To buy new or nearly new

littlemissbossy

Just looking for a few opinions please.

Thinking of changing my car, luckily I'm in a position to be able to afford a new one but as a faithful follower of Martin this probably isn't the most MSE thing to do.

I like the thought that no-one else has owned my car and if I can afford then why not, but knowing I'm paying the "new car" premium and can get a nearly new one a lot cheaper makes me feel a bit of a chump.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Tiexen

Whats your Budget?

littlemissbossy

Tiexen wrote: »

Whats your Budget?

Around £18k - £20k

Dippypud

littlemissbossy wrote: »

Just looking for a few opinions please.

Thinking of changing my car, luckily I'm in a position to be able to afford a new one but as a faithful follower of Martin this probably isn't the most MSE thing to do.

I like the thought that no-one else has owned my car and if I can afford then why not, but knowing I'm paying the "new car" premium and can get a nearly new one a lot cheaper makes me feel a bit of a chump.

Thanks for any thoughts.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/jun/16/motoring.consumeraffairs

this article is getting on a bit, (2008), but the principles remain the same.

verityboo

It depends on the car, how desireable it is, its depreciation and what offers the manufacturer is offering on a new one.

victor2

I will always go for a higher spec, slightly used car rather than a brand new one, unless I had cash to spare I suppose.
I will get much more pleasure out of, say, a 1 year old model with lots of "toys" than a brand new more basic one, which is no longer brand new when I've had it a month.
Horses for courses I suppose. If owning from new gives more satisfaction than extra gadgets, then go for a brand new one.

littlemissbossy

Dippypud wrote: »

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/jun/16/motoring.consumeraffairs

this article is getting on a bit, (2008), but the principles remain the same.

Thanks, the pre-registered option sounds good.

verityboo wrote: »

It depends on the car, how desireable it is, its depreciation and what offers the manufacturer is offering on a new one.

Yes, bit more research required me thinks

patman99

A former workmate purchased an ex-demo Megane with just 35 miles on the clock for £10k less than the list price and it was only 3 months old.

motorguy

verityboo wrote: »

It depends on the car, how desireable it is, its depreciation and what offers the manufacturer is offering on a new one.

+1

And also how you plan to finance it - often manufacturers offer 0% finance on new cars or will put some cash into the finance deal if you take it, that you wont otherwise get on a used car.

Oh, and also when you buy it. Often an ex demonstrator will be registered at the end of a year, or just before a plate change which will impact its resale value.

Finally, often demonstrators, pre reg cars etc can be a outdated model. My wife was offered a demo z4 for £29750 instead of a new one at seemingly thousands off however it was the older engine, registered in the previous year and SE spec. Instead she got a brand new one at £3K off list price and a 'complementary upgrade' to M Sport spec worth £3,000 (which effectively was another £3,000 of discount, so she got the car she wanted in the spec she wanted for £30,050, or just £300 more than a used one.

motorguy

Oh, and finally, dont assume the salesman has your best interests at heart. Often dealerships have used car salesmen and new car salesmen so they will only be looking after their best interests, not yours

motorguy

littlemissbossy wrote: »

Thanks, the pre-registered option sounds good.

Dont assume that it is. Check out new deals too, for all the reasons listed.