The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on August 19, 2015, 06:13:48 AM
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A while ago there was a thread discussing the economics of leasing a new Spark EV. That option isn't available to those of us outside a few select states, but the EV siren song is in my ears - much less maintenance (I am not handy on cars), never buying gas, no emissions inspections to pay for. There's a surprising amount of inventory (http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/Used+Cars/Hybrid+~+Electric/Chevrolet/Spark/Allentown+PA-18102?endYear=2016&listingType=used&listingTypes=used,certified&makeCode1=CHEV&mmt=%5BCHEV%5BSPARK%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=SPARK&searchRadius=200&showcaseOwnerId=1393171&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&startYear=1981&vehicleStyleCodes=HYBEL&Log=0) with under 5000 miles - scroll down past the "Premium Listing".
Are these a good idea? In our case, we don't commute but do drive our 1-year-old places pretty frequently. Our 2010 Honda Fit is doing just fine, so there's no need to be in the new-to-me car market, but getting a 5-year newer vehicle with ideally much lower maintenance costs is appealing. The range would nearly never be a problem for us.
Since none of these are close by, if I were to decide to move forward, do I just email local Chevrolet dealerships and ask what their best price on one would be, and then facilitate competition with follow-up emails about the best offer I get? Is this a stupid idea?
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At first glance this appears to make about as much sense as a clown-truck consumerist lusting after a new Diesel crewcab, justifying it by the savings on spark plugs.
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You are probably correct.