CarSPIN Forums

Auto Talk => General Automotive => Topic started by: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 07:25:24 AM

Title: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 07:25:24 AM
I'm currently debating whether I want to go for a used car or new car. With used cars retaining their value better than ever, it makes me wonder if its even worth it to buy used. With less warranty, more wear and tear, and higher financing rates, I have to wonder what the point of it is anymore.

It seems that a new FRS is a better deal than a Miata thats a couple years old.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: 2o6 on April 01, 2013, 07:25:54 AM
It depends, really. The market is still out of whack.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Raza on April 01, 2013, 07:44:01 AM
Still great bargains to be had.  Perhaps not on Miatas, but when I was shopping and went to look at a BRZ, the monthly paymentes were kind of insane.  If I were to spend the same as a BRZ, I could have gotten a pristine M roadster or M coupe, and that's a completely different performance level altogether. 

I can't believe that you can't find a good deal on an MX-5.  There are roughly eleventy million for sale in the country right now, and they were cheaper than the BRZ to start off with.

What I'm reading is "I really want to get a BRZ instead of a Miata, so please help me justify this" and that's fine. 
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MrH on April 01, 2013, 07:48:31 AM
I was sort of in the same position, and came to the same conclusion.  Not worth it on a lot of cars.

There are some good used car buys if you like a model that depreciates quickly.  Unfortunately, a lot of the better cars out there just don't depreciate enough to warrant the risk and potential downside IMO.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 08:01:55 AM
Completely depends on the car.  Some are, others aren't.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 02:02:50 PM
Quote from: Raza  on April 01, 2013, 07:44:01 AM
Still great bargains to be had.  Perhaps not on Miatas, but when I was shopping and went to look at a BRZ, the monthly paymentes were kind of insane.  If I were to spend the same as a BRZ, I could have gotten a pristine M roadster or M coupe, and that's a completely different performance level altogether. 

I can't believe that you can't find a good deal on an MX-5.  There are roughly eleventy million for sale in the country right now, and they were cheaper than the BRZ to start off with.

What I'm reading is "I really want to get a BRZ instead of a Miata, so please help me justify this" and that's fine. 

Well I can get a 13 year old one for $6500. One that's only a couple years old would be almost as much as a FR-S, possibly more.

I want a RWD 2 sports coupe, but I really don't want a convertible. It's just the Miata is the only car that comes close. The 350Z sucks and the RX-8 has a stupid motor.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Raza on April 01, 2013, 02:08:29 PM
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 02:02:50 PM
Well I can get a 13 year old one for $6500. One that's only a couple years old would be almost as much as a FR-S, possibly more.

I want a RWD 2 sports coupe, but I really don't want a convertible. It's just the Miata is the only car that comes close. The 350Z sucks and the RX-8 has a stupid motor.

Okay, I know I'm not the biggest advocate of the 350Z, but a lot of people really like them and it got a lot of great reviews when it came out.  If you haven't driven one, you should try one before you discount it. 

How much do Z32 300ZXs cost nowadays anyway?  I've wanted one of those since I saw that gorgeous blue one in Kill Bill. 

Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MexicoCityM3 on April 01, 2013, 02:14:27 PM
When I get a Porsche it will most likely be used. The savings are huge vs a new one.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 01, 2013, 02:26:01 PM
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 02:02:50 PM
Well I can get a 13 year old one for $6500. One that's only a couple years old would be almost as much as a FR-S, possibly more.

I want a RWD 2 sports coupe, but I really don't want a convertible. It's just the Miata is the only car that comes close. The 350Z sucks and the RX-8 has a stupid motor.

Uh, how is a used NC more than a new BRZ? :wtf:
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MrH on April 01, 2013, 02:29:39 PM
Well, to give you an idea of how screwed up the used car market became:  I drove my NC miata around for two years for $200.

I think I'm the only one who's driven all of the cars being discussed here: 350Z, Miata (NB & NC), RX-8, BRZ.  Pretty clear what choice I made...
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on April 01, 2013, 02:26:01 PM
Uh, how is a used NC more than a new BRZ? :wtf:

Not necessarily more (although with options it could be) but poor value.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 02:52:27 PM
Nah, still better financially speaking to buy used. Dealers generally come across used cars at far better deals than new inventory. Any used car at a dealer IMO should be presumed to be had for 15-20% off the advertised price.

Example:

2011 G37x sedan w/premium pkg
Price when new: $41,000
Advertised price in March 2012:  $34,900
Purchase price in March 2012: $28,500
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Raza on April 01, 2013, 02:55:21 PM
Quote from: MrH on April 01, 2013, 02:29:39 PM
Well, to give you an idea of how screwed up the used car market became:  I drove my NC miata around for two years for $200.

