October 22, 2020
On a purely logical level, investing tens of thousands of dollars toward retirement may make more sense than adding an equivalent consumer debt here and now. On a practical level, though, we need a good car or truck, and on an emotional level, we get a kick out of driving something new. So, we buy (and often finance) new vehicles.
While a car or truck can possibly help you make money, autos almost always depreciate. Factor in financing, licensing, repairs, and fuel, and the costs can add up. A 5-year auto loan on a new car or truck in the $50,000-$70,000 price range could mean a monthly payment of anywhere from $800-$1,300, depending on what you put down. If that same consumer buys a new or used vehicle with a price tag of about $20,000, the difference in monthly payments can give the person choices.1
