Certified Used or new

[grinin]

I have bought about half a dozen used and the same amount of new cars over the last twenty years. If you are looking at 1-2 year old used models from a dealer, you probably should just buy new. There is usually high pressure on some dealers in large metro areas to move new cars. When buying a 1-2 year old used car however, dealers do not have the pressure from the factory and they often have a larger markup than new cars. Since there are few if any comps it is far more difficult to negotiate. If the average buyer pays $25K for a new car that drops in value to $20K when it is driven off the lot and you bought the same car for $23.5K then this is comparable to the depreciation that you would get from the certified 1-2 yr old car.

I suggest emailing the internet departments of all the dealers within say 40-50 miles with the specific model/options you require. Explain you already have your financing in place (I recommend your local credit union), have NO trade, and tell them that you are purchasing the car from them or one of a couple other preferred vendors on 2/16 or whatever. If they would like to be considered please email their quote by 2/15. On 2/15 you can beat the lowest 3 up against each other. If you really want to eke out that last couple hundred dollars on 2/16 wait for the calls to come in and tell them that you are heading over to the other dealer because you are finalizing the deal.

[Osprey]

As an example, and something I am seriously considering doing-
This Infinity M45 was about $45 K in 2003-2004. They have been coming off lease, and certified and you can get them for $22-25K with around 20-30K miles. They are supposed to be quite reliable ( and I've had good experience with my 1993 G20) except for an oil burning issue which I believe is covered by the 10 year powertrain warranty.

I think they're ugly in a pretty way, and they have a 340 HP V8 and do 0-60 in under 6 seconds. Much more style IMO than a newish Camry/Accord.

I