Your wife will be disappointed that I’m not going to try to talk you in to a new car .

From a purely financial perspective, new cars and nearly new cars aren’t great purchases- they depreciate rapidly upon purchase and for the first 5 years or so of their life (usually 15% or so a year). While a slightly used car (like yours) is a better purchase than brand new, the best financial move is to buy older cars are run them in to the ground. Even with the higher maintenance costs you’ll come out on top financially.

Of course, most of us don’t want to do that- old cars are less reliable, less comfortable, and less attractive for most people. I’m admittedly a car guy- even though I know newer cars don’t make financial sense, I’ll gladly take the extra hit to drive something that I’ll enjoy more. Which brings me back to my initial point- you can understand the repercussions of buying new, but still go with it despite the consequences. Trust me, I do it all the time! And FWIW it sounds like you got a pretty good deal on your Mistubishi- even if you would have been better off buying a 92 Civic

Glad to hear you enjoyed the 240SX- a friend of mine had one in college and it was a blast to drive, especially in snow. Small, light rwd cars are tough to find.

Great job on your site- it’s looking great!

Congrats on your anniversary! I started about the same time, but you are killing me on numbers.

Keep up the great work!

What kind of law do you practice? It was a 240sx the thing was the best, but man did I beat the Hell out of it!

“Objectively, neither of the three cars are particularly wise financial choices- new (or nearly new) cars rarely are.”

I would love to hear your explanation of how they rarely are a wise financial choice – I am going to assume, it has to be compared to something, i.e. lease or new car.

I don’t think I’ll ever buy a brand new car (unless you can change my mind, and trust me the wife hopes you do). I grabbed a car, and there are deals like this everywhere, that had $11,000 slashed from the sticker price, simply because it 9,000 miles, which we all know is NOTHING on a japanese car. On top of it I got a 5 year/60K bumper to bumper warranty. But that is my personal situation…

But each person’s view of reality and repercussions are based on their own goals and objectives. Of the three choices presented, there’s not much doubt that the Mitsu makes the most sense from a strictly financial point of view (although price would be a factor). But some people value luxury (real or perceived) and shiny things enough to pay extra for them, and that often means sacrificing other things.

Objectively, neither of the three cars are particularly wise financial choices- new (or nearly new) cars rarely are. But to you, the benefits of the Mitsu justified the cost. You don’t have any better understanding of reality or consequences, you just understand your own preferences a little better.

Is that a 240SX? If so, thumbs up- that is (was?) a fun little car.