General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI reckon I waited too long to buy a new/used car.
I wonder how many other people are in my position. I'm glad TSF said he couldn't care less if people have to pay more for cars.

mcar
(44,351 posts)Now putting a bunch of $$ into our 9 year old car in the hopes it will hold out for a few more years.
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)Maru Kitteh
(29,886 posts)Rural Montana miles.
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)I want to keep my payments below $400.00 a month.
Maru Kitteh
(29,886 posts)I will perish on the long commute to work without them. My tiny little corpse, all decked out in matching scrubs, clinging to the inadequate comforts of my morning coffee. What a shame that would be.
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)Android Auto is great. You plug your phone in and can make all the hands free calls you want and listen to all the music you want. I also can listen to MSNBC and CNN while I'm driving, sports too.
CrispyQ
(39,367 posts)I did most of the shopping online. That Car Fax place is great. Or whatever the name of the place is with the car's ownership/maintenance/accident history. I weeded out a bunch of cars with that. I got a 2022 with 12,500 miles on it. The previous owner was a mechanic at the dealer's garage. I just passed my 1,000 mile marker last week, ten months later. When I die it will be advertised as a low-milage, well-taken-care of, old-lady car.
My other car is a 93 Toyota Truck with approx 175,000 miles. I still get offers for it.
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)My only vice is streaming services. When you spend a lot of time in your car it's worth it.
CrispyQ
(39,367 posts)I paid for three more months & then canceled cuz I hardly ever drive. They made a decent offer but I declined so they made a second really good offer, but I'd just signed up for another service that I use a lot so I declined again. About a week later I got in the car & I had Sirius. I thought, how strange. The very next day I got such a hot offer I couldn't turn it down. And when it renews next year it's at a lower rate than my original rate.
My other great audio purchase was a little Bose speaker to replace an old model Bose. Oh man, it is sweet & so small & easy to carry! Sounds even better than my old Sounddock. I love it! A week after I bought it Bose raised their prices on all their mobile speakers & their top of the line model went up $100!!! Can you say price gouging?
Xavier Breath
(5,455 posts)That's been my experience in 15+ years of using their service, anyway. It's a luxury, sure, but one of the few I allow myself. Besides, if I try to listen to terrestrial radio the commercials drive me crazy.
Also, make sure you're using the Sirius app on your phone. That's probably where I do 90% of my listening, and it's a part of your existing car service.
CrispyQ
(39,367 posts)I sound like a Bose salesman, but I'm not.
mcar
(44,351 posts)Xipe Totec
(44,286 posts)Bought it from a little old lady that kept it in a garage for three years, practically unused. I guess I can push it for another four years before I have to find a new one.
sheshe2
(90,990 posts)I hope she keeps on going.
Hekate
(96,988 posts)Always planned on keeping it forever.
sheshe2
(90,990 posts)My mileage is low as well. For years I was only a few miles from work.
Diamond_Dog
(36,463 posts)No plans to part with it.
sheshe2
(90,990 posts)

central scrutinizer
(12,523 posts)Its probably increasing in resale value as new car prices soar out of reach. Who knew old cars would become investments? Thank you, Dear Leader!
patphil
(7,602 posts)Still runs great. It shows what a well made car can do if it''s garaged and will maintained.
My wife's car is a 2014 Accord with over 200K on it. That's our "new" car. It also runs well.
OneBlueDotS-Carolina
(1,447 posts)140K, one owner in excellent shape. We're in our 70s, so we sold our low miles Expedition, plus my wife's Subaru 1992 SVX that she bought new, It was a great car, collector car insurance from Haggerty made it affordable, but was becoming a money pit, parts are hard to find & a good mechanic, good luck....sad to see it go, was my wife's baby, all we need is one car, the used Honda fit the bill.
Ocelot II
(123,950 posts)DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)People would give me the stinkeye. People might think I'm a MAGA.
