primitives discuss buying used cars

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026215192

Oh my.

xchrom (108,735 posts)   Thu Feb 12, 2015, 05:47 AM

4 Reasons You Should Buy a Used Car Instead of a New One

http://www.alternet.org/environment/4-reasons-you-should-buy-used-car-instead-new-one

1. Sustainability.From a sustainability perspective, it definitely makes more sense to buy a used car that gets good fuel economy over a new one, as the building and disposal of an automobile has a significant environmental impact. The automotive industry's own studies have shown that between 12 and 28 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions generated during a car's lifecycle occur during manufacturing and initial shipment. Every time a consumer opts for a used car over a new one, that's one car that’s already passed through those phases and one less vehicle headed to the scrap heap.

2. Value. As far as value is concerned, the old adage rings true: A car loses value as soon as you drive it off the dealership lot—up to 15% depending on the vehicle. It doesn't stop there; by the time it's four years old, the typical car retains only about half of its value. After that, however, the depreciation curve is much less steep.

3. Dependability. Overall, car dependability has improved considerably over the past decade. A five-year-old vehicle is likely to have about a third fewer problems than one would have had a decade back. Engine, transmission and exhaust problems, which once plagued older cars, have decreased dramatically, according to automotive research groups. When properly maintained, a vehicle built in 2011 should easily last another six to eight years without needing any major repairs. Modern cars can last 150,000 miles or even much longer when properly maintained.

4. Safety. Only a few years ago, buying a three- or four-year-old used car meant that you had to give up advanced safety features like electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side-curtain air bags, but those features can now found on most cars manufactured after 2009. However, you should still do some research to make sure any car you’re interested in has such safety features, do not even consider a car without stability control, which is a critically important safety feature that can keep a car on its intended path by preventing it from sliding sideways in a turn.

linuxman (449 posts)   Thu Feb 12, 2015, 06:57 AM

1. #3 and #4

really don't belong on this list, as they are generally going to be more true for new cars.

It's sort of like saying- "5:paint. Cars as old as 1985 usually have paint.

#1 made sense. Everyone already knows #2.

Silly list.

Buy what you can afford.

hobbit709 (33,709 posts)   Thu Feb 12, 2015, 07:05 AM

2. 5. Affordability

I paid $3000 for my 1992 Toyota truck in 2005. It had 98,000 miles on it at the time. It now has 145,000 miles on it. I've probably spent more on tires and oil changes than on repairs.

It gets 32 mpg on the road and about 26 mpg in town. I'll drive it until it wears out.

the last safety inspection had emission test results at the low end of the limit ranges.

ileus (11,511 posts)   Thu Feb 12, 2015, 07:14 AM

3. I replaced a 20yo Honda with a 9yo Nissan last year.

I plan on another 10 years with a M-F 48 mile round trip commute @30mpg

meaculpa2011 (572 posts)   Thu Feb 12, 2015, 07:17 AM

4. I will usually buy a two-year-old car...

and keep it for five years.

The first owner takes the hit on depreciation and the third owner takes the hit on repairs.

Hurricane Sandy wrecked my strategy. We lost three cars and there weren't any used cars to be had.

The pleasant surprise was that the local car dealers weren't profiteering. In fact, none of the local business (except for one pizzeria) took advantage. I bought a new boiler and water heater from the local plumbing supply house. When I asked about the price the owner of the business said he wouldn't know until they were delivered.

"Don't worry," he said. "Everybody is getting trade prices. We're all in this together."

The pizzeria owner lasted less than four months. When the the new owner took over the location he put up a giant "Under New Ownership" banner.

Vinca (22,854 posts)   Thu Feb 12, 2015, 07:31 AM

5. I've had too many bad experiences with used cars to buy one.

That said, when I buy a new car I keep it forever. The last one was on the road so long the frame acquired enough wear to become unsafe.

^^^the vindictive primitive, the notorious re-seller whose motto is "you've got to be sharp; you've got to cheat the other guy before he cheats you."

[Carl]

Or like crazy Mo,become a neighborhood freak by turning it into a chicken coop.

Anyways.

1. Sustainability.From a sustainability perspective, it definitely makes more sense to buy a used car that gets good fuel economy over a new one, as the building and disposal of an automobile has a significant environmental impact. The automotive industry's own studies have shown that between 12 and 28 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions generated during a car's lifecycle occur during manufacturing and initial shipment. Every time a consumer opts for a used car over a new one, that's one car that’s already passed through those phases and one less vehicle headed to the scrap heap.

This is idiotic unless you are buying the car of a deceased person,the reason it is on the lot is because a new car was sold to start with.

2. Value. As far as value is concerned, the old adage rings true: A car loses value as soon as you drive it off the dealership lot—up to 15% depending on the vehicle. It doesn't stop there; by the time it's four years old, the typical car retains only about half of its value. After that, however, the depreciation curve is much less steep.

I am sure it varies but the differential between a good used vehicle and its trade in value is just as much or more now.

The other 2 are meaningless.

[obumazombie]

meaculpa2011 (572 posts)   Thu Feb 12, 2015, 07:17 AM

4. I will usually buy a two-year-old car...

and keep it for five years.

The first owner takes the hit on depreciation and the third owner takes the hit on repairs.

Hurricane Sandy wrecked my strategy. We lost three cars and there weren't any used cars to be had.

A stick it to them twofer. Stick it to the seller, then stick it to the buyer.

Sandy must have been an evil conservative.