Please help me decide on a new car to purchase and how to fund the purchase

[Diogenes]

Somewhat along op's new dilemma. ...

Am interested in low end torque, good looks, AWD, comfort, full size.
Zero interst in EV. I suppose some Hybrid with good looks and full size would work for low end torque.
Bentley is a bit pricey, and need to own a mechanic as well.

Like alll the musing so far, did not find a winner.
I'll keep the Caddy for now, has 65 K miles. Paid cash for it.

Not exactly a plethora of options. Your tastes are unfortunately too... unusual. The market isn't responding. If we exclude the temperamental, the cosmetically ruined, the hyper-complicated or the exotic, and focus on sedans (as opposed to more specialized sports cars), about the only offerings for 2026 are from Cadillac. Lexus is phasing out their V8 sedans/coupes this year. Infiniti phased out theirs, years ago. There are still a few models from Audi, Mercedes and BMW, but presumably you're ruling those out.

If we consider turbo V6 - without gimmicks like electric spool-up - then there's the Dodge Charger (surprisingly) and the Genesis G-series.

As for myself, I'm going to stay with the used market for now, and will eventually jump to EVs. Next purchase will likely be a C6 Corvette... but I don't need a back seat.

 

[gamboolman]

Have you checked which Manufacturers are offering 0% financing deals?

Might be worth looking into if there is a vehicle you like.

 

[ls99]

Not exactly a plethora of options. Your tastes are unfortunately too... unusual. The market isn't responding. If we exclude the temperamental, the cosmetically ruined, the hyper-complicated or the exotic, and focus on sedans (as opposed to more specialized sports cars), about the only offerings for 2026 are from Cadillac. Lexus is phasing out their V8 sedans/coupes this year. Infiniti phased out theirs, years ago. There are still a few models from Audi, Mercedes and BMW, but presumably you're ruling those out.

If we consider turbo V6 - without gimmicks like electric spool-up - then there's the Dodge Charger (surprisingly) and the Genesis G-series.

As for myself, I'm going to stay with the used market for now, and will eventually jump to EVs. Next purchase will likely be a C6 Corvette... but I don't need a back seat.

Right you are.

While I really like the CT6 driving, truly fun to drive, am maximally annoyed by bling technical stuff, especially, the nagware which gets remotely updated, than wanting my consent to use.

What will likely happen is when finally sick of the nagware, sell the damned thing.
Currently musing about a 1993 Eldorado, with the last year of 4.9 engine. Don't want anything with the buggy Northstar engine.
Hopefully find one with analog gauges, insead of the digital. Though I understand they are plugin swappable, maintaining original odometer reading.

Am not into sports cars, prefer sleepers.
One was a Jaguar straight six with supercharger, was a silent beast. But it had all other Jaguar problems.

 

[tizod]

The Genesis sedan series is really, really good for the price. And parts wise it uses alot of "regularly" priced replacements: brakes, etc. It's fast enough. Wish it was a hybrid. Mine was very reliable, fun to drive and great stereo.

 

[Cognito]

As far as paying...I chose to finance 72 months w/ 1/2 down for a manageable payment. I then paid and addition $3K last year and another 3K this year toward the principal. This reduced my term to 30 months with a manageable payment.

 

[Global Wizzo]

Thanking everyone in advance for their assistance in helping me answer two questions:

A. What car should I buy?
B. How should I fund this purchase?

A. Material Disclosures re "What car should I buy?"

I'm an early-70s male, driving a 15-year old Infiniti M37. Love the car, but I'm thinking it would be prudent to start looking at a new one. In reality, I can buy nearly anything that is being sold, so practically-speaking, money is not an issue (other than my tendency not to BTD).

Some considerations for me would be:

1) Reliability, Don't need mechanic on retainer.
2) Dealer Experience, (realize you can't help me with this one).
3) Power and maneuverability,
4) Looks,
5) Is not ostentatious and drawing the wrong type of attention (think Bently, etc.),
6) Not a BMW (see #2).
7) 4-door sedan (might make an exception here, but that would be my first inclination).

If cost wasn't a major consideration, what are your recommendations and why?

B. Material Disclosures regarding: "How should I fund this purchase?"

I've never leased a car, so that is an option, but I'm in shark-filled water without serious guidance here. So, I could:

1. Pay cash (would need to sell some appreciated assets)
2. Conventional Financing
3. Lease

So, what car should I buy and how should I buy it?

Many thanks!

I’m buying more on brand and dealer experience.