Ocelot II
(123,950 posts)Personally, I'd rather get a rusted-out 1978 Pacer.
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)First thing I think of when I see on is Swasticar. Second thing is MAGA
Ocelot II
(123,950 posts)probably they're someone who was excited about getting a "green" electric car. And probably not MAGA because MAGA don't believe in e-cars - you can't roll coal in a Tesla. My banker said he saw a Tesla park in the bank's parking lot, driver got out and attached the logo for another car brand over the Tesla logo. If you're not into cars the sedans aren't especially distinctive except for the logo so now people are trying to disguise them by hiding the logo. You can't disguise a Cybertruck, though; and anyone who bought one of those is truly a moron.
Polybius
(19,625 posts)They didn't like EV's at the time.
Moostache
(10,410 posts)newdeal2
(2,177 posts)He doesnt care. Let that sink in for the voters who voted for economic reasons
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)But there is a majority out there who isn't part of the Cult.
hlthe2b
(108,924 posts)I don't know what I am going to do... But boy have I been having some dreams I don't dare repeat here. Retributive dreams... Not like me, but there is a lot to be pissed about...
Quakerfriend
(5,770 posts)going. So far, it has cost us very little.
Lets hope our luck keeps up. 🤞
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)I met a man with a RAV 4 that had 325,000 miles.
Quakerfriend
(5,770 posts)years & we have another car we use for long trips.
And yes, those RAV4s are amazing- especially certain years!! Theres a mechanic on YouTube who swears by them.
Ocelot II
(123,950 posts)126,000+ miles, still runs well, looks a little battered because I keep sideswiping my trash cans. Was considering a new car, but I guess I'll just keep this one going.
iscooterliberally
(3,069 posts)I decided to put it in storage instead. It might be worth hanging onto if things get bad. It might go up in price too.
Maru Kitteh
(29,886 posts)rather than buying new ones, drying up supply as demand for used cars rises. Your best price could come in about a year or so maybe.
iscooterliberally
(3,069 posts)I bought a one year old car last year and kept my old car in the driveway. They weren't going to give me enough to trade it in so I just kept it. It's an old Nissan 350z and it still runs great. The paint job is toast and it needs upholstery. Maybe some collector will find me a year from now.
Quakerfriend
(5,770 posts)going. So far, it has cost us very little.
Lets hope our luck keeps up. 🤞
Renew Deal
(83,710 posts)Unless dealers start jacking up prices on their own.
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)Renew Deal
(83,710 posts)bluestarone
(19,350 posts)Next four years will be bad times for car salesman for sure.
Johnny2X2X
(22,621 posts)I have an economy car with 78,000 miles on it that is 11 years old. Been paid for for several years. I drive maybe 7,000 miles a year with it, it will last me at least 4 more years. So hopefully I don't have to replace it until sanity on trade is restored.
Wife was looking at a newer vehicle this year, but we're going to wait another year or 2, she will want foreign, Subaru or Honda, so it could be dicey.
We are really pinching pennies right now to grow our savings, no need to buy any big ticket items, we are forgoing a vacation so we can have bigger savings. I want to have 9 months of bills in savings, not quite there yet.
DemocratSinceBirth
(100,832 posts)Johnny2X2X
(22,621 posts)But it's the situation we find ourselves in.
I am lucky, I can build some savings right now and have no revolving debt of any kind. I feel awful for those who are barely getting by.
atreides1
(16,597 posts)We got a 2025 Subaru Forester, $7000 down payment, $3000 trade in for my 2014 Nissan Rogue.
Freddie
(9,816 posts)Honda CRV Hybrid. Traded in his wifes 10 year old Ford Fusion. They can afford it.
I drive a 14 year old Dodge Caliber and DH drives a 14 year old Santa Fe. Thankfully hes a good backyard mechanic and he does most if the upkeep on both cars. Plan on keeping them til the wheels fall off.
riversedge
(74,793 posts)underpants
(189,686 posts)Ms. Toad
(36,464 posts)Both have been stable since December.
