Hellobee Boards

We always buy used

Does your DH know if its the same model? The used car could be loaded while the new one is the stock model - I cant believe a new one of the same model would only be 6K more

@Mamaof2: yeah, I would look at the options, etc to see if they're really comparable.

We bought a used outback for a few thousand less but it was the same model year as new and had all the bells and whistles we wanted with only 7K miles on it (it was used as a rental). For the outbacks, buying used didn't make a whole lot of sense otherwise because they keep their value so the savings was minimal especially comparing new features. Also, I've realized that if you AREN'T paying cash, new can sometimes be the way to go because you can sometimes get a better rate financing new depending on your credit.

ETA: my preference is used as well because cars aren't an investment and value goes does quickly typically! But I look at the numbers and determine value in picking out features as well.

We just bought used. We got a 2016 Quest with 16k miles for 20k. It took quite a bit of searching. We wanted new but couldn't justify the price of brand new ( started at 29k) and the dealerships with all their fees and just the way they work make me ragey. With the one we bought we still have the warranty for a couple years and it was much cheaper than the brand new option and so the better value to us.

I found that the dealers were listing theirs at x price but then once I went in they revealed that I didn't qualify for all the discounts to make it that price. So just make sure you get all he correct info to make the best decision.

Good luck!

We bought a certified used 2012 Sienna XLE in 2015 with 38,000 miles on it for $26K-ish. We love it and definitely felt it was a way better value.

We generally always buy 2 years used and pay cash whenever possible. This was technically 3 years used, but the mileage was so low, we went with it.

I hear you on wanting the car to last safely for as long into your kid's childhood as possible (I want this to be like the only minivan I own, ideally). But for us, it was the actual options on the vehicle that made a big impact on our decision. When we priced out a new Sienna with all the stuff we really wanted (power sliding doors, power liftgate, captain's chairs, and leather, for instance), a new Sienna was going to run us about $45K. But we just couldn't justify that kind of cost for a car that was going to get completely thrashed by our kids. I don't care about GPS and DVD players, but with a toddler and a baby, I needed those power doors and the ability to keep the car cleaner with the leather.

We found Siennas with similar or less miles on it for something in the $20-22K range, but again, with those manual doors and cloth seats that were going to get disgusting, I just couldn't do it. We had to travel 60 miles away to get our XLE, but we are absolutely thrilled with it. The mileage is actually not that bad, the car runs like a dream, and the power options were definitely worth it. My husband thought I was being nuts, but within a few days he was like OMG THIS WAS SO WORTH IT.

So basically, we got a 3-year used vehicle and saved ourselves around $20,000. Totally worth it.

What are the financing options, could you purchase the new van with 0% interest?

@gingerbebe: wow I didn't realize the toyotas were so much more expensive. We had about the same scenario (just wanted power and leather no DVD). But the difference in new versus used was only $10k. I got mine brand new 2015 for $35 out the door (what we paid not any trade in or down payment).

What about the Warranty? You might not get one on a used car, but could on a new car, which could save money if it ever needed work. In that same vein, what other options would you get with a new car- perhaps a loaner/covered rental from the dealership when yours is in the shop?