Okay well I'm 16, and yeah I got my car and everything but my cousin ran it to the ground and it's not running well. My parents said that if I pay for a new car they will be the title holders until I'm 18. Okay now I want a nice car, but not a brand new one. I think a used one would be better because as we all know that a car is the worst investment you can make because the value goes down the second you drive it off the lot. With that said, you're making payments on it and putting gas in it for 5 years and by the time you're done paying for it you want a different car and it's only worth a couple thousand. Would it just be better for me to get a used car and let other people pay for the depreciation value, or should I just get a brand-new car to make sure I'm safe and everything is good order. Or should I get a used car and just pay for the difference in getting it checked and what not... help me!
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2006-09-28 16:50:35 · 10 answers · asked by ♥ The One You Love To Hate♥ 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
i own a repair shop,,and if i were you id get a good used one like you said the value drops,,and now days it drops fast,,and by the time your ready for a new one you,ll be able to afford a good one,,but for now,,just getting the license and all id get a good used one,because you know somewhere down the line it is going to get hit or something,and at least you wont be out all the money on a new one,i know i was young once ,,things happen and we cant stop them sometimes,,good luck i hope this help,s
2006-09-28 17:00:55 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know several young people who have had the same problem you are facing now. Several of the answers you have recieved are full of not so helpful info, but the one that talked about safety and good mechanics is right on. You should always keep safety at the forefront of your thoughts. No this doesn't mean you should go out and buy some ugly old boat of a car, but get one that you will be happy driving for at least the next couple of years until you are out of high school. My son, who is now nineteen, purchased a 1962 Ford Falcon Ranchero for his first car. Yes it's a classic. He found it for a very reasonable price, put a little more into it and has a really nice car. It doesn't get up to say hot rod speeds, but it can scoot, if he needs it to in an emergency situation. The point is, it's a used car that is also an investment. The car has appraised for 3 times what he paid for it, and it doesn't have to be kept in a climate controlled room. This is a daily driver!!! Go out and get a car that you will feel safe and happy with. I wish you the best in your search.
2006-09-28 19:48:42 · answer #2 · answered by butterfly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a used one. Just have someone with you who knows a decent amount of cars so they can determine if its something that will run for a while or not. Its never a good idea to get a new car that young. No offense but people your age are a lot more prone to getting into accidents (I'm not saying you're gonna cause one but you never know what other people are doing on the road). Get something used that isn't too old but not too expensive, then when you get some experienced under your belt you can then consider getting a new car.
2006-09-28 17:00:57 · answer #3 · answered by oJmHo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it from someone that's worked in the industry for a while, without doubt at your age your best option would be a quality second hand car but ensure it's checked by a reputable person or company (do not take the word of the car yard) If you were to purchase new you may just end up with a lemon anyway
2006-09-28 16:58:28 · answer #4 · answered by bobbles 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its often better to buy a used car (but one that has been approved by the dealer). The best thing to do would be to buy a car that is only a couple years older...So buy a 2005 or 2006. Like you said, the value is depreciated, but the car is still relatively new.
2006-09-28 16:58:18 · answer #5 · answered by gradflutes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're dealing with some separate issues here.
First, Economics--Don't use the words "car" and "investment" in the same sentence. With the exception of really rare cars that will be kept in climate-controlled storage, a car is never an investment; it's purely an expense. So buy a good but moderately priced used car and take really good care of it. Check out the used car ratings in Consumer's Report. I know a gal who bought a used '69 VW Fastback 35 years ago, and she takes good care of it and still drives it today. She's probably saved close to $100,000 compared to someone who trades up regularly.
Second--Safety-- Forget about trying to use the car to be cool, popular, etc. Instead, focus on staying alive. That means not offering to transport a load of your buddies or biddies here, there, and everywhere. NO booze, drugs, etc. No cell phone. No street racing. If you want to race, get your parents to send you to one of the top-notch racing schools (Bondurant, Skip Barber, Bertil Roos), or just head to your local Kart track--but please, for your own benefit, don't race on the public roads. Driving is dead serious, and one little brain f-rt can leave you seriously dead.
Good luck!
2006-09-28 17:13:17 · answer #6 · answered by al_packer 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We always buy good used cars. That way they get paid off quickly and then you're driving a "paid for" car for several years. And if you take good care of it, you'll be able to sell it and recoup some of your investment. It's much wiser financially than a new car.
2006-09-28 16:59:41 · answer #7 · answered by Just Ducky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a man that will buy you a nice BMW, keep it filled with gas, keep it washed. The cuter you are the nicer car you can get. If you are cute and sexy you can get a car and a truck. If you are cute, sexy and hot you can get a car, a truck and a boat.
This is the way to live. Enjoy life and do not sweat the small stuff.
2006-09-28 17:00:17 · answer #8 · answered by sonny_too_much 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's nothing wrong with buying a used car, however I would strongly recommend having the car inspected by your mechanic before you buy it. as far as the resale value goes... who cares as long as your happy w/ your car.
2006-09-28 17:05:52 · answer #9 · answered by kelvin_tx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
certified used honda civic.
2006-09-28 16:59:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