Why do we buy new cars?

[Snoopy]

[ QUOTE ]

Five reasons, I reckon.

1) Status - like it or not, there's a lot of status to be had from having a new car on the drive, if that floats your boat. It's a bit like showing someone how much money you've got, whether you buy a new Daewoo or a Lambo.

2) Impatience - so many people I know don't want to wait for 6 or 12 months after a new model is released - they want to own and drive it now.

3) Marketing Pressure - it's constant. Car companies push the "desirability" of new cars so much these days, whether it's economy, green-ness, speed, luxury or whatever.

4) Ease of Access to Finance - "it'll only cost me an extra £XXX per month for the new model" - madness but true

5) Insanity - no, I don't get it either. If I had £60K to spin right now, I would go out and buy a spanking RS4 Avant. No reason. I just want one.

6) The desire to have a virgin car rather than something that may have been thrashed mechanically in its infancy. You are also guaranteed that its never been smoked in if you buy new (if that bothers you)

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that more or less covers it but i still think anyone that buys a new car and does not expect to keep it a long time at least 7-8 years is just wasting money.

My brother runs older cars but regular changes them every 3-6 months on average sometimes less often sometimes more often. Why he gets bored of them. The thing is its rare he pays more than £500 for a car most hes paid is £1500 and that was a one off its often low £100s or less he buys more and more often on ebay now, Think his last Audi cost him £5.60 £5 something anyway, but hes a trained mecanic so fixing them is sunday fun to him. So when he does sell he often gets far more than he paid for them. So gets free motoring or there abouts.

[Tarmac_Terrorist]

I would be more tempted to buy nearly new cars rather than new but I'm very put off by the way folks don't undertake the basic checks (oil etc). You only need to read the posts on here by people saying their oil light has come on. I tend to keep my cars 3-6 years so how a car has been run in & maintained early in it's life is important to me.

[felixthecat1]

[ QUOTE ]

I think that more or less covers it but i still think anyone that buys a new car and does not expect to keep it a long time at least 7-8 years is just wasting money.

[/ QUOTE ]

This sums it up for me. Buying new is a great feeling and I've done it myself. the trick is to avoid the depressing feeling of loosing all that money for as long as possible by hanging on to the car for a decent period. If you change your car every couple of years there really is no point in buying new!

Tian

[patently]

[ QUOTE ]

My new cars were all trouble free apart from the 206 HDI D Turbo that simply wouldn't start at 63, yes, SIXTY THREE miles.

[/ QUOTE ]

Picture the scene ... an Official Porsche Centre, a brand new 911, the salesman has finished the handover briefing, the customer takes the keys, the helpers open the doors, the 911 won't start

I had specced the car nicely, it seems - I had paid a lot of attention to its aesthetics. So it had been in the showroom for quite a while, showing off the roof opening, closing, opening, closing, ooh look at the satnav ... and so on.

So when I came to collect it, the battery was on its last legs

A very embarrased Porsche team ran off to the compound to get me a battery from a car that had arrived from Stuttgart a few days before.

You had to be there

(Hasn't missed a beat since )

[felixthecat1]

Similar thing happened to my boss when he bought his Alfa 166 3.0ltr Sportronic. (Full spec available on request) . They lowered it off the low loader and it just clicked when they turned the key. . Poor bloke I'd just finished telling him it would break down within the first 1,000 miles. I nearly pi$$ed myself. Strange thing was nobody else found it funny.

Tian

[Chav]

I tend to keep a car for a couple of years, so I buy nearly new and then get rid when warranty expires.

Also saves me having to clean it properly. Have had several ex-demo cars now, and no problems - touch wood!!

[Ari]

The only new car I've ever had is the Audi Cab.

I think buying new does have big advantages, as suggested above. Total control of the specification and colour is an obvious one, as is having total control of the history of the car (how it's been treated etc), and full warranties from day one (three years on the Audi).

I also think the trick to buying new is in choosing a model with good residuals. I'd never buy a new Alfa for example as that really would be financial suicide.

But what you need to remember is that at the end of the day, the public decide how much extra a new car is worth than a used, no one else. If used values became low enough almost no one would buy new so there would be less new cars so more people would be competing for less used cars in the future and values would go up. Conversely if used car values were too close to new, everyone would buy new and used values would have to drop to make them sell plus there would be more new cars on the market.

That's a rather simplistic view and there is more to it than that, but the point is that used car values relative to new car values hover roughly around where Joe Public decides they have to be to be worth not buying a new one.

Also, although everyone trots out the old "you could of have a used 911 for the price of that new Boxster" type arguments, the fact is cars do go wrong, and these days when they do it can be massively expensive. I know someone who had a 2 year old (I think it was, something like that)X5 that destroyed its gearbox without warning. There's a fairly hefty bite out of his new/used saving straight away...

