8trizzle...

Depending on her age and finances, she might be better off with a lease.

Factory-set price. No haggling. Cheaper each month than buying, builds equity (at least Honda's do). I did this for my mom who is 85. Who knows if she'll even be driving in three years?

I have had like 4 new cars over the last 7 years. I have never put a single penny down on a lease. and have rolled my equity over each lease. I presently have $6,000 in equity and have moved up 2 levels to a very nice car that is just 2.5 years old.

Also, this is a great time of year to get a good deal on a 2003 model.

Others will disagree with this. YMMV.

rfenst wrote:

8trizzle...

Depending on her age and finances, she might be better off with a lease.

Factory-set price. No haggling. Cheaper each month than buying, builds equity (at least Honda's do). I did this for my mom who is 85. Who knows if she'll even be driving in three years?

I have had like 4 new cars over the last 7 years. I have never put a single penny down on a lease. and have rolled my equity over each lease. I presently have $6,000 in equity and have moved up 2 levels to a very nice car that is just 2.5 years old.

Also, this is a great time of year to get a good deal on a 2003 model.

Others will disagree with this. YMMV.

rfenst wrote:

One Zero NEINER [ram27bat]

Ram27 wrote:

Yes. Leasing benefits the dealer. Always. You pay for a car you have to give back and then they sell it at a profit. If you put too many miles, you pay for that, too.

The point is to own and drive a car free and clear, right?

Now... in this situation... it may actually be a decent idea. IF the down/monthly is right.

MACS wrote:

Damnit, I misplaced my reading glasses. I had them about an hour ago but forgot where I set them down. I have a couple backup pairs somewhere but they are eluding me.

Could go to Wallyworld and pick up another set but it's not an emergency. Maybe just place another order to Amazon,

Speaking or WallyWorld, it's the end of the summer and beginning of fall. I need a new grill, They probably have a clearance sale on them but not the best for true smokers. I prefer charcoal but a small propane grill will probably fit the bill for steaks, burgers, hot dogs, chicken and stuff (throw a smoker box in there with the desired wood chips)

I'll also need a small smoker, I miss smoking the meat.

BuckyB93 wrote:

Four dealerships, a couple of test drives, one negotiation.

We all know the world has changed, and changing so fast, we are all falling behind whether we realize it or not.

What mom can't get a grip on how the pricing landscape has changed so much in the last five years. Like wanting Chipotle meal on a single, Taco Bell burrito budget.

During the negotiations on a 2015 Ford Escape, they went through the "8 Point Inspction". 8? Even on our shpo's oil change check list there are 20 things they look at. Hmmm.

We agreed in principle to a deal, with the caveat of it passing the an inspection at my shop.

Upon arrival, our best mechanic sees the year, make, and model and says "Nope. Don't do it. Bring it back. This year make and model is nothing but problems. Coolent leaks, leading to cracked blocks. The transmisions are sketchy, the transfer cases are garbage. You are looking at $7,000 just in parts. 10k with labor and all the other bs,"

Tough spot to be in. Asked him to give it a look as mom and I went out for lunch. Wasn't 15 minutes later got the call and returned.

The coolent basin was completely dry, and he also confirmed there were no leaks. So much for the 8 Point Inspection. Told me to take the vehicle back immediately and get your downpayment back which we did and are back to Square 1.

8trackdisco wrote: