What's going on, Albuquerque?

New Car Shopping

It's time to purchase a new car. And yes, I do mean NEW.

Before everyone jumps on me about the dreaded "depreciation" let me be clear that I don't care. I understand the concept and it's implication. But the tempting aroma of new car smell is just too much for me.

Plus, I like knowing my car's history and I keep my cars long enough that the depreciation becomes less of an issue.

I am, however, debating the merits leasing vs. buying. Here's a good article about this very issue:

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/47079/article.html

So this article basically says that leasing is the worst financial decision but the best option for a commitment-phobe. A used car is the overall best option but you risk not knowing how the last owner treated the car. And a new car loses a good portion of its value as you drive it off the lot, but you'll always know where it's spent its nights.

In the end, it seems that for some people, buying a car is a rational, practical, financial decision. For others, it's all about the vroom, vroom. And for most, it's somewhere in between.

For me, the car I am buying is practical even if buying it new is not. It's all about balance after all. And I can't wait to drive it off the lot, depreciation be damned.

0 members like this

Comment by Masshole in Fringecrest on November 27, 2007 at 10:19am: If you're going for a Subaru, Toyota or Honda, BUY don't Lease. If you're thinking BMW, Lexus, Audi, Mercedes- LEASE don't buy. You're not actually thinking about buying some other brand are you? yep, I think I got them all. Oh wait, I forgot Volvo and Saab. The only reason you would buy one of those is if you have kids AND drive like a freakin' maniac.

Comment by Alexis on November 27, 2007 at 12:46pm: I'm going for another Subaru. I'm addicted to all-wheel drive.

Comment by freekbuoy on November 27, 2007 at 1:42pm: Subaru- good choice.

BTW: Masshole, you forgot all of the American brands. Wait, no you didn't.

Comment by Dan Ehrig on November 29, 2007 at 8:33am: I always pictured you in a Jetta. Every time I'm walking Jessie on Ridgecrest road I look inside every Jetta that drives by thinking one of them must be you.

Comment by Alexis on November 29, 2007 at 11:28am: I actually thought about an Audi or a Jettas, I even nerded out on consumer reports. Although I'm more of an A3 girl myself.

The maintenance record on Audis and Jettas leave something to be desired. That wouldn't be a big deal if I were leasing, but becomes a big consideration when buying. And anyway, an A3 costs about 10 grand more than I want to spend.

Comment