YACT: What would you buy and why?

[OS]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser

1.
Used MB C280 or New Honda Accord Base model.

Ok for this particular example, I have thoroughly driven and abused current models of both cars and Accord is a better buy even if both were new. This is of course, disregarding badge whoredom. The mercedes C class are not really any faster, quieter, better handling, better built than the current generation accord. Yes, even the 4 cylinder model. Plus the accord is a bigger car than the mercedes. This isn't even to mention that mercedes cars simply don't age as well as Hondas.

I have a coworker who drives a mercedes CL600. He says once the warranty is over, he's gonna get rid of the car because if anything breaks, he pays for the repairs, and not mercedes.

 

[FrustratedUser]

BUMP!

 

[CraigRT]

5 year old Q45 or LS400

 

[CChaos]

Hmmm. A five year old BMW or a new car. Hmmm. A car that's very expensive to repair, not especially reliable and out of warranty or a new car. Hmmm.

It all depends on the car. I'd probably be comfortable with a used Lexus, Acura or Infiniti, but I've been underwhelmed by the reliability of American and German manufacturers of late. EDIT:**Bad example because it's less than 5 years old, but nevertheless it's what I'd do**If I was buying today I would look for a well maintained low mileage G35 sedan or a brand new Mazda6. I'd pay a little more if I could find the right G35, but otherwise I'd take the new car.

 

[Red]

There are pros and cons to both, the major factor is obviously money.

If I had 15k to spend, I'd buy a slightly used Toyota, Honda, or Nissan. For 15k you can barely get an 04 Civic. But you could get a slightly used Maxima with 30k miles on it for a similar price.

30k miles. Big freakin whoop for a car that is 10x more CAR than a Civic.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Redhotjrm
There are pros and cons to both, the major factor is obviously money.

If I had 15k to spend, I'd buy a slightly used Toyota, Honda, or Nissan. For 15k you can barely get an 04 Civic. But you could get a slightly used Maxima with 30k miles on it for a similar price.

30k miles. Big freakin whoop for a car that is 10x more CAR than a Civic.

Agreed. And, if you have to buy new, an 04 sentra spec v can be had now for no more than $15k.

 

[TheAudit]

Personally, I'd rather by a lower end NEW car.
But I would prefer to get something that was a year or two old with very low miles over all of the other choices if I couldn't afford the model of car that I really wanted.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Seems like most of you would go new, and you all have valid points.

But I think I'd prefer to cruise in a Cadillac SLS than a Mazda Protege, but that's just me.

 

[FrustratedUser]

More opinions plz.

 

[djNickb]

I'm just not down with buying a car that will lose 15% of its value the moment you sign your name on the title. I am a partner in a small used car business and from what I've seen and learned the only way I would ever buy a new car is if I was a business owner and purchased it as a company vehicle, then you get to use the vechicle's depreciation in your favor rather than eating the cost for the smell of a new ride. The best vehicles IMO are 2-3 years old. By then they have realized most of their depreciation (most cars lose 50% of their value in the first 3 years) and you can find many cars in this age bracket that have low mileage and still have a factory warranty. If you buy a new car you had better plan on keeping it til its ready for the junkyard otherwise you are just wasting money for that new car smell. IMO and experience