New car rant

I think that it's dependent on the individual. I've personally been burned numerous times by used vehicles needing major repairs, not to mention being on a first name basis with my tow truck driver. A number of years ago I actually had to have both of my vehicles towed within 3 days of one another...not fun when you're in the middle of moving. One was a computer and the other the rear end. That was the turning point for me. If someone is able to comfortably fit the cost into their budget and choose to spend that portion of their budget on a car, more power to them. I will more than likely always have a newer vehicle as a daily driver.

Tempering expectations and doing a bit of homework is also important. I won't buy unless I'm doing very well on the deal...thus leaving more room on the back end. There's always another dealership down that road that wants your business. In addition, as alluded to earlier, there are a number of vehicles like the WRX, Tacoma, and Wrangler for example which hold their values extremely well. I've had 2x Tacomas, 2x Wranglers, and a WRX. If you're buying a new vehicle at the end of the model year with a 20% factory rebate and want to turn it over in a year or two...yeah that's going to hurt financially in most cases.