Minivan Mumbo-Jumbo

During the free oil change service for the Nissan® Quest minivan (i.e., senior citizen mobile command center) at the dealership in Kane’ohe, a query was made concerning the buyback price for the vehicle. A quote of $13,500 was given, which is about $900 lower than the Kelly Blue Book® & Autotrader® on-line quote. Both quotes are about one-half of the original purchase price. The minivan is 2.5 years old.

Nissan® Quest Minivan

The advantages of the cash buyback is that it is quick. No need to run advertisements, haggle with potential buyers, or any of the numerous other pesky problems with selling a vehicle. There are no real disadvantages except for less money from the sale.

The cost of operating the minivan for one year (i.e., registration, insurance, parking fee, petrol) is $1,800 at a minimum. Oil change and annual safety check are covered by the dealership. Car wash is free at the dealership as well, but Kane’ohe is too far out of the way. The expenses come to $150 per month. That’s with the bare minimum of driving. Hence, the minivan has only 18,000 miles on the odometer.

Automobile rentals in Hawai’i are fairly high, even for economy models. However, a vehicle is technically only needed once per week for the usual Hawai’i Kai visit. Even if rental expenses total $300 per month, the former vehicle expenses can be subtracted to yield an actual net cost for the rentals to be $150 per month. If depreciation of the “owned” vehicle is considered, the automobile net rental expense would be even lower, probably close to $50 per month.

Of course, “owning” and driving a vehicle for so long, no matter how tedious or cumbersome, there is a huge psychological barrier to divestiture. The automobile is part of the culture of empire. The “convenience” of “owning” a vehicle is ingrained and difficult to discard.

Finally, the ordeal of renting an automobile must be considered. The on-line portals for the best rental deals only include pickup and return of the rented automobile at the airport location. The fees are higher, and the travel time by bus to and from the airport is another consideration.

So far, the consensus amongst acquaintances is “ownership” over renting. The acquaintances are, of course, more devoted to the “mainstream” way of life. They are quite removed from the ways of a mendicant monk. Then again, the question begs to be asked - what is the purpose of saving money at this advanced age?

Addendum: The experience at the dealership in Kane’ohe concerning the buyback proceedings was less than satisfactory. The sales manager’s presention was construed as sleazy. Overall, just on the basis of his sleaziness, the deal may fall through.

Update: Due to the growing police & surveillance state apparatus and accelerating constriction of personal freedom & movement, the sale of the minivan has been mummified.