New vs Used

[r6dallas]

I just was wondering what your thoughts are on new vs used. With a new auto you'll typical lose 30% just driving off the lot but you'll have a warranty. Used most of the depreciate has been lost already but typical the warrant is out or about the run out, not including extended warranties. My think is that I don't like to finance anything that loses value. So I buy used. Newest and greatest are also a consideration.

 

[2007toyota4runners]

I would just buy a used one that checks out to be in good condition

 

[450exc115]

If it is toyota cerftified you usually can spend 1000 dollars and get the orginal warrenty bumped to a 7 year 100K warrenty. Typically for a Toyota you don't need to do that but I did on mine as I tow a trailer with it about 24 weekends a year and wanted to cover my butt on the drivetrain.

That and the new 4runners are a lot more cheaply made than our generation.

 

[Lineman]

To each their own. I do think whatever one buys should be cash though. I could care less about a warranty. I pay cash so if something does happen it's no big deal to repair. I do most repairs myself anyway. Today's age is so scared when their warranty runs out. Why? I think its just a reason for them to upgrade their car. Today's car's are much more dependable anyway.

On your original question. If people thought of car buying like they thought of house buying this might be different. Remember car purchasing is your second biggest expense after your house. Ask yourself would you buy a house and on the day you moved in know it decreased by 30% I don't think so. But most American's are spoiled and need immediate gratification. If I was to ever purchase a brand new vehicle. It would be cash and stay with me until it literally fell apart. Then I wouldn't care about its daily depreciation.

 

[MikeInNH]

Generally I buy new because I don't like buying other peoples problems. However my 05 4runner I bought used. It only had 11k miles on it and had a good maintenance record. Bought it for more then 10k less then a new 06. It depends on what you're looking for.

 

[BOSMECH]

I generally buy used it is cheaper that way but new is good also (the new T4R's are bad looking IMHO) and I totally agree with Lineman about this. It is all in how you take care of things and also before you buy used do a thorough check of it. I bought a 2003 4runner with 87,000 miles from the original owner 1 year ago it is all plain but still in mint condition, so just use your better judgement.

 

[Burt]

I always buy used, 1 or 2 year old, 20-30K miles. Warranty is a rip-off and nothing more than a security blanket.

 

[CookieRoe]

Buying used gives me the opportunity to purchase a car/truck that I otherwise would NOT be able to afford. My 4R costs $42K new. I picked it up 5 years and 72K miles later @ $20K. If this truck lasts me until 250K miles, then I'll be happy. The only way I would purchase new is if I absolutely wanted/needed it and I keep it for over 10 years.

Depreciation is a NON FACTOR for me b/c I don't resell the truck (I keep them until they fall apart). Warranty is also SORT of a non factor in that it's a Toyota. Before I bought my 4R, I lurked here , other forums and other media, and confirmed that the truck was pretty much bulletproof. That and I've been wanting one since I was 16 years old

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I bought both of my 4Runner used, which still had the 7 year/100k mile warranty, and then added on the bumper to bumper warranty. Best of both worlds IMO

 

[coconutpete]

I always buy used, shopping for a 2006 - 8 right now actually.

We have 1 vehicle that we lease new every 3 years, toyota keeps cutting us better deals every time we get a new one so my wife is on her 4th Toyota, 3rd Rav 4 - but we would never buy them new.