What is a "late model" car?

[AcuraTech]

Call me stupid, I've heard this term thrown around before, but have NO clue what it means. Someone needs to fill me in.

 

[TurboLuver]

It means a "newer" car.

 

[duaneb9729]

to me its a car newer than the one i own, or a term used to discrib a one to three year old car

 

[db130]

to me it describes a make/model that is mechanically identical to a new one that are being sold at the dealership(doesn't necessarily have to be the same model year though).

 

[TooManyWheels]

A late model car is one where you are still paying on the mortgage...

 

[John_K]

I never understood why they don't say "newer".

John

 

[brianl703]

Anything the fashion-conscious would still be caught driving.

 

[ocrstar]

I think of it as anything with OBDII or newer engine management ('96). Guess that's not so anymore.

 

[The_Jeff]

It's what junkyards are paying cash for. My yard generally doesn't have anything as old as my 95... and the cars in there have fewer miles too!

 

[ThirdeYe]

To me, I would say 2001+

 

[rpn453]

I'm with db130 on this one. I would use that term for any model that is still for sale and hasn't yet undergone any major changes. I can buy a 2009 Mazda3 that is essentially the same as the one I have, so I still consider mine a "late model".

 

[CrAlt]

Something i'll prob never own

 

[The_Jeff]

Something a bank is willing to finance...

Used car dealers like the ~8 year old, and newer cars, because banks will allow buyers 5 years to pay them off... so they're instantly $7000 cars.

Give those cars another year and they're worth $1500.

 

[jldcol]

The ability to finance it makes sense. If you want a mechanical definition probably anything not using a carb, fuel injection of some sort along with a computer on engine.