Need a car for 2-3 years

[Anonymous]

One of our cars is approaching 20 years old and has numerous issues. It’s to the point where it’s not worth throwing money at it only to have something else pop up. Given the crazy market right now, we’ve been considering ordering a new Subaru and be done with it. But now there’s a good chance DH’s job may take us overseas for a couple years, probably in 2024 or 2025. Does it make sense to just overpay for a used car instead and then resell before we go? Not sure it’s something we could take with us and leaving at our parents would require continuing to pay for insurance and have to deal with emissions inspections, among other things. But seems like we’d lose more money reselling a 2-3yo car (while i know that in general subarus hold their value, we have young kids and no garage so keeping it looking pristine would be a challenge).

Any suggestions for buying a used car right now???

[Anonymous]

Lease a car. Don't buy.

[Anonymous]

This is why leasing exists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of our cars is approaching 20 years old and has numerous issues. It’s to the point where it’s not worth throwing money at it only to have something else pop up. Given the crazy market right now, we’ve been considering ordering a new Subaru and be done with it. But now there’s a good chance DH’s job may take us overseas for a couple years, probably in 2024 or 2025. Does it make sense to just overpay for a used car instead and then resell before we go? Not sure it’s something we could take with us and leaving at our parents would require continuing to pay for insurance and have to deal with emissions inspections, among other things. But seems like we’d lose more money reselling a 2-3yo car (while i know that in general subarus hold their value, we have young kids and no garage so keeping it looking pristine would be a challenge).

Any suggestions for buying a used car right now???

Consider leasing a used car.... https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/can-you-lease-a-used-car/

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would try to buy a car from a friend who is looking to upgrade to a new car. Maybe a vehicle that is 8-10 years old and is in solid condition, 75-100K miles, has been well maintained, and you trust the seller.

I think it’s better to acquire that car for, say, $10-15K and reselling it for $5-10K in 2-3 years time. Of course, you can’t really be picky about make/model, but the car will do the job and get you over the finish line.

[Anonymous]

If the overseas trip is uncertain for now, and will not last for many years anyway, I would consider buying a car you really like, then either ship it to the foreign country if costs allow (company pays for your move), or store it so that it's there when you get back (the battery will have died, but that's fine). I don't think emissions are such are a priority, OP, both in terms of things you absolutely must do, or in terms of cost, compared to a car lease or the hassle of buying used.