Finally, people who brand everyone who buys new as idiots (Ian) "ooohh you must be mad to buy a new S4 when a year old one is x pounds cheaper" are rather missing the point. If the only thing that mattered to you is saving money to the exclusion of all else you'd be buying a used 1.0 Fiesta. Feck me, live a little, what's the point of earning it if you can't indulge sometimes?

A good (and very financially prudent) friend of mine has an excellent saying. "Ari", he'll say, "you've got to waste a little money sometimes". He's just ordered a brand new 911 Carrera 4S by the way!

There's no pockets in shrouds (Ian), and you're a long time dead!

[Cris]

[ QUOTE ]

A good (and very financially prudent) friend of mine has an excellent saying. "Ari", he'll say, "you've got to waste a little money sometimes". He's just ordered a brand new 911 Carrera 4S by the way!

There's no pockets in shrouds (Ian), and you're a long time dead!

[/ QUOTE ]

A fair point but it does beg the question assuming that you have a certain amount of cash to spend why not spend it getting a better car?

Would I buy a brand spanking 3 series coupe or a second hand 911?

OK maybe you need the back seats or cannot afford the insurance but the point is there.

[Rachel]

Doesn't it come down to the fact that some people buy with their heads and others buy with their hearts?

Depending on who you are and your circumstances - the buying will be decided by one of the above two mechanisms. I admit I try to buy with my head, but the R32 was definitely NOT one of those. Worse it was a demonstrator - and the last DBP vehicle available in Oz. So technically, it was 2nd hand, but boy did I want it...

[patently]

[ QUOTE ]

A fair point but it does beg the question assuming that you have a certain amount of cash to spend why not spend it getting a better car?

Would I buy a brand spanking 3 series coupe or a second hand 911?

[/ QUOTE ]

You've missed Ari's point, which is that the price differential will settle to the point where, on average, the financial benefit of buying used will exactly equal the additional satisfaction of buying new. Note: ON AVERAGE!

So, for each person, it will come down to which is more important to you - the money* or the satisfaction?? Everyone will be different.

--------------------------------

*for which read "the better car" as a direct alternative

[Rachel]

Also - you have the "Chav" culture in the UK and more extreme - the "rice boy"/tuning culture out of Asia (initially Japan) where obscene amounts of money are spent doing insane things to relatively inexpensive cars.

There are some hot Japanese vehicles in my part of town that I'm sure have cost as much or more than a new 911 to put together... The fact that most of them will eat a 911 might just go to prove it is money well spent.

[shao_khan]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

So why do we do it?.. Are we all mad?

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe, but more to do with arrogance, stupidity or simply being too rich to care.Ian

[/ QUOTE ]

I wouldnt have really said I fitted into any of those categories

[felixthecat1]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

So why do we do it?.. Are we all mad?

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe, but more to do with arrogance, stupidity or simply being too rich to care.Ian

[/ QUOTE ]

I wouldnt have really said I fitted into any of those categories

[/ QUOTE ]

Ahhh, neither do I mate.

Tian

[Chav]

I do. I'm stupid!

[felixthecat1]

[ QUOTE ]

I do. I'm stupid!

[/ QUOTE ]

Go on....

Tian

[mixit]

My last 3 have been new, the main reason being.

There were no Used R32's around when I got mine. There were no used Golf 2.0 GT TDI's around when I got mine and finally, yes, you guessed, there were no used Mk5 GTi's about either. Plus I wanted an exact spec and all cars had to be ordered from the factory.

[Mollox]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

So why do we do it?.. Are we all mad?

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe, but more to do with arrogance, stupidity or simply being too rich to care.

Ian

<font color="#666666">PS. Aimed at all Brits, not Dave who I quoted. Keeping up with the Joneses' is still rife in this country..... </font>

[/ QUOTE ]

Erm, that's an interesing and rather general sweep there Ian

[Mollox]

"We" buy new cars because we can or we want to. Usually both. I don't think many people take into account whether random strangers think they are making their money work well for them or not.

Conversely, why do we buy used cars? For argument's sake, let's say a 205 GTi is worth 4-5k (I know I'm being generous) but still, the logic works. Why would you buy a 205 GTi when you can get a Perodua Nippa or similar for a few quid more? The Nippa is going to have a 3 year warranty, be as cheap if not cheaper to service, cost less to insure, cost less in tyres and any Co2 related charges. Even factoring depreciation into the mix, the Nippa is going to be a cheaper ownership prospect.

Why would we buy a 205 GTi? No, wait, you've already answered that

Be wary of comments like that Ian, they're ill-conceived not terribly thought through and pretty much unfounded. Value is an intangible concept and one person's value is another's waste. Doesn't make either right and that's the beauty of it.