MB and Lexus along with Dodge.
Hate the dodge dealers. Lots of reasons from waiting areas to attitudes.

MB and Lexus are great for service, getting a loaner is the norm. Recent oil change, dropped the car, picked up a loaner. Lunch, shopping and back late afternoon for my car. This is MB dealership and they are consistent between dealerships.

Lexus is pretty similar.

Drive several and find something that just feels good when you get in. Nice to have analog controls for key functions.

Rented a Mazda week ago and the gearshift had reverse at the top. So instead of Park, you get Reverse. Park was a side shift. Swapped cars. That was too risky for me and inconsistent with norms.

Look at all the Service waiting areas Good impression or bad?

Unless you get zero or 1% l? Do what you are comfortable with. Don’t accept anything with an early payoff penalty.

Enjoy the search.

 

[Mansderm]

Thanking everyone in advance for their assistance in helping me answer two questions:

A. What car should I buy?
B. How should I fund this purchase?

A. Material Disclosures re "What car should I buy?"

I'm an early-70s male, driving a 15-year old Infiniti M37. Love the car, but I'm thinking it would be prudent to start looking at a new one. In reality, I can buy nearly anything that is being sold, so practically-speaking, money is not an issue (other than my tendency not to BTD).

Some considerations for me would be:

1) Reliability, Don't need mechanic on retainer.
2) Dealer Experience, (realize you can't help me with this one).
3) Power and maneuverability,
4) Looks,
5) Is not ostentatious and drawing the wrong type of attention (think Bently, etc.),
6) Not a BMW (see #2).
7) 4-door sedan (might make an exception here, but that would be my first inclination).

If cost wasn't a major consideration, what are your recommendations and why?

B. Material Disclosures regarding: "How should I fund this purchase?"

I've never leased a car, so that is an option, but I'm in shark-filled water without serious guidance here. So, I could:

1. Pay cash (would need to sell some appreciated assets)
2. Conventional Financing
3. Lease

So, what car should I buy and how should I buy it?

Many thanks!

I'm a Honda fan.

 

[cat4ever]

Do yourself a favor and at least test drive a tesla, and use FSD mode. Keep in mind extremely low maintenance and much lower fuel costs, and no more visits to the gas station or shop except for tires/rotations.

 

[Abnormal]

Thanking everyone in advance for their assistance in helping me answer two questions:

A. What car should I buy?
B. How should I fund this purchase?

A. Material Disclosures re "What car should I buy?"

I'm an early-70s male, driving a 15-year old Infiniti M37. Love the car, but I'm thinking it would be prudent to start looking at a new one. In reality, I can buy nearly anything that is being sold, so practically-speaking, money is not an issue (other than my tendency not to BTD).

Some considerations for me would be:

1) Reliability, Don't need mechanic on retainer.
2) Dealer Experience, (realize you can't help me with this one).
3) Power and maneuverability,
4) Looks,
5) Is not ostentatious and drawing the wrong type of attention (think Bently, etc.),
6) Not a BMW (see #2).
7) 4-door sedan (might make an exception here, but that would be my first inclination).

If cost wasn't a major consideration, what are your recommendations and why?

B. Material Disclosures regarding: "How should I fund this purchase?"

I've never leased a car, so that is an option, but I'm in shark-filled water without serious guidance here. So, I could:

1. Pay cash (would need to sell some appreciated assets)
2. Conventional Financing
3. Lease

So, what car should I buy and how should I buy it?

Many thanks!

I highly recommend a Tesla with the optional full self driving as needed for $100 each month. As we age, our reflexes and our vision just aren’t as good as they used to be. Never go to a gas station again! I never have to worry about changing my oil or radiator fluid since there is no motor. All i need to worry about is rotating my tires periodically. I can leave the ac on whenever I travel with my dogs and need to leave them inside the car. My elderly mother can also stay in the car with the ac on without an issue of overheating. I let the car drive me most of the time. Think about this…how much would a chauffeur cost you each month? With Tesla, it’s $100 per month. I love our Teslas and will never go back to a gas engine car again. Plus they are constantly doing updates via wifi so improvements are constantly occurring to your existing vehicle.

