Electric vehicles (EVs) cater to everybody, but perhaps none more than the retirees searching for efficient and green vehicles. Still, not all EVs fit that demographic, and they do have budget restrictions as well as practical needs to be met. Even as the holiday period creeps in, retirees must be careful when it comes to purchasing vehicles. The post 4 Electric Vehicles Retirees Should Avoid Before Christmas first appeared on News for the High-Tech Investor.
Highlights of Electric Vehicles Retirees Should Avoid Buying Before Christmas
- Expensive: Multiple luxury EVs have expensive sticker prices that might be out of reach for some retirees living on fastened incomes.
- Complicated Technology: The advanced technology in some of the models may pose a challenge for seniors with an inclination towards simplicity.
- Availability Issues: Some of the newer models may be difficult to locate or get a feel for, further complicating the purchasing process.
- Possible Reliability Problems: Certain EVs have been known to suffer reliability issues, which translates into an expensive repair bill after the warranty has expired.
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Electric Cars That Retire Should Be Avoided Before Christmas
Tesla Model S Plaid
There were laps at Tsukuba in a Tesla Model S Plaid: an electric monster of a car. This may make it high on the list for retirees but at a starting price of about $110,000 it quickly loses appeal. The car’s advanced features could also be an issue for older drivers who prefer simpler controls. That makes it a non-starter during this busy shopping season since dealerships don’t usually discount your more popular models like the Model S Plaid before Christmas.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Another luxury EV, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S can be had for almost $175,000. Although it’s an incredible performer with a high-end interior, its maintenance costs are steep and the technology can be complicated–something retirees may not want to deal with if they prefer their cars uncomplicated and affordable. On top of that, the purchase of such an expensive vehicle immediately prior to Christmas will only stretch holiday budgets and out unnecessary financial pressure.
Lucid Air Pure Edition
The Lucid Air Pure Edition is another new EV with big-range, high-performance promises. But its cost and constrained availability renders it a gamble buy for retirees. Finding service or even just a test drive is going to be nearly impossible without widespread dealerships. That can make it even harder to settle on a fair price when demand is high at the holidays.
Rivian R1T
All Electric pickup truck Rivian R1T has been noted for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It could easily consider adventurous retirees, but the high price provide affordability on an annual basis and additionally a not-so proven trackare of reliability injects unproven physical strength in to pure practicality. The truck is also large, and it might not be easy for the seniors to get in and out. Holding off until after Christmas might allow retirees to take advantage of year-end sales incentives from dealerships looking to meet their sales goals.
When is the right time to Buy an EV?
There are a few reasons why picking up an electric vehicle before Christmas is rarely the best decision:
- Higher Demand: Vehicles are usually in higher demand during the holidays which impacts availability and bargaining power.
- Post-Holiday Deals: Thanks to dealership’s efforts to clear out inventory at the end of the month or year, discounts and incentives are often a little bigger come post-holidays.
- Budget: With holiday expenses on the horizon — gifts, travel — a big purchase like an EV can stretch finances.
Clearance sales and finally the sale prices of the previous year models are expected to occur over Christmas so retirees are encouraged to hold back until after Christmas.
Alternatives To Consider
So for retirees in the market for an appropriate electric vehicle, with none of the fuss or expense, here are some alternatives:
- Kia EV6: Priced from ~$42,600; Spacious cabin and a 310-mile/charge range
- TOYOTA BZ4X: At around $43,070, this dependable vehicle offers luxurious comfort and a range of 252 miles with an electric motor.
- Nissan Leaf: This budget-friendly (sub-$30,000) EV is still a solid option for short commutes but requires diligence due to its history with defective batteries.
These alternatives offer an equivalent experience for better overall value and less risk to senior citizens.
FAQ
Dear Dave, my wife and I are both new retirees. Before Christmas, we had the chance to get a deal on an electric vehicle.
Christmas, you make your inventory by adding huge prices with limited negotiating power and availability a result of high demand during the seasons.
Retirees Should Avoid These Costly Electric Cars
The Tesla Model S Plaid, Porsche Taycan Turbo S, Lucid Air Pure Edition and Rivian R1T are all high-performance or high-priced models that may not offer real-world advantages for seniors.
What should retirees instead be considering if looking at electric vehicles?
A: Something simple — perhaps a Kia EV6 or Toyota bZ4X that won’t wash over you in waves of red-eyed cash and increasingly convoluted tech.
When is it the best time to get an electric car?
When is the optimal time to purchase?A: Generally, it’s right after Christmas when dealerships have sold through most of their year-end inventory and are relaxing their discipline on pricing.