Used car prices; might as well buy new?

you seem to be in a unique position, i would take advantage of it. nothing but gas hogs on the lots around here, and very few of those.
i did find a rav4 prime at msrp, but 47k is way more than i want to spend

 

Pictures!
Or....it never happened.

Best of luck.
In answering the OP sometimes it IS better to buy a new budget base model car than it is to get an up-optioned used one and being flexible and willing to travel to get the car helps out immensely.
Interest rates are really starting to soften demand, especially in an over-priced market.

 

not around here

 

I'm in no position to dispute @cyberpriusII wrath. But she has become differently abled so maybe ought not throw a punch. Instead bring the snarling hellhounds with you to potential confrontations. You can make them snarl on cue, yes?

 

Bob Wilson

 

Oh no skunked doggo. The Humanity.....

Only thing worse than that is getting Porcupined. That's horrible.

 

congrats!
i agree, used prices are crazy, but i think (hope) the time is coming when dealers won't be able to seel them for what they paid.
there are a few camry's around, but no hybrids or prius. if someone does get one that's not already sold, it's above msrp, but i don't have any hounds.

 

I had an administrative assistant at one time -- what we used to call a secretary -- and she told me she had purchased her car new about three years ago and she wondered if I thought it was time to have the first oil change.

Since then, I have always avoided used cars.

Oh. As an aside, I remember when new Japanese cars were not on demand and were selling for $6K. And lasting for 200K.

 

Congratulations, those are nice cars. I've rented a few 2022 SEs and thoroughly enjoyed them.

 

One of the better reasons to get your neck stretched so that you can swallow some pride - and perhaps do without a few 'must haves' or look on a lower shelf.

There were few Camrys around because they are pretty good cars.
More importantly that now have a lot of important safety features standard on the SE.

Sounds like you and your team did well.

Congrats!

 

Over the years, my dad and I have examined many used cars. I have but would never again buy another used car that had been owned by a private owner from the owner or the dealer.

You get some really awful surprised when you carefully examine the car. Private owners who mess with the air conditioner, uses the wrong oil or filter, delays oil changes or dogs the car over the entire ownership period.

The worse one have iffy stereo-radio installs using non-standard connectors like wire nuts and other electrical modifications. This is even made worse in modern cars with hair thin wiring with 5 volt DC computer controlled modules affected by the slightest resistance or unshielded wiring that accepts irrant RF signals.

Then, there is the coat hanger repair or self tapping sheet metal screw that replaces the special clips and fasteners and the cheapest sub
-standard aftermarket parts.

Basically, if buying used, only buy a lease return.

 

I am starting to see new and desirable Toyotas available at the volume dealers at or below msrp. Hybrids and Primes included. Plenty of trucks and gas cars. Most arriving within three weeks with vins now. Some of the less desirable new cars are on the lot.

Slowing demand is real because the best Toyota Financial rates are 4.99% at 48 months or 5.99% for 60. Most buyers with less than 800 credit scores pay more.

The big hits are the required distributor and dealer adds. Easily $3k-$4k more for maybe $1k in immediately depreciating value.

Used prices are still jacked up because of poor new car sales in 2020-2021. Used car supply is still an issue, more so than new right now. Few new cars a couple of years ago means fewer used cars now. So $5k old Prii are still getting $8k-$10k and $15k used latest gen Rav4 hybrids command $20k-25k. Drive home today with a 10-12% note for many years.

 

found a ford escape plug in hybrid on the lot. one year old, off lease, 6,000 miles. asking 36k, was 40k new.
tempting because there aren't any new ones, and msrp has gone up.
i hate leaving $11,000. in tax credits on the table though, which narrows the field to tesla and bolt, other than a few really high priced alternatives.

 

Is it 2022 SEL PHEV? If you know the VIN, make sure to check the recall history. Most 2019-2022 PHEV and HEV with 2.5l engine got recalled due to potential engine failure leading to a fire. Ford is working on the remedy, but none at this time. Mine is on the list.

Personally, I would not touch used Escape PHEV at that price. If it is below $25k, you can qualify for $4k tax credit, I think.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I replaced my 2014 BMW i3-REx with a lower trim, 2017 BMW i3-REx. The Toyota dealer had dropped the price $1,500 and I picked it up for $15,000 plus 'fees.'

Bob Wilson

 

hopefully, prices will continue to head in that direction. around here, used cost almost as much as new, because they are available

 

Yep!