Question
Tom expects that the annual maintenance costs (paid at the end of each year) of his older model car to be $2,000 for the coming
Tom expects that the annual maintenance costs (paid at the end of each year) of his older model car to be $2,000 for the coming year, $2,500 for the second year and $3,000 for the third year. The car currently has a market value of $2,700 and he expects this to fall to $2,000 next year, $1000 after the second year, and zero thereafter as it will just fall apart. He has been considering a newer model replacement vehicle that will cost $10,000 to purchase and would be expected to last 8 years, with maintenance costs of $350 in the first year, growing by 50% per year thereafter through the 8th year. Assume all of these costs are real (net of expected inflation) and that future replacement cars with the same real costs are available now as well as into the future. Tom determines that a reasonable real discount rate for this problem is 7%. Help him determine when it would make financial sense to move up to the newer model car. There are four possibilities: now, one year from now, two years from now, or wait until the car dies after its third year. Why did you make your final decision?
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started