Re: Certified Used or new
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Used is generally good advice, but not always entirely true.
With some new-car incentives, rebates, etc, an 05 or 06 model could cost almost the same as an 07 model. My parents ended up going with a base '07 trailblazer for this very reason.
BigBootch hit the nail on the head - here's how it typically works:
first 2-3 years: heavy depreciation
next 5 years: all depreciate around the same rate
after that: very little depreciation
You can drive something like a 1996-1998 model car now for a year and probably almost break even selling it if you're good negotiating.
Also, don't get a sentra. Get something you'll want to drive for a while.
One major mistake people make is to buy something cheap because they don't want to spend a lot of money. In 2-3 years they get sick of it, and end up selling it for a big loss and buying something new.
Try to pick a car that's nice (but not so nice you can't afford it), and try to drive it to the ground.
For around $6k, you should be able to find some decent cars.
For example, if you like nissan (since you mentioned the sentra), you could find this car:
2000 Maxima SE
75,000 miles
Leather
$6500
(edmunds TMV, private party, average condition).
This would be a MUCH nicer car than a sentra.
[/ QUOTE ]
Used cars are good if you KNOW the people that had them or have a friend in the dealership.
Even if they have a good warranty, it usually doesnt last for much longer then 6 years from original build or 100k miles. Then after that you are [censored].
You would have to put a specific comparison to see if it is worth it or not to get the used car.
Having worked selling new and used - used cars are freakin disgusting. I would rather go down a level (less price) then buy another used car.
FYC
[/ QUOTE ]
Buy used Toyotas or Hondas. They'll last with almost no problems.
|