One important reason is that the US is imposing significant tariffs (25%) on Chinese-made automobiles. You can buy a very nice car just south of the border in Mexico starting at MXN$300,000 ($20,000 USD).
Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
41–50 of 56 posts
Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#42Motorcycles are a great option for those who live in suitable climate and don't have to text and play Candy Crush while they're driving. You can complement with a cheap car for when you need four wheels, instead of going into years of debt for a decent vehicle.
Motorcycles only seem cheap. Factor in a proper set of gear, like helmet, jacket, pants, and gloves, and you're up another $1k. Also note that maintenance intervals are more frequent. Consumables, such as tires, will be more expensive in the long run. Why choose that over a used car for $5k? It's not cheaper, nor is it more practical. But I'll agree, on the nice days, it's definitely more enjoyable.
Are you comparing a brand new motorcycle with a 5k used car? You can get a used motorcycle and second hand gear. No matter how you slice and dice it, motorcycle is cheaper.
Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#43TIL the average consumer makes horrendous financial decisions. God forbid you buy used!
Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#44Motorcycles are a great option for those who live in suitable climate and don't have to text and play Candy Crush while they're driving. You can complement with a cheap car for when you need four wheels, instead of going into years of debt for a decent vehicle.
Motorcycles only seem cheap. Factor in a proper set of gear, like helmet, jacket, pants, and gloves, and you're up another $1k. Also note that maintenance intervals are more frequent. Consumables, such as tires, will be more expensive in the long run. Why choose that over a used car for $5k? It's not cheaper, nor is it more practical. But I'll agree, on the nice days, it's definitely more enjoyable.
Where, in the US, are you going to find a quality used car for $5,000? Please provide links.
Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#45Motorcycles are a great option for those who live in suitable climate and don't have to text and play Candy Crush while they're driving. You can complement with a cheap car for when you need four wheels, instead of going into years of debt for a decent vehicle.
Right because if you can't afford one cheap vehicle you can clearly afford two of them.
Nobody is financing a cheap used car for 8 years.
Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#46Earlier quoted context omitted.
Do RVs have a deprecation cliff since you cannot take old RVs to many campsites?
I just looked that up and apparently there are 10 or 15 year rules enforced by some but not all parks. If the RV is older than 10 or 15 years it will be barred from entry. Apparently the rule is to deter people who do not maintain their clunker of an RV which might break down, leak various fluids or catch fire. The given advice is to keep your rig in good shape and call the RV park and explain the situation. They may…
Have dealt with this. I own a 2007 RV. Maintain it well enough that it isn't an eyesore, but I'm not going to waste my life on upkeep. I have never been turned away from an RV park in the last ~6 years that I've owned it, even when staying at "must be 10 years old or newer" camp sites.
Like you said, it's more used as a policy to turn away. People who the park doesn't think fits their vibe.
Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#47I wonder if we shift to a more ebike infrastructure in the future.
Sadly, that would reduce GDP by lowering spending. Can't happen.
I'm slightly joking, but only slightly.
I've built my own ebikes since I was a teen in the 2000s. I love them, and wish more people would use them to get around day to day. There has been such a lackluster or hostile adoption by "the powers that be" of them, I just can't see it actually making a difference in American transportation though.
At least we aren't the UK though. They have been so hostile to ebikes and escooters for a couple decades now I couldn't imagine bothering if I lived there.
Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#48Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#49Earlier quoted context omitted.
Motorcycles only seem cheap. Factor in a proper set of gear, like helmet, jacket, pants, and gloves, and you're up another $1k. Also note that maintenance intervals are more frequent. Consumables, such as tires, will be more expensive in the long run. Why choose that over a used car for $5k? It's not cheaper, nor is it more practical. But I'll agree, on the nice days, it's definitely more enjoyable.
Are you comparing a brand new motorcycle with a 5k used car? You can get a used motorcycle and second hand gear. No matter how you slice and dice it, motorcycle is cheaper.
It is, even brand new one.
I can find several middleweight tourers / adv bikes between £12k-£25k new. And that's middle/top shelf. I can even get something new under £8k if I don't need the most modern electronics and 650cc is enough.
Comparing that to the car? LOL, 5 year used car like, say, Hyundai Ioniq is £15k+
And every other bit of the maintenance is more expensive in the car. Literally every single one. Also taxes and insurance.
Gear? Yeah, boots once every 10-15 years, gloves/jacket/trousers/helmet every 5 years,
Still cheaper.
Re: Cars are so expensive that buyers need seven-year loans
#50You will own nothing and be happy basically.
Hard to understand why people are downvoting the parent. That may be a right wing dogwhistle, but also the entire corporate industry seems to be trying real hard to turn life on planet earth into a subscription.