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Is it better to buy a new or used car?

autos.yahoo.com -- One of the biggest dilemmas when buying a car is whether to purchase new or used. As we head toward the end of summer, the 2012 model year is winding down. There are tempting deals being advertised at every turn. In these dynamic economic times, does the conventional wisdom still ring true, that it is cheaper to buy used than new? Our analysis provided a fresh, and even surprising, insight.

To crunch the numbers, we looked at current deals....

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Submitted Jan 27, 2013 By: livedream

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HawaiianGuy Champion Author Idaho Posts:9,538 Points:3,081,650 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 1:08:11 PM Ignore HawaiianGuy Report Abuse My strategy is buying only new cars, maintaining them meticulously, and hanging on to them for decades and hundreds of thousands of miles. I recommend it.
Jeff4U Champion Author Atlanta Posts:8,767 Points:1,855,070 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 9:43:22 AM Ignore Jeff4U Report Abuse My car & truck give me no troubles at all, so why change a good thing? Besides, why take on new monthly payments, higher insurance costs, and steeper annual county taxes?
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:6,978 Points:2,119,565 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 8:55:07 AM Ignore remay Report Abuse Uh... the DATE on this article is - Tue, Aug 21, 2012 REALLY??? NOW???
SkooterG Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,359 Points:329,335 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 2:53:24 AM Ignore SkooterG Report Abuse Good analysis and comparison!
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:8,501 Points:1,674,095 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:43:36 PM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse Nice post Nomad!!!
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:8,501 Points:1,674,095 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:40:09 PM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse Well many have their own opinions... but usually anything under 3 years old you can get a pretty good bargain.
GDAE Champion Author Wichita Posts:1,160 Points:223,600 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:34:58 PM Ignore GDAE Report Abuse Depends.
nomad228 Champion Author Columbus Posts:3,117 Points:575,140 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:28:49 PM Ignore nomad228 Report Abuse well lets put this way for the price their charging for a new one , i could buy a classic and have it totally restored/brought up to date for about half ,and once i did it the car/truck would increase in value every year instead of losing 5-10 k in value once i drove it off the lot of a new car dealership. even the courts are in on this little scam claiming the dealership has overhead,and yet their salesmen get bonuses and raises every year on top of paying this overhead.so if you buy a car /truck and keep it in mint condition you can not sell it for as much as a car dealer can ,because as i said even the courts are backing up the claim of them having overhead for shall we caring for the vehicle and storing it. even as a individual selling a vehicle you can not claim the same types of overhead. so the whole industry is set up to benefit the dealers ,even?if their vehicles are in worse shape than the one your trying to buy or sell privately. blahblahblah means i have not and will not buy a new vehicle off of any dealership anymore for this very reason.because their prices are insanely high.they are selling small trucks for the price of a fullsize and fullsize trucks for the average yearly salary of workers.so by the time you even come close to paying it off,it is falling apart.even with a 100000mile warranty. i'st a trap they have taught americans to get into .buy one get rid of it in less than 5 years ,get another ,repeat for life.so your continually in debt to the auto makers.used vehicles are now selling for more than a new one just 3 years ago.ii think the auto industry believes their own hype and this is why new auto makers are popping up to compete with them ,for customers who will not buy their overpriced vehicles of the big three and some foreign brands. the next one i buy will be a 1957 napco 4x4 chevy ,and then upgrade it with some modern equipment.let's just say the big three need to come back to reality or they are going to be shutting in some more factories here in the united states.
Elaine4411 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:1,663 Points:465,515 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:26:48 PM Ignore Elaine4411 Report Abuse I think that one should use common sense. Only buy what you can afford. And, make sure that sale is from a reptutable salesperson...preferably someone that you know and trust!!
Digger52 Champion Author Chicago Posts:2,417 Points:850,885 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:24:49 PM Ignore Digger52 Report Abuse It's which can you afford. . .
danlanman Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,342 Points:724,410 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:23:34 PM Ignore danlanman Report Abuse it depends...
