Do you believe in the new car every time route or used? Base model or loaded? (luxury, 2014)

[victimofGM]

I’m analytical and logical. I went through the brochure carefully. What features did I want and need? What features would be a waste for my needs? Is the base engine enough performance for my daily driver? Is the optional engine worth the additional cost? I selected the 2015 Hyundai Elantra SE with an additional option package.

[johngolf]

I buy new and over the years I got spoiled. Like once I had power windows, I never wanted to go back to manual so I go for options. I buy Fords and Ford has numbered option packages so I often get things I have no interest in to get the things I want but the price is right.

As I am retired, I only put about 8K miles per year on my vehicle. I had my last vehicle (Ford Escape for 10 years and 95K miles). I bought a new 2017 Ford Explorer in Feb. 2017.

[robrobrob]

We have mostly bought new. Although, we did buy a used Lexus once. It was a base model. For the most part we buy one trim level up from the bottom. A lot of the tech features we aren't interested in. We really only need leather, power seats and blue tooth. Both of our cars have Nav but we could do without it these days. However, we do like the size of the touch screen.


We tend to put a ton of miles on our family car so that is purchased and kept for 5-7 years. Our family hauler this time is a 4Runner.

[Coldjensens]

We drive cars to the ground. Dislike car payments. I prefer used. New seems like a big waste of money. Also I do not want the first year of any model, unless it is used long enough there is some feedback available.

Many of our most problematic cars were the few we bought new. There is also the downside that you have to deal with dealer antics.

[sean1the1]

Rather recent vehicles less than three years old, but never basic they just look gross to me lol some folks like basic, but I couldn't do it.

[AlaskaErik]

We buy new and loaded. That way we get the latest safety technology. My fleet includes:


2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited with Tech and Ultimate packages.
2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
2016 Chevy Silverado LTZ
2018 Subaru Outback Touring

[Sunbather]

I've only ever bought one car. I bought a used 2002 pontiac grand am in 2003, my senior year of HS. Whenever I need another car I plan to buy used.

When my SOs car died last year, we bought a 1 year old, pre-owned Hyundai Accent.

I try to keep car costs to a bare minimum.

[Redraven]

During my "driving lifetime" (60 years, more or less), I have purchased, IIRC, three brand new cars and many, many used cars and trucks.

It is extremely doubtful that I will ever buy a brand new vehicle again.

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

Many of our most problematic cars were the few we bought new. There is also the downside that you have to deal with dealer antics.

My experience has been the opposite. The used cars I bought were the ones with problems. I've only had one major issue with a vehicle that I bought new. My 2003 Kia had a premature timing belt failure at six years, and just under 55k miles. Because I was the original owner I was covered under the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty and my engine was replaced free of charge.

[eaton53]

I've bought new cars but never paid over $21K.
Used cars are all over the map, from basic transportation to luxury cars.
I like pre-owned luxury cars because of the heavy depreciation.