In article , "Mike Marlow" wrote:

"Chris Friesen" wrote in message
...


Even now, a new Matrix XR is about $20500 with 0% financing and some
incentives added on top. Checking the local auto trader listings, a
2008 with 45000km is currently $18000. A 2006 with 79000km is $15000, a
2004 with 157000km is $11000.


Incentives like 0% interest can indeed turn the depreciation argument upside
down, since they're usually only offered on new cars.

No, they can't. Zero interest simply means that you wind up paying full price
for the car, instead of full price plus a whole lotta interest. Either way,
the instant the paperwork is signed, it becomes a used car and is worth a lot
less than you paid for it. The only difference is how much less.

You can spend a lot
more on the price of a car at 0% interest than you can at even low interest
rates, and still come out ahead.

"Come out ahead" compared to buying a 4-year-old used car? Nope. Not even
close.