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

[RetiredHappy]

We drove the X and Y and the Y distinctly felt smaller (narrow/less room between driver and front passenger). While there is significant price difference between X and Y, we decided against Y because of the smaller car feel. We are used to larger SUVs. We are planning to compare X and S when we are ready to trade in our 1-year old Lyriq Sport III.

 

[joesxm3]

One concern with a Tesla for a temporary relocation is the installation of the charger. You probably do not want the expense of the charger at the temporary location. You should find out the location of the Tesla super chargers near your temporary location and perhaps along your mountain route.

Charging only at super chargers is workable for a few months if one is near you.

The power of the Tesla will be nice going up the mountain, but going uphill for a long trip will probably reduce your range a little.

The Tesla sales staff should be able to help you on the super chargers and milage estimates. Once you have the Tesla it will calculate the trip including necessary super chargers and adjust the milage estimate for altitude and road conditions.

I am able to carry a lot of stuff in my Model Y. As far as being narrower than Model X, the one thing I have not been able to carry is full sized free pallets for stacking fire wood. I am limited to the smaller pallets if I can find them. I did carry 4 dining room chairs at once and the dining room table. I drove 40 100 mile trips emptying out my step father's house.

For the long trip over the mountain FSD will be very helpful. You can buy it by the month for $99 a month.

For the permanent location you should have a garage for the charger, unless you live in Texas and can have an outside charger like Audrey. The charger will work outside in winter but it uses extra electricity to warm the battery to allow charging.

I am not that familiar with Model S but, if you need to carry a lot of stuff, make sure that it has enough cargo room.

 

[TheWizard]

One concern with a Tesla for a temporary relocation is the installation of the charger. You probably do not want the expense of the charger at the temporary location. You should find out the location of the Tesla super chargers near your temporary location and perhaps along your mountain route.

Charging only at super chargers is workable for a few months if one is near you.

The power of the Tesla will be nice going up the mountain, but going uphill for a long trip will probably reduce your range a little.

The Tesla sales staff should be able to help you on the super chargers and milage estimates. Once you have the Tesla it will calculate the trip including necessary super chargers and adjust the milage estimate for altitude and road conditions.

I am able to carry a lot of stuff in my Model Y. As far as being narrower than Model X, the one thing I have not been able to carry is full sized free pallets for stacking fire wood. I am limited to the smaller pallets if I can find them. I did carry 4 dining room chairs at once and the dining room table. I drove 40 100 mile trips emptying out my step father's house.

For the long trip over the mountain FSD will be very helpful. You can buy it by the month for $99 a month.

For the permanent location you should have a garage for the charger, unless you live in Texas and can have an outside charger like Audrey. The charger will work outside in winter but it uses extra electricity to warm the battery to allow charging.

I am not that familiar with Model S but, if you need to carry a lot of stuff, make sure that it has enough cargo room.

I suppose if cargo room is a major issue, you could buy one of those freaking Cyber trucks...

 

[AllDone]

Unless you have a long daily commute, you should be fine with the level 1 charger charging overnight. You don’t need to charge to 100% every night.

 

[TheWizard]

Unless you have a long daily commute, you should be fine with the level 1 charger charging overnight. You don’t need to charge to 100% every night.

That's likely true.
But for folks experienced in home electrical wiring, such as myself, it's not too difficult to install a 240v charger for around $500 in parts ..

 

[freedomatlast]

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.

Yes, the 275 HP Lexus turbo 4 is quite anemic as compared to the 6 cylinder that it replaced. Very narrow torque curve and not near as smooth. Also, there are quite a few drivability problems reported by new owners. One of the big problem with the Teslas is the severe depreciation.

 

[Qs Laptop]

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

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.


Thoughts?

Thank you!

When considering the Lexus NX and RX are you looking at the hybrid models? Because the hybrids have 245hp but do NOT have a turbo. The 4 cyl. turbo models have 275hp.

If you get the RX350 hybrid it has an electric motor to aid with low end torque. I've driven one and it's no slouch. It's not a rocket, but it does just fine. You also get the fuel mileage advantage a hybrid offers.

Yes, the 245 HP Lexus turbo 4 is quite anemic as compared to the 6 cylinder that it replaced. Very narrow torque curve and not near as smooth. Also, there are quite a few drivability problems reported by new owners.

Again, there is no turbo model with 245hp. As to the older 6 cylinder RX350 vs. the newer RX350 turbo 4 cylinder, in 0-60mph times they are about the same. The new RX350h (hybrid) beats the old 6 cylinder from 0-60mph. I can't speak to the drivability of the turbo 4 but the hybrid was very nice. I also drove a 2025 Camry with the hybrid engine in it as a rental for 4 days last March and I really liked it.

You really need to drive one and see for yourself.

[Edited to add: You can get a turbo 4cyl with hybrid engine. It's the Lexus RX500h. This one has 366hp and 406 ft-lbs torque. It will do 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds. Also has the 6-speed automatic (not the CVT as in the RX350h). It gets 28mph combined.

You can get this same engine in a Toyota Crown Platinum, which is Toyota's top of the line 4 door sedan.]

 

[Fermion]

Have you considered the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid? It seems pretty nice for a relatively inexpensive all wheel drive car and evidently the hybrid has more pep than the standard Cross. Something like 43mpg too. Electric doesn't make sense right now with the lapse of the $7500 credit.

 

[Koolau]

Unless you have a long daily commute, you should be fine with the level 1 charger charging overnight. You don’t need to charge to 100% every night.

Actually better not to charge to 100% from my understanding. Usually 80% is about the max except when anticipating a long trip. (I don't own an EV so take with a grain of salt).

