I hate car payments. Also, if I choose, I can just get state minimum liability insurance if the title is mine. Having a lien requires much more expensive insurance for the life of the loan.
Why even go to a dealer? Cut out the middle man. Buy privately and have a trusted mechanic go over the car thoroughly. I’m not sure what kind of warranty one gets on a used car from a dealer these days but I’m guessing it isn’t great. I’ve never bought from a dealer and never will.
Many manufacturers allow transfer of the original warranty, at least in part, to second owners if the warranty hasn’t expired due to miles or age.
I have owned 21 cars since '78. All but three were purchased used. Only three of the used ones were from dealers, and one of those turned out great. The other two were definitely not a good deal. Of the ones I got from individuals, only 3 of the 11 turned out bad. All of these cars were old, high mileage units.
This time, I’m looking for a mid-level luxury sedan no more than three or four years old. I’d like to keep the mileage under 40k. I have tried the usual methods for individual sales, but haven’t found anything. The cars I’m interested in are most likely going to be traded in by the “new car every other year” type driver.
My options are open, however. If I find an older sedan I like, maybe I’ll get it for long trips and an econobox hatch for around town.