rjmaiorano
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2007
- Messages
- 2,204
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If you are rationalizing the choice for a used car then continue to do so. At your age (my age) a car is essentially for utility purposes... the guy in the lotus got it from daddy so who cares.
Spend what you have to so you can get by with minor continuing cost. Your options become a cheap reliable car or a cheap reliable lease. Often times the standard upkeep on a lease can be paid for by the dealer because they want it in solid shape for resale purposes. The only reason I suggest a lease is because you don't need much if any $ up front, it will be more reliable than used, and once school has finished for you I would guess you would like a 'nice' car, so a 48 month lease or so gets you out of the car.
On the other hand you can spend a few grand up front for a used car. It is yours outright. But perhaps for social purposes not as good as a lease, but thats debatable. You can sell the car or trade it in when you are through with it, so some back end value exists, but not too much. But you leave yourself open to the ****** repair costs that can randomly appear in used cars.
Spend what you have to so you can get by with minor continuing cost. Your options become a cheap reliable car or a cheap reliable lease. Often times the standard upkeep on a lease can be paid for by the dealer because they want it in solid shape for resale purposes. The only reason I suggest a lease is because you don't need much if any $ up front, it will be more reliable than used, and once school has finished for you I would guess you would like a 'nice' car, so a 48 month lease or so gets you out of the car.
On the other hand you can spend a few grand up front for a used car. It is yours outright. But perhaps for social purposes not as good as a lease, but thats debatable. You can sell the car or trade it in when you are through with it, so some back end value exists, but not too much. But you leave yourself open to the ****** repair costs that can randomly appear in used cars.