Another HD Post About Cars

Here’s another car-themed Forum post. Last June I wrote a Humble Dollar article about vehicle ownership and longevity. I ended that article with a description of the most recent major repair required for my 2011 Subaru Forester when the clutch assembly failed and required replacement. Those of you wishing to revisit that article can view it here.

I mentioned at the end of that article it might be time to search for another Subaru. At the end of 2024 I read about the introduction of a Subaru Forester option in the new model year – a hybrid. I dropped by my closest dealership to test drive a non-hybrid Forester with the features I wanted, explained I wanted a hybrid and they agreed to maintain contact. I wanted the most up-to-date safety features.

In March the salesperson texted with tentative hybrid deliveries and MSRP information. I told them that I would not purchase a vehicle if it was subject to tariffs. In April they texted with information about available colors, features, and availability. Two weeks ago, I bought one.

The biggest surprise of the whole negotiation was that they took my old Subaru in trade for a value I considered acceptable. When I thought about cleaning/detailing it for sale, posting on sale sites, negotiating, simultaneous insurance for two vehicles, purchasing duplicate license tags, and other factors, their offer seemed reasonable.  Then we found that the trade-in value reduced the sale price of the new Subaru, which in turn reduced the NC sales tax charged on the transaction. It was worthwhile to accept their offer.

I’m still reading about and experiencing new features. Some things are on by default, while others need to be turned on/off by the driver. I’m still enjoying the new-car smell. I’ve only reached for the nonexistent manual stick shift a couple of times.

This may be my last vehicle. I turn 72 soon. In 2024 I drove less than 7,000 miles in the Forester, and that’s with trips to the mountains, beach, and DC. When I sold the old car in May 2025, I’d added less than 3,000 miles since January 1^st. For the prior three years I averaged around 9,000 miles per year. So even if I took Spock’s advice to “live long and prosper” I won’t accumulate a lot of mileage even if I continue to drive well into my 80’s. I’ll note that my Dad was still driving at 91, but he shouldn’t have done so. I’ve promised my wife I won’t be as stubborn as my Dad when the time comes to give up the keys.