I think I'm the only one who's driven all of the cars being discussed here: 350Z, Miata (NB & NC), RX-8, BRZ.  Pretty clear what choice I made...

I've driven the 350Z on multiple occasions, the NC, and the RX-8.  They all have one fatal flaw, but the smiley NC would be my choice. 
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 03:13:25 PM
Quote from: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 02:52:27 PM
Nah, still better financially speaking to buy used. Dealers generally come across used cars at far better deals than new inventory. Any used car at a dealer IMO should be presumed to be had for 15-20% off the advertised price.

Example:

2011 G37x sedan w/premium pkg
Price when new: $41,000
Advertised price in March 2012:  $34,900
Purchase price in March 2012: $28,500
It wouldn't have been that cheap if it hadn't been a rental.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Onslaught on April 01, 2013, 03:39:32 PM
It all depends. There are some cars that I'd never buy used or out or almost out of warranty.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 03:41:49 PM
If you want a Honda, then buy new.  If you want anything else buy used.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Onslaught on April 01, 2013, 04:26:00 PM
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on April 01, 2013, 02:14:27 PM
When I get a Porsche it will most likely be used. The savings are huge vs a new one.
Tell me about it. Cayman's are "cheap" after a few years.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MexicoCityM3 on April 01, 2013, 04:51:09 PM
Quote from: Onslaught on April 01, 2013, 04:26:00 PM
Tell me about it. Cayman's are "cheap" after a few years.

I am aiming for a late 997 911 Carrera S hopefully in 2014 or 2015. It will be worth half what a new 911 costs by then. Maybe even a GT3......
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Northlands on April 01, 2013, 05:15:34 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 03:41:49 PM
If you want a Honda, then buy new.  If you want anything else buy used.

:hesaid:
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 05:51:12 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 03:13:25 PM
It wouldn't have been that cheap if it hadn't been a rental.

The sin of you paying more for an older higher mileage worn version of the same car, all the while financing it, is yours and yours alone ;).
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 06:10:00 PM
Quote from: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 05:51:12 PM
The sin of you paying more for an older higher mileage worn version of the same car, all the while financing it, is yours and yours alone ;).
:rolleyes:
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: CALL_911 on April 01, 2013, 06:23:33 PM
zing
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 06:29:48 PM
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 01, 2013, 06:23:33 PM
zing
Hardly.   I paid less than him and I got a babied loaded sport model and he got beat up rental with an interior that rattles like a bucket of bolts.
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MrH on April 01, 2013, 06:37:24 PM
Quote from: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 05:51:12 PM
The sin of you paying more for an older higher mileage worn version of the same car, all the while financing it, is yours and yours alone ;).

Lol!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_burn_centers_in_the_United_States

Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: CALL_911 on April 01, 2013, 06:39:48 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 06:29:48 PM
Hardly.   I paid less than him and I got a babied loaded sport model and he got beat up rental with an interior that rattles like a bucket of bolts.

Bottom line is, you probably didn't pay much less than he did for his, you got an older, pre-facelifted model, and yours probably had a good amount more miles on it. You don't know the quality of his car (and how do you know yours was babied?), aside from him saying that he has some rattles. Besides, whether the car was "babied" or a rental usually doesn't factor too heavily in purchase price (provided there are no glaring blemishes).
Title: Re: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 06:48:42 PM
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 01, 2013, 06:39:48 PM
Bottom line is, you probably didn't pay much less than he did for his, you got an older, pre-facelifted model, and yours probably had a good amount more miles on it. You don't know the quality of his car (and how do you know yours was babied?), aside from him saying that he has some rattles. Besides, whether the car was "babied" or a rental usually doesn't factor too heavily in purchase price (provided there are no glaring blemishes).
Take a look at the G-spot thread.  He has practically pulled his interior apart trying to fix all his rattles.  Mine is completely rattle free.  I don't know that mine was babied, but when we bought our car, the radio stations that were all preprogrammed were classical and 50s.  The car was immaculate unlike his car, mine doesn't rattle unlike his car, and mine is a Sport model unlike his.  Who cares about the facelift if your car has stains in the trunk and rattles so much you have tear the interior apart to fix it.  I paid less than him and I got a better car.  We all know how people treat and drive rental cars.  Don't forget he had to fork out extra dollars to upgrade the wheels and tires to 18" and my car already had them.  He spent about $4000 more than I did when you factor in his wheels and tires.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 06:54:11 PM
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 01, 2013, 06:23:33 PM
zing

I debated not doing it and even deleted it once. I never really want to cut on someone else's car nor detract from anyone's 'SPIN experience, but Internetry is Internetry - cut on someone's car out of the blue and ye risk getting smited. The only real lesson here is for SVT666 to ask why he consistently cuts on a car that is a newer, lower mileage, better condition version of his own very car ;).
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 06:56:52 PM
Quote from: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 06:54:11 PM
I debated not doing it and even deleted it once. I never really want to cut on someone else's car nor detract from anyone's 'SPIN experience, but Internetry is Internetry - cut on someone's car out of the blue and ye risk getting smited. The only real lesson here is for SVT666 to ask why he consistently cuts on a car that is a newer, lower mileage, better condition version of his own very car ;).
I love how you always claim victory when there was no victory to be had.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 06:58:03 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 06:56:52 PM
I love how you always claim victory when there was no victory to be had.