Endoman5000 Veteran Author Michigan Posts:464 Points:352,530 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:21:01 PM Ignore Endoman5000 Report Abuse I agree that it depends on your situation.
ok603 All-Star Author Boston Posts:960 Points:566,725 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:20:16 PM Ignore ok603 Report Abuse New is for me
Godozo All-Star Author Gary Posts:676 Points:560,415 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:17:52 PM Ignore Godozo Report Abuse I once remember calculating that it would have been better to buy a new car than a used car, based on mileage of the used car versus the price. Haven't regretted it, since it was through my brother-in-law.
marinedad1949 Champion Author Lancaster Posts:2,501 Points:506,170 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:15:21 PM Ignore marinedad1949 Report Abuse Depends on your own individual circumstances.
fcdriver Champion Author Tennessee Posts:7,263 Points:1,476,755 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:09:56 PM Ignore fcdriver Report Abuse used car but they are getting scarce
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,255 Points:332,100 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:09:01 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse used
brprven All-Star Author Dallas Posts:664 Points:287,285 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:08:57 PM Ignore brprven Report Abuse I have bought new
Cashless Champion Author Akron Posts:3,530 Points:736,255 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:06:59 PM Ignore Cashless Report Abuse Used!
rf6480 Champion Author Miami Posts:1,538 Points:549,510 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:05:54 PM Ignore rf6480 Report Abuse never owned a new vehicle and probably never will. Let someone else drive the bugs out. Plus the new cars have too many computer parts to go bad.
tdc007 Champion Author Lexington Posts:1,123 Points:384,805 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:05:14 PM Ignore tdc007 Report Abuse Depends on use.
sillywagon Champion Author New York Posts:14,907 Points:1,443,295 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:04:34 PM Ignore sillywagon Report Abuse Depends on what you want, and what you are willing to spend.
Barfood Champion Author St. Louis Posts:3,311 Points:1,019,630 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:03:24 PM Ignore Barfood Report Abuse Probably depends on how long you intend to keep your car. I figure 10-15 years.
MrGasKGB Veteran Author St. Louis Posts:390 Points:147,325 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:02:27 PM Ignore MrGasKGB Report Abuse Usually for the low milage I drive annually a used car with a remaining factory warranty is my best buy.
eye-spy Champion Author Quebec Posts:4,598 Points:2,419,795 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 8:00:46 PM Ignore eye-spy Report Abuse I've always bought used.
paulweb All-Star Author Ohio Posts:806 Points:356,420 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:58:52 PM Ignore paulweb Report Abuse Only buy new when a good used car is not available.
Carol7777 All-Star Author Houston Posts:737 Points:150,160 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:56:08 PM Ignore Carol7777 Report Abuse I've always purchaesed new vehicles because I thought used ones might have concealed problems or defects. And, of course, new ones had a good warranty. However, after reading this article, I may reconsider.
tobasco Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:7,351 Points:2,110,810 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:51:42 PM Ignore tobasco Report Abuse Leasing is only good for the dealer.
Yetie Sophomore Author Las Vegas Posts:220 Points:815,905 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:49:18 PM Ignore Yetie Report Abuse I've found Leasing is the ticket.
srchr Champion Author San Jose Posts:7,264 Points:1,622,000 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:45:50 PM Ignore srchr Report Abuse depends what you want - if you plan to keep the car, used is always cheaper
mplato Champion Author Columbia Posts:8,264 Points:1,818,195 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:44:09 PM Ignore mplato Report Abuse not from government motors or chrysler... and never the first production year of a vehicle
UC2 Champion Author Ventura Posts:1,305 Points:318,255 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:43:24 PM Ignore UC2 Report Abuse better buy used, unless it was delivered on a raft down the falls to the used car dealer.
berniMI Champion Author Flint Posts:7,696 Points:1,108,030 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:40:44 PM Ignore berniMI Report Abuse Everyone's situation is different. I'm happy with the car I have, it is well maintained, drives and rides great.... my mechanic says if I ever want to get another one, he will be the one who buys it. Long story short... I'm keeping it... and the mechanic too. He's Great..and reasonable.