Two dealers told me that if I saw a car I was interested in I should buy it, because it won't be there next week.
That is accurate - the first car I would have bought was sold just as I hopped into my car to go test drive it, and the dealer held the one I did buy for me despite significant interest from other buyers. But it is also true that there were also about the same number of new offers at the same prices by the next weekend.
I was looking for a Prius from 2012-2016, under 100,000 miles, under $10,000. Every weekend I checked there were at least 5, often more, within a 50 mile radius of my home that fit that criteria. Never the same 5 - there was almost a complete turnover each week, with the exception of a few multiple-owner, severe reported accidents, or dealers with really bad reputation.
Tiny Tabby
(37 posts)Heard this am on radio that tariffs will have substantial impact on car parts for repair and routine maintenance. I know most of the bill is labor but the parts will be higher. Replaced my suspension rod a couple of months ago - Honda CRV with 220,000 - most of the bill was labor but still will increase total by about 10% or more.
Ms. Toad
(36,464 posts)Last edited Thu Apr 3, 2025, 12:15 PM - Edit history (1)
With a 12 year old one.
The old baby, 265,000 miles on her, still gets over 50 mpg - but can't pass e-check. It would probably take around $2000 - if we can find the parts we need, since it is no longer being supported by the manufacturer.
Sorry to see her go, but I'm pleased with my new to me Prius with 50,000 miles on it.
CrispyQ
(39,367 posts)
So many other nice features, too, like gas milage info & two different milage trackers. My old truck doesn't even have a working radio. Now I have Sirius! I'm stylin'!
Glad you're enjoying your new ride!

MiHale
(11,439 posts)to leave various parts behind in random parking lots, so we had to put her to rest. Got a new to me car in October. Whew!
2naSalit
(96,267 posts)In time. I had two vehicles until a few weeks ago. One was being restored, mostly mechanically, sold the other. The sale was quite acceptable as I got more than I was going to ask for it and the buyer, my neighbor, got a solid ride that will carry her in safety for a while because I had a lot of work done while I was driving it. It was used and a nicer car than I could afford then. They deal was that, knowing I would have to do these repairs, I could spread the cost over a few years and end up with a nice car. I wasn't sure I wanted to sell it until I did so I was maintaining it at my standard for a long term ride. Now I'm down to the original car... the reall 'keeper'.
Whew.
Ol Janx Spirit
(93 posts)...as the very first thing to suffer from a trade war will be the standards car makers apply to their manufacturing process. Unless Navarro is right and virtually everyone else is wrong, tariffs will drive profitability down for domestic manufacturers which almost always means cutting corners in both the manufacturing process and the quality and number of components. Fewer but longer shifts for workers will lead to quality control issues; resourcing critical components from non-tariffed suppliers will possibly mean sub-standard parts; a drop in profitability will make manufacturers less able to respond to these quality issues and recalls; and less competition from foreign competitors will mean there are less incentives to actually care about quality. The quality and reliability of today's automobiles is not because that is just the natural order of things; it is because the auto industry has developed these supply chains and manufacturing processes over decades with a careful balance of price vs. profitability. Throwing an economic bomb in the middle of all of that with virtually no time to adjust is not only reckless--it will likely have a profound impact on the end product rolling off the line.
Alliepoo
(2,675 posts)At new cars over the past few days and hes gobsmacked at how much they cost. I had looked online a couple of months back at the Buick Envision then took a quick look yesterday and prices are definitely higher now than then. Not sure what he plans on doing but we have a 2009 Town&Country that we bought very used several years ago, and I drive a 2015 Caravan. Im thinking the caravan will be OK for the next few years but cant say the same for the T&C.
