New Base 2011 vs Used 2008

[nsulmol]

Hi everyone,

I've been eyeballing a Yaris as a reliable commuter car that can stay in the family for a long time. The plan would be to give the car to one of my brothers if/when I no longer need it.

I've found myself with two possible options, and am trying to decide which is the better deal:

1) $12960 - 2011 Base 3-door Yaris, Manual Transmission. With Convenience Pkg and All-Weather Pkg.

2) $10700 - 2008 3-door Yaris, Manual Transmission. With All-weather pkg, power pkg, an extra set of winter tires. 46k miles.

I'm not too concerned with the power doors/locks, as I can install some myself using the DIY info on this forum and it's not really something I need. In fact, if I'd been able to get the base without the convenience package, I would've in a heartbeat.

At this point, I'm trying to decide which is the better deal. I imagine most of you will scream at me to get the new one, but considering the Yaris' reliability, is the 3 year old really that bad of an option?

This of course assumes that the mechanic's check I'm gonna have on the used one tomorrow doesn't pull up any serious issues, and that if new wheels/brakes are required, it'll be deducted from the base cost.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
nsulmol

[thebarber]

for 2k, but the new one. more warranty, just in case.

[nsulmol]

Just for the record, I thought I'd clarify on costs. When adding taxes + registration and all that, the difference becomes a bit larger:

New: 14,256
Used: 11,755

Difference = 2481

I imagine your opinion remains?

Thanks again,
Nick

[MadMax]

Well, I've got an 08 that I bought new, and it hasn't had a single issue yet; so I wouldn't put much stock in having a warranty.

The problem with new cars is the huge depreciation hit they take the second you drive them off the lot. A late model used car in good condition can be a much better value, but you do forgo the "luxuries" of a new car such as the warranty.

So it's more a question to yourself, is $2500 worth the difference? You can do a lot to that 08 with that money, heck it'd probably be a couple of year's worth of operating costs given the reliability and economy of the Yaris.

I bought new, because they were still pretty hard to find back in 2008; but if I were doing the same today I would take a serious look at late model used ones...

Good luck! M2

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

you are leaving out traction control and VSC on the 2011

this extra stuff is standard in 2010 and 2011 and makes a big difference in snow and ice

[nsulmol]

Hey A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby, that's a good point. However, silly as I am I forgot to point out that the 2008 was purchased with the optional side airbags and antilock brakes. Given the Yaris' safety scores without the side airbags, I crossed that option off my list.

Now, that's not to say the new one isn't potentially better from a traction standpoint. Just thought I'd throw that in in case it modified your opinion.

My main conundrum is really just the saved 2.5k. It may not be a terrible amount (and it's kind of crazy to think that a 3-4 year old Yaris is selling for 80% of a new one, albeit with the power package), but it's still significant enough for a recent college grad with a good amount of student loans to reconsider.

To be honest, at this point I'm just wondering whether it's worth throwing the extra $100 to get the used one checked out, or just jump for the new one.

Thanks,
nsulmol

[tk-421]

How many miles on the ODO for the 08? I say if that number isn't too high and it drives straight save yourself the money. Otherwise save yourself the hassle and get the 2011.

[enviri]

for safety, and insurance costs, the 2011 might be a better bet. the 08 if you catch a modification bug like most of us do, and who can deny a free set of snows and the 60/40 split seats? I think in 2011 most markets dropped the daytime running lights too.

[Flipper_1938]

I'd buy new.

The peace of mind knowing for knowing that a previous owner didn't do something really stupid to your car is worth $2,500. You will know that the oil has been changed on time and that it wasn't driven cross country at 65 mph in second gear (or something equally stupid).

[auxmike]

Have the old one checked for leaky water pump, corroded ABS sensors, rusted caliper pin bolts, and oil dripping from rear of engine indicating head gasket leak.
With that said, just get a brand new, virgin car.
...or you can use the $2500 to invest in fixing little odds and ends that comes with a used car purchase.
I love the power package, but new is new and there's nothing like it!

[tk-421]

I would usually agree, but I also think the 08 is a bit better looking, so that has to count for something.

Plus if the car was driven conservatively and in no need for repair, you can grab that extra money and use it for something fun... Like a supercharger.

[OTA'sTOY]

go new
why buy someone elses car that will probably have problems down the road
new car smell
compared to someone elses "essence"
JMO

[sickpuppy1]

And unless your paying cash, loook at the interest rates between new and used. That can ofter eat up the price difference between used and new. My 2010 came with 0% interest for 60 months!

[josh044]

i bet you might be able to get the used price down a bit more, especially with a manual. I got my 07 with 42k on it (base model w/convience all weather pckg) for 9750 a few months ago- kbb was around 10,500 which is what they where asking