True - there is no victory - only someone looking a bit spiteful and bitter ;).

JESUS, MAN, WE OWN PRETTY MUCH THE SAME CAR. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: AutobahnSHO on April 01, 2013, 07:03:32 PM
Honda S2000???

If you're comparing 13yrs old to new, that's going to be a big price difference.   new vs. 2-5yrs old would require some homework..
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MexicoCityM3 on April 01, 2013, 07:04:50 PM
Quote from: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 06:58:03 PM
True - there is no victory - only someone looking a bit spiteful and bitter ;).

JESUS, MAN, WE OWN PRETTY MUCH THE SAME CAR. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU.

I guess this is why there are no Infinity clubs to speak of.
(Just providing a common enemy so you can unite!)

:lol:

Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MrH on April 01, 2013, 07:05:34 PM
This thread is just sad :lol:
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Lebowski on April 01, 2013, 07:10:27 PM
Used probably makes more sense financially, but by a lesser margin than it has historically due to strong used prices.

Personally, I prefer new and will probably always buy new as its worth it to me ... I just like knowing where it's been, knowing I have a warranty until which point ill know whether the car is a problem, I like optioning the car how I want it and, all that time spent looking for that "pristine" used specimen is time better spent doing something else IMHO.


I do really like where this thread has gone though.
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 07:14:25 PM
Quote from: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 06:58:03 PM
True - there is no victory - only someone looking a bit spiteful and bitter ;).

JESUS, MAN, WE OWN PRETTY MUCH THE SAME CAR. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU.
You criticize the fuck out of your G all the time and keep claiming that all these problems you keep encountering are somehow very common...when every single G owner I know or have talked to have never had these problems.  You start every post with "The very common..." and it's not.  Anyone reading your posts would think our cars are pieces of shit, when they are anything but.  Your squeaks and rattles could very well be rental related.  That is not meant as a fucking insult, just a possible explanation.  You complain so much about lack of power and the need for shorter gearing that I have no idea how fast you think a 3800 lbs AWD sedan with 328 hp should be.  5.2 seconds isn't fast enough for those specs?  That's pretty quick man.  The way you talk about it, the car is a pig. 

Yeah, we do have relatively the exact same car, but reading your posts you wouldn't know it and maybe I take it a little personally, but I love my car and I take the constant complaining about it....personally.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: AutobahnSHO on April 01, 2013, 07:17:09 PM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MrH on April 01, 2013, 07:18:45 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 07:14:25 PM
You criticize the fuck out of your G all the time and keep claiming that all these problems you keep encountering are somehow very common...when every single G owner I know or have talked to have never had these problems.  You start every post with "The very common..." and it's not.  Anyone reading your posts would think our cars are pieces of shit, when they are anything but.  Your squeaks and rattles could very well be rental related.  That is not meant as a fucking insult, just a possible explanation.  You complain so much about lack of power and the need for shorter gearing that I have no idea how fast you think a 3800 lbs AWD sedan with 328 hp should be.  5.2 seconds isn't fast enough for those specs?  That's pretty quick man.  The way you talk about it, the car is a pig. 

Yeah, we do have relatively the exact same car, but reading your posts you wouldn't know it and maybe I take it a little personally, but I love my car and I take the constant complaining about it....personally.

Jesus man, grow up. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: CALL_911 on April 01, 2013, 07:27:43 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 07:14:25 PM
You criticize the fuck out of your G all the time and keep claiming that all these problems you keep encountering are somehow very common...when every single G owner I know or have talked to have never had these problems.  You start every post with "The very common..." and it's not.  Anyone reading your posts would think our cars are pieces of shit, when they are anything but.  Your squeaks and rattles could very well be rental related.  That is not meant as a fucking insult, just a possible explanation.  You complain so much about lack of power and the need for shorter gearing that I have no idea how fast you think a 3800 lbs AWD sedan with 328 hp should be.  5.2 seconds isn't fast enough for those specs?  That's pretty quick man.  The way you talk about it, the car is a pig. 

