A middle-manager in his late-30s writes about the classic dilemma facing second-hand car buyers: To get an older but infinitely more desirable family saloon or a newer but run-of-the-mill car.
Dear All Lexus,
I came across an ad in mudah for a Lexus GS 300 (year of manufacture 2009). It's only RM128,000 before negotiating which is around the budget I have for my next car (about RM130,000). It's affordable enough but it is 6 years old. I like the car, it looks great, it has the prestige and sets me apart from the crowd who will typically get a Camry or Accord. But will it give any problems for me and my family considering its age? We're a one-car family and need it to be bulletproof for reliability and low in maintenance. Attached is the ad. If it's not a viable option, I'll get a second-hand 2013 Toyota Camry 2.5-litre for about the same price. Help, I need your advice!
Signed,
In-a-dilemma
Dear In-a-dilemma,
I love second-hand cars. Think in my lifetime I've only ever bought one car brand new; the rest were second-hand. The best thing about getting a second-hand car, as you're considering now, is that the first owner has borne the brunt of the initial depreciation - so at this point, even before making the purchase, you've already saved umpteen thousands - consider that as the first plus point.
Now, let's turn our focus into whether the car is a good proposition.
Dear All Lexus,
I came across an ad in mudah for a Lexus GS 300 (year of manufacture 2009). It's only RM128,000 before negotiating which is around the budget I have for my next car (about RM130,000). It's affordable enough but it is 6 years old. I like the car, it looks great, it has the prestige and sets me apart from the crowd who will typically get a Camry or Accord. But will it give any problems for me and my family considering its age? We're a one-car family and need it to be bulletproof for reliability and low in maintenance. Attached is the ad. If it's not a viable option, I'll get a second-hand 2013 Toyota Camry 2.5-litre for about the same price. Help, I need your advice!
Signed,
In-a-dilemma
Dear In-a-dilemma,
I love second-hand cars. Think in my lifetime I've only ever bought one car brand new; the rest were second-hand. The best thing about getting a second-hand car, as you're considering now, is that the first owner has borne the brunt of the initial depreciation - so at this point, even before making the purchase, you've already saved umpteen thousands - consider that as the first plus point.
Now, let's turn our focus into whether the car is a good proposition.
