Topic: New Vehicle vs Old Vehicle?

[Ultra]

Please explain yourself.

The past decade I have been a buyer of new cars.   This is self-indulgent on my part and I am aware of it.  When it comes to a car, after having driven all the miles I drove for GFS (80,000/yr) I like to indulge myself with a car I want to drive.  I have wanted new models since I used to get a new company car every year with GFS.

[Boxer2500]

It really depends on the car and the deal. Also, it's hard to put a dollar value on that feeling that no ass has been in the driver's seat but yours.

[Ultra]

It really depends on the car and the deal. Also, it's hard to put a dollar value on that feeling that no ass has been in the driver's seat but yours.

So, you are either "Some of the above" or "All of the above." 

Don't be difficult, just vote and explain your vote.   

[Otto Puzzell]

Pre-owned. Let somebody pay off the depreciation, if they must have brand new.

[Arthur Dent]

pre-owned - depreciation is massive on a new car, insurance is a much more in the first couple of years (at least here anyway) and a 2-3 year old car is likely to have some warrantly remaining as a bonus.

[Rich]

I've bought two used cars in my entire life; both pieces of s**t in the end, even after the mech's clean bill o' health prior to sale.

Since then, have only bought new vehicles and then driven them until their monthly maintenance was more expensive than the monthly cost of a new vehicle.  A strategy I learned from the Magliozzi bros., and have not regretted since.

Plan on owning my current vehicles until they drop, at which point in time, I may very well buy another used car but one of premium status (e.g., Merc AMG S-class, Ferrari grand-tourer, Porsche, etc.....).  Cannot argue w/ that first-year depreciation hit and the fact that most of these "pre-owned" cars come w/ pretty low mileage.

r

[Stephen M]

I shoot for the 5-7 years old, 60-100k range. I figured that falls under "well and truly used" since they're well out of warranty.

Like others said, let someone else eat the depreciation. I'll take my sports car half-off, please.

Lately, though, I've been eyeing potential acquisitions in the 3-5 year, 20-40k range. I'm either getting picky or impatient in my old age.

[Tifosi]

I like older, low mileage luxury cars that have been owned by older people.  They probably haven't been abused, and usually are well-maintained.  They really don't cost that much, and usually have a lot of years and miles left in them.  If the car was popular new, there'll always be an aftermarket.

I'd love a 1993 Sedan DeVille or a 1996 Lincoln Town Car...both are readily available on E-Bay for under 6 grand with 50-75,000 miles.


Dan

[MG]

First year depreciation on my Prius will probably be measured in hundreds of dollars, not thousands. One of the reasons I bought it.  Hybrids and VW diesels have the highest resale value on the planet right now. (That may change, of course, as other alternatives hit the market) The $3000 federal tax credit was a huge factor in the decision as well.

Under normal conditions, I prefer the 2-3 year old route. I bought my Maxima for $10,000, put 70,000 miles on it, paid for two tires and a windshield during that time and traded it for $4000 three years later. Along the way, virtually all of those 70,000 miles generated a personal tax deduction to me of roughly 40 cents per mile.

Don't know how you could ask more out of a car, financially speaking.   

[Jagman]

I chose "all of the above", because I have all of the above. I have an old car (my '69 Jag) because that's the only way you can get an E-Type.

I have a new Tundra every three years because the company pays the lease so they can get the tax deduction and other benefits, and use it as an incentive to me.

I have an '04 Audi allroad bought used in '04 with 9k miles for my wife's use, and I saved a bunch. I bought it used because I could save a ton, and because they didn't have any new ones - but I would not have spent as much as a new one costs in the first place, so that's the only way we could own one........

I have a '98 Lexus ES 300 that we bought used with 19k miles and saved a bunch on. It's now my daily driver ( I inherited it when she got the Audi) and unless it gets majorly expensive, i'll probably drive it till it's used up. Lexus (and most new cars) don't rust, so it will have to be a major mechanical or electrical failure to take it off the road and given their track record, I may be driving it for a very long time!

When it comes to new cars, I'm torn. There is something to be said for being the first owner and driver, but it's also expensive unless you can write it off or just drive it till it's used up (or you can just afford it). Another aspect is being one of the first to get to have and drive new models (Like Ultra and his GTO), and having the newest and latest technological gains............

How many people would have a daily driver without airbags or antilock brakes these days if they could afford otherwise?

Anyway,  my feet are firmly planted in all camps!

[porridgehead]

That's the way to waffle! Closely examine both sides of the arguments, weigh the pros and cons, create an informed decision and strongly fall astride of the fence.

Naturally, I agree with you on all points because I'm an agreerer, not a divisivinatorizer.  This is a good fence to straddle, if you're a fence straddling type. My only advice is make sure that either your legs are long enough or the fence is short enough.

There's a terrific anology in there somewhere, but I have no idea what it is. It might have to do with money or women, although I'm leaning towards alcohol, tobacco, firearms, food and drugs. Not because they fit the analogy, but because I'm hungry, thirsty, in need of sedation, a good smoke and I really want to blow some stuff up.

What the hell were we talking about?

[MG]

That's odd. I didn't NOTICE you having all those feet when we wuz in West Consin!   

[Rich]

That's the way to waffle! Closely examine both sides of the arguments, weigh the pros and cons, create an informed decision and strongly fall astride of the fence.

Naturally, I agree with you on all points because I'm an agreerer, not a divisivinatorizer.  This is a good fence to straddle, if you're a fence straddling type. My only advice is make sure that either your legs are long enough or the fence is short enough.

There's a terrific anology in there somewhere, but I have no idea what it is. It might have to do with money or women, although I'm leaning towards alcohol, tobacco, firearms, food and drugs. Not because they fit the analogy, but because I'm hungry, thirsty, in need of sedation, a good smoke and I really want to blow some stuff up.

What the hell were we talking about?

My Gawd you could make a certain shrink incredibly wealthy.  He might even, at last, obtain his beloved Bug.......

[Jagman]

That's odd. I didn't NOTICE you having all those feet when we wuz in West Consin!   

Same feet I've had for the last several years now.........drove one of them there in fact, remember?

[MG]

I agree Rich. OatmealBrain is most interesting fella.