Perceived value is a whole different conversation, because there’s no way to have a conversation regarding what one person’s values vs. what another values.

Warranty is an advantage that I do agree with you on, however, #s 2 and 3 are strictly a matter of perceived value. Personally being the first driver isn’t a big deal to me, and #3 doesn’t really cross my mind, but I understand the concern.

But the thing is, you could have also purchased a 2006 or 2007 TDI Jetta this year and besides #2 still fulfilled all of your requirements if you bought from a VM dealership, and still saved yourself the premium attached to being that first driver, or having that new model to show the Joneses.

Not to mention that from my knowledge, (and I could be wrong), that the diesel engines do not drive off the lot running at 1000km to the tank, that they have to been worked in for thousands of KMs before they hit that groove. Typically a new diesel off the lot is just as efficient as a gas fueled. So in this case, buying a TDI two or three years old could save you several thousand off the factory price of an ‘08 or ‘09, and put you directly into the most fuel efficient car this side of California. But like you said, you can’t put a price on perceived value. And I LOVE that you plan on still driving that car in 16 years. Big big kudos from me.

And congrats on your new son. 10 more and you’ve got yourself a full team.

Yes- when you buy new you do end up paying more, however you also have the advantages of
1. Warranty
2. Being the first and only driver (ie. directly impacting the break-in period and thus effecting the longevity of your vehicle)
3. Ease of mind of knowing that the speedometer was not tampered with, no accidents etc

I have a brand new (2006) Jetta TDI, Manual that I have no difficulties with. It gets 1000 KM to the 55 Litres.

I have no regrets in purchasing new and hope to pass the Jetta onto my 2 month old son when he turns 16.

great purchase however…..hope to see you pumping your beats and fists to tony monaco’s euromix 14 at a tim horton’s near you.

ciao.

So if we’re strictly speaking of value, lets use the $22,000 marker as an example since I think you’re speaking before tax. Before tax my car was just under $11,000, and as you said, if i take good care of it and want to drive it until the end should last me 7-8 years (another arbitrary timeline); so realistically I could buy 2 well-maintained used cars for $22,000 that could last 14-16 years.

The ONE and ONLY benefit I see to buying a new car is the 5-year warranty, but even that could be included with a car that is 2-3 years old. I personally think the ideal scenario to buy a used car would be under 60,000km and 2-3 years old. In that respect you make certain you don’t buy a brand new shiny lemon from the dealership, the warranty is intact, and you’re not paying for that new car smell.