New or Used Cars

[KarenWitty]

What are your thoughts on most economical vehicle? I know Dave Ramsey suggests that used cars are the way to go, however, he is probably not as unlucky as my family. We had two used cars to break down within 4 days (not to mention one broke down the night I was to go on a vacation). We seem to always have major issues. This time it is a motor and transmission and those are not cheap fixes at all. Thoughts??

[singletonb]

I have been looking into both but before investing in used, I will have it fully examined and find websites that will let me know if the vehicle has been in an accident or not. 

[aflyingmonkey]

I choose New
I don't know how the prior owners took care of those cars prior to me getting it, I wouldn't trust used. Though family members have gotten used cars by a year, & have saved significantly & have gotten good cars.

[12amos]

I vote for new as opposed to used.  New cars seem to work well for me.  I purchased a used car many years ago and had nothing but problem after problem with it. 

[jkhanson]

I have a very nice used car.  It's a cadillac.  It runs like a charm.  No problems with it.
People give me a little razzing because it is a cadillac, but I paid a lot less for this used car than a lot of people pay for used cars.

[fjaz1]

Thoughts on new and used cars?  Then you ask about economical vehicles What is it? Geez? Who cares about Dave Ramsey?  Great post

[gaylasue]

I am not a fan of used cars unless someone just had it a few months and went on to better things.  We have not had very good luck when purchasing used cars.  My last 8 cars have been new.  My latest vehicle is a Honda Civic.  It is getting great gas mileage (35+/- mpg).

[oldbuddy]

I have had good luck with both, but you have to realize that Dave Ramsey is in the book selling and advertising business, not just there to advise you on what really works. You need to do your own research and get help where you need it from personal friends and family that you can trust.

[DeliriousKris]

My first vehicle was a used truck that my dad bought for me when I was 17. I had it up until last year, where I bought myself a brand new car that I plan to keep for a very long time.

[aimhigherinc]

If you invest in used car make sure you get warranty it will be well worth it.

[vickysue]

I bought a new Honda years ago and had it only three months and had put maybe 2000 miles on it and the timeing chain inside the motor. It had to be towed 140 miles home as there was not  Honda deal anywhere around.  It was under warrenty and I fought for 2 months before they put a new motor in and I had to go to the home office and then they made the dealer get done. Ever since I just buy a used good one. If you have someone check it out and find anything wrong you a lot of times get the dealer to fix it before you buy it. But not my hubby he just goes and buys and ticks me off. Because then we have troubles with it somewhere.

[froggylover227]

I'd say it depends on the year of the car. Years ago, cars weren't made the way they are today. So from a financial standpoint, you may save money on the initial purchase of the older vehicle but will probably be dumping money into repairs. Whereas if you purchase a newer used vehicle (if that makes sense) you might not be spending so much on costly repairs. All in all, I think a new car is still the safest bet, but if your gonna go used, try not to go anything past 15 years old.

[devideddi]

I would love to have a new car!!

[champak97]

Sometimes it is better to get a new car, rather than face issues with a used car.

[pstovall]

We've had both at our house and have been happy with the results.  Our used cars have not caused any problems, however, it's scary to get a car when you don't know how it's been treated.  I prefer new.