Yeah, we do have relatively the exact same car, but reading your posts you wouldn't know it and maybe I take it a little personally, but I love my car and I take the constant complaining about it....personally.

EDIT: I see H has beaten me to it.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: GoCougs on April 01, 2013, 08:04:42 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 07:14:25 PM
You criticize the fuck out of your G all the time and keep claiming that all these problems you keep encountering are somehow very common...when every single G owner I know or have talked to have never had these problems.  You start every post with "The very common..." and it's not.  Anyone reading your posts would think our cars are pieces of shit, when they are anything but.  Your squeaks and rattles could very well be rental related.  That is not meant as a fucking insult, just a possible explanation.  You complain so much about lack of power and the need for shorter gearing that I have no idea how fast you think a 3800 lbs AWD sedan with 328 hp should be.  5.2 seconds isn't fast enough for those specs?  That's pretty quick man.  The way you talk about it, the car is a pig. 

Yeah, we do have relatively the exact same car, but reading your posts you wouldn't know it and maybe I take it a little personally, but I love my car and I take the constant complaining about it....personally.

Okay, makes complete sense.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 08:06:12 PM
I guess the real question is, if what I really want is a BRZ/FR-S is a couple thousand bucks of potential savings really enough to compromise?

Also, I may be able to get supplier pricing on either of them.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MrH on April 01, 2013, 08:13:29 PM
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 08:06:12 PM
I guess the real question is, if what I really want is a BRZ/FR-S is a couple thousand bucks of potential savings really enough to compromise?

Also, I may be able to get supplier pricing on either of them.

They weren't doing supplier pricing on the BRZ when I got mine.  Not sure if they're still excluding them or not.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Rupert on April 01, 2013, 08:50:21 PM
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on April 01, 2013, 02:14:27 PM
When I get a Porsche it will most likely be used. The savings are huge vs a new one.

I saved about $15k. :lol:
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Laconian on April 01, 2013, 09:08:31 PM
After the Cougsocalpyse and accompanying hyperinflation, you'll be able to sell it for a quadrillion dollar profit.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: MexicoCityM3 on April 01, 2013, 09:12:06 PM
Quote from: Laconian on April 01, 2013, 09:08:31 PM
After the Cougsocalpyse and accompanying hyperinflation, you'll be able to sell it for a quadrillion dollar profit.

Yeah, but if you wait too long it will be worth 450 "new dollars".

(We really got a "new peso" here back in the early nineties that was 1000x of the older, regular peso!)
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Rupert on April 01, 2013, 09:14:35 PM
Quote from: Laconian on April 01, 2013, 09:08:31 PM
After the Cougsocalpyse and accompanying hyperinflation, you'll be able to sell it for a quadrillion dollar profit.

And then I will save it for when it all crashes and I will be a quadrillionaire!

Or something.
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: CALL_911 on April 01, 2013, 11:47:33 PM
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2013, 08:06:12 PM
I guess the real question is, if what I really want is a BRZ/FR-S is a couple thousand bucks of potential savings really enough to compromise?

Also, I may be able to get supplier pricing on either of them.

Only you know whether its a financially wise decision to buy an FRS, but if it is and you want one badly, do it man.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Soup DeVille on April 01, 2013, 11:56:11 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 01, 2013, 03:41:49 PM
If you want a Honda, then buy new.  If you want anything else buy used.

If they still made the S2000 or a decent Si, that would make sense.
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Raza on April 02, 2013, 04:35:19 AM
Quote from: Soup DeVille on April 01, 2013, 11:56:11 PM
If they still made the S2000 or a decent Si, that would make sense.

He's right though; late model Hondas generally hold their value comedically well. 
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Rupert on April 03, 2013, 02:15:11 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 02, 2013, 04:35:19 AM
comedically

What now?

:lol:
Title: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Raza on April 03, 2013, 03:56:04 AM
Quote from: Rupert on April 03, 2013, 02:15:11 AM
What now?

:lol:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/comedically?s=t (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/comedically?s=t)

It's a word. 
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: SVT666 on April 03, 2013, 06:48:37 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 02, 2013, 04:35:19 AM
He's right though; late model Hondas generally hold their value comedically well.
It's disgusting.  A buddy of mine bought a brand new Civic Si because 3 year old ones were going for just a few grand less than a new one.  There were several going for the same price as a new one even.
Title: Re: Re: Are used cars even worth it anymore?
Post by: Raza on April 03, 2013, 07:29:52 AM
Quote from: SVT666 on April 03, 2013, 06:48:37 AM
It's disgusting.  A buddy of mine bought a brand new Civic Si because 3 year old ones were going for just a few grand less than a new one.  There were several going for the same price as a new one even.

And at the same time, used Civic Sis are a bargain compared to used RSX-Ss!