The used car values aren’t worth it in my opinion. If you can afford it, buy new and work to get the best deal possible. Maintain and keep for 15years.
This.
I have done this for years.
I wait until the model year change and do my homework.
Many time there is factory to dealer cash that is not advertised. My goal is to get at least a nice chunk of that in the deal.
I aim at used one year value when I make an offer. Generally, I hit it. I have had times that I have bought new for less than I could have bought used.
If it is slightly over, no big deal. I still enjoy a new car with full factory warranty, without wear and tear for close money to a used car without an extended warranty, The lack of wear on consumables (tires, brakes, etc) offsets the difference, IMO.
Use the internet to your advantage and shop away. Go where the best deal is. I live in Central Ohio and bought our recent new car in West Virginia.
Nobody around us would touch the deal I got. I'll gladly drive to another state to save $4200. My cousin thought I was slightly crazy and wanted the same vehicle. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't come close. I got involved. She ended up at the same dealer I did, got the same deal, and drove it home.
I normally aim for 10 years of ownership as a guide. I went 14 on this last one and had our van sold in a weekend, with a waiting list of people offering me full asking if the original customer fell through. There is a shortage of good used cars and the over inflated pricing reflects that deficit.
Shop both ways, but I have generally found the deals to be had are in new cars, unless one goes out at least five model years. Even then, when looking at niche vehicles (like trucks, for instance,) the pricing is crazy.
