How much cheaper than new does something have to be for you to buy used? Condition and so on matter, of course, as well as if you know the history of the unit, but as a general rule how much of a discount do you need to get to make it worthwhile? Like, a truck with 10k miles on it, or a used saw, or a used ladder? Of course, there are some things that you can't buy new where the old version is superior, but for this I'm thinking more of things that you can still buy new. (i.e. if an 066 is better than a 661, that's one thing, but a guy asking 95% of list for a year old 661 is probably not going to get it) The most outrageous are the people who ask more than new, in the hope that the buyer doesn't google it.
It's a case by case basis. I really have a hard time with paying $30-40K for a truck with 100k on it though.
I think the higher or more premium the item the bigger the discount would have to be.. On trucks, easy 100k miles is 50% of expected life span and 2nd half of span is twice as expensive on repairs.. So 65% off new and why I don't have one
Exactly! What's crazy is that what I paid for my last 3 trucks combined is what a new loaded out truck stickers for. After my first new truck, I vowed to never buy new again. These days, I'd have to think long and hard about that with how they hold their value. With how little mileage I would put on personal vehicles these days, I could buy a few year old truck with high mileage and flip it in a few years with average mileage and probably break even.
I haven't spent enough money in total on all the vehicles I've ever owned (not counting the ones I bought to flip) to add up to the cost of a new truck! My default on many things is to just buy used...I've had pretty good luck with it, but I do almost all of my own maintenance and repairs too...I suppose it wouldn't work out as well otherwise...
Number of years ago bought an 85 Corolla for $180, drove for 4 years, got $150 for scrap after, replaced with 86 accord and paid $350 for it (rebuilt the engine)and drive for 5 years, Had a brain fart and leaked a 2012 civic, please ran out and bought 92 accord for $500 which I'm still driving Friend has a scrap yard where I do most of my vehicle shopping/trading Recently bought a 90's civic which I plan to use the powertrain for a splitter build (but that's a discussion for another day) Bought a used 026 from a friend who works at local stihl place paid $300 for it He replaced all seals/ hoses, cleaned and tuned it up, new bar/chain Figured not too bad a price But that said, I will pay a FAIR price for something used if condition/ performance of item warrants it If it needs sweat equity to bring it to be of use to me the price needs to reflect it
Lately, if a smokin' deal falls in my lap, I'll buy something. Otherwise, I really don't "need" anything. Even 3-5 yr old trucks just aren't worth it!
