ludi wrote:I've been following/enjoying this discussion. But, as is too often the case, I tend to disagree with the consensus brewing (pardon the pun). My strategy has always been to buy a brand new car, or at worst, one that's just off a short-term lease that comes with an outrageously long warranty. I have several friends who have gone the opposite way, buying (occasionally getting free) beat out old cars, or well worn used cars. Over ~30 years at 50-100k (think-o, I meant) 15-25k mi/yr, I've spend less (not including all of full collision insurance, but definitely including towing and repair costs) on cars than they have with either of those strategies. Plus, newer cars tend to be safer. Older cars can be a great/fun hobby if you have a garage, lift, and the right tools, and especially the time. But $100 -$200 per hour for a good mechanic plus ridiculous prices for parts, I just don't see it as a win.a huge factor
Leasing, i.e., CaaS (Cars as a Service) still doesn't make (economic) sense to me, but there are some advantages.