recaro seats, nice stereo. What else can you add to a truck? Retracting running boards?

[eytonxav]

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Originally Posted by OldShooter Actually, I hand load .45ACP in 1,000 round batches. I do have a mouse gun, Kahr PM9, but don't shoot it enough to justify loading for it. My point is slightly different: "Performance" street cars are IMO silly because it is impossible to actually use their performance potential. (We all do silly things and buy silly things for fun, of course, so I am not criticizing buyers.) Most performance cars, and certainly the exotics, are really "ego cars." Again, if that floats your boat ... From 10,000+ miles of wheel-to-wheel (SCCA) racing I can tell you that performance street cars are like kissing your sister. About all you can do is sneak in a few bursts of speed while running alone on a highway. Speed by yourself is boring; I looked forward to relaxing on straightaways when I wasn't in a drafting pack or in other traffic. At-the-limit cornering, even alone, is fun but on the street doing this is beyond silly, with curbs and other things to hit and with untrained drivers around. "Track days" are not much better but that's really OT. OTOH, autocrossing can be a lot of fun even even driving a grocery-getter like my WRX. Big horsepower is not required.

I suspect Jay Leno would not agree with you

[Music Lover]

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Originally Posted by Red Badger I am in the camp where experiences are a higher value than things. I find that the novelty/fun of an indulgent purchase is fleeting. But that's me, I suppose. In full disclosure, I'm a little silly with travel spending.

For some, a nice car is an enjoyable experience...no different than how travel is an enjoyable experience for some people or how a nice guitar is for others.

[Walt34]

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Originally Posted by Mr._Graybeard My personal opinion is that 4WD and AWD are massively oversold in the US.

It depends on the person, the terrain they live in, and how important it is for them to get to work regardless of weather. Think medical, EMS, law enforcement, utilities, etc. all those 24/7 jobs where the boss does not want to hear' "I can't come to work 'cause I'm snowed in". And at least around here, the terrain is such that in even 2 inches of snow if you don't have 4WD you aren't going anywhere real soon.

Granted, for a retiree like me it is hard to make a case that I need 4WD. But I do like having it.

[Jerry1]

I would not buy a truck without 4WD. For one, the weight distribution is much better. Second, the resale value will hold better (IMHO). But most important, you don't need it until you need it. That may only happen once in my life, but I'll be happy that one time.

The simplest reason for having it is that I live in the north with snow and it's a lot better to have it on the days it snows. Of course, I just stay home, but still, I do like to go "sledding", which is what I call driving around after a big snow when you're slipping around. This year I learned that you have to take traction control off to get a good donut going in the freshly snowed on parking lot.

[Mr._Graybeard]

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Originally Posted by Walt34 It depends on the person, the terrain they live in, and how important it is for them to get to work regardless of weather. Think medical, EMS, law enforcement, utilities, etc. all those 24/7 jobs where the boss does not want to hear' "I can't come to work 'cause I'm snowed in". And at least around here, the terrain is such that in even 2 inches of snow if you don't have 4WD you aren't going anywhere real soon. Granted, for a retiree like me it is hard to make a case that I need 4WD. But I do like having it.

Sure, you like to have it, but it's hard to make a case for it. I agree.

Unless you're headed off-road, a Camry with a set of good snow tires can go anywhere you can in winter weather with 4wd/AWD. Meanwhile, you're getting 15 mpg all year while the Camry is pulling down 28.

I live in Wisconsin. I've driven to w*rk in 12-inch snowstorms in 2WD sedans while passing by SUVs in the ditch. Those drivers bought into the all-weather myth of AWD, when it's really all about the tires.

[Music Lover]

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Originally Posted by Mr._Graybeard Sure, you like to have it, but it's hard to make a case for it. I agree. Unless you're headed off-road, a Camry with a set of good snow tires can go anywhere you can in winter weather with 4wd/AWD. Meanwhile, you're getting 15 mpg all year while the Camry is pulling down 28. I live in Wisconsin. I've driven to w*rk in 12-inch snowstorms in 2WD sedans while passing by SUVs in the ditch. Those drivers bought into the all-weather myth of AWD, when it's really all about the tires.

Yes, the tires are the most important, but don't downplay the benefits of AWD. Having both is better than just having the tires. I could have a FWD with winter tires but since I can also have AWD with winter tires I choose that as it's the better option for my climate.

I've seen idiots in the ditch with summer tires ranging from SUVs and trucks to Camrys.

[RunningBum]

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Originally Posted by Music Lover Yes, the tires are the most important, but don't downplay the benefits of AWD. Having both is better than just having the tires. I could have a FWD with winter tires but since I can also have AWD with winter tires I choose that as it's the better option for my climate. I've seen idiots in the ditch with summer tires ranging from SUVs and trucks to Camrys.

I agree. The best thing is to have a good AWD, keep good tires on it, and drive it like you would a 2WD with bad tires in snow and ice.

[Texas Proud]

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Originally Posted by pb4uski I had a pretty good idea what I wanted. I built what I wanted on the manufacturer's website and then also on Trucar. I emailed to dealers what I wanted and asked for out-the-door prices... since the cars/specs were identical, I didn't have to consider making any apples to oranges adjustments. I actually had a dealer a few hours away that was $200 lower than what I was able to squeeze my local dealer down to but it was worth $200 for me and DW to avoid 6 hours of driving each. I don't recall the lead time but it wasn't two months. They ordered my truck on Apr 28 and I picked it up on Jun 14.... so about 6 weeks. IIRC it was only about a month on the car. Also, depending on what your specs are, sometimes they can find a car in transit to another dealer and arrange a trade with that dealer. There were not any incentives on the car, though we did chose to take the manufacturer's 1.9% financing after negotiating a cash deal. On the truck, we had a deal based on the incentives when we ordered and that it would not be any worse but we would get the benefit of any better incentives and as it turned out we got an additional benefit of $500.

I am surprised they did not match unless there was some regional fee that made a difference...


We did the same with my sister.. there were 2 cars in the whole USA that matched what she wanted... one at the local dealer and one north of Dallas... the local guy did agree to sell to us at the lowest price and we went in the next day to sign papers... but they SOLD the car the night before (this happened to me many years ago) but they sent someone to the dealer north of Dallas and drove that car back!!! My sister was concerned with the miles but I said we would have to put those miles on anyhow if you wanted that car...

[ncbill]

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Originally Posted by Mr._Graybeard The OP's "dream vehicle" is a truck. These days, $45K isn't too extravagant for a new pickup. I personally find that crazy, but the market does not cater to nutcases like me. The domestic auto industry loves the demand, since pickup trucks produce the biggest profit margin of all vehicles that roll off their assembly lines (correct me if I'm wrong, Bamaman).

The OP can always lease to see if the extra features are worth it w/o having to come up with $20k upfront.

My new truck (4x4, crew cab, MSRP ~$40k) lease will be ~$300/month, everything rolled in (taxes/tags/dealer fees)