Decided against getting the "new" car

I actually work for a dealership so I definitely understand the process inside and out. And even with the inside track (and inside prices) I've decided to keep my 3 year old SUV instead of buying a new or newer one. Mine is paid for in two more years and I would really like to see some months w/o a vehicle payment! Many times when you're looking at a high end used vehicle it's actually cheaper to buy new because the interest rates are usually better through the company on a new one than through the bank (especially at model year clearance sales with 0% financing). Right now you can buy a 2008 half ton truck for $12000 below sticker; which is less than buying a used one that's 2 or 3 years old. And even though I work for a dealership, trust our salesman completely and do believe there are benefits in buying from a dealership I will say that you have to watch them like a hawk. There are some real slime ball salesmen out there!

I have only bought one car so far. I preferred to buy a new car than a second hand one. this way i am making sure that i know hat i am getting.

thats why i buy used cars.. as soon as you buy a car and drive it off its lot it loses vaulue and some people are stupid and trade in cars every year or so so you can find a good deal with not much millage on it if you look hard enough... i think i paid like half what my car was worth and it had barely any miles on it.. probably as many miles as if i were to have owned it for one year and it was an 05 and i bought it in 07.. it was older than i wanted but millage wise was better than the newer ones i was looking at so i figured it was only me being silly about it