Is it still worth it to buy a used car?

[Anonymous]

Slightly used (2-3 years old) works for me. I like off-lease vehicles with extended warranty (CPO).

[Anonymous]

It totally depends on the car, OP. If you're dead set on a particular make and model, do some quick research and it should be apparent which is the better route. For example, we bought an extremely popular car last year - great longevity, so very few available used that were only 2-3 years old. Those that were available were only slightly discounted from the new models. Plus, the car was about to come out in a new body style and dealers were anxious to get rid of inventory before the new models came in. We got a fantastic deal by recognizing the situation and negotiating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cars are a pretty mature market and prices reflect supply and demand.

Advertising, subsidized financing, manufacturer's incentives and the availability of the latest safety/fun technology make new cars look good.

Used cars are better than they have ever been; a three year old Camry is a great car that should give you a decade of trouble-free use. The internet gives you instant access to thousands of cars/prices without leaving your chair. And many people prefer to buy from a private party than the dreaded dealership. Why buy new?

Depreciation is an issue, which hits some models a lot more than others. How much would you pay for the difference between a new and 3-year old Camry? Maybe not much!

We bought a new Honda Fit six years ago, but that was only because (a) there were very, very few used ones available and (b) a brand-new Honda Fit cost only about $14,000, and the used ones were only around $500 or $1,000 less.

I wouldn't buy another new car, though, without a similar market dynamic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your husband bought an 18 month Prius at HALF of the price as new, it is probably a salvaged title.

And even then this tale is incredibly hard to believe.

I would believe it if this happened a few years ago. Hybrid vehicle pricing could be weird because of the tax breaks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Across most brands newer pre-owned and new prices seem to be pretty similar. For example, there's not a huge difference between the prices of used and new Subaru Foresters. Same for Honda FITs. Same for VW Jettas. Given that, wouldn't buying the new car make more sense?

Depends on the brand. I looked at Honda Accords and CRVs and I agree there is very little difference in the price for new and newer (2 years old) used cars. You'll see a significant decrease in price for brands/models that are heavily leased. For example, you can get an Infiniti off lease at a substantial discount to the new price.

That had to do with reliability. Honda will last forever. Nissan/infinity will be crap in 6.years.