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Old 01-03-2012, 09:13 PM   #22 (permalink)
redpoint5
Human Environmentalist
 
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
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Acura TSX - '06 Acura TSX
90 day: 24.19 mpg (US)

Lafawnda - CBR600 - '01 Honda CBR600 F4i
90 day: 47.32 mpg (US)

Big Yeller - Dodge/Cummins - '98 Dodge Ram 2500 base
90 day: 21.82 mpg (US)

Chevy ZR-2 - '03 Chevrolet S10 ZR2
90 day: 17.14 mpg (US)

Model Y - '24 Tesla Y LR AWD

Pacifica Hybrid - '21 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
90 day: 57.45 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mechman600 View Post
I don't know how it is where you live, but here in BC it seems that decent 3-5 year old imports (the only used car/truck I would buy...except for my $400 winter beater, of course!) hold their value way too well. Here they seem to depreciate at a rate proportional to the value on the odometer.
As a stereotypical American, I responded from my point of view and didn't consider that things may be different elsewhere. If one were to pay the asking price at a dealership here, then price does tend to scale in proportion to the miles on the odometer.

In the US, it is always cheaper to buy used from a private party, and often cheaper if you haggle at the dealership.

The first offer on the TSX I purchased was $23k, to which I laughed because it was 4 years old and a new one is $29k. I countered with $17k and they responded with $18k. 2 weeks later I drove it home for $17k. So the cost of not haggling would have been $6k. I could have bought the car for $16k private, if I could find one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryland View Post
Nissan did some things to the Leaf that added more drag, like the odd shaped headlights, but they did this so the inside of the car would be quieter.
I learned of this as well when I took a peak at the Leaf online today. From a financial point of view, I would be less concerned with the efficiency of an electric vehicle when I am used to paying more for gasoline. In other words, the return on investment for improving the efficiency of a petrol vehicle is greater than that of an electric. However, I'd hate to fall short of my destination due to limited range caused by poor efficiency. So the question is, do I want slightly more range for the rare occasion that I need it, or less wind noise all of the time.
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