S/O from car purchasing thread... New or Used?

[tvguy]

Used car prices are crazy right now. The chip shortage has really caused a shortage of decent used cars. My mechanic does a lot of pre-purchase inspections and overall, he says the quality of used cars is just awful right now.
And given now there seems to be a surplus new cars, I think new is the only way to go with such a tiny price difference. And with the average new car in January selling for $49,740, $23,000 seems like a bargain.

 

[_19disnA]

New tires/brakes should NOT cause a vibration if they were balanced and installed correctly. I think the dealer is trying a shifty way to explain some sort of mechanical issue. See what he says if you tell him you won't buy the car until they fix whatever the vibration is. I would not accept the car 'as is' since you have no idea what might actually be causing the vibration and could be an expensive repair.

New cars come with a warranty and even if there is depreciation when you first take ownership that becomes less of an issue if you plan to keep the car for an extended period of time. All cars depreciate with age.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

See what he says if you tell him you won't buy the car until they fix whatever the vibration is

I wouldn't , There are dealer trust issues now...........I wouldn't trust the fix since they were not honest about your concern.

 

[_19disnA]

I suspect the dealer would never agree to fix it, but it gives you a reason to walk away. If they think you don't know anything about how a car works, they are probably more likely to try to brush the vibration off as 'normal' and see if they can get away with that.

 

[wvjules]

In this case I would pick the new one for the small-ish difference.

I also had no idea that there were new cars that were that inexpensive. My used car cost 10k more than that. :O

 

[Cadiewampus]

"new" tires don't have issues, "How" are you feeling this vibration- through the steering wheel? Through the seat? Could be any number of things. Rear brakes shouldn't cause front end vibrations. Brake vibrations are felt while engaging them, going down the road ain't them. Blaming the road? not buying it. You drove on the same road getting there in a different car - no vibration?.

Look at how the lines match up between fender/hood/doors/bumper. Observe the plastic pieces in wheel well, under front end. look for signs of "new" parts or markings.

This is not necessarily true. Its rare but I have had a new tire (for lack of a better word) out of round and it gave me a wonky ride.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

This is not necessarily true. Its rare but I have had a new tire (for lack of a better word) out of round and it gave me a wonky ride.

Hence my asking "how" vibration is determined. Yes, tires can get a flat spot if extended sitting. A tire can be out of balance. Both are felt in the steering wheel while driving. BUT I based my reply off of the dealers "multiple reasons" as an attempt to brush it off.

 

[DL1WDW2]

"new" tires don't have issues, "How" are you feeling this vibration- through the steering wheel? Through the seat? Could be any number of things. Rear brakes shouldn't cause front end vibrations. Brake vibrations are felt while engaging them, going down the road ain't them. Blaming the road? not buying it. You drove on the same road getting there in a different car - no vibration?.

Look at how the lines match up between fender/hood/doors/bumper. Observe the plastic pieces in wheel well, under front end. look for signs of "new" parts or markings.

 

[tvguy]

In this case I would pick the new one for the small-ish difference.

I also had no idea that there were new cars that were that inexpensive. My used car cost 10k more than that. :O

The Kia Soul around here is selling for $3,000 less than that.
https://www.dublinkia.com/new-Dublin-2025-Kia-Soul-LX-KNDJ23AU4S7934058
Or a Mitsubishi for less than $19,000 news
https://www.westmitsubishi.com/inve...-black-edition-in-orland-ca-ml32awhj4rh039505

You just have to shop around. Or get lucky and find a model that isn't loaded up with options. Our Ford Flex has ZERO options on it. Everything we needed was standard. Our Camry Hybrid, the only option was over priced floor mats.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

We bought my car in 2015. We knew we wanted a Honda Pilot and looked at ones that were a few years old. Quickly learned it was better to buy brand new. The interest rate combined with the warranty made much more sense to buy new.

