Why do so many people think all used cars are bad?

Question

I bought a 1992 Pontiac Bonneville with 64,000 miles in 2003 for $2,300. I just lost the water pump and had to spend $300 on the repair. When people hear this a lot of them say I should have bought new because I'm "wasting money" and all used cars are junk. Book value on the car was $3,500 when I bought it and I've only spent 600 on repairs (lost the AC compressor in 05') so I figure I got a deal anyway. The only thing thats faulty on Bonnevilles is the cooling system and thats after 10+ years of use. All other components will last forever.
My parents spent 14,000 total on a 98' Crown Vic and a 99' Mazda p/u in 02' they've only had 500 in repairs on each in almost 5 years. They bought both from a reputable dealer and had them inspected.
It annoys me when people tell me spending 2900 total is worse than 20000 on a new vehicle. Don't these people think? All of the vehicles we have bought have been consumer reports best buys for used cars. Not everyone wants to have a 7 year car loan!

It's really irritating to have some stranger tell me that my paid-in-cash vehicle is worse than their paying-lots-of-interest fees on car. I just moved into the suburbs from a rural area and get this a lot up here. Back home, no one said this to me.

I just got a high-paying job with a credit card company and although I can afford a new car I refuse to buy one. She's pretty reliable so why would I want to go into debt just so I can keep up with the Jones'?

Answer 1

Because they probably have had prior bad experience with buying used. So do I.

Every used car we've bought, except for Honda & Nissan, have been moneypits. My parents bought a 5 year old Ford with less than 50K miles.... and they ended up spending $5K in repairs. I bought a Taurus and the engine conked out 1000 miles later. Bought a Dodge and it conked out after the 3 month warranty expired. But a Honda I bought with 200k miles for $900 was the BEST used car I've ever bought. It never broke down once in the year and 25k miles that I had it before selling it.

Buying used is really hit & miss. The mechanic can only tell you what's currently wrong, not what will happen a year later. If your used car lasts years without a problem, you'll come out ahead. But if it has even one major problem, you would've been better off buying a new car.

Answer 2

Right on sweetheart! I'm with you because I don't like being owned by the billionaires in this country!
There's nothing wrong with owning used other than the perception issues! "Keeping up Appearances" ring any bells?
I think sometimes it's a matter of "jealousy" too when someone is paying $600 a month car payment while you ride around in your 4 year old car payment free and the thing runs forever! Believe me, I've got one! A 1984 GMC in perfect condition that I bought when it was 5 years old and all I have ever done to it is a $1159 brand new replacement engine! The thing just keeps going and going, we use it for snowplowing, getting firewood, on the farm for every chore imaginable, parts truck at my repair shop and so on!
So, keep up the spirits and don't worry what other people think! I have an old saying, "if you don't like me or what I am then stay away"! I was here before without you and I'll be here after wards without you! Firm believer of live and let live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I'd want to know EXACTLY what "engine fixed" means. If he had it rebuilt, or got a rebuilt engine, I'd stay away from it. If he had the timing belt replaced, that's about time for it. Tires and shocks are consumables - they have to be replaced periodically, so that's not a bad thing. He just saved you close to $1,000 in replacement bills. I ran both a 93 and a 95 to about 200,000 miles each, and only got rid of them when my wife and I got tired of them. I've run Hondas to much more mileage. Whether the car is worth anything depends on how it was maintained. Ask to see his oil change records. If he changed the oil every 3,000 miles (recommended for every car), and the price was right, I'd buy it. And keep changing the oil every 3,000 miles - it's the cheapest way of keeping a car running for a long time.

Answer 4

As long as you request a car fax report and get the car cleared by a good mechanic...nothing wrong with used.
Most people prefer new because warranty repairs are free,and thats the only reason the trade in their car.
I bought a used S10...now has 150,000 miles...water pump and alternator is the only repairs i've made...i think it's money well spent.

Answer 5

Hey I run a business and all I buy is used trucks, Toyota's.I learned long time ago to stop wasting money on new cars with Chinese parts, and made in Mexico.
People are just plain stupid if they wish to buy something that loses value. I put my money in real estate.
Let the fools struggle to pay,when their job may go overseas with the current administration.

Answer 6

To be honest I would worry more about buying a new car. If I buy used i know I am going to have some problems and maybe sooner than I wish but its upsetting buying a new car and having problems. I havent bought anything new in yrs, always used and always have had good luck

Answer 7

When you buy a used car, chances are you are buying other peoples problems. There are successes though, I bought a used car 2 years ago, and I have had no problems so far.

Answer 8

I bought a used truck 7 years ago and am now approaching 250,000 miles in it.

Answer 9

good thinking with yourhead!! i agree!

used cars can be amazing if u do your research... nothing wrong with new either but for those of us who cant afford it or would rather not make payments.. used is the way to go =)

Answer 10

Don't listen to them just sit back and watch your bank account grow,,,, you have done well and have a great head on your shoulders,,,, your thinking is right on,, wish I could find a female that thinks like you..........