Haaalp me choose a non-Camry to replace my mom's Camry

"valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option" (valsidalv)
04/08/2016 at 01:00 • Filed to: None

My mom’s lease on her Camry is coming to an end and she needs to choose a new car. My mission? Get her out of that pile of junk into something else. The problem? She likes it.

For the past 8 or so years she has renewed her lease twice. She has moved from the V6 models to the 4-cylinder and is fine with it. The current car has quite a bit of tech but nothing truly extraordinary - blind spot monitoring, backup camera, Bluetooth.

I hate to admit it but the Camry is a pretty good car for its intended purpose. But it’s boring and ugly and on some occasions I need to drive it and I hate being seen in it. She teaches music and uses it to drive to her students so she racks up a bit of mileage. She has grown used to it and doesn’t really want to switch cars.

You might think that I should leave the subject matter alone and that it’s the Jalop in me that doesn’t like the car, whereas it’s a fine fit for her. And I can understand that... but just recently I learned that she’s paying over $500 CAD/month for it! For that price I’m sure I (we :D) can find something better.

Any suggestions? I have been pushing the Buick Verano.

DISCUSSION (50)

bob and john > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:01

Lexus ES

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:03

Honestly it’s probably best she gets another Camry. It doesn’t sound like she has any interest in cars and she seems to like it. Why not let her keep what she likes? You can get a fun car for yourself when the time comes.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
04/08/2016 at 01:05

Price - I’m trying to save her some money here and lower the monthly payments.

d15b > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:11

Subaru Legacy

E92M3 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:11

How about an Accord? Same size, and equal remarkable resale value. Still an appliance like, dependable, no drama car BUT it drives wayyy better. Less body roll, more feedback, better interior, nicer wheels, etc

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:12

Find a Camry for a better deal imo. If you can’t find one go Corolla or base Prius. You really can’t go wrong with putting her in a Toyota.

Tapas > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:12

Mazda 6? I think its better than the Camry.

Or get a used Genesis.

http://www.autotrader.ca/cars/hyundai/g…

TheRevanchist > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:15

We aren't talking about a car that people will go gaga for then, if she wants something about the same. And you want cheaper. Why not go Kia or Hyundai? I've wanted to hit up a couple of dealerships and test drive some myself, for science.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > E92M3
04/08/2016 at 01:17

This^. or this. also do you live in a small town that only has a few dealerships, or a place that has like two? cus that’s a big thing to consider if you have a new warrantied car you don’t want ot drive 30+ minutes just to do warranty work.

Kinja'd!!!

Slant6 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:18

Really, I’d just get her into another Camry. They’ve been good to her and really check all her boxes.

Maybe go down a size to a Corolla or Civic? It doesn’t sound like she needs that much space. If you want to go really cheap I’ve only heard good things about the Dodge Dart and they can come with a turbo.

Verano is nice, but really Toyota makes a great car.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > TheRevanchist
04/08/2016 at 01:22

On paper the Hyundai Sonata looks better for the price. Thanks for the suggestion!

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:25

Not sure how it works in Canada but you can negotiate on the price of the lease. That would also lower the price of payments.

Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 01:52

Something that’s not a Camry, that will keep her happy like a Camry. Hm.

Used Lexus ES.

*runs away before Oppo begins chucking beer bottles at him*

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
04/08/2016 at 01:54

Good suggestion that didn't really cross my mind. Before negotiating though it is good to have some numbers from the competition for their comparable cars. Which is what I need help with. As for myself, my G35 is plenty fun and so is my Ninja.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Tapas
04/08/2016 at 01:56

She doesn't like the look of the Mazda but it's probably a really good contender.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > d15b
04/08/2016 at 01:58

I’m trying to sell her on AWD as there are some winters when the Camry can't make it into the driveway.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious
04/08/2016 at 02:09

Youre not lying. You don't deserve the beer bottles on this one.

Tapas > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 02:14

Oh well, if shoe doesn’t like how she looks then you can’t pursue that.

What about a Ford Fusion?

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 02:57

Mazda 6 with the 2.4? I hear it’s pretty good, and the styling is gorgeous.

Monkey B > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 03:23

not your car, not your money...if she’s satisfied to keep driving one then her experience has been A+. Guaranteed if you talk her into something else it will have issues and you’ll be to blame. Don’t do that to her, let her do what she likes. If she asks you to help her significantly lower her payments show her options and let her decide.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > d15b
04/08/2016 at 05:51

Seconded.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 05:53

Camrys in the US start right around $20k USD and have basically a flat depreciation curve. Your mom’s car dealer seems to be taking advantage of her, unless Camrys are hella expensive in Canada.

sn4cktimes > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 06:04

Same amount of boring, same company, and cheaper = Corolla. She’ll probably like it just the same while saving some cash.

