Would you buy a new car?

[nissangirl74]

Despite the fantastic 40 mpg (+/-) numbers, these cars aren't selling well.

sales of the much-praised 2010 Honda Fit fell a remarkable 26.6 percent, with the older 2010 Toyota Yaris declining more than 30 percent. Sales across the Scion brand, which offers only small cars, plummeted 30.7 percent, while Smart was down 63 percent and Suzuki lost essentially half its sales.

Would you buy one? Why or why not? Is the fuel savings enough to sway you to be "eco-responsible"? -Or- Would you rather buy a slightly bigger car, with better styling, and more creature comforts even if it is slightly less fuel-efficient, especially if you could get it at the same price?

http://www.thecarconnection.com/marty-b ... and+Blogs)

[Dattebayo]

I thought Suzuki pulled out of the North American market? Wouldn't that artificially alter it's sales compared to the others?

[float_6969]

No. Mainly because I own a 1992 Civic, that gets the same mileage, is STUPID cheap to own and maintain, and I don't have a car payment. That being said, were I in the market for a car, I don't think I'd buy any of the new compact cars. Maybe a Versa, but they're one of the largest of the small cars, and barely fit the segment. Other than that, yes, I'd prefer something with better comfort and would be willing to sacrifice mileage.

[nissangirl74]

No. Mainly because I own a 1992 Civic, that gets the same mileage, is STUPID cheap to own and maintain, and I don't have a car payment. That being said, were I in the market for a car, I don't think I'd buy any of the new compact cars. Maybe a Versa, but they're one of the largest of the small cars, and barely fit the segment. Other than that, yes, I'd prefer something with better comfort and would be willing to sacrifice mileage.

I think a lot of people are right there with you. At this point and time, putting more gas in a vehicle they own free and clear is cheaper than putting less gas in a car that they would owe $400 / month on plus elevated insurance costs.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

Only way I'm getting a new car is if I win one in a contest.

[skydragoness]

No. Mainly because I own a 1992 Civic, that gets the same mileage, is STUPID cheap to own and maintain, and I don't have a car payment. That being said, were I in the market for a car, I don't think I'd buy any of the new compact cars. Maybe a Versa, but they're one of the largest of the small cars, and barely fit the segment. Other than that, yes, I'd prefer something with better comfort and would be willing to sacrifice mileage.

I think a lot of people are right there with you. At this point and time, putting more gas in a vehicle they own free and clear is cheaper than putting less gas in a car that they would owe $400 / month on plus elevated insurance costs.

[PEZi]

economy!

but to be fair still wouldn't buy one... if i had enough money to be shelling out car payments and s*** i might as well go all out and get something fun to drive too... if i can afford the car payment i can afford the gas... that's my way of looking at it... f*** these stupid little s***

[Bubba1]

Well, there wouldn't be as nice a selection of used cars to buy if people did not buy new. but the decision to buy new vs used depends on the individual. To a 19 yr old college student who cherishes their old 240sx, or an enthusiast that enjoys wrenching their own car, the answer is not likely.

As someone who keeps cars for years beyond the warranty, where resale value after 3 years is not important, yes, I will consider a new car, but I will also consider used if there's something that appeals to me.

[TurboSauce]

I wouldn't buy a new sports car because to me, the meaning of "sports car" Is a fire breathing, gas consuming, rwd, manual transmission monster, with little or no computer aids. not some fluffly little hybrid with power trans, etc etc garbage :P
this is just my opinion however.
plus it isn't justifiable in my head to spend 30+ grand on a new car then pay for maintenance and gas, when you can buy a 90's econo box, and spend about half the money you would on a new car and call it a day

[Jesda]

No one "wants" an economy car. Some people don't care and buy them to use for the need of transportation, but they almost never are desired. There may be a need if/when gas prices go over $4/gallon, but there is never a want.

[Encryptshun]

No one "wants" an economy car. Some people don't care and buy them to use for the need of transportation, but they almost never are desired. There may be a need if/when gas prices go over $4/gallon, but there is never a want.

Actually I have known quite a number of people who "want" an economy car. Their marketability is that they are "little" "cute" "simple" "easy to park", "eco-friendly" and "cheap". With all the milquetoast mid-size sedans and minivans dumping all over the market, the time is coming where economy cars will be the new automobile of individual expression (for those who don't want to drive a luxury vehicle).

[Jesda]

The only expressive economy car that isn't painted Neon green, ugly as sin, or slammed to the floor is a Mini.

[Encryptshun]

I am Jesda and 50% of Americans do not have the same system of valuation I do.

FTFY

[Jesda]

I am Jesda and most Americans want space and comfort. Its demonstrated by this thread and auto sales trends over the last century.

[Encryptshun]

Why don't we agree on your comment regarding the Mini and leave it at that. I think it's safe to say that on a car enthusiast forum you aren't going to get a true cross-section of the consumer public represented.

[Jesda]

Well, its not really an opinion thing.

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2010 ... -2010.html

When people have the means, they tend to upsize. Average price of a car sold in the US is $28k.

[wingFeather]

No. I am doing my best to NEVER buy new again. I've lost insane amounts of money in depreciation on new cars.

