The other driver was at fault. My car was almost 10 years old with 170k miles on it, so it was nearing the end anyway.
Here's the thing: the new car I REALLY want is the Slate truck:
However, it won't come out until Q4 2026 at the earliest.
My problem is, any new car I get (used, almost certainly, but new to me) will probably last 10+ years, especially since I plan on getting an EV and those things never break. I'm looking at options like a Leaf, Chevy Bolt, BMW i3, etc. I can charge for free at work.
I can get a loan through my credit union at about 5%, and I also have enough cash reserves to comfortably pay $10k or so. A quick check of used EVs near me show plenty in the $8k-$15k range that would suit my needs.
So do I:
- Lease a car until the Slate is available for purchase?
- Buy a used car (which will probably last 10 years)?
- Buy a new car (which will probably last 20 years)?
- Finance any of the above? 5% is kind of the "take it or leave it" range for me in terms of paying off fast or slow.
One note is that I hate hate HATE the connectivity and electronic "features" of new cars. I don't want it connected to the internet. I don't want a subscription to heated seats. I don't want lane assist. I don't even want a touch screen. That's part of why the Slate appeals to me.
I do need at least a 120 mile range, so older Leafs are out. Leaves? Whatever. If I do get a brand new car, I prefer to have an onboard 240v power outlet so I can use it to power my house as well...charge at work, bring it home, plug it in, use the power, my work is effectively paying my electricity bill. My current rental includes electricity in the lease but I'm thinking of my next place.
Any suggestions?
