We're in the market for a new car. We've been eye-ing the Mitsubishi Outlander for quite a while as we need a 7 seater and this is the cheapest one but with good reviews (our budget is around $32k). However, we just learned that the new generation is launching early next year and roll out late next year. This is going to be our first car, we want a 7-seater because we tend to have a lot of visitors (obviously not this year).
My dilemma is that we want to buy a car asap (Outlander 2020 model) but I feel that I'll have buyers remorse knowing that the next gen is coming next year. However, I am certain that the price will increase (not sure how huge the jump will be) and could end up well beyond our budget ($32k).
The options I am seeing right now are:
1.) Buy the Outlander 2020 model and suck it up
2.) Wait for the next gen Outlander (and hope the price diff is not that big) and continue renting a car
3.) Wait for the next gen Outlander (and hope the price diff is not that big) and Buy a cheap 2nd hand car
I'm leaning on Point2, the only thing is that I will continue to carry the burden of renting a car everytime we want to go out (wake up early, get the car, inspect for any issues, get pissed about the cost, etc..).
Point 3 is also viable but I have no experience buying a second hand car. I know I will have to do tons of research again on this approach. Also, I am unsure what 2nd hand car we should aim for. I reckon just a cheapo small car to get by. My problem with this is that we'll end up having 2 cars instead of one and buying a cheap 2nd hand car might become a headache (I have no experience with checking for issues when buying a 2nd hand car).
P.S. I know I'm not living up to my name for this particular instance. :(
Who do you plan to carry in the car?
The number of times I see people say they want a 7-seater to carry family, yet no adult is going to get into the 3rd row, they won't stay there for a decent amount of time without being uncomfortable and claustrophobic, and if you're going out on a decent trip there's no room for luggage, bags etc behind the 3rd row (hope you don't have a pram!). The best is when they'll have 2 kids car seats in the middle row, and somehow expect the adults to jump into the 3rd row!
Make sure you actually size up the 7-seaters and think of use-case scenarios with them, and how the practicality will work in the real world.
Oh and there's no doubt the price will increase. Different exchange rates, different safety features, price rises on the competitors.