[Kompresshun]

I have purchased one new car so far in my life, which was a 2004 Ford Ranger Edge, but I purchased it for $12,500(stickered at $19,700) out the door so I figured I couldn't go wrong at the time, especially when comparable used ones were nearly the same price and didn't come with a warranty. I drove that truck for 5 years though and felt like it was a good purchase, but my 2000 I30 that I replaced it with was 4 years older, had higher mileage, I purchased it with cash and I still feel like it's a better vehicle to this day. So, unless somebody handed me a pile of cash for a new car, then no I don't ever plan on purchasing a new vehicle again. I plan on always buying used and I hope to always only have no more than one car payment as well.

I have nothing against economy vehicles but I wouldn't buy a new one for two main reasons 1) My I30 gets 20mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway 2) I'm 6'4", why would I cram myself into a Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Chevy Aveo, ect just to save a few bucks on gas? Honestly though, I wouldn't even buy a used one for the small amount of fuel mileage there is to gain. Like I remember Greg saying a while back in a different discussion, If it's only a $30-40 difference in fuel between me driving a car I want to drive and a car I have to drive then i'd rather work a few extra hours. If that little of money makes or breaks you then you should be making your commute a bicycle or a bus

[Ajax]

I grew up around smaller cars. We had a minivan at one time, but I learned to drive in an 84 camry (about the same size as today's civic, probably smaller. What's up with that?), which was my main car for several years, along with an 81 accord, 85 camry, 83 celica, until I finally bought an 88 legend coupe (still not much bigger). I'm just more comfortable in smaller cars. I'd take a new Fiesta over the others based on looks, but not unless I had tons of cash to throw around. Viva la old cars and F all these computer assist/failsafe devices.
My only stipulation on size of car is that it has to have a folding rear seat to accomodate my spears and quarterstaves.

[Bubba1]

Well, its not really an opinion thing.

When people have the means, they tend to upsize. Average price of a car sold in the US is $28k.

As info I think the $28K is based on new car sales only, but I do agree 100% with you about the American tendency to want to upsize. I think it's true in many things besides cars. Homes, foods (serving sizes) etc. We Americans like excess.

[Bubba1]

I think a lot of folks seem focused on the depreciation aspect. There are positives to buying new that offset that depreciation, including a full maximum warranty, (many makes offer free scheduled maintenance now), free loaners during regular service, no worries about how the previous owner maintained or treated the car, no crash repairs, every part is new, the fun of owning something new and different (new models), etc. Clearly, several of these benefits do not carry a cash value, but they should not be ignored.

If you buy a used car with say 30,000 miles. yes it'll be considerably cheaper to acquire, but you're also looking at repairs/replacements soon coming due, like brakes, tires, belts, hoses, etc, and if the previous owner was abusive or deferred maintenance, you could easily be facing shortened lives for major components. Unless you're buying from an original owner whom you know personally, you're rolling the dice with a used car purchase.
I've had relatively good luck with both new and used car purchases I've made, but I've noticed this forum has many sad stories of people having problems with used cars they've purchased.

I'm not saying buying new is the best way to go. I'm saying everyone has their own needs, wants, and amount to spend on cars, but buying new is not as horrible as many here seem to be making it out to be.

[Kompresshun]

I think a lot of folks seem focused on the depreciation aspect. There are positives to buying new that offset that depreciation, including a full maximum warranty, (many makes offer free scheduled maintenance now), free loaners during regular service, no worries about how the previous owner maintained or treated the car, no crash repairs, every part is new, the fun of owning something new and different (new models), etc. Clearly, several of these benefits do not carry a cash value, but they should not be ignored.

I'm not saying buying new is the best way to go. I'm saying everyone has their own needs, wants, and amount to spend on cars, but buying new is not as horrible as many here seem to be making it out to be.

Agreed, I don't have anything against people who want to purchase new vehicles, my in-laws just purchased a new Toyota Sienna SE. While I do feel like they got ripped off by paying $40,000 for a van stickered at just over $36,000(some of this is due to add-ons they talked them into, they're suckers for add-ons ), they did get a ridiculous amount of extra coverage with it. 5 free dent repairs a year, full coverage on the wheels & tires(It has 19" aluminum wheels on it) for the life of the vehicle, free oil changes for the first 2 years(I think there's some other things included as well but I can't remember), and ect. They have the money to spend on a new vehicle though, and they haven't had a new vehicle in about 15 years so I don't blame them for getting it. It's probably the nicest minivan that i've ever ridden in and it handles like a sports car.

I purchase used vehicles and plan on purchasing used in the future based on our families current budget, if it were to rise significantly enough on a permanent basis then I would definitely consider purchasing a new vehicle. There's nothing like the smell and feel of a new car in addition to the benefits already mentioned.

[breadbox]

No, the doors are too tall on new cars and I like to drive with my arm out the window most of the year.

I probably won't ever own a car newer than 2003 Probably. Also clutches in older cars seem more comfy than newer cars and I hate automatic, even don't like tiptronic. I do like that newer autos like my Girl's 09 Tiguan drives it self more like a manual on decel than my 240sx does(Which likes to just keep going even on decel).

[krash]

I like wrenching on my car, its fully paid for, it doesn't do HORRIBLE on gas, and it looks a hell of a lot better than a Yaris.

I think I'm with Ant on this one. If I'm buying a new car, its going to be something awesome, 370z awesome. If I can afford the car payments/insurance, I can afford the gas.

300-400 a month on a car payment is way more than I use on gas for a month.