In this current market, everyone is raising prices. They are reaching new car prices in some cases.
Is the search for a used car to drive daily worth it? or should I just throw in the towel and drag myself into a dealership?
Well I am a believer in buying new for a couple of reasons.
First, we keep usually our cars for an extended period of time so having a known entity that I have controlled the maintenance of from the start is big.
Second, it is easy for Scotty to say buy used as he can do a thorough inspection himself. Unfortunately finding a local mechanic like Scotty that you can truly trust is an increasingly difficult task these days and with the complexity of cars now you are rolling the dice doing it yourself. I'm a former mechanic myself (a long time ago when Nissans were still called Datsun) and the only cars I would feel confident in inspecting would have to be 20 years old or more.
Frankly when you keep a car for 10-20 years the cost difference between new & used becomes negligible.
I would not buy from a dealer and I would not buy new. I will always go used from a private party with an independent mechanical inspection, which must include a dry/wet compression test among others.
Do not buy from the dealership. Has the dealership done anything correctly?
Since the price of cars is high because of our current market, you can find good cars from private parties at appropriate prices.
Curious to know:
- What do you drive currently?
- What is the current mileage?
- Do you have any major issues on the car right now?
- Do you need a different car right now?
I'm driving a 2001 sequoia that is starting to burn a hole in my pocket due to gas prices.
170k miles no major issues but id really like to get something with more fuel economy. Maybe it's time to commute with a motorcycle lol
I'm in a similar situation and I've decided patience is the way to go for right now.
My best guess is it will take probably another year or so for this to settle down (hopefully).
If you absolutely need a car, buy a car.
If you can wait, wait.
Whether to buy used or new, it really depends, on price, age, and mileage, and of course condition of the car.
If the used and new car are relatively comparable, in everything, and the price is close, I’d go new.
If the used car checks out and has significant monetary savings, I’d go used. I mean the whole trains one buys a used car is so you can save significant money, otherwise what is the point?*
*just generally speaking.
