I have a 2020 Escape Hybrid, Titanium which I purchased just when Covid was really starting, got a great deal(just before things went wild) and have 6 years 0% financing. I get really good gas mileage and only have 13k miles on it(since now most of my driving is local). I was thinking of trading up to the PHEV but they are selling at or close to MSRP, they only give 0% for 3 yrs and I'll likely get back some money if I trade mine in , but will be paying more. Even with the tax credit I'm not sure it makes any sense. Looking for some other peoples thoughts on the subject.
Thanks,
Mustangbon
You have to find a PHEV on the lot before March to be sure of getting the tax credit. If you have to pay a big chunk over MSRP there's no sense.
I don't think the 2022 has any features that the 2020 lacks. I think you'll find things the other way around: no hotspot, no kick-open gate, no engine cover...
Normally, driving new every two is a good way to pay the most expensive years of depreciation on the cars you own. (That might not be the case right now, depending on your market. Some cars have been trading for more than they were worth new a few years ago. I think we might be at the tail end of that, though.)
I don't think you'd get enough "new" for your money if you traded up now. If you're only driving 4,000 miles a year I don't think you'll see gas savings to offset the increased purchase price over the life of the vehicle.
This isn't justified just on a financial basis. Only way this is worthwhile is if you think the increased vehicle cost is worth paying for the fun of driving a new toy.