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Originally Posted by redpoint5
I can hardly believe it, but I'm actually considering a new vehicle purchase (in addition to a used minivan) and feel about 50% confident to get a Model Y.
I was just thinking how my last vehicle purchase was in 2010, and I bought a 2006 Acura. When it was new, it cost $32k. It had all the greatest features for the time, even including voice activated control of things like the radio, phone, or climate control.
Nearly 2 decades later, you can get a Tesla Model Y with autopilot and tons more features than my Acura, with way more horsepower, for about the same price (after subsidies). That's the same price not adjusted for inflation. If we adjusted for inflation, the Model Y would cost less than my entry-level Acura.
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If I were to get an EV again, it would be hard to not go for a Tesla. They may be far from what I consider ideal for myself, but they have the best EV reputation. The Y is also now their cheapest car when you consider the tax credit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
This is to say Jason is right that $20k isn't that much considering what inflation has done over the last few years, and cars are way better now than even a decade ago. Heck, the new Prius Prime has quite a bit more horsepower than my Acura.
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If you consider inflation there have been lots, and I mean lots of cars for under $20K. For an example, the Geo Metro would be around $15k today. What is more is the Metro XFI got some 50mpg on the highway, whereas a Chevy Trax only gets 32. So it is both more expensive even accounting for inflation and gets worse fuel mileage. Add to that that car insurance is higher today than in the 90's.
What the Trax and other similar vehicles have going for them is they are bigger, safer, more powerful and get better emissions. The Trax also has a tow rating. So no, they are not cheaper. You are paying more. A Trax today is more than what a Geo Metro would be even when adjusting for inflation. But you get more car. Is that a deal for everyone? I'm not entirely sure. I don't need a bloated CUV. I want a sedan. A sedan meets my needs just fine. That or a small hatchback. So paying more for a crossover wagon doesn't really appeal to me.
If I were to buy a new car in 2025 I'd be a bit divided, but I think a Corolla hybrid would ultimately win. Accounting for fuel, I'd be spending less overall than in the Trax in just 2 and a half years. I'd have to add a spare tire somehow and a tow hitch that will probably drag on the ground. But I don't need so much bloat, especially not for a GM 3 cylinder turbo that will always be under boost and cylinder-washing enrichment and a transmission that's reportedly having problems in other vehicles already.