Dilemma (new car vs. used car)

AdrianStewart · 07-13-06, 06:03

OK folks ...
I'm finally getting confused!

SHE wants a new car ... her car is only 2yrs old ( upside down 4k )

I found a used BMW convertible, 100k miles ... starts/runs in the heat without issues, under $9k

SHE says she's spoiled and wants the SAAB Aero convertible

SHE had me to 10 dealers in the last 2 weeks

I'm fed up with the looking

SHE doesn't want to insure 3 cars

WE have 12-1500 to put down, new car = 700/month payment
WE have 12-1500 to put down, used car = 200/month payment

dilemna is same price we have 2 cars vs 1 new car that will be the daily driver?

any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated!
thanks

John Styrnol · 07-13-06, 06:21

Keep the car you have.

TortoiseAWD · 07-13-06, 07:09

Yeah, what John said. My advice would be to wait at least wait until she's right-side-up on her loan. By then, maybe she will have lost the new car bug, too.

Alternate solution: New gf/wife.

Tort

Amused · 07-13-06, 07:49

^^ what he said.
Get her priorities straight first. That's a whole lot of wasted money for something she doesn't need.

AdrianStewart · 07-13-06, 08:48

$$$ isn't really an issue

she's spoiled ... mid 30s ...

nobody else in this situation?

Joshua312 · 07-13-06, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdrianStewart

$$$ isn't really an issue

she's spoiled ... mid 30s ...

nobody else in this situation?

Well if money isnt an issue than just go for it....The only dilemma is she doesnt want to insure 3 vehicles...but if she's spoiled and $$ isnt issue it would be dumb not to do that...Keep the miles down on the Saab and make the money worth the purchase. I cant blame her however...the new Saab's are great

G35stilez · 07-13-06, 09:36

IMO, there is two ways of looking at the purchase...

New - more upfront costs, full warranty, built to your spec, new technology, arguably much more reliable and if not, it's covered

Used - much better deal up front, usually plenty of hidden faults, much higher maintenance cost, older technology, wear and tear (autopian nightmare!)

I've done both and I'd rather go new. Spend the money up front (or payment, whatever), and be backed by a full coverage warranty...No worries, just your xyz payment a month, gas, and normal maintenance.

The 100k BMW scares me...To fix a BMW is a lot of money, but one over 100k, the *big* problems start happening.

Just my experience, hope this helps.

gmblack3a · 07-13-06, 09:49

For $500 a month difference I can do alot of car repairs. But I do just about everything myself. BMW are expensive to get worked on, but not hard to work on yourself. I have had issues with our 740 in the past few months that want to make me pull my hair out. I have spent about $1500-2k max in the last 2 yrs for maint. How much is the note on a new 7 series?

Anyway, back in oct I bought a used 91 acura legend coupe for $4100, one owner with 161k at the time. I would not be afraid to take the wife and our 3 yr old on a long trip in it.

A new car every 2 yrs is gonna cost big, very big in the long run.

John Styrnol · 07-13-06, 10:29

You can get used cars with extended warranties also.

Amused · 07-13-06, 10:42

Lease?
Is she going to want to recycle every 2-3 years?

01bluecls · 07-13-06, 10:58

Get a slightly 2 year old used car under 20k miles....you get the car after most of the higher percentage depreciation and most will still have the manufacture warranty with optional extended warranty

TriumphGT6 · 07-13-06, 10:59

Does she have a job? If so, make her pay for it. If not, tell her to be happy with what she has got.

The best option is to keep what you've got. It's better than used because you know how it has been maintained. It's better than new because it's almost paid off.

GT6