Buying New vs. Used Vehicles

I was in a wreck last year and the car was fixed. My wife doesn't like this fact. Also, sort of want a bigger car or a car that isn't a sedan. Basically, have two boys and a big dog. So a SUV even a small one would help. Our other car is a minivan but because of our schedules we frequently need two cars that can hold the kids and dog.

Replies to this message:

fushigi (May 18, 2011 10:55 am)

#151 of 161 Re: SUV Deals [robbieg] by euphonium

May 18, 2011 (9:36 am)

Replying to: robbieg (May 18, 2011 8:48 am)

Your first statement is true.

#152 of 161 Re: SUV Deals [euphonium] by qbrozen

May 18, 2011 (9:39 am)

Replying to: euphonium (May 17, 2011 2:20 pm)

I agree with the OP. Unless it is a hard to find vehicle, I'd rather spend my time focusing on cars with more realistic asking prices.

#153 of 161 Re: SUV Deals [robbieg] by fushigi

May 18, 2011 (10:55 am)

Replying to: robbieg (May 18, 2011 8:50 am)

Well, I can certainly understand that. Even a repaired vehicle will often leave an accident "aftertaste".

Also, my sister-in-law had issues with a post-accident-but-supposedly-repaired pickup. The truck ran fine but in a followup accident some time later the airbags never deployed.

I think you're on the right track with a small SUV/CUV or a wagon.

#154 of 161 Help needed... by bigram03

Mar 07, 2013 (8:20 am)

Hey all,

Looking to get a car here fairly soon and wanted to ask which is a better value car to buy (new or used)

With the way the used car market is right now which would be the best way to buy taking into account that we drive our cars till they die? We plan to keep anything we buy 15+ years are have concerns buying a used car that already has a chunk of its life used up only to save a few thousand bucks. Any advice is welcome

Replies to this message:

#155 of 161 Re: Help needed... [bigram03] by kirstie_h HOST

Mar 07, 2013 (12:45 pm)

Replying to: bigram03 (Mar 07, 2013 8:20 am)

Oh gosh, I'd go for new in that case. When you buy a used vehicle, sometimes the full original-owner warranty doesn't transfer. So, say you buy a vehicle that has a 10 yr/100k mile warranty when it's new, but you buy it used - the second owner may only get 5 yr/50k warranty. I'd think it'd be nice to have the full warranty in effect for at least half of the time you plan to own it.

Out of curiosity, what vehicles are you considering? My opinion might change.

Replies to this message:

tjc78 (Mar 07, 2013 1:00 pm)
bigram03 (Mar 07, 2013 3:10 pm)

#156 of 161 Re: Help needed... [kirstie_h] by tjc78

Mar 07, 2013 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Mar 07, 2013 12:45 pm)

Yes, need a little more information. If you are looking something inexpensive like an Elantra, Focus etc I think I would certainly buy it new. Over the 15 years the extra expense will average itself out.

OTOH if you are looking at something pricey, it may be more cost effective to buy a one or two year old model which could mean thousands of dollars of savings.

Kirstie provided good advice on the factory warranty. Check to make sure it is transferable. I know that Hyundai is one manufacturer that doesn't allow their 10/100K warranty to be transferred.

#157 of 161 Re: Help needed... [bigram03] by qbrozen

Mar 07, 2013 (1:54 pm)

Replying to: bigram03 (Mar 07, 2013 8:20 am)

As said above, it definitely depends on the car.

If anything with steep depreciation, I would still suggest used... however, because you keep the car forever, VERY SLIGHTLY used would be the way to go. Take, for instance, a $50k BMW and put under 10k miles on it and you, the second buyer, could get it for around a 30% discount.

#158 of 161 Re: Help needed... [bigram03] by houdini1

Mar 07, 2013 (2:38 pm)

Replying to: bigram03 (Mar 07, 2013 8:20 am)

In you circumstances I would buy a new Hyundai because of the 5 year bumper to bumper warranty and the 10 year power train warranty.

If you are an upscale model buyer, go for the Genesis. If you want an economy model, the Accent, Elantra or the Sonata. Suv, Santa Fe or Tucson.

I have never owned a Hyundai...and I don't work for them. Never have. They would just seem to fit your circumstances.

Replies to this message:

sandman_6472 (Mar 08, 2013 7:17 pm)

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