Parents buying a new Camry

[Jassi]

My dad is a big Toyota fan and we need to get a 3rd car so he is looking to buy a new Camry. I keep telling him that a new car is not worth buying and that we should look for one that is slightly used (~2003) but in good condition. The total comes out to about $19300 (with taxes and dealership fees) for the 2005 LE model with ABS (which is one of the selling points for him). Anyone know if I am being stupid and this is a good deal after all?

 

[nakedfrog]

Let him buy you whatever he wants to buy you.

 

[jagec]

I agree that buying a new car is a ripoff (in fact, if you're going to get an econobox, I think a budget of $4000 is sufficient), but hey, if he wants to buy it for you...

 

[Syringer]

Used is definitely the way to go. Those things will run forever anyway..

 

[Syringer]

Where in his post does it say the car is for the OP?

 

[NutBucket]

I agree with nakedfrog. 19 doesn't sound terrible. He could probably do better if he went after a loss-leader though. Just be happy you're getting a new car.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: Syringer
Where in his post does it say the car is for the OP?

Maybe I'm confused. Either way.

 

[Jassi]

Ummm its not for me, in fact he borrow money from me to buy for himself. I will get his 1996 Camry though (which will be nice but I'd rather have him save some dough and drive my Corolla).

 

[vi edit]

Honestly....a used camry is a bigger rip off than a new one.

If the difference is only a couple grand, I'd just go for the new. Toyota isn't like your typical domestic that loses 50% of it's value when you sign your name to the title. The don't drop much at all the first year or two of ownership.

 

[Bateluer]

There is nothing wrong with buying a new car right off the lot. I plan on buying a brand new car myself . . . eventually. If you got the cash, its perfectly fine.

You could save a good deal of money by going used though.

 

[randomlinh]

damn, that's all? and I wanted a 3s that will come to about the same.... heh. must wait a few years for some used ones unfortunately

 

[SilverTorch]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I agree with nakedfrog. 19 doesn't sound terrible. He could probably do better if he went after a loss-leader though. Just be happy you're getting a new car.

For a Camry its not that bad of a deal, Camrys in general retain their value pretty well.

 

[buzzsaw13]

V6 or I4 engine?

 

[desy]

Hey some people like buying new.
I've only bought 1 new car, a Honda and sold it after 3 yrs I orginally planned on keeping it longer but you know, wife kids. . . .
Used is a better value, but some like to buy new and thankfully so cause where would I buy my next used car from? Sounds like he can afford it, its a boring but quality car, why worry about ?

 

[darren]

im no car expert but i think if u're buying a camry new at a good price at or below invoice, you can't go wrong. because they dont depreciate like domestic cars.
fyi i bought a 03 camry le v6 new for 19500 out the door (after taxes, registration) in los angeles 7/03. it was an advertisement car. i dont think it has abs.

 

[Jassi]

Its not about the retained value, he is probably going to drive it until it dies or they make cheap flying cars. I guess I have been a bit paranoid, I just think its foolish to buy a new car.

Its a 4 cylinder, he won't touch the V6 version because of lower mileage as compared to the 4c.

 

[silverpig]

My parents used to buy slightly used (like just coming off of 1 year leases etc) and weird stuff always started happening to them. Things were breaking that really shouldn't etc. You just don't know with a used car.

Now they buy the 2004 model right when the 2005s are coming in so they get a really good deal on a brand new car

 

[LongCoolMother]

some people like new. completely understandable. that way you have peace of mind. who knows what kind of driver owned the car before?

 

[Dragnov]

Get the v6 or just a Corolla.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Honestly....a used camry is a bigger rip off than a new one.

If the difference is only a couple grand, I'd just go for the new. Toyota isn't like your typical domestic that loses 50% of it's value when you sign your name to the title. The don't drop much at all the first year or two of ownership.

That's true. My dad bought a Camry in 2000 and the car was still worth more then he paid for it a year later. Gotta love those loss-leaders

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Jassi
Its not about the retained value, he is probably going to drive it until it dies or they make cheap flying cars. I guess I have been a bit paranoid, I just think its foolish to buy a new car.

If he was looking at a domestic product, I'd agree with you. But since it's a Toyota I'm not going to. There just isn't enough price difference between new and used to justify not getting the new one.

But that's just me.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I agree with nakedfrog. 19 doesn't sound terrible. He could probably do better if he went after a loss-leader though. Just be happy you're getting a new car.

Hehehe, I did that when I bought my '03 Maxima. Great deal on a great car. I paid $5k under msrp.

 

[buzzsaw13]

the I4 is not worth 19k for the LE model, my family recently bought a V6 LE for 19k. The Camry is a good car for regular driving, but the power steering is way too strong for my likings.

 

[Juno]

Let your dad buy you a Camry then you sell it for a better car.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Dragnov
Get the v6 or just a Corolla.

V6's usually suck though...they don't have that much more power than a good 4-banger, and you lose a LOT of mileage. If you want power, get a V8, if you want economy, get a 4-banger.