What would you do short term (6 months)? VA area

Ask the Hackrs
1

I’d like to buy a redesigned Rav4 when the 2026 comes out, but it may be late this fall or winter.

I currently have no car to get by on, but might need a car soon for a housing change.
What might be some good options for the lowest cost/least depreciation possible if I wanted something to get me by over the next 6 months or so?

Would you do a short term lease? Rental car scenario? Buy and sell a cheap used old vehicle to reduce the amount of depreciation?

I can be a bit flexible on sedan vs. suv in this time period for whatever reduces depreciation costs the most until I can get a new toyota later.

2
3

You could see what’s available in the Private Transfers section on here as well as looking on Swap A Lease to see if anything peaks your interest that would work for your parameters.

In attempting a short term lease, you’re going to have some upfront costs that when spread out over 36 months aren’t that bad however condensing them all into a 6 month lease would be very expensive. Acq Fee, Dealer Fee, Registration fee and so on…just things to think about.

Either a long term rental or picking up an old Camry or Accord may be your lowest cost options.

4

There is also PPT in VA that you don’t pay on a rental (I’d think)

5

Used Lexus ES 330/350

6

I was thinking about an old ES300h or something haha

7

Some rental options were discussed here:

SAL could be an option as well in your case.

8

Not if you have to pay tax on the book value of the car.

9

As always get a PPI from a good independent shop, not a dealership.

A hybrid makes your search harder because you’ll need to find a shop that is knowledgeable about hybrid batteries.

But if you can find both the deal and the shop then go for it.