Quote:
|
I'm glad I leased my BMW 535. I was so happy to drop it at the dealer after 3 years and walk away, I felt like a 4000 lb weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Generally I buy used and keep it 'till it falls apart, and I'm back to that philosophy now.
|
This.
I don't understand the vitriol towards the anti-payment crowd (including me). I don't like oweing money to people and I like owning it to banks even less. I made my last payment in 2009 or 2010 (whatever it was) and I've been happily living free and clear ever since. My next car will be an early 90s Jeep Wrangler (I specifically want pre-OBD2) and I'm planning on buying it cash - best specimen I can find, probably this spring sometime. I'll carry basic liability insurance only just as I do on all my cars - there's some additional monthly cost saving too, not to mention registration fees and all the rest. I think new vehicles are money pits and exist solely to separate vain people from their money. I don't play that game. If others want to, whatever. I don't think I can be convinced that eating the "value" of depreciation on a vehicle, paying the highest insurance premiums to protect the dealer's (not your) interest, paying full freight for taxes and fees and essentially paying the same monthly nut as a purchase only you DON'T get a title at the end of it makes sense. If I'm going to make payments and put up with all the other rip-offs / nickel-dime stuff (which I probably won't) I want a damn title at the end and I intend to drive a he thing until the wheels fall off, then put new wheels on and drive it again until THOSE wheels fall off.
People complain about the cost of maintenance. Sorry, I don't buy it. Even a complete piece of junk that's averaging $300, $400 a month in repairs (unlikely) is costing less than a payment (purchase or lease). And if you DIY you'll likely never come close to those numbers. You're saving a LOT by not betting against yourself. Warranties are overrated anyway. Most times the dealer will just try to find some way to sleaze out of paying anyway. I'd rather own the car and handle any fix-ups on MY terms, not beholden to their unscrupulous wiles... It's always worked pretty well for me. I like not paying mechanics and I REALLY like not paying dealer mechanics.
Hey if you like handing other people your money for false senses of security, be my guest. Not for me. I'll live "payments free" thanks.
