When do you decide to get a new car?

[disneysteve]

we never have to worry about new tires, timing belts, and so on.

Oil changes are about it. Of course, all of that convenience comes at great price.

Having just had my wife's van in the shop for over $1,000 worth of work, I definitely see the appeal of leasing. I just can't get past the never-ending monthly payment aspect of it.

My car has been paid off since 2013 and we paid hers off last year so we should be payment free for another 5 years or so.

[JoeP]

Having just had my wife's van in the shop for over $1,000 worth of work, I definitely see the appeal of leasing. I just can't get past the never-ending monthly payment aspect of it.

My car has been paid off since 2013 and we paid hers off last year so we should be payment free for another 5 years or so.

We have 5 vehicles, all were used, have not had a payment in over 7 years.

Why 5 vehicles? Son, daughter, wife, me, and an old truck we use for hauling the boat and junk around. Both kids saved for their cars and bought them with cash...a valuable life lesson.

As far as when to replace, we do it when the vehicle becomes unreliable or unsafe. In NY with all the salt they use on the roads in the winter, cars quickly dissolve via rust around the important parts like suspension, subframe, and drivetrain. Therefore, having a native NY car go past 150k is actually kind of rare unless someone puts work into replacing those parts.

[snafu]

Oddly, the Business Network featured Mitsubishi over the weekend and I was surprised by the negativity. I suggest you review a couple of books like Lemon Aid and Consumer Reports to see how they rate the Outlander you desire. Check the 'used' section for reported repairs on used Mitsubishi vehicles as so many are the same 'platform.' Likewise review Lemon Aid's listing of repair work anticipated on your make, model, mileage facts.

I think it's important to examine your personal driving habits. Low annual mileage, are you primarily driving in stop-go heavy traffic? Please get decently rated tires. They are often available slightly used, trade-in for those who prefer 'performance' tires. What specific features are 'deal breakers?'

Q #1 Do you really want to have car payments?

While now sold, our RV had a back up camera, useful in unfamiliar parking situations but not important enough to base a purchase. I understand new model car fever but hope you 'll consider writing a Pros vs Cons list for a major purchase decision based on intelligent factors.

My nephew has an interesting car buy method. He decides on make, model, year, 'must have' features and sends this list to every dealership within an hour's drive asking for bids. Unless they offer free oil change or annual/mileage check-up, you can go to any linked dealership for servicing. In our area, a group of business leaders own several different dealerships somewhat linked. When you negotiate the 'deal' you can ask for anything you want!

Most of us frugal type tend to seek a vehicle that is two or three years old and transfer warranty. Cars are now expected to run 200,000 miles with regular servicing following the manual.

[Butterscotch]

If you've needed new tires for the past year please get them replaced. You could kill people if you blow a tire, or if you don't have enough tread to stop.

[Singuy]

New tires are expensive if you go to a tire place and get the top shelf stuff. But for normal people who are not on the race tracks, some high quality Chinese made ones are extremely cheap and you can get them online. They all have great reviews and I'm currently rocking them on my Jag and Infiniti SUV. They are not any noiser or have terrible stopping power in the rain. I have also did some high speed turn on them and they work just fine. They cost only 60 bucks each (even for the SUV). Get them installed for 18 dollars a tire at any local tire shop.

Go to discount tire direct online and order them.

[Fishindude77]

Usually isn’t much logic behind it for us. We typically replace our autos about every 3-4 years and get new ones. We like driving new reliable automobiles and do a fair amount of traveling.

[Drake3287]

For us, we've always had two car's like most married couples. I always buy new and keep them 10 years each but I have them spaced 5 years apart. My current truck is about 8 year's old and my wife's car 3. When my wife's car is paid off in about 2 years I'll be in the market for a new truck.

Yes, it has me always having a car payment but luckily that's not a financial concern for me. My vehicles are always in perfect condition after 10 years with generally about 100,000 miles and I'm able to sell them on Craig's List for a fair price.

I like the "idea" of always having at least one newer vehicle for long drives/vacations. Just a piece of mind I guess.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Drake I've heard that from quite a few married couples the 10 year new car plan. ALternating every 5 years.

[Drake3287]

Works for us. My wife has finally caught on that our budget for a new truck is always larger then for a new car of her though. I got away with it for many years.

[frugal saver]

I want to thank everyone for your comments. My CD proceeds check arrived today and will be going to a new CD instead of a down payment.

I'll be getting new tires on Tuesday and since I have several CD's that mature in 2020 I'll re-visit my plan for a new car then. Since I'm at 51,500 miles now, I'll probably still be under 60,000 by then.

[disneysteve]

I have several CD's that mature in 2020 I'll re-visit my plan for a new car then. Since I'm at 51,500 miles now, I'll probably still be under 60,000 by then.

You expect to put on less than 9,000 miles between now and 2020? That car should last you another 30 years at that rate.

[frugal saver]

You expect to put on less than 9,000 miles between now and 2020?

I apparently have no life.

Or maybe just too many at-home hobbies.

I seem to be running about 1500 to 1700 miles a year right now.

[Nutria]

I seem to be running about 1500 to 1700 miles a year right now.

She's the little old lady from Pasadena...

[disneysteve]

I apparently have no life.

Or maybe just too many at-home hobbies.

I seem to be running about 1500 to 1700 miles a year right now.

The average driver puts on about 12,000 miles/year.

As I said, we keep our cars for about 150,000 miles and a few others said the same. At 1,500 miles/year, that's 100 years worth of driving for you. So you might never need another car.

[disneysteve]

She's the little old lady from Pasadena...

I bought my car with 26,000 miles on it and it was 6 years old, so about 4,300 miles/year by the original owner, well below average.