EVs...really...TO THE RESCUE!

[TDoS]

So I started with gas-electric hybrids, like the Volt and Ford Fusion, more than a decade ago, before making the BIG step in all electric about 5 years ago. Used, in order to keep experimentation costs low in case it was a bust. So after 5 years of experimenting and testing and day in and day out use in all conditions, thinking about it, I decided it wasn't a bust.

The reason why this matters is because I have a buyer coming tomorrow for that 2015 experiment, paying nearly 70% of what I paid for it 5 years and 35k miles ago. Not bad in a world where EVs seem to depreciate pretty hard.

So I replaced it with the same make and model, only brand new. I didn't do it by design really, but Nissan is encouraging dealers to clear out their EV inventory in light of current sales and attitudes towards EVs (and government rebates)  made with certain percentages of this countries labor and battery materials, or that one.

So, here is the comparison to a metric from old times, and ICE cages, and a question.

My first brand new car was a 1988 Honda Civic SI. Little weight sporty thing, yellow with black accents, brand new $10400.




 No A/C no power anything, basic radio, manual tranny, put 110K miles on it, sold it to inlaws years later when their car broke down and I went upscale into Acuras.

In real dollars, that car would cost about, $23.4G.

I bought a new EV, in 2025 dollars. Nissan Leaf, pearl blue, basic modern amenities, power locks and mirrors and doors, normal radio but with the bluetooth, USB connections, A/C, amenities that are just standard equipment now. Not a single option purchased, pure basic new car.

So has a basic cars value gone up or down since I paid that $23.4G? And if above or below, any guess on how much?

The pure advantage of this thing is all economic. I currently pay $0.034/kWh during low time of use utility periods, so at 4.5 miles per kWh, its $0.007/mile. And when the solar panels go in this fall, it might be free, depending on how the net billing works out with the utility. The aim is no net CO2 burning for the wifes new ride.

[Goldernen Oxernen]

Cheapest basic cars are still gasoline only powered. hybrids and full EV cost about 10k more on same or comparable small car. If u have some govt scheme to take advantage of, usually about 5k$ that brings the gap down. Then you need the charging setup, again going solar if you have some govt scheme and qualify.

Unless you have some end of model run out or overstocked inventory deal, the price adjusted for inflation of a comparable car from 36 yrs ago will have gone up not down.

Yangwang U7 leased as tax offset interests me, on account of the advanced suspension to escape the apocalypse of course. Thats a full size car as big as a 60s Impala or Parisienne. Or I take a cold shower and stick with the sensible BYD Seal plan. A week with a U9 and some track time... I can dream.

[TDoS]

Cheapest basic cars are still gasoline only powered.

As with all things in a competitive market however, under certain circumstances things can get REAL squirrelly.

Using cars.com, and searching for only new cars in the L48, skipping the BS prices by individual owners or fake order of magnitude mistakes, looks to be Mitsubushi Mirage, 2024's, at $12,175. So that seems like the cheapest new thing in the current US new car universe.

Just as a reference point that I can compare my price to later.

hybrids and full EV cost about 10k more on same or comparable small car. If u have some govt scheme to take advantage of, usually about 5k$ that brings the gap down. Then you need the charging setup, again going solar if you have some govt scheme and qualify.

I haven't bought my panels yet, but other than mentioning my current fuel costs for my old electric, fuel costs aren't under consideration, just what a comparison of value of new long ago, versus now.

...Unless you have some end of model run out or overstocked inventory deal, the price adjusted for inflation of a comparable car from 36 yrs ago will have gone up not down.

I paid what I paid for both, can't recall what MSRP was on the 1988 Honda, only what I paid. I don't recall being much of a wheeler dealer back then, first new car, had to have it, I'm betting I paid close to full boat. Not on the new Leaf though. Which is the point.

So you've made your argument, you've got the machines and can look up what they are sold for on 2025 models, did I do better or worse than on the 1988 machine?

[Goldernen Oxernen]

mirage is a very old design and they would be just clearing them out. I think any EV that isn't better than 200 mile range is in the bargain basement special now also

[TDoS]

mirage is a very old design and they would be just clearing them out. I think any EV that isn't better than 200 mile range is in the bargain basement special now also

Mine is a 150 miler, and certainly bargain basement.