Small / economy car deathwatch: we've passed "peak econobox" again

[MetroMPG]

Why buy new? From what I understand:

1) Easier financing. (I've never financed anything, but I understand banks are more amenable to loaning $ for new vs. used?)

2) Security of a full manufacturer's warranty.

3) Commodity selection (pick whatever colour you like).

4) Not wanting to sit on a seat that someone else has farted in. That used car smell!

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(PS. Condolences on your friend's Aveo experience. Tragic car.)

[redpoint5]

1. I don't know about financing. Lenders know the value of cars new and used and their risk would be higher on a new car than used since it depreciates rapidly and creates an "upside down" risk. Used cars don't go upside down generally.

2. Most manufacturing defects are revealed early on, when the warranty is in place. There are 3rd party extended warranties, which would still make a used car a better value.

3. You can pick the color of used car you get. Heck, almost nobody orders their new vehicle, but instead gets talked into whatever happens to be on the lot.

4. A 4 year old car still has new car smell. You can also purchase any fragrance you'd want. You'll be adding your own farts to the character of the vehicle immediately, making it a used vehicle.

[MetroMPG]

Preaching to the choir, buddy!

I was just posting some of the reasons I've read that normal people buy cheap new cars vs. "better" used ones (from experience with Mirage buyers).

The reasons must be compelling, because GM was selling something around 35-40k Sparks a year in the US. Mitsu, ~25-30k Mirages. In Canada, Nissan was selling ~15k Micras a year, which is a LOT when comparing by country per capita.

[redpoint5]

I've been tempted by a new vehicle before, for instance when there's $10k in EV subsidy. Heck, the Chevy Bolt was going for $22k NEW in some markets just before pricing went bonkers. A 4 year old used one was going for $15k, making a new one look pretty attractive. In this used car market, you might not be doing to bad if you can grab a new vehicle at MSRP. With used prices inflated 30%, I might look at a new vehicle if I absolutely had to buy right now.

Dad just sent me a text asking how much we could get for the 1998 hooptie Camry, and Big Yeller in my list of vehicles. We don't need the cash, but we also don't need the vehicles. Might as well contribute supply to a starved market.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

GM kills the entry level Spark.... 2022 will be its final model year.

Their next least expensive vehicle (Trax) is 50% more expensive than the base Spark.

Expect a death announcement for the Trax along with the Buick Encore shortly. The Bolt, Encore, Trax, and Spark are the only cars sold in the USA still built on the old Gamma II platform.

The Trax's replacement is the Trailblazer and the Encore's replacement is the Encore GS. Both are built on the new VSS-F platform.

The good news for budget buyers is that the much improved Trailblazer is only $200 more than the Trax.

[freebeard]

I don't know that I've ever seen a Buick Encore. It looks like sales dropped 50% year over year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Encore#Sales

[MetroMPG]

Neighbours of mine have had 1 of each platform of the Buick Encore.

They're oldies - stereotypical & loyal Buick buyers. Previous 3 vehicles were Buick sedans.

Interestingly, the current one has a turbo 3-banger.

[freebeard]

Last I'd heard from Buick was the eAssist in some sedan and the Rendezvous, which was basically a Pontiac Aztek with a face more than just it's mother could love.

[MetroMPG]

I'd take an Aztec over a Rendezvous any day of the week! (Styling wise).

[JSH]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I don't know that I've ever seen a Buick Encore. It looks like sales dropped 50% year over year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Encore#Sales

Encore sales dropped from 102K in 2019 to 20K in 2021.

What happened in 2020 besides a pandemic? The Encore GX launched and sold 45K in 2020 and 71K in 2021. The GX is a way nicer car for not much more money.