 

[aja8888]

I highly recommend a Tesla with the optional full self driving as needed for $100 each month. As we age, our reflexes and our vision just aren’t as good as they used to be. Never go to a gas station again! I never have to worry about changing my oil or radiator fluid since there is no motor. All i need to worry about is rotating my tires periodically. I can leave the ac on whenever I travel with my dogs and need to leave them inside the car. My elderly mother can also stay in the car with the ac on without an issue of overheating. I let the car drive me most of the time. Think about this…how much would a chauffeur cost you each month? With Tesla, it’s $100 per month. I love our Teslas and will never go back to a gas engine car again. Plus they are constantly doing updates via wifi so improvements are constantly occurring to your existing vehicle.

Welcome! I am a 30 year Woodlands resident (moved to south side of Conroe a short while back). Lots of Texans here.

 

[Koolau]

OP I may have missed it but how much do you drive? My anti-BTD bone simply wouldn't let me pay a lot for a new car that I'll drive 2000 miles/year. It simply makes no sense. So, next time, I'll be looking for (another) used car but a nicer one than I have now. Maybe 10 year old "luxury" car with low mileage and good safety features.

 

[swakyaby]

Right. Here's the blah, boring, and downright ugly 2026 Lexus ES350.

View attachment 59012

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I am in the market for an EV, and am waitiing patiently for a 2026 to show up in the showroom. I have been very satisfied with my 2003 Lexus SC430, but it’s getting time to get a car with the latest safety features. Other car is a Tesla model S.

 

[LadyIJ]

OP specifically states he's interested in a reliable 4 door sedan, while staying under the radar and not attracting attention, so a Camry or Accord are the obvious choices.

The new Camry is pretty sweet

 

[LadyIJ]

Do NOT buy an electric car. Beyond horrible deprecation. This matters to everyone due to if it gets totaled out in an accident.

You can lease them.

Also they are hard on the infrastructure- roads. Also, we already have charging fatigue!

 

[LadyIJ]

Another vote for the 25' Lexus ES350. Last year for the venerable ICE V6 (top 5 engine ever built for reliability). Purchased mine in July and will hopefully be my last auto purchase. My 05' ES330 was a fabulous car and gave me exactly zero issues in 20 years.

Just curious- how many miles on the ‘05?
My DH has a 2014 ES350 with 55k. His and yours built in Japan. I would keep his for a long time if he stops driving BUT, it’s black with black interior not exactly feminine. Wondering if the new ones are AS reliable.

 

[LadyIJ]

I didn't see Acura TLX and Integra mentioned before but may be worth considering.

The seat comfort won’t be there compared to what he had. My old Acura TSX more comfortable lush seating than the newer TLX. I would lean towards the Acura MDX or Lexus ES350. It the top of the line Camry - except the tires are hard ride and expensive.

 

[Deuce]

4 door sedan?

The immediate answer that pops to mind is the Camry. Great reputation for reliability. Hybrid drive train with phenomanel milage, and certainly wll under the cost of many high end vehicles.

But, cars are very personal preferences. So drive them, check Consumer Reports for their reliability rating, and then make a choice.

Zzzzzzzz

 

[Deuce]

Buy a Tesla Model Y!

 

[NanoSour]

Just curious- how many miles on the ‘05?

Gave my '05 to DD with 98K on it. She's put 20K on it in the past year with only oil changes. Still a great vehicle and I miss it. But do like the technology on my '25 model.

 

[Koolau]

Gave my '05 to DD with 98K on it. She's put 20K on it in the past year with only oil changes. Still a great vehicle and I miss it. But do like the technology on my '25 model.

Yeah, 95K is just "broken in" on that vehicle. Should last another 100K easy with maintenance.

 

[leftcoastjayhawk]

You're in your early 70s, yes? OK, think of yourself in your LATE 70s or early/mid 80s when it is entirely possible that the physical getting in and out of your low-slung sedan will become an issue. That's a reason to consider a midsize SUV with the seat higher up than a regular car. (Instead of bending down to enter and struggling up on weakened knees to exit a sedan, a mid-height SUV often lets you just slide "butt-in, then legs follow" or "legs-out then butt next" to exit.

Once you've begun driving a little higher up you'll appreciate the improved visibility while driving.

Next, screen your choices for reliability + reasonable prices and you will wind up looking at mid-size Japanese made SUVs. Mid priced options might be Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Acura RDX or Mazda CX-3, -5, -30, or -50 depending on the size you like. Pick any one of these and you may never talk to an auto repair man again. (Acura is more luxe than the others.)

Mechanically Lexus is right up there, but I can NOT stand that bizarre, gigantic hourglass-shaped grille they started using several years ago on all their vehicles. Gawdy awful.

Genesis makes beautiful vehicles; pricey, though.

