Why buy new ?

I agree.

Mick on here picked up a 4.2 GU at Auctions Ex RTA for $33k...

Why would anyone buy a new car ever again! To lose $20-30k in 3-4 yrs?

On the face of it, you are right for a "private" buyer. However, look at the generous fleet discount of ~$7,000 for say a Patrol plus tax breaks for using it for some work purposes. A higher initial cost results in a higher tax deduction. After say 3 years, the $50K (list price) vehicle is now worth say $35K.

Factor in the fleet discount and the $3,000 per annunm tax refund and the actual cost is $50K - (3x$3K + $7K) = $34K

(Note that there have been some simplification of costs, but end result is similair - GST is paid on payout figure, not purchase price etc...)

So, apart from running and maintenance costs, the vehicle has cost nothing!!! (interest cost not included). This is why business's and govts all use new vehicles. The interest does cost $$$, but I personally do not mind paying that as the "cost" of a new vehicle vs a 2nd hand one. Also, there are no repair costs (still under warranty) unlike a vehicle 5 or so years old - basically pays the interest.

The poor old private buyer gets slugged both ways, no fleet discount and no tax break. And thats why the private buyer typically goes the 2nd hand route. It also supplies a ready market for the 3 year old fleet market that needs to be turned over.

I hope this helps explain the vehicle cycle to some degree.

Cheers

Mark

The reason i chose to buy new was I KNOW my vehicle hasnt been thrashed by the previous owner, I KNOW it hasnt been thrashed as a Demo car, I KNOW who has worked on my vehicle, basically it gives me total piece of mind knowing exactly the condition the vehicle is in, I am also planning on keeping it for 10yrs minimum.

Was easy for me.

I bought a 5yo Patrol at just under half its original cost.

I wouldn't buy a new one. I hunt around a few forums and notice that there are always people complaining that their new truck has been in the shop eleventyninehundred times this year to have the glitches fixed. Wait a couple of years till some other poor sap has done most of the fiddly crap first then pick it up cheaper. Just my two bobs worth.

I got sick of maintaining my previous Cruiser. Would have had to spend a lot of money on new seats, LR tank, gearbox repair, tyres, swivel housing service etc etc

Bought the new Prado diesel instead, and do my own maintenance. I've spent nothing but the cost of oils and filters; and I have done some remote desert trips with confidence of knowing the vehicle's in top condition.

I bought the vehicle new because it was the same price as near-new.

I go everywhere with confidence in my 25yo truck. I go everywhere the $60,000 4bys go. My truck cost $2900 5 years ago and I have done 105,000km with it. Along the way I have rebuilt the engine and fitted some new goodies to the tune of $4500. So all up, for a $7400 price tag I have a reliable vehicle albeit not so flash with all mod cons. The thing is to get out there safely and to return safely and my truck does that. So.........

Cheers,
Willem

Always going somewhere