OneGrassRoot
(23,684 posts)My lease was up in May of 2025. As soon as he won, I knew prices (and availability) were going to be an issue because even the threat of tariffs, or god forbid another pandemic, would affect price and the supply chain. So I ended my lease early in late November, and I am sooooo glad I did.
But my MAGA ex, who I only see when I'm picking up our grandson when he has brief visits with him, noticed I had a new car and asked why. Weirdly, he knew my lease wasn't up for a while. I told him, calmly and not wanting to start trouble in front of my grandson,l that it's because I anticipate prices going up and availability being limited because of the way Trump threatens tariffs.
"He isn't going to do anything with tariffs. You're so alarmist." (Which he says in a chastising a child way. Always.)
When shit hit the fan regarding tariffs almost immediately, and the plan for today was revealed, I was ready to be belligerent when I saw him. I told grandson to wait in the car.
"Hey, Jim!" (I never call him by his name...lol) "It's a good thing I got my car early, huh? Maybe take what your guy says seriously this time around. You cultists are ignorant as fuck."
And I left. It felt so good.
Emile
(33,758 posts)on it. Ziebart rust proofed, garage kept and still looks and runs like brand new. I have no interest in a new expensive vehicle.
SheltieLover
(65,739 posts)
ImNotGod
(565 posts)GreenWave
(10,880 posts)IronLionZion
(48,280 posts)Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, Ford, and Chevy all have EVs that are relatively affordable compared to Tesla. Toyota and Honda are affordable if you want a hybrid.
Keepthesoulalive
(1,134 posts)2011 rav 4 v6 with 135,000 miles, picks up just like the day I purchased it.
rurallib
(63,566 posts)13 years 190,000. fortunately we don't drive much these day so it should last a while.
Ihike2
(2 posts)Chevy HHR 326,000 miles, the transmission was getting bad, bought a used 2022 Kia Niro EV, best car we have ever owned.
Biglinda 52
(103 posts)You might want to buy used from a private party. Might get a better deal.
IronLionZion
(48,280 posts)The imported parts will be tariffed if you need repairs. Electric and hybrid cars depreciate super fast so there are values to be found there in the used market.
Some cars were built to last longer than others.
Good luck
RainCaster
(12,491 posts)We have two that we will keep. Before the election, Mrs RC said that she wanted a new SUV and was looking at EVs. Now she's not so sure anymore. She may wait until TSF is out.
We have a 26 year old truck with 60k miles, and a 13yo hybrid sedan with 130k miles. Both have a long life ahead of them.
Chi67
(1,161 posts)A lot of dealerships stocked in the last few months. You can still get a good deal if you shop around.
LogDog75
(368 posts)I have a 2007 Honda CR-V LX with less than 90,000 miles on it and it runs great. I've been thinking of buying an electric vehicle in 2027 but with the tariffs I'll put that off for a couple more years. My thinking is the tariffs will cause the prices to increase and it even if they're removed after a years once the prices are increased there's little chance they'll come down. Even though the dealers may pay less for the cars in a couple of years, they'll keep the prices up to paid their profit margin.
IronLionZion
(48,280 posts)but their dealers sure will. So there could be room to negotiate if you're into that. Buick has said something similar for their Chinese made vehicles if you trust them. We'll see how long that lasts.
Something to know is that whole vehicle tariffs start in April, but parts tariffs take effect in May. So there's still some time if you move fast.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(27,644 posts)has forty-something thousand miles on it. I live in a small city and don't drive very much.
Oh, and it's a stick. I don't trust automatics.
Northern_Light
(41 posts)Car & Driver has a list of which make and model are affected by tariffs.
How 25% Tariffs on All Imported Cars Will Affect Every Model
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a64308066/list-of-how-tariffs-will-affect-every-car/
johnnyplankton
(503 posts)Bonx
(2,304 posts)More:
"Nissan drops price on key Rogue, Pathfinder crossovers to drive demand"
https://www.autonews.com/nissan/an-nissan-cuts-rogue-pathfinder-pricing-0401/
DENVERPOPS
(11,591 posts)But here in Denver, this last year, I have noticed an explosion of BMW's driving around.....
