[redpoint5]

Yeah, prices are falling, but still way higher than previous lows. Inflation moves in 1 direction though, so we're not going to see prices as low as early 2021. Prices peaked in August. I'm kicking myself for thinking $14k for a 2017 was still a bit high, and I figured the price would drop another $2k given the continued fire recall issues. Predicting the future is impossible.

 

[redpoint5]

I could've moved to a "well-to-do suburb." But I decided I'd rather retire on time. Driving a car I bought new is my one major indulgence.

My family of 3 at the time, moved into a wealthy neighborhood with 5 bedrooms in 2019. We're working on being a family of 5, so the extra bedrooms and bathrooms are beginning to be very useful. The house appreciated $250,000 since purchasing it, I refied the 95% LTV loan into a new 2.5% 30 year, and the appreciated value meant I no longer had to pay the extra loan insurance.

Low-interest, fixed rate, tax deductible debt is a hedge against inflation. That's why I bought the most house lenders were willing to back. If somehow both of us lost jobs, renting out rooms would cover the mortgage cost.

I don't want to retire, I want to work for myself, which basically requires the same financial security.

As an aside, most everyone in the neighborhood drives inexpensive vehicles. Pontiacs, Honda and Toyota crossovers, half-ton older pickups, Chevy Bolts... my most expensive vehicle is a 2006 Acura TSX.

Oregon culture never valued vanity as highly as places like LA or NY. You can tell because we dress more frumpy too. Everyone in NY looks great, while everyone in Oregon looks like they just got back from living in the woods a few weeks.

 

[redpoint5]

Prices have come down on used Bolts! I just bought a 2020 Bolt LT. It has all the extra bells & whistles, new battery, with under 18,000 miles. The lease on my 2021 Bolt was ending. I wanted to buy mine but I couldn't get the $4000 off instant tax credit on my own leased vehicle. I got this 2020 Bolt, after federal & state rebates, for $8749. Can't beat that!

I would pay $14k instantly for a 2020. That's the prices I was seeing for 2017 models back in 2020.

 

[redpoint5]

I’ll bet they increased the price by $1k and are now quoting it net of the $4k tax credit. That’s what I’m seeing in MA.

A similar age gen I Nissan Leaf never went for as low as $10k. I'd scoop one up even at the $13k price.

 

[redpoint5]

I wasn’t actually opining on the net price - I just think it’s an example of a sc@mbag dealership tactic.

I know, I was relating how it seems unlikely that a less desirable car would sell for more than a more desirable one.

I bought my first Leaf in early 2016, it was a 2013 with 40k miles in great shape, full battery bars, it was $5995 with no incentives! But that was a month after they had been selling new for $12k after inentives.

Heck of a deal. My parents got a 2012 Leaf with a 50% battery in 2020 for the same price. It's unusable in winter, so I'm looking for a replacement.

 

[redpoint5]

I noticed, and finally I am in the market for a used bolt. 2020 premier with 30k, 19,000. OR a 2020 Lt with comfort package for 16,000. $4k off at signing. I can't decide if the the upgrades are worth it. I'm coming from a 2015 Mitsubishi mirage ES, now at 180,000 miles.

Make sure it has DCFC if that's something you might want at some point, since it's not realistic to add it later.

Since I want to play with autonomous driving, I would pick whichever model is compatible with OpenPilot. I imagine few want to monkey with that stuff though.