Is it simply better to buy NEW?

[Crazy Dazz]

Old Mates and grandpas will always tell you "never buy a new car, it loses half its value as soon as you drive it off the lot", and various other pearls of wisdom.

Yet so often, I find myself buying new, because in the end it seems to be not only easier, but better value as well.

As mentioned in a couple of other threads, I have been looking at cars for my daughter. So naturally we have looked far and wide at the 2nd hand cars on offer. Basically a choice between scumtree nutters, and used-car salesmen who mostly gave me the *****.

Ultimately, what we have settled on is a brand new, 2016 Lancer.
12 months rego, tank of fuel, tinting, floor mats, for under $19k drive away.
So many times when looking 2nd hand, its the same story. Year old, very low km "ex corporates" they want MORE than new price. And those a few years old, with 30~40kkms, are only a few $k off new.

With a new car, I know its "perfect". No chance its been repaired, don't have to check every square inch for damage, no scratches, no hidden cats hair. All things that can be covered by a detailed inspection, but just so much easier.
Plus I have found the majority of new car sales people, so much easier to deal with. Don't really understand why, but they are. They know what their product is, know what their margin is, and they know every other dealer has the same product. They give you a price, and when somebody else beats their price they say "sorry, can't beat that" end of story.