Comments on: The Cost of the Psychology of New

By: EdTheRed

EdTheRed — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:42:48 +0000

Just wanted to add that the Vehicle Report from CS is an incredible deal for $9.99. It gives you the dealer cost for everything: the car, the options, the freight. Everything.
In 2003 I ordered two reports: one for a Civic and one for a Corolla. Long story short, I got a car that was stickered at $17,989 (before fees and taxes) “out the door” (after fees and taxes were tacked on) for less than $15,350 and change.

By: Britt

Britt — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:28:26 +0000

I just paid off my first car, a brand new Chevy Cavalier. I’ve had it approx 5.5 years and just now needed the brakes changed and new tires. Funny thing is they gave me a lifetime warranty on my brakes…guess they don’t know I’m planning on keeping my car for a VERY long time. It only has 35,000 miles so far.
As for hubby.. he drives a 08 Silverado we bought last summer. The owner of the gym he runs also owns a dealership so we got a good deal. New bedliner, bed cover, hitch and replacement seats plus fully loaded for around 25,000.
I didn’t really want a new truck but our 01 Jeep was falling apart and we plan on keeping both vehicles til they die but we’re gonna take care of then so that doesn’t happen :) Also we’re only 25 and the truck is our only debt besides our mortgage which will be paid off in 15 years.
Sorry for rambling. Just had to say…

By: Britt

Britt — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:28:20 +0000

By: kz

kz — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:23:35 +0000

@ Geoff:
Being looked up to and/or admired is completely different than being envied. I look up to a lot of people, and strive to follow their example in particular areas. I do not envy them. There is a difference, and it’s not subtle at all.

By: Michelle H.

Michelle H. — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:47:02 +0000

I bought my Camry new in 2001, and still love it! Best car I have ever owned. Dependable, reliable, great ride, plenty of room for 2 car seats, and after 8 years I still love to drive it. I plan to drive it into the ground.

By: Michelle H.

Michelle H. — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:47:02 +0000

By: J

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:52:45 +0000

Wendybird74 — you should have just said something like:

“We acquired these pieces via a private sale.”

That would have impressed your snooty relatives. You could also use the term “private auction” if appropriate :)

By: Wendybird74

Wendybird74 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:45:02 +0000

Sorry to break from the whole Car issue, but I think this post can also apply to other large dollar purchases.
My husband and I are thankfully on the same page when it comes to using our dollars wisely when making purchases, so recently we were in the market to purchase dining room furniture. We checked out the Raymore & Flanagan, and a few other big name furniture stores. Then we checked out a local antique and used furniture dealer in our area.
We ended up going with the estate furniture purchase and got a whole room of beautiful furniture that fulfilled all of our requirements for the same cost as a single brand new table. (It is actually made out of wood..not particle board…which was also important to us.)
Recently a relative was over and was very impressed…until I said that it was used. It was almost an immediate turn around in her composure and my husband and I had a private laugh later.
I would love to see a day when being practicle and using up a commodity (such as our furniture which still has plenty of life left!)is more impressive than buying new!

By: J

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:55:22 +0000

When we were looking for a car around 2001, we knew exactly what we wanted and looked at used models first. We then found that a new model was $1000 more. It was a no-brainer for us, we went new and got the 3/36K warranty as well as the more efficient and powerful engine the newer model afforded us. Used models (most 2 years old) typically had 30-40K miles on them.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:45:33 +0000

I must admit. Also, buying new is not as important to me since my husband and my goals have changed to saving and planning for retirement instead of shopping for therapy. I have to visit our current goal often as old habits die hard !

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:22:25 +0000

My source for buying big ticket items for years has been Consumer Reports. We NEEDED a replacement car for my husband’s 1993 Pontiac, which HAD to be replaced in July, 2008. We went to the DM public library and and read info on used cars and new cars (also, available for trucks and vans at any Des Moines public library.) We looked to no avail to buy from a private party. Until a friend in Ca. referred me to Craigslist. We found a nice 2005 Scion XB with low miles on Craigslist. The newer models of the Scion, unfortunately, have a bigger engine so gets less gas mileage.

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:19:41 +0000

I would go with the better deal, which sounds like buying new at this time. I bought a new Chrysler Town & Country in 2006, now 3 years old. It was just too good a deal to pass up compared to used.

I drive a lot to soccer games & tournaments with my son, and needed something reliable that would last. We’ve already put 55K miles on it, so I’m glad I went with the new one.

Don’t feel guilty about buying new if that’s the better deal. That’s not the same as buying new because of an “image”.

Remember, this is not toilet paper that will be used up and tossed! It is a long term investment in your family’s transportation. Sometimes spending a little more up front really is more economical in the long run.

By: GEoff

GEoff — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:15:47 +0000

@KZ, yes you are completly alone in that. One of the basic human emotions/desires is to be looked up to / admired. Better when it comes from who you are and what you do. But virtually everyone likes it even when it comes from what you own.

By: GEoff

GEoff — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:13:26 +0000

Trent, I noticed the exact same thing when I purchased my Accord this summer. It was by far the nicest car I have ever bought and the first one I didn’t simply pay cash for. The car looked gorgeous and drove like a dream, I loved it. I was really proud and excited and I really wanted to show it off.

However everytime I told someone about it their excitement faded when they found out it was an ‘01. ‘Oh, you bought a used car’ they would say with a lack on interest bordering on disdain. Well, yeah, it’s new to me, new as in different, new as in not the 92 Mazda I’ve been driving for the past year. I thought we were friends and you were genuinely interested in my life and the things that happened in my life… guess not.

I finally just stopped telling people about because it was deppressing me.

By: kz

kz — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:34:39 +0000

“People look at us with some degree of envy and, on some level, we enjoy that. I know I certainly do.”

Seriously?!? Am I honestly in the minority on this? I don’t at all enjoy being on the receiving end of envy from friends. In my opinion, friendship – true friendship – is devoid of envy. That’s just such an awful sentiment. Frankly, I’m glad I’m not a friend of yours.

By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:10:53 +0000

I recently read about the pricing desparities in used and new autos– a through cost benefit analysis is needed.

As for the culture of “New”– that has been ingrained by marketers and our peers. I ubderstand your feeling the underlying cultural expectations– my answer is do what is right for you, now and in the future . . .

By: m

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:00:45 +0000

Doesn’t the plan signed by the President give you rebates on taxes paid on a new car? If so this may give you more incentive to buy new and of course the warrenty.

By: Abby

Abby — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:42:01 +0000

I recently bought a new car (Ford Focus) instead of a late-model used for many of the reasons here. Plus, the new car offered a much better warranty. It even comes with roadside assistance which let me cancel my AAA membership for the next couple of years.

By: julie

julie — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:39:22 +0000

We just purchased a new car also, paid cash, new chevy Traveres the cost was less than 11000 with the chevy discounts ,and the Gm Card discount. The cost of a another used car which my husband normally buys was close and no warrinty so much better buy going new.

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:36:09 +0000

I’ve owned a wide variety of used cars-Fords, Toyotas, Hondas, Chevrolets & Plymouths, Chryslers & Dodges, you name it. In 2006 I bought a 2005 Camry and it was the best car I’ve ever owned. Comfortable, reliable, great-looking, etc. Now I have a 2006 Sienna (also a Toyota), which I plan to keep until the wheels fall off. I’ll probably remain a Toyota customer from here on out.