New or used car that is the question

[Redetotry]

So, last spring I traded my 2005 Toyota Sienna Van for a 2014 Outback. I think I have given the Outback a fair trial period but I really don't like it. I want to go back to a Sienna. Would I be better off to buy new or used? I like the body style and inside of the older ones and the only tech thing I am interested in is Bluetooth. The Sienna XLE which is the model I want is more expensive than the Subaru and I hate to spend more money although interest rates are so low... DH thinks I should buy new but I really don't know. So any suggestions would be appreciated. Oh, do I sell the Subaru or trade?

[Acadianmom]

When I was looking for a new car the price difference between a used and a new car wasn't that much. I figured the three year warranty that a new vehicle has was worth the price difference. I don't know about selling a car yourself. There is so much bad stuff going on now that I wouldn't want anyone coming to my house to look at a car nor would I meet someone. We keep vehicles until they aren't worth very much. I think what I would do differently if I ever look for another vehicle would be to use the online site dealers have and see what price a couple of dealers would offer me. You can use Truecar.com, Edmonds.com and Kelly Blue Book to do research.

Martha

[Andi]

Too bad I'm not in your neck of the woods... I would take that Subaru off your hands today! As for new vs. used, if you can find a used van that is of a model year that has high marks in the area of reliability and maintenance and a great price, that would be the way I would go. The hit on buying new would be the deciding factor for me. The Hyundai I currently drive is a 2013 that was $25G new, but at only two years old, I bought it for $16G, quite a difference.

As for trading vs. selling your Subaru yourself, there is a third option possibly. Are there any car consignment lots where you live? They work similarly to furniture consignment stores. You take the vehicle you want to sell to them, they evaluate it, you and they agree on the price you'd like to get, they do the showing and selling of the vehicle and then cut you a check, less their share for their services. I've never done it myself, but hear it's not a bad deal.

[Bethers]

Tough decision. Used to be that you could get more selling your car outright. But it doesn't seem to always be true anymore. I like Andi's idea of looking into a consignment lot. Or, in some areas of the country, there are lots where you can park the vehicle for a small fee.

I said I'd never buy a new rig, but the deal I got for new and trading was better than I was finding on used, then having to do all the extras myself. I'd go look at the dealer's at both used and new, and do searches online ... see what prices are and see what you find. But don't take anything with you to purchase while you're looking - unless you want that temptation to buy NOW to happen.

I purchased my toad off eBay, sight unseen. Got a good deal. For me, it would come down to finding the right vehicle at the right price, whether new or used.

[MelissaD]

The" cash for clunkers program" along with the recession, really messed up the used car market. http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2011 ... later.html The "divide" between new and used car prices is closer than it's been in years depending upon the type of vehicle. I'd find a vehicle I liked, at a price I liked, and just do that. Life's too short!

[Acadianmom]

When I was looking for my Honda the difference in a 2 year old car that was about to go out of warranty because of milage and a new car was only about $2,000. I think the dealers get a kick back from the company at the end of a season to help get rid of their new cars.

Martha

[Redetotry]

I was thinking along the same line, that there isn't that much difference now between new and used on some cars. The Sienna seems to hold it's value pretty well. I had someone ask me what I wanted for my Subaru this week. Was standing in line at the coffee place and a guy came in from the shop next door and asked if I knew who the Subaru out front belonged to, I said me, want to buy it? Turns out he was looking and wants me to give him a price Guess they are hard to find especially if you want a certain color. But I have been hearing the same things that some of you are saying, that there isn't that much difference now in new and used and with the three year warranty Martha mention that would be a real factor. Melissa that was an interesting article you posted about the "Clunkers for Cash" hadn't thought of that. Also liked your remark about finding what I want and buying it as life is too short.

[WickedLady]

Consignment would probably get you a better deal than trading it in at a dealer's.