My 84 year old dad wants to buy a new car - discuss.

[Anonymous]

Title says it all. Dad lives alone (divorced), he’s 100% mentally there and has some balance issues but otherwise healthy. Is pretty active - cooks, goes to the gym, etc. His current car just went kaput so he needs a new set of wheels.

Part of me feels like this makes no sense at all and he should lease, part of me thinks “good for him!”, and still another parr of me thinks, “it doesn’t really matter what I think - it’s his life and his money.”

But still - 84 + new car? What would others do here? Say something? Keep out of it?

FWIW Dad and I have a very good relationship.

[Anonymous]

I would allow it but make a plan. For example, have him identify whose car it will be once he cannot drive. Make sure he’s understanding he may only drive the car a short time. Then let him. As you say, it’s his money

[Anonymous]

I'd take him shopping for a used car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would allow it but make a plan. For example, have him identify whose car it will be once he cannot drive. Make sure he’s understanding he may only drive the car a short time. Then let him. As you say, it’s his money

Allow it? Does she have guardianship over him?

[Anonymous]

My father is 82 and just bought a new car. Then he drove it about 2000 miles on a road trip. The man freaking loves to drive. If something happens to him while driving, well, he died doing what he loved.

[Anonymous]

I'd get a car with a lot of extra safety features.

[Anonymous]

They're isn't anything to discuss. If he can safely drive and has the money, he's fine. Don't be greedy

[Anonymous]

The third part that says it’s not your business is the right part. It’s great that you are close. Have you mentioned to him that you decided to crowd-source his decision with strangers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Title says it all. Dad lives alone (divorced), he’s 100% mentally there and has some balance issues but otherwise healthy. Is pretty active - cooks, goes to the gym, etc. His current car just went kaput so he needs a new set of wheels.

Part of me feels like this makes no sense at all and he should lease, part of me thinks “good for him!”, and still another parr of me thinks, “it doesn’t really matter what I think - it’s his life and his money.”

But still - 84 + new car? What would others do here? Say something? Keep out of it?

FWIW Dad and I have a very good relationship.

The bolded is all you need to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Title says it all. Dad lives alone (divorced), he’s 100% mentally there and has some balance issues but otherwise healthy. Is pretty active - cooks, goes to the gym, etc. His current car just went kaput so he needs a new set of wheels.

Part of me feels like this makes no sense at all and he should lease, part of me thinks “good for him!”, and still another parr of me thinks, “it doesn’t really matter what I think - it’s his life and his money.”

But still - 84 + new car? What would others do here? Say something? Keep out of it?

FWIW Dad and I have a very good relationship.

The bolded is all you need to know.

+100

[Anonymous]

My dad bought a Mercedes at 83 and drove it another 10 years. Now my brother drives it. Maybe you’ll get lucky and inherit the car.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the feedback. I am going to keep out of it.

[Anonymous]

Not your business unless he’s given you reason to think he’s unsafe to drive. My dad is about to turn 85 and has been talking about a new car for decade. I thought it was silly but now I wish he’d bought one years ago because his car is close to 20 years old. He has plenty of money to pay cash and probably will be safer in a new vehicle. I would like to see him give up driving because I worry about an 85 yo on the road but the fact is he’s healthy and sharp and not at all willing to give up the keys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dad bought a Mercedes at 83 and drove it another 10 years. Now my brother drives it. Maybe you’ll get lucky and inherit the car.

This. We inherited Mom's low mileage Subaru Forester.

[Anonymous]

My mom just bought a new SUV at 82. She asked what I thought beforehand and I said maybe it made more sense to lease since she enjoys driving newer cars, but she went ahead and bought anyways. As you said…it’s her money, she can do what she wants with it!