+1, and its probably more loss in value than that. I told myself that from now own I'm buying "new used" and let that other guy take that big hit!

Yes getting a used car is obviously cheaper than buying a new one. Some people may or may not like buying a used car. At the end of the day it is what you feel more comfortable doing & what you really want & it is your money & not any of ours. Everyone is going to have their own opinions, but the question you need to ask yourself is what do you want to-do.

I decided to look at this from a different angle. I'm buying the z for fun not to make money on it, as all cars are depreciating, but my personality won't allow me to dismiss the financial factor. Also, I am not modifying the car much and I don't race.

...I assumed today that I bought the car 3 years ago. If I bought a 3 year old z it would have been the 2006 350z, touring, wheels, etc the retail value today would be around $15,300 and if I bought a new 2009 then the retail value today would be around 27,100. Both assuming 36,000 miles. If I paid 30,000 for the 2006 then I would have lost 14,700 and if I paid $43,000 for the 2009 then I would have lost 15,900...a difference of $1,200. The $1,200 easily accounts for the nav, oil cooler, other small features and the peace of mind about the new car.

I know that this isn't an apples for apples comparison, but it's as close as I can get to a comparison. Also, it is using Edmunds numbers which I don't think are perfect, but are a good guide.

FYI - If I buy the 2009 z I would pay cash. If I buy the 2012 z I would put some down and finance the rest at 0% (why not, free money!!). The above scenario does not even consider the interest (as small as it would be) on keeping the 30k cash, that I would have paid outright for the used vehicle, in the bank and making payments out of it.


...Just a thought.

$10k off for 3 years? Yes please. Personally I just did the same. Lots of money for other stuff or mods.