[Mollox]

Hmm, a couple of details are wrong - its the lovingly-named Kelisa and not the Nippa we're talking about but that doesn't affect the case:

KELISA

PERODUA KELISA

Perodua’s New Generation super mini in detail

· A highly efficient 5-door super mini

· Choice of manual or automatic transmission

· Extremely inexpensive from £4,699 delivered*

· Continues Perodua’s reputation for exceptional value

· Lowest running and ownership costs

· High standard specification includes driver & passenger airbags

· Power steering

· Side impact protection

· Seat belt pre-tensioners

· Rear door child safety locks

· Advanced engine immobiliser

Fitted options

Perodua Kelisa owners can further personalise their vehicles with the range of fitted options available through their local Perodua dealership. Perodua fitted options have been designed and tested to provide durable, trouble-free use.

Items include:

· Tilting and sliding manual sunroof

· Tilting and sliding electrically operated sunroof

· Sepang silver alloy wheels

· Raceline white alloy wheels

· Protective corner mouldings

· Front clear wind deflectors

· Rear clear wind deflectors

· Sports exhaust tail pipe trim

· Reverse park control

· Metallic paint (EX model)

Low running costs

Perodua has established excellent credentials where running costs are concerned and is consistently recognised by CAP as one of the UK ’s most affordable cars to own and run over 3 years/60,000 miles. Currently this equates to an incredibly low 13.3 pence per mile including purchase price, running costs and depreciation. In addition to this Perodua’s impressive warranty package includes comprehensive cover for two years/24,000 miles, one year’s roadside recovery membership and a six year anti-perforation guarantee. Kelisa’s low purchase price coupled to 10,000 miles service intervals, a low level of VED, a group 3A insurance rating and outstanding fuel economy make it a serious contender for long term value.

So, when are you getting one? Clearly you wouldn't buy a new one but an ex-demo makes the most sense of any car on sale today.

Would you like me to get a dealer to call you? I won't charge a fee

[Golfer]

[ QUOTE ]

"We" buy new cars because we can or we want to. Usually both. I don't think many people take into account whether random strangers think they are making their money work well for them or not.

Conversely, why do we buy used cars? For argument's sake, let's say a 205 GTi is worth 4-5k (I know I'm being generous) but still, the logic works. Why would you buy a 205 GTi when you can get a Perodua Nippa or similar for a few quid more? The Nippa is going to have a 3 year warranty, be as cheap if not cheaper to service, cost less to insure, cost less in tyres and any Co2 related charges. Even factoring depreciation into the mix, the Nippa is going to be a cheaper ownership prospect.

Why would we buy a 205 GTi? No, wait, you've already answered that

Be wary of comments like that Ian, they're ill-conceived not terribly thought through and pretty much unfounded. Value is an intangible concept and one person's value is another's waste. Doesn't make either right and that's the beauty of it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I sometimes wonder why I have bought so many, I really enjoy looking after and pampering my new cars, I have bought the "Bee Knees" IMHO this time and will find it hard to better it for my purposes, so I will keep this one a while. But if this new technology comes into new cars, this black-box track your every move S*it, then I will not buy another one.

[DHA]

Audijohn, I think you are part of a number of people who will shun new cars if blackboxes are installed to anything new!

[shao_khan]

I am adicted to the new car smell - its a proven addiction as well you know

[Golfer]

[ QUOTE ]

Audijohn, I think you are part of a number of people who will shun new cars if blackboxes are installed to anything new!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep many people I speak to dont want this and if it is itroduced to new first this economy is going suffer.

[Cris]

[ QUOTE ]

You've missed Ari's point, which is that the price differential will settle to the point where, on average, the financial benefit of buying used will exactly equal the additional satisfaction of buying new. Note: ON AVERAGE!

So, for each person, it will come down to which is more important to you - the money* or the satisfaction?? Everyone will be different.

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*for which read "the better car" as a direct alternative

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that the point is fairly clear, as is mine. For a very quick example lets say I spend approx £40k on my BMW 335i Coupe (which a decent list of options that sounds about right). For that much money I could get a second hand 911 of 2001 vintage (had a quick search on Porsche's site to confirm).

Is the equation that the BMW will give me equal satisfaction to the 911 on the basis that the BMW is new and the 911 is old? I can't really see it myself.....

Obivously the cars themselves are not the point as you might not like 911s (or 3 series') but none the less for a given price point you'll get more car. I think that I'd enjoy the more car (in my exaple the 911) to the new car (in my example the BMW).

It's not a case of SAVING money it's a case of getting the most fun out of the cash available.

Obviously others don't see things the way I do but then again others buy Suzuki Vitaras in bright pink so......

[patently]

[ QUOTE ]

Obviously others don't see things the way I do but ......

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah ... now you understand, see?

We are all individual ... we all have different needs and aspirations ... we all make up our own minds ... and we all reach different conclusions.

Long may that continue. Pubs would be tedious places if we couldn't argue.

Oh, and it seems I'm not alone in planning to stop buying new cars the instant they are required to fit Big Brother-approved trackers. We should make that crystal clear to the manufacturers - that is probably the only way to stop it happening.