But Level 1 is usually in the "few miles added per hour" if I understand correctly. That could eventually be problematic.

 

[freedomatlast]

Have you considered the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid? It seems pretty nice for a relatively inexpensive all wheel drive car and evidently the hybrid has more pep than the standard Cross. Something like 43mpg too. Electric doesn't make sense right now with the lapse of the $7500 credit.

I suggested a Camry or Accord earlier in the thread and OP's response was "Thank you. But, getting a Camry or Accord would be like stealth mode for me. A little too much under the radar."

OP may think the Corolla Cross is in the same category and not quite fancy enough.

 

[Fermion]

OP may think the Corolla Cross is in the same category and not quite fancy enough.

Ah, yeah, missed that.

I'd probably look at a 2026 Bentley Flying Spur then. It got 10/10 on car and driver, is a 4 door sedan, and nobody at all will accuse you of being pedestrian.

Forgot to mention it is a plug in hybrid too, so will definitely save some money for the short trips when you can just use battery alone.

 

[AllDone]

Actually better not to charge to 100% from my understanding. Usually 80% is about the max except when anticipating a long trip. (I don't own an EV so take with a grain of salt).

The recommendation depends on the battery chemistry. However, it's now pretty apparent that in real world use, batteries last a lot longer than anticipated.

But Level 1 is usually in the "few miles added per hour" if I understand correctly. That could eventually be problematic.

If you charge for 12-14 hours overnight at 2 mi/hr and your commute is 25 miles, then there’s n problem. You may spend more time at home on the weekend and spend more time charging then too. In a pinch, you can use a faster commercial charger too, although home charging is the most delightful characteristic of an EV.

We upgraded our electric service when we bought the house and had a 240V line run in anticipation of a future EV. We now have a level 2 charger which we use for both of our cars with no trouble even though my car as relatively slow charging capability. Neither one of us would ever go back to gas.

 

[aja8888]

My next car will be a plug in hybrid as it is much more versatile than an EV.

 

[TheWizard]

My next car will be a plug in hybrid as it is much more versatile than an EV.

I wish the F150 hybrid had plug in capability but current model does not ...

 

[planuntilthefisthits]

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!

OP here. Given my car died last week, I had to make a quick decision. I ended up on a 2-year lease (to give me maximum flexibility) of a Tesla Y. First lease for me. First EV for me. First SUV-type vehicle for me. Certainly is not ostentatious because I see the exact same car/color all over the place where I live.

 

[joesxm3]

OP here. Given my car died last week, I had to make a quick decision. I ended up on a 2-year lease (to give me maximum flexibility) of a Tesla Y. First lease for me. First EV for me. Certainly is not ostentatious because I see the exact same car/color all over the place where I live.

Congratulation on your choice. I was not expecting that to be the result of this thread.

Once your car has updated to FSD version 14 be sure to give it a good workout during your free FSD trial.

Good move on the lease. Computers improving so fast it is best to get a new car every 2 or 3 years. I bought my 2023 and traded in and bought the 2026 again, but I probably should have leased.

 

[RetiredHappy]

Ah, yeah, missed that.

I'd probably look at a 2026 Bentley Flying Spur then. It got 10/10 on car and driver, is a 4 door sedan, and nobody at all will accuse you of being pedestrian.

Forgot to mention it is a plug in hybrid too, so will definitely save some money for the short trips when you can just use battery alone.

View attachment 59417

Actually, we are toying with buying a 2022/23 Flying Spur for a second car. It has been my husband's dream to own a Bentley. The main issue is that we do not have garage space for another car. 2 golf carts take priority for our 3-car garage.

 

[TheWizard]

Actually, we are toying with buying a 2022/23 Flying Spur for a second car. It has been my husband's dream to own a Bentley. The main issue is that we do not have garage space for another car. 2 golf carts take priority for our 3-car garage.

Two golf carts should fit in one garage space, right?

 

[Fermion]

Actually, we are toying with buying a 2022/23 Flying Spur for a second car. It has been my husband's dream to own a Bentley. The main issue is that we do not have garage space for another car. 2 golf carts take priority for our 3-car garage.

Obviously I was being a bit silly suggesting the fuel saving on a plug in hybrid Flying Spur but damn I want to see someone on here get one! That is such a beautiful looking car. Please post pictures if you do splurge!

 

[RetiredHappy]

Two golf carts should fit in one garage space, right?

Nope. We converted a room to a 3rd golf cart garage so it is not large enough for 2.

 

[Koolau]

Actually, we are toying with buying a 2022/23 Flying Spur for a second car. It has been my husband's dream to own a Bentley. The main issue is that we do not have garage space for another car. 2 golf carts take priority for our 3-car garage.

Two words for you: Car Cover

 

[Deuce]

My next car will be a plug in hybrid as it is much more versatile than an EV.

How so? I bought a 2025 Tesla Model 3 and I don’t see how you can improve much on the efficiency or the ease of charging on a trip.

 

[OnTheBeach]

I have a 2019 Porsche Cayenne that just turned 100,000 miles. It is the best car I have ever bought. Drives like an sedan but the capacity of an SUV.

 

[Steve P]

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!

They say SUV's are easier to get into as you get older so I would start with considering that lens on the car. Next, I'm a really big fan of the Tesla self drive and I think as it supports city and highway self drive; highway is great and city is pretty good. I expect in the next couple of years they'll be more self drive as BMW and Mercedes are close to city self drive functionality I hear. Then I'd put a lens on what consumer reports says for reliabiility and there is a new article out on that. Those would all be factors I'd suggest you consider.

 

[freedomatlast]

He already bought a vehicle.