Suzzoom Champion Author Nevada Posts:2,378 Points:508,090 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:39:41 PM Ignore Suzzoom Report Abuse I choose Door Number Three: keep the one I've got & give it tender loving care.
JagXKR Champion Author British Columbia Posts:3,169 Points:1,093,480 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:38:12 PM Ignore JagXKR Report Abuse When I win a lottery I will buy new, until then I will stick to the used vehicles.
snell snail Champion Author Atlanta Posts:5,033 Points:2,600,150 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:37:22 PM Ignore snell snail Report Abuse ....buy 'used': auto insurance $$ is less.......
AC-302 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:26,597 Points:2,904,045 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:36:52 PM Ignore AC-302 Report Abuse Generally speaking, it's cheaper to buy used. Here now, for the first three years of a car, the depreciation is 20%/y. Thereafter, for the next four years, the depreciation is 10%/y. so technically, the sweet spot is 2.5 to 3 years used. However, I bought my last two brand new, and have had one for 7 years now, and the other for, hmm.. about 12 years now. I find it better to buy new if you're going to keep them awhile, because you have low maintenance for the first 5 or so years. But that's me, and I don't buy fancy luxury cars - mostly utilitarian mid-sized ones.
gir1938 All-Star Author Indianapolis Posts:681 Points:128,610 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:36:11 PM Ignore gir1938 Report Abuse a good used one
element07 Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,105 Points:1,494,090 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:36:00 PM Ignore element07 Report Abuse In most every case, you're only losing money when buying new. The smart thing is to buy used unless you have money to spend/burn..
swrestler Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:6,150 Points:1,574,100 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:35:16 PM Ignore swrestler Report Abuse It All Depends What You Can Afford...
Noewal All-Star Author Virginia Posts:690 Points:221,805 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:33:53 PM Ignore Noewal Report Abuse All depends upon your personal situation. I have two cars one 12 years old the other 10 years old. I want a new car, but I know that I will be leaving the country in the next couple of years and won't be back for several years, so buying new really is not an option for me. A newer used car is more reasonable.
MRHONEST Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,212 Points:1,677,180 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:32:09 PM Ignore MRHONEST Report Abuse Just having a car makes me happy!
nozzle46 Champion Author Little Rock Posts:6,700 Points:1,474,025 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:32:03 PM Ignore nozzle46 Report Abuse But are they comparably equipped cars? I alway want fewer bells and whistles which usually weights it toward new.
Vette1967 Champion Author Albany Posts:5,982 Points:1,278,925 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:28:03 PM Ignore Vette1967 Report Abuse Comes down to what you can afford.
jnseyeongas All-Star Author Milwaukee Posts:760 Points:595,885 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:27:01 PM Ignore jnseyeongas Report Abuse Depends upon your personal situation.
SavinOnFuel Champion Author Gary Posts:1,966 Points:1,259,160 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:25:42 PM Ignore SavinOnFuel Report Abuse I agree with DCbeachbum...me too!
DCbeachbum Champion Author South Carolina Posts:2,647 Points:906,315 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:22:21 PM Ignore DCbeachbum Report Abuse I buy new vehicles. If it has 50 miles on it then I say it is used. I will keep then as many as 12 years before trading them in for another new car. I keep then tuned and up to date with maintenance such as oil changes etc. [Edited by: DCbeachbum at 1/27/2013 7:23:53 PM EST]
REKEY Champion Author South Carolina Posts:8,589 Points:1,701,365 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:16:40 PM Ignore REKEY Report Abuse Only a deal if you have no problems with the car!
minookaband Rookie Author Illinois Posts:94 Points:20,420 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:15:45 PM Ignore minookaband Report Abuse Always look at used cars first when purchasing a vehicle.
BeatOPEC All-Star Author Indianapolis Posts:857 Points:197,130 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 7:14:30 PM Ignore BeatOPEC Report Abuse I always buy used. If you invest a little time and some common sense, you will save a ton.