buy used car to enjoy something fancy

[tfcheng]

Hi,
lately I am considering buying a new impreza WRX, but I heard something from my sister and got me thinking that if I am willing to buy a used car, I can still enjoy it with less $$ and can exchage it with something else a couple years later, e.g. I found a BMW 323Ci, 2000 model with ~80,000miles on it, costs about 17,000. I would probably never be able to offord a new BMW, but if I go with this used-car concept, I can enjoy it now. How do you guys think and what should I pay attention?? thank you for your time.

TFC

[sickcallawayc12]

Cars are one of the worst investments for your money IMO. I will never ever buy a new car. Don't really understand why anyone would. In a lot of cases you have to "break the car in" when it's new and that sucks cuz you can't really have fun with it at first, plus it loses value immediately. A well maintained used car is already broken in plus you're dumping in less money for something that is practically just as good.

[tfcheng]

yeah, start to think this way now...

so I guess this means yes, huh? :-)

TFC

[sickcallawayc12]

Used cars really aren't that bad at all. Sure you kinda have to be a detective cuz some people say anything to sell a car (especially used dealers), parts wear of course so you have to check out EVERYTHING, and you don't know its true history (carfax helps). It's good knowledge though since you learn what to look for when things go wrong. Private parties are generally all right as they are typically honest (good condition or not). You would probably like certified cars too which are newer vehicles with some miles, (under 40,000 or something, i.e., not AS used), but not too many but still under warranty.