Posted on 05/30/2013 12:49:52 PM PDT by Responsibility2nd
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The U.S. used-car market is facing big supply shortages and unusually high prices these days, so consumers might as well buy certain models new instead of used, since there's little difference in price.
"We're in a bit of a strange situation right now in that there simply isn't a lot of used-car inventory out there," says Eric Lyman of market tracker TrueCar.com.
Dealers have few used cars to sell because not many people bought or leased new vehicles during the 2008-10 economic meltdown, so there's a dearth of 3- to 5-year-old automobiles entering the resale market right now.
That's resulting in higher-than-normal used-car prices, especially since plenty of Americans are still pinching pennies and opting to buy pre-owned vehicles instead of new ones.
At the same time, today's low interest rates mean automakers can offer customers who can afford new vehicles cheap loans and other enticements.
"The incentives that manufacturers are putting on new cars in terms of cut-rate financing or lease deals can actually make new cars more attainable than used ones," Lyman says.
Adding to the similarities between some new- and used-car prices, some models haven't undergone major redesigns in several years, so older versions sell for almost as much as 2013s do.
Here's a look at five vehicles TrueCar recommends consumers buy new instead of used, as you'll save less than 19% by getting 2010 or 2011 versions. (The typical 2- to 3-year-old car costs around 30% less than its new counterpart.)
All savings estimates refer to price differences between the average new car and that of comparable 2- and 3-year-old editions sold between Jan. 1 and May 17 at some 14,000 U.S. dealers that TrueCar tracks.
(Excerpt) Read more at finance.yahoo.com ...
****** “You can always find a tough guy!” ******
You can also find a Whiner that needs AC in a moving vehicle.
TT
Hell given a choice... I can do without seat belts too
I can roll my own window up and down, love a manual transmission... I do however like Cruse Control but if my vehicle didn’t have it I could make my own. np
30 Grit Wet... occasionally rinse it off in Salt Water
One Sheet lasts a looong loong time
TT
;^)
****** “The Tough Guy steals boxes from homeless people to wipe with...and then returns them!” ******
That response says a whole lot more about you than me...
TT
>>You can also find a Whiner that needs AC in a moving vehicle.
Your Awesomeness is the stuff of legends!
I drive without A/C often, but A/C comes standard on just about everything for the past 15 years or so. So, use it or not, you paid for it.
1.) I can pay cash (no payments)
2.) It will get me down the road.
Jelly beans all.
Good policy.
I’ve been buying low mile older used Cadillacs from estates at bargain prices with good success.
I don't think I've had AC on but one or two of the vehicles I've had since 1963. I remember a an old Jeep Grand Wagoneer I had 12 years ago that had good air cooling. Crank open the wing vents all the way and drive real fast. I drove it all over the midwest and southeast that way.
I currently have a nice 98 Dakota with 195 k on it. I just put a front end under it and fixed a steering leak.I do not expect to get rid of it- barring a wreck, of course- and even then I will see if i can fix it for cheap.
I rode in a Buick Riviera a bunch of years ago. It had all the dash controls- radio, air/heat etc on a touch screen low on the dash. I watched the driver deal with it for a minute then told him to either stop the car and let me out or stay the hell away from the dash. That thing was deadly. One could not change the station on the radio by turning a knob one doesn’t have to look at didn’t have to look at. One had to touch a particular spot on on the screen and hold it while watching the numbers go by. At 60 mph that is not good. Similar with AC. What was GM thinking?
You got something against cardboard boxes??
Good point - there is TCO to consider.
And yet I don’t complain when the AC goes out... which was the whole point ...
****** “After a couple more years, its paid off and then you get used to not making that payment and suddenly, your old car looks really good.
Until the A/C dies.” ******
My only point was ... I don’t care about the AC
Drive On... We have much bigger Fish to Fry... Last time I checked we were still on the same Team.
TT
Bought my 2001 extended cab new in December of 2000. Coming up on 13 years, 220,000 miles. Nothing but standard maintenance. Best vehicle I I have ever owned.
Not so Awesome ... my fishing buddy loves his AC, when I ride with him I bring a Coat and my Knees still hurt. (Same thing with his House)
Again I use AC to defog my windshield during High Humidity Nights ... but if I didn’t have it I would still be just fine.
TT
(Seems like the same conversation I have with my fishing buddy, except he calls me a wimp cause I bring a coat) ;^)
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