Current Events > What is the best option when buying a car?

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what does CE think?

Buying a used car that's basically new, like buying a used 2018 with barely 20k miles on it.
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Depends on philosoohy.

Buy if you can swing 3 to 4 year payments. Never more than 5.

Used is fine if you do not mind older cars.

Never leased but seems like a debt sink to me.

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used certified. always.

for example, I bought a 2018 civic with 15,000 miles on it for 16k out the door today. Warranty until 75,000.

Definitely used certified. Do your research. Learn negotiating tactics, and you can end up with a car that you're happy with for a decent price.

Unless you just have a bunch of money you don't need, in which case it doesn't matter and you could just buy new if you wanted

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I buy new and dont give af
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All of the options seem like shit to me, but what can you do? You basically need a car.

I bought a new car with 0% financing for five years but I hated having that payment every month. Of course it depreciates a shit ton too. It can be good if you plan to take care of it and drive it for a really long time.

Leasing could be good if you don't drive a lot but I'll admit I don't know much about it. It seems similar to cell plans and getting a new phone every few years. You've always got that payment but you get to drive a new car every few years. I guess you never own it outright though?

Used should be by far the best but every person I've ever known that went used had to shell out for major repairs not long after getting it. You might get a good deal with a private sale, but so many times I see cars where they knock maybe a few thousand off the price when it's already several years old and has semi-high mileage. It doesn't seem that worthwhile. Used cars should be like half the value of new or less after they're already a few years old.
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I honestly prefer a solid used car. Let the original buyer take the depreciation and hopefully any recall issues handled. If you can get a certified preowned with a warranty they stand behind the savings are huge.

Granted, it's not new, but it's significantly cheaper, and likely in good shape

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I had good luck used.

I got a 2000 grand am with 30k in 2004. Drove until 115k. No major repairs until 110 miles, drove hard for 11 years. Had a used jeep 2014, 20k. Drove until last year, sold at 80k miles. No problems.

I bought a new car last year. First time ever. I love it. Exactly what I wanted. Trade in and down payment half the car pre tax. I went on a 5 year, but I am going to lump pay it off at the end of 4 years.

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I have a year 2000 car right now that only has 48,000 miles on it, but is so damaged from the sun and time that a new part breaks every week.

My tires exploded on the freeway (sun damage), Gas cap fell off (sun damage), the car doesn't start at quarter tank (damage from bad storage), the window motors died (died over time), can't spray wind sheild wiper fluid because the squirter thing is broken (sun damage)

and so on.

Certified pre-owned if the warranty is good, maintenance is covered (not necessarily oil changes and tires but mainly engine maintenance), and payments and are reasonable (under 4-5 years). Depreciation had the lightest hit here too.

Leasing is a god damn scam, especially if there is a down payment. Max insurance at all times. Mileage restrictions out the ass. No capitol at the end of the term.

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