Stpaoulboy
(36 posts)I started as a salesperson in 1988. I owned my own dealership for 7 years and now work for a large auto group pricing used cars. It is interesting because everyone I work with is careful trying not to bring politics into the conversation, but the frustration over the uncertainty is what is getting to everyone. Yes prices could go up, and we are already starting to see dealers pay more at the auction to keep inventory on the ground. But I fear that the risk of a recession like we have never seen is a real possibility. At which point prices will crater. I fear we are fucked! Buckle up, it's going to get bumpy.
Trailrider1951
(3,512 posts)It's paid for, is in great shape, and has about 105,000 miles on it. I bought it used in 2016 and replaced only the tires and the battery. If Magat and the Muskrat take my Social Security, I may end up living in it.
eShirl
(19,241 posts)they may have been wrong
NowISeetheLight
(3,996 posts)I bought my used luxury sedan four years ago. It was two years old and had about 35k miles on it and was a Certified Pre-Owned so the warranty was extended an extra year to 5 years 70k miles. After it hit five years I added a factory warranty for another five years up to like 132k miles. I'll be driving it until it drops. I just hope if it breaks I can get parts for it (GM product made in Canada).
cilla4progress
(26,285 posts)last month!
k0rs
(118 posts)A new Ford Bronco Sport. It replaced the exact same vehicle, a 2021 version, with high mileage. It's the ideal vehicle for us, living pretty far from civilization, at 9000 ft ASL, subject to winter mountain snows. The old one proved its mettle so we stuck with the same brand and model. 28 MPG is appreciated as well.
It wasn't an easy decision as we weighed the likely increase in cost if we waited against Social (in)Security vulnerability. We decided to take the chance while we could still get one at the current build price. In fact it was a holdover '24 with several promotional incentives. The dealerships we visited seemed blithely unaware of what was coming down the pipeline. Or perhaps they were/are in denial.
We (my wife and I) decided to go ahead with purchase when the SS website showed the recent WEP adjustment to my monthly retirement in place. None of the dealership personnel we spoke with had ever heard of WEP. Now we can only hope the outcry and outrage from any meddling with SS to be sufficient that Eloon's acne hackers have to pull in their horns. First acid test: my April 9 direct deposit. Never has a large purchase like this seemed like such a gamble.
Luciferous
(6,399 posts)and it's paid off. I'm driving it until it falls apart. Was talking about getting a car for our youngest but that will have to wait.
Catherine Vincent
(34,549 posts)I was planning on buying a new car this year, but I'll give 17 year old Betsy another year.
madville
(7,603 posts)Just looked and the exact same truck, at the same dealership, with the same $3000 cash off incentive as last year is now $59k, about a 10% increase.
ILikePie92
(29 posts)Good luck to you. I'm thinking the exact same thing.
WarGamer
(16,733 posts)Don't forget supply/demand.
If car sales slow down you'll get better deals and special finance rates.
Economy was cooking last few years and car prices went WAY up.
See how that works?
JCMach1
(28,545 posts)It had a battery replacement courtesy of Chevy, so it doesnt look it, but similar to having a 2yo car. If i get too annoyed with appearance, I can get it sprayed, or wrapped.
Early Volts were overengineered and hella good cars.
csusan
(37 posts)I have a 21 year old Honda element 170,000 miles. It's been a great car but is beginning to show its age. I was saving up for another car but now I'm going to have to wait and hope my element hangs in.
mucholderthandirt
(1,418 posts)IbogaProject
(4,195 posts)It has north of 400K, not sure but I've had it 10 years and it was maxed at 299,999 miles already then Dec of 2014. I know both previous owners, the first one put 250K in 18-24 months doing medical lab pickups. Pontiac Vibe, which was made jointly with the Toyota Matrix.