A lot of dealers give you super-low finance rates on new cars. If you're offered 1.9% interest for auto finance but you're earning 8% a year on your investments, why would you consider selling stocks to pay cash?

My two cents. Good luck.

But in your late 70s, maybe you want a low slung car to help keep you agile! (I'm 77 and that's my excuse for why I need a sports car...)

 

[leftcoastjayhawk]

Thanking everyone in advance for their assistance in helping me answer two questions:
...

What type of driving do you do or need?

Just local commuting?​

long distance trips to family in remote (ie, limited electric charging stations) locations?​

Driving to ski/snowboard?​

Driving a lot of grandchildren around?​

Need to tow anything? (Uhaul, jetski).​

Do you have a spouse/SO with additional requirements?​

Do you like to keep your cars for a long time? (15 years with your Infiniti suggests that.)​

Inquiring minds want to know.

Personally, I want an Amphicar. Travels on land AND water!

 

[Luvtoride]

I would recommend getting the current issue of Consumer Reports. It’s their annual car buying issue. It reviews dozens of cars in detail and ranks hundreds of cars in all categories. It gives the pros and cons of every model ranked. Definitely worth researching using this useful guide!

 

[Koolau]

But in your late 70s, maybe you want a low slung car to help keep you agile! (I'm 77 and that's my excuse for why I need a sports car...)
View attachment 59356

Too late. DW has already heard me groan just getting in and out of a "regular car." Coming home in a C-8 Vette might cause "issues" with her - no matter how much I tell her it's for my health. She'd never buy it.

I take it you like blue. So do I. Very nice. I hope they keep you young.

 

[planuntilthefisthits]

I highly recommend a Tesla with the optional full self driving as needed for $100 each month. As we age, our reflexes and our vision just aren’t as good as they used to be. Never go to a gas station again! I never have to worry about changing my oil or radiator fluid since there is no motor. All i need to worry about is rotating my tires periodically. I can leave the ac on whenever I travel with my dogs and need to leave them inside the car. My elderly mother can also stay in the car with the ac on without an issue of overheating. I let the car drive me most of the time. Think about this…how much would a chauffeur cost you each month? With Tesla, it’s $100 per month. I love our Teslas and will never go back to a gas engine car again. Plus they are constantly doing updates via wifi so improvements are constantly occurring to your existing vehicle.

OP I may have missed it but how much do you drive? My anti-BTD bone simply wouldn't let me pay a lot for a new car that I'll drive 2000 miles/year. It simply makes no sense. So, next time, I'll be looking for (another) used car but a nicer one than I have now. Maybe 10 year old "luxury" car with low mileage and good safety features.

Buy a Tesla Model Y!

OP here. Many thanks for all the recommendations! Keep them coming.

A possible change of plans re auto purchase. Our decision about when, how and what to buy will be affected by our impending home sale, our plan to temporarily relocate to an area that requires travel over a mountain pass (no snow or ice), and then within probably months, to relocate again to an area close to our current home. Given a desire to haul items back and forth, the mountain pass and driving distance, and the fact that I have a 15-year-old car, I'm accelerating my purchase decision and widened the net to also include the possibility of an SUV. I am seriously looking at a short-term lease to not lock me into a long-term decision.

What I've done so far:

Despite my days being consumed with all things house sale, I had a chance to stop by the local Tesla and Lexus dealerships. At Tesla, they informed me that the S, X and Y have 3.99% financing, which is a very nice rate that I believe is beatable with my investment portfolio. The Model 3 is 2.99% The S and X now come standard with Full Self Driving and unlimited free Supercharger use. Both of those features are extremely attractive to me given the "commute" I will be having back and forth over the mountain pass. I haven't yet test driven the cars, but don't think I'd get the X, but leaning toward the S and Y.

Went to my local Lexus dealership and sat in the NX and RX SUVs. Nice feel to both. Have not test-driven, but only 245hp on a turbo 4? My Infiniti has 350, so I'm a bit concerned about the lack of horses. Of course, I'd need to test drive. The salesperson did say that the top of the line LS is going to be discontinued, and the dealership will be in line to get only two "Heritage" LSs a year going forward. The dealership does not offer Lexus financing, but partners with two regional banks.

I've got to check with my insurance company to see what kind of shock I'm in for when I purchase a new car compared to insuring my 15-year-old!

So, here I sit: I need to find time to do some test drives and decide Lease/Buy, Sedan/SUV. My ID wants the S (really the Plaid, but I have too much self-control for that).

Thoughts?

Thank you!