Was the Camaro Worth Buying New?

[jshaf]

bought both of mine used with just under 4K miles on the them. a 2010 1LT and a 2011 2SS. prefer some other person take the initial depreciation hit. If I was wealthy probably wouldn't care. saved 7 grand going lightly used. got a 3 year extended Warranty since the SS's factory warranty was almost up. 14 months and only issue was the battery, previous owner let is set weeks and even months with out starting it. they only drove it about 1.5K the last two years they owned it. there were a couple sap stains that I buffed out, followed with a light polish and it looks great. interior was like new, still is. 3975K when I drove it off the lot in November of 2013. 6188K today!

[sonnydurden]

Thanks for everyone's input!! I really appreciate it. Come August I calculated that I should owe less than what the car is worth. Gonna sell it and get a 2010 2SS LS3.. Ready to start saving up to start a 1967-1969 Camaro project!!!

[tc_sting]

I have bought both used and new cars.
My current car I bought new.

The trouble with new:
- massive depreciation. You are lucky if your monthly payments keep up with the loss in value. Most owners like me are under water-- whether they care to admit it or not.

The trouble with used:
- you are buying someone elses problems. And there will be problems or at the very least excessive wear on common replaceables like tires/brakes,hoses.The initial savings can get eaten away fast-- once you honestly count up the costs, you simply have two car payments. One to the bank, one to the repair shop.
- Also your loan interest rate will be higher than new and your insurance will be higher than new.

Most people probably notice a trend. Both scenarios dwell on money loss. The reason is simple: cars are a liability, not an asset. All cars cause massive loss of resources to their owners. Reality doesn't care about emotional resolve. Our cars are never worth as much as we want them to be.

At no time has my used or new car saved me cash somehow, but there are particular benefits.

The good of new car:
- you often acquire the options you wanted
- you have a specific bumper to bumper warranty.

The good of used
- you often can acquire a make/model that you could not afford new.
- this holds true for most people who seek the SS or vert option, say in camaro world.

I always weigh the benefits and troubles with my current car desire.

Currently I am favoring acquiring a used camaro convertible because I want it and can afford a used model. I cannot, however, afford new vert model. If I want new, then its the coupe version for me.

[chris jd]

Buying used is very tempting, but the thought of most of the miles being put on the car in a destructive way is overwhelming. Who is going to tell you the truth on whether those are highway, city, drag strip, or race track miles? The thought of mechanical failures, or a need to replace things (tires, brakes, suspension, etc.) makes it a hard call. Once you buy used, every single problem from the last owner, which very well could have been swept under the rug or cheaply repaired is now yours. If you are good with cars, and/or can find a low mileage one then it may be worth it.

So after you factor in all of the risks and potential costs of a used car + its cost, you can then figure out if the savings are worth it versus buying a new vehicle under warranty.

Good luck!

[TommyTheCat]

Paid less than 20k before taxes, I'd say it was worth it. If you're not picky about scratches and rock chips... then no I guess not worth it for the extra bit of cash for a used one from the dealer.

[cal45]

Don't feel bad - it seems to be business as usual for dealers to low ball your trade in.

Just 2 weeks ago, I was looking at a leftover new 2014 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG sedan and had them look at my 2014 2SS w/11000 miles on it for trade....their offer: $28,500.

[Avenging Orange]

I have no factual information to offer. Im just an old fart who makes a fair living and paid his dues. Depreciation means squat to me. Decided I was tired of buying some one elses crap. I buy new because I know what I want and I get it. But I will not get taken by any dealer. I have learned to just walk away if its not going my way. Guess it all boils down to personal preferrence`........and finances.

[AQUA2LT]

I bought a 2010 2lt abm with a msrp $30500 from Kelly chevy in Phoenixville pa. 47 months later and 64,000 miles I traded it in on a 2014 2ss msrp 44,500. they gave me 18,000 for the trade. last month I went in for 20% off sale. now my 2014 is 15 months old and has 9,000 miles on it. Kelly blue book and black book say it worth $31,800, we buy any car says $23,000. I won two 1st places at local cars show , the car is in great shape.
are you ready Kelly told me $22,000.

[two_wheel_mayhem]

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

Same here. Debt-free is a wonderful thing. Strictly new and strictly cash!

Yeah same here, I don't always buy new though but I never finance.

[garyw]

new car prices fluctuate also, i have a 14 2ss rs and i paid 27k for it.

[TheSmokingSuns]

Dang many of you guys got some good deals. I paid 29K for my 2011 2LT brand new back in April 2011 in Orange, CA. 4 year anniversary coming up. Would rarely see any new Camaro's on the road and received so many compliments and questions back in 2011. Still get compliments and looks now, but not as crazy as back then. I don't regret it at all and still love it the same since I bought it.

[garyw]

Im joking, i paid 37k, was 5k off list

[NYCamOwner]

I have bought most of my vehicles used, but the Camaro and the GMC Acadia I bought this last summer were all new. I knew of the previous issues with the convertible tops, which is why I went new. For the best bang for your buck, less than a year old used is the best, as long as you do not mind getting something that someone has used before.

[two_wheel_mayhem]

Originally Posted by NYCamOwner

as long as you do not mind getting something that someone has used before.

Depends, the girl in your avatar......I wouldn't mind.