[knarf]

The last off-the-dealership-floor car I bought was in 1991
I broke it a year later and the total payment from the ins co (full coverage, etc.) was 1200 dollars less than the payoff

I had to continue payments while I drove loaners for over a year to pay off a car I didn't own anymore and back then, no dealership would touch me for another car

I have since bought nothing but (until about 5 years ago) 300 dollar miracles.

Used cars are no longer sold by folks that just want to get rid of it for more than scrap

[grania]

That’s interesting. What we both have is a strategy for not being car-payment slaves for our whole lives.

[Graybeard58]

Used cars are no longer sold by folks that just want to get rid of it for more than scrap

Back in the 90s, I stuck a for sale sign on my pick up, it had a retail value of about $2500. In 6 months time, I didn't get a single bite. I eventually gave it to my daughter - better than having a dealer steal it from me on a trade in.