 

[barkley]

Walk away! I work at a used car lot. We purchase our vehicles through dealer auctions. There are reasons people trade in stuff, odd stuff that is either overlooked or unknown. And don't rely on carfax report - non claimed repairs don't show. What you describe doesn't match their explanation.

this is the same speech my mechanic/former used car sales lot owner gave us when our oldest's car died in October. we talked in detail about buying a used but in the end he encouraged us to consider new for ourselves and selling our existing to our oldest b/c 'you know the original owners and it's full mechanical history'. we went with new.

 

[Micca]

DH buys used vans for his wood stuff.....I don't ride in it

Fear of splinters???

I'd pay the extra and buy new.

 

[Miffy]

New. For the warranty alone, it's worth it.
This answer is brought to you by someone who purchased a new 2025 Soul in September. We love it.

Edited for clarity

 

[leebee]

OP here. The dealership with the used vehicle dropped their price by $2000, but I think we are going to go with the new car anyhow. We put 89K miles on my 2015 Soul until I hit the wall with it. We intended to drive it for quite a while longer. If we get the new car now, it could last 10-15 years, with care, and be the last car we purchase (as I'm 68...). We'll see, but tomorrow we are test driving it, and if we like it, we'll buy it!~

 

[Miffy]

OP here. The dealership with the used vehicle dropped their price by $2000, but I think we are going to go with the new car anyhow. We put 89K miles on my 2015 Soul until I hit the wall with it. We intended to drive it for quite a while longer. If we get the new car now, it could last 10-15 years, with care, and be the last car we purchase (as I'm 68...). We'll see, but tomorrow we are test driving it, and if we like it, we'll buy it!~

Good luck! And let us know what happens.

BTW, you'll purchase another car unless the new Soul lasts for 30 years!

 

[Mouse Tracker]

think we are going to go with the new car

Excellent choice, thanks for the update.

A DIS Legend should get it wrapped like a Minnie Van

 

[fla4fun]

OP here. The dealership with the used vehicle dropped their price by $2000, but I think we are going to go with the new car anyhow. We put 89K miles on my 2015 Soul until I hit the wall with it. We intended to drive it for quite a while longer. If we get the new car now, it could last 10-15 years, with care, and be the last car we purchase (as I'm 68...). We'll see, but tomorrow we are test driving it, and if we like it, we'll buy it!~

Considering how long you keep vehicles, the cost difference spread out over time will be negligible. In addition, you will have the most up to date safety equipment in a new car, as opposed to used. I have bought new and I have bought almost-new used cars. In this case I would be buying the new one over the used, provided you like it when you do the test drive. I hope the test drive goes well!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I know that new cars lose value immediately

With how long you keep a car, leebee, that early depreciation is of no consequence to you.

If we get the new car now, it could last 10-15 years, with care, and be the last car we purchase (as I'm 68...).

Don't short change yourself, leebee. 10 years out you are still younger than me. 15 years, just a few older.

Enjoy your new car, you'll love it.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Buy new and keep for ever. I am 15 years and 160k on my pilot and no major issues. I do want an F Pace thought, so I just might retire it while it is still kicking.

We had a CRV go 17 and 280 and 3 kids learned to drive and use as their tool around car. The only reason it was replaced was because my son was tired of it.

Son has a 2014 accord at 190. No issues. He works in the care industry designing plastic parts. He says to stick with Hondas or Toyotas. Hondas are the best for your buck in his opinion. He told me not to drive the F Pace too much and I should be ok.

 

[MICKIMINI]

OP here. The dealership with the used vehicle dropped their price by $2000, but I think we are going to go with the new car anyhow. We put 89K miles on my 2015 Soul until I hit the wall with it. We intended to drive it for quite a while longer. If we get the new car now, it could last 10-15 years, with care, and be the last car we purchase (as I'm 68...). We'll see, but tomorrow we are test driving it, and if we like it, we'll buy it!~

You go girl!! Enjoy your new wheels!!