Don’t buy a new car from a dealership!
I am freshly 23 year old with a well paying job in nursing and living at home with no bills to pay and no prior debt from school loans or credit card debt, etc. I’ve got a pretty sweet gig😂 However, this financial freedom has resulted from self discipline in combination with my supportive family and good advice that I’ve received in life.
When I had to purchase my own first car, I was driving my mom’s old, gas guzzler Mercedes SUV. She sold it & suddenly I was car-less.
I went to all of my local dealerships and test drove all the car brands. I was adamant that I wanted a Toyota, Honda, or Subaru as they all have great reputations for being economic, reliable, and easy to fix. Coming from my Mercedes, these qualities meant the world to me.
With that being said, I also wanted something mid-sized, good on gas, comfortable, and leather seats were an absolute MUST as they’re so much easier to clean- sun roofs were a plus as well.
I realized super quickly that if I wanted a decent car from a dealership with the qualities that I wanted, I was going to pay at least $25k
I’m sorry but that is RIDICULOUS! There’s no reason. I also kept feeling like they were judging how much I can afford to buy with them. It left a really bad taste in my mouth considering that in the past I had been to a dealership to look at a jeep and the guy working basically told me that I couldn’t afford it because “his daughter is a nurse and he knows how much we make”. I think that one ignorant statement was enough for me to never buy a dealership car.
I’ll get off my pedestal about that… But I did end up finding my perfect car in a reasonable price range from Facebook Marketplace!! Obviously you have to be very careful who you buy from and feel the seller out.
I ended up pulling $11k out of my savings (this is why building a savings fund is so important!!) and driving to look at this Subaru the day after I found it on Facebook Marketplace. I bought my Subaru in full, in cash that day🫶🏼 It’s so funny because the lady selling it was moving into a Mercedes of the same model as the one I was previously driving😂 So it’s obvious we both like quality.
My Subaru is midsized and has great trunk space, a sun roof, light cream leather seats, great gas mileage, and bluetooth. Literally all I could ask for. AND I PAID LESS THAN HALF OF THE PRICE AS BUYING FROM A DEALERSHIP!!!!!!
A year later, I am still in love with my Subaru and take very good care of her. She is always washed and clean inside, with a current oil change! I am impressed with how well it works considering it is 10 years old now. I haven’t had a single issue.
I also love having the luxury of not thinking one bit about paying a large car payment every month. I just drive my Subaru and pay for regular maintenance on it. That is all!
This is your sign that you can know in your heart that you can afford a brand new car and that’s all it needs to be! You don’t need to actually go get one and let the dealerships overcharge and take advantage of you for years to come.
Building on my experience, I really want to dive deeper into why avoiding a new car from a dealership can be one of the smartest financial moves you make. Many people don't realize just how much money they save by opting for a quality used vehicle. First off, let's talk about the biggest hidden cost of new cars: depreciation. The moment you drive a new car off the lot, its value plummets – sometimes by 10-20% in the first year alone! That's a huge chunk of money simply vanishing. When I bought my 10-year-old Subaru, it had already taken that initial hit. This meant I was getting a reliable car at a fraction of its original price, and it had already stabilized in value, so I wasn't losing thousands just by owning it. This is a massive "con of buying a new car" that often gets overlooked. Then there's the insurance. New cars, especially those with advanced tech, often come with higher insurance premiums. Insurers know they're more expensive to replace or repair. My used Subaru helped me keep those monthly costs down too, contributing to my overall financial freedom. And let's not forget the array of extra fees at dealerships. Beyond the sticker price, you often encounter destination fees, documentation fees, extended warranty pitches, and various add-ons that rapidly inflate the final cost. When I bought my car privately, these simply didn't exist. It was a straightforward transaction, exactly what I agreed to. This avoidance of hidden costs is a significant "disadvantage of buying a new car" at a dealership. Now, regarding financing – the original article mentioned "picknbuild car financing reviews," and while I didn't use financing, I can tell you why I was determined to avoid it. Carrying a car loan, especially for a new vehicle, means paying interest over several years. That interest adds significantly to the total cost of the car. Plus, for many new cars, you can end up 'underwater' on your loan, meaning you owe more than the car is worth, especially in the first few years. This makes it incredibly hard to sell or trade in without losing money. The peace of mind from not having a hefty car payment every month is truly invaluable. It frees up my income for savings, investments, or even just fun experiences, rather than being tied down by debt. If you're considering buying used, my top tip is due diligence. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic you trust. Check the vehicle history report (like CarFax or AutoCheck) for accidents, title issues, and maintenance records. When meeting sellers from platforms like Facebook Marketplace, always choose a public, safe location. Test drive thoroughly and don't feel pressured. My experience finding my perfect Subaru on Facebook Marketplace was positive because I took these steps. It’s about being smart and patient to unlock the immense financial benefits of buying a pre-owned vehicle.
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