The debate has raged, in my circle at least, for as long as I can remember. Which is better to have, a new rig, a used one that is paid off?
Without getting to esoteric about it, I will try to cover the pros and cons of each. Your feed back is, of course, most welcome.
New:
Pros:
1) Warrenty: This is a big one for a lot of people. Not being forced to pay for every little dent or ding is huge. Also if something catastrophic breaks, like a transmission, you only need to find a way to get it to a certified shop. Big bonus here for those who hate working on transmissions (myself included).
2) Reliable: Most new vehicles are insanely reliable. Yes, there are exceptions, but for the most part, they work as they should.
3) After market support: Most new 4 wheel drives have a crazy amount of after market support. With the growth of "Overlanding" and camping in general, everything from OEM to custom is springing up in just about every corner of the world.
4) "Cool Factor": Having the latest and greatest sitting in your driveway on some meaty tires with an RTT on top is sure to make you the talk of your neighbors. It's not just keeping up with the jones's at this point, it's plowing over their lawn gnomes while slinging mud across the windscreen of that powder blue Prius. It's hot dogs and 'Merica! Well, that last part may be a bit extreme, but you know who they are. ;)
Cons:
1) You will be paying a monthly payment, every month, without fail, every single month. Seriously, like $500+ a month, just for the privilege of parking it in your driveway. That is not counting full coverage insurance, gas, upgrades, trip funds, and that cool bottle opener mounted by the tail gate.
2) Well, really #1 is about it. If you buy new, you will have a great number of advantages.
Used:
Pros: It will be paid off! More money for upgrades, trips, and (generally) lower insurance cost.
Cons:
1) Maintenance: If you buy it used, you have no idea about the skill level of the last person to work on it. I just changed the rear brakes on one vehicle and the last owner actually had the ware bar for the brake pad clipped to the retaining clip for the pad, preventing it from moving at all. Horrible job. But that is the chance you take with a used vehicle.
2) You better know how to use a wrench. Used vehicle are by their definition, low cost. Part of that low cost is doing a lot of the work yourself. Granted this is a skill you should have regardless of what you drive, but those with a paid off vehicle, and a warrenty you don't have to sacrifice are more likely to pull out a tool box than call a tow truck.
3) Older vehicles tend to make weird noises, that are usually normal for them, given their age. A loud stereo helps overcome this ;)
4) Everyrhing starts to look like it's about to fail at any moment. While this is not really true, for the most part, the fear of the next breakdown is ever present. It can be frustrating, but the cost is generally less than the monthly payment of a new vehicle. Still, you are always watching for something to break, especially items recently repaired.
That is my short list anyway. Still, I have chosen to go the "pre-owned" route, and if everything goes right I will be selling my 2013 Toyota Tacoma on Friday. I have since purchased a 1999 Isuzu Vehicross. Nasty little thing that I DO NOT recommend for the faint of heart. Parts can be a challenge to find, and you will spend countless hours trying to track down a problem on what you initially thought was going ot be a two hour repair. Still, I absolutely love this little gem, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Besides, the $550/ month for the Taco, plus the cost of the insurance every month just means more money for trips, upgrades, and of course, repairs. LOL!
What do you all think? New or Used? Which would you drive, and which do you drive?