Example: I’ve got a friend who gets a new Corolla every 4 years. He racks the km on it going on huge long road trips. When he wants a new one there’s always a bunch on the lot, he’s in and out of his fav dealership in under 2 hours.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 06:09

Have her drive a new Malibu.

jimz > Monkey B
04/08/2016 at 06:53

This. It’s her car, it’s none of your business what she buys with her money. You want to tell her what to get, you put up some of your own money (if you even have any.) otherwise quit being a know-it-all brat.

punkgoose17 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 06:56

For that much a month how about a Lincoln MKZ?

BJ > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 06:59

Let her get a Camry because she likes it and it’s a reliable car for someone who drives a lot.

And then get over yourself. If you can’t handle the “embarrassment” of driving the car, then buy something for yourself.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Monkey B
04/08/2016 at 07:06

She asked to get lower payments and so I came here looking for those options. Wasn't too clear in the question but some people figured it out...

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > jimz
04/08/2016 at 07:08

It’s partially my business because at $500/month there are better and cheaper options available. You ever help out family before?

jimz > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 07:11

If they ask. You’re just arrogantly presuming she “needs” your “help.”

nerd_racing > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 07:14

I’d say let her make her decision. It’s her money and a Camry sounds like the perfect choice for her needs.

nerd_racing > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 07:15

snow tires and shoveling the driveway for your poor mother is a much better deal than awd.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > jimz
04/08/2016 at 07:47

It’s my mom! If your parents were paying too much for their car and you knew you could get them a better deal you'd do nothing? Yes she asked for suggestions.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > nerd_racing
04/08/2016 at 07:53

Don’t you worry, she has snow tires that I put on every season. Bit I don't live with her so can't help shovel snow every snowfall.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 07:56

Lexus ES.

Stapleface > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 08:00

With the model bloat that’s been happening, might I suggest she actually goes downmarket? Perhaps something like the Civic or Mazda 3 might be in her wheelhouse? Or if she insists on staying in the segment, supposedly the new Malibu is pretty darn good

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > BJ
04/08/2016 at 08:01

Why is Oppo so butthurt over this question? She is overpaying for her car and I want to help her out. Look at my avatar - I have a car and I have a motorcycle too. I don't know the type of relationship you have with your parents but I was asked to help and so I will.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 08:03

“You might think that I should leave the subject matter alone and that it’s the Jalop in me that doesn’t like the car, whereas it’s a fine fit for her. And I can understand that...”

Good. Step one is understanding it. Step two is actually letting it alone.

However, there’s also nothing wrong with cross-shopping direct competitors. Sonata, Optima, Accord, Fusion, etc. Or cars like the Verano. You might also see if she would like a crossover.

Scotchead > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 08:03

Buick? Really? Push her from a very reliable Toyota to a GM? Tell her you saved her money and she will now have lots of time sitting in dealerships waiting on the POS GM to get fixed.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jimz
04/08/2016 at 08:07

He might be being a tad presumptive, but trying to help your mom find a cheaper price on a car doesn’t quite rise to the level of “arrogant” or “a know-it-all brat”. It’s not like he’s trying to get a coworker from a Prius into a miata.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 08:12

I think it’s the wording of the opening paragraph.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
04/08/2016 at 08:14

That’s sarcasm for ya.

gawdzillla > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 08:57

$500 a month lease for a CAMRY !?

I thought the Accords are going for like $179 or something

Steve in Manhattan > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 09:28

Would she look at an Accord coupe? Very stylish.

Hooker > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 10:08

Kinja'd!!!

2016 Malibu. Trust me, it’s good.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Hooker
04/08/2016 at 10:23

I’ll take her to Chevy and see what she thinks. I'm trying to convince her that the days of "American cars are crap" no longer exist because everything is global. Her Camry was built in Kentucky!

BJ > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 10:26

Sorry, I didn’t see that she was paying so much. But if she likes this car, help her get one on better terms. Maybe she got screwed on the lease terms because she didn’t understand the paperwork; help her navigate the the dealership bullshit.

As enthusiasts we want everyone to drive fun cars, but many people don’t want fun cars and probably wouldn’t even notice them if they were fun. We have to be careful about projecting our desires on others.

There’s nothing wrong about finding a different car for Mom but keep in mind her needs first.

Hooker > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
04/08/2016 at 10:35

Indeed, I agree. But that’s an uphill battle you’re fighting. I have a friend who will not darken the door of an American automaker’s dealership because he had 3 in a row that were crap. In the 80's. 30 friggin’ years ago.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > BJ
04/08/2016 at 10:48

Agree. And that's the reason I asked Oppo for help because some cars that were suggested such as the Accord, Malibu, and Sonata are completely invisible to me and I'd never have thought of them. Not looking to get her a WRX or Miata.

Stephen the Canuck > Hooker
04/08/2016 at 18:52

That looks like an Audi.