All pros, few cons if you want to buy a discontinued Toyota

DEAR CAR TALK:

I am interested in buying a 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. This is the final year that Toyota will be making this vehicle. Is it wise to consider buying it? Will the resale value be reduced as a result of its discontinued status? I plan on keeping it for eight to 10 years.

What are the pros and cons given that it will no longer be made? Thank you.

A: I wouldn’t worry about it, Art.

Over the next eight to 10 years, getting parts won’t be a problem. Toyota, like most car companies, has been very good about keeping parts available for the long haul. And it’s particularly easy with the Avalon since it shares a lot of parts with other Toyotas, like the Camry.

And, if someone’s buying a used car eight or 10 years from now, whether or not they can buy a new version of that car (which would probably be electric and totally different anyway) is not likely to be high on their wish list.

They’re more likely to want to know if a used car has a good reputation for quality and reliability, whether the particular car they’re looking at was well maintained and cared for, and how bad the dog smell is.

The fact that it’s being replaced by a refreshed model with a newer name (Toyota Crown) is more likely to affect the new car sales price right now than it is in the future.

For psychological reasons, lots of people want “the newest” thing, and may be less excited about buying a car that’s being “discontinued.”

So, you may be able to get yourself a good deal on a great car for the next eight to 10 years, Art. And if you’re keeping it that long, I wouldn’t let any concern about resale value affect your decision.

DEAR CAR TALK:

I just got a “MASSACHUSETTS TELEMATICS RIDER”