New car or used car?

M

Mvu

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I want to buy a car but cannot decide on whether to buy a new or used car. I can get a new Toyota for around R200 000 but I can also get a used Mercedes (2011) for around the same price. I also like the Polo GTI. My problem is that Toyota does not come with a sunroof and I am still young so I want a flashy car. Advise please??? :confused:
 
Sublimate.

Forgo flash for now. Save the cash until you can buy with cash the flash you want. You'll never regret the lessons learned.

Pull chicks with character, not ephemerals.
 
You can get a used Polo GTI for around R230k...

Here we go again with the "be smart or be happy" argument.... I say be happy, get the GTI
 
Nangi said:
You can get a used Polo GTI for around R230k...

Here we go again with the "be smart or be happy" argument.... I say be happy, get the GTI
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Kinda going with this advice.
As long as your saving the same amount for a rainy day. Enjoy your money.
 
Buying a new Toyota for R200k is like buying a wet cloth. I can't imagine anything worse.

You'd probably kill yourself from boredom after buying that. Buy a decent second hand car.
 
Mvu said:
I want to buy a car but cannot decide on whether to buy a new or used car. I can get a new Toyota for around R200 000 but I can also get a used Mercedes (2011) for around the same price. I also like the Polo GTI. My problem is that Toyota does not come with a sunroof and I am still young so I want a flashy car. Advise please??? :confused:
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Your question is convoluted.

I'd look at it this way:

1. Find out what your budget is. Its a complex calculation that only you can do with the numbers at hand but if you do not own a property I wouldn't put more than 1/5 net salary into car/insurance/petrol. Stick to your budget. No residuals!

2. Decide on a class of vehicle to suit your needs and draw up a list of models you like. I.e. I need a 4 door family sedan. It seems like you don't know what you want at the moment. family sedan / hot hatch / luxury car ???

3. Usually i'd recommend driving all cars and going with which one feels best but in this case it wont work as obviously the Merc is going to feel best as its in a complete different class.

4. Even if you decided on the Toyota, try look for a <2 year old 2nd hand model or demo. Buying new is great (been there) but in the end its not worth the R20 000+ it is going to cost you.

In the end you can ignore and you can do what you want with your money. Just make sure you are sure and there is minimal risk. I've seen far too many young people get into a lot of trouble with cars.
 
Look for a good used car with low mileage and just continue to look after it.

Keep in mind, you're young, so getting something FLASHY means INSURANCE will go UP UP UP! :)
 
genetic said:
Buying a new Toyota for R200k is like buying a wet cloth. I can't imagine anything worse.

You'd probably kill yourself from boredom after buying that. Buy a decent second hand car.
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I have a Toyota Tazz. Dunno where the boring reference comes from, since they only need to be reliable and get you from point a to point b, and be able to do 120. If you're looking for anything more as a day-to-day car, you must be bored with life.
 
If you get something with like 10k on the clock it will feel new, while being far cheaper.
 
Ho3n3r said:
I have a Toyota Tazz. Dunno where the boring reference comes from, since they only need to be reliable and get you from point a to point b, and be able to do 120. If you're looking for anything more as a day-to-day car, you must be bored with life.
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Depends on the individual. Driving pleasure can be an important factor in purchasing a vehicle to some.
 
Perhaps a very silly question, but comparing new to used, say you sell both after 3 years - would the used car sell for way more than the new?
 
Ho3n3r said:
I have a Toyota Tazz. Dunno where the boring reference comes from, since they only need to be reliable and get you from point a to point b, and be able to do 120. If you're looking for anything more as a day-to-day car, you must be bored with life.
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If you read my post again, you'll notice I said buying a new Toyota for R200k.

Sorry, but there I can't imagine anything worse than a cheap new Toyota.
 
OrbitalDawn said:
:confused:
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:)
What I'm asking is:
New Toyota is 200k. After 3 years you sell it for I dunno, 150k.
2 year old Merc is also 200k. After 3 years (Merc is now 5 years old) and you're selling it, would you get more than what the Toyota would fetch?
 
Sepeng said:
:)
What I'm asking is:
New Toyota is 200k. After 3 years you sell it for I dunno, 150k.
2 year old Merc is also 200k. After 3 years (Merc is now 5 years old) and you're selling it, would you get more than what the Toyota would fetch?
Click to expand...

Would highly depend on the vehicles in question. The 'new' vehicle is also used now, obviously.
 
Sepeng said:
:)
What I'm asking is:
New Toyota is 200k. After 3 years you sell it for I dunno, 150k.
2 year old Merc is also 200k. After 3 years (Merc is now 5 years old) and you're selling it, would you get more than what the Toyota would fetch?
Click to expand...

My advice get a low mileage second hand car. Something less than 20k on the clock. You get the peace of mind, without the driving off the showroom costs.
 
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