was thatguy
living in a cage of fear
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2008
- Messages
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I have always paid used car prices for my new cars. When I bought my 16 Ram, I had been looking for 3 years for a used Duramax or Cummins with low miles and in excellent condition. I was finding 10 year old trucks with 100k+ miles for 35k. No thanks. Anything in like new condition was more than I paid for my new truck. This was pre- covid pricing of course, but it still applies today. And the truck was worth what I paid for it when I sold it earlier this year. My 07 Silverado, 11 Tahoe, and 19 Tahoe before that, same deal.
I purchased my Tacoma earlier this year, same situation, I got my new truck for less than the used trucks I was looking at. I just went in to trade it for the same truck but with manual trans, and they gave me more on trade than I paid for it 3 months ago. You only pay sales tax on the difference in price, so I won’t pay any.
Now, if you’re walking in without doing your research, knowing the interest rate you qualify for, and knowing what to pay for a vehicle, you will absolutely overpay. I’ve never done that. And I’ve walked out of plenty of dealerships that didn’t want to deal.
I spent years wrenching on cars, bikes, equipment, and anything else with an engine both for work and for fun/ necessity. I no longer enjoy it. Sure, I’ll wrench from time to time, when I feel like it, in my garage, on my timeframe, because I want to, but my days of fixing a piece of shit car so I can get to work or school in a driveway, parking lot, job site, etc, are done. I find a competent dealer service department, use their service specials, and have them do my service while under warranty. After warranty I do the service myself at home. Other than oil changes, tires (from discount) and upgrades(that I install myself) I haven’t paid a dime on vehicle repairs for over 10 years.
Sure, I could save a little by buying a used car with an unknown service history- I find most people don’t maintain their vehicles- and I’m OCD about it. But I’m not Dave Ramsey, and I enjoy having a nice vehicle. To each their own.
In a year or two, when the market cools down, I will start shopping for a used C5-C7 vette, and try to find something like @was thatguy drives. That triple black vert is beautiful. And vettes are one vehicle that is usually well maintained by the owners.
It also amazes me how bad most people thrash their vehicles. I keep mine in like new condition, no eating, smoking, no trash inside, dash and seat covers, etc. I can’t count how many 2-3 year old used cars I’ve looked at that were trashed inside. Carpet stains, worn seats, etc.
Absolutely!
Agree on all counts.
I’m too old for projects.
When I say “used” I mean 1-3 years old.
Trade in’s.
The ‘14 Camry I bought new was cheaper than the used 1-3 year olds that met my criteria. (Miles and condition)
My late wife did not want a V6 or any trim package. She liked plain white Camrys.
Well, the plain Jane white 4 banger was sitting there all alone and begging for a home, and cheaper than the used ones, so I bought it for her.
But yes, it’s amazing the damage people do to cars in a short time.
Mostly neglect and plain old slobbery.
I also have a full rack of bling products and keep my interiors as new.
My daughter is the opposite. (38 years old)
I can not even sit in any of her cars.