Poll: New or Used

[joefish]

Arising from the "Nordic Tug furloughs workers" topic I was interested in what percentage of people buy new versus used. I tend to be a buy-it-new kind of guy when possible. I like to take good care of it from day one and avoid surprises. But I've sure saved some money buying cars that were several years old. Any horror stories of used boat purchases that quickly turned bad (eg cracked hulls or dead motors)? Also, who has had their boat the longest -- was it purchased new or used? Who is cruising around in the oldest C-Dory!?! Just wondering.

[BRAZO]

New...

[localboy]

I bought new, but it was an out of year re-possession. Kind of a special transaction, you might say. We had looked for used @ the time, but there were none close to us; most were on the east coast. The economy was also just beginning it's downward spiral when we purchased and I suspect most 25 owners weren't looking to sell at the time.

In general, I don't buy new. I've purchased only one new car, ever, in my life and my wife has never had a "new" car. I mostly purchase my vehicles slightly used; a couple of yrs old. Let someone else pay for the depreciation and we all know, cars are NOT investments.

[seabeagle]

New, but my next might be used depending on economic circumstances.

[Sneaks]

Both.

Jenny B was new

C-Brat was used.


Don

[mcc272]

I have purchased 4 boats since 1996. 2 new, 2 used with the used boats requiring very substantial work to meet my standards. Next boat likely to be new as I find bringing a used boat up to my standards minimizes the cost differential between new and used as I have very particular ideas and objectives in a boat and if you really want to upgrade the boat extensively, that costs a lot of money.

[Da Nag]

Poll added. Yes, I'm sure "it depends" is an answer many would like to give...but tough. Pick one.

[Jack in Alaska]

Bought my 1983 22' Classic new at the factory and used it for 26 yrs w/o problems. Son using it now.

Bought my present 2005 ProAngler used (repossesed with 130 hrs.) and on my 2nd yr. w/o problems @ 249 hrs.

Did you know that a 200 HP Honda takes 8.2 qts. of oil. Where in the world does it all go. That is a lot of oil for a 4 cylinder.

[Dreamer]

The most recent two of our 6 boats were purchased new. As you get more familiar with boats, you have more precise requirements as far as equipment and rigging.

Jack, count those spark plugs! The Honda 200 HP is a 3.5 litre V-6

[Jack in Alaska]

Obviously a brain fart happened again..........Thanks

I actually had a pause when typing 4 but then just kept on typing mindlessly. Jeeeezzzz that is embarrassing.

[Chuckpacific]

LOL.....back in 2002 I bought new because I couldn't find a used one. Times have changed.

[SouthLake]

With boats, both, 4 bought used, 4 bought new. With vehicles, primarily dealer certified used except when manufacturers run really good incentive pricing that makes it a better deal to buy new than used. With houses, all but one was purchased new.

[Alyssa Jean]

Since 2003 I have bought a 22 and 25 new and 2 16's used.

[patrick and linda]

regarding boat sales, i tend to buy used. i try to meet or at least gather as much information about the seller as possible before making an offer. i purchased used because of the huge differential between retail price and used price, realizing what the depreciation rate is and capitalizing on that. i invest the time and energy educating myself on a particular boat, which gives me an edge in the negotiation process.
when one purchases a new boat they are negotiating with a professional who is has a bigger army, larger artillery, and 24/7 training. how does one complete with that. my goal is to never get in a fight i have no chance of winning!
pat

ps: if i had byrdman or charlie's money, i would only buy new!

[C-Hawk]

Boats- 1 used, 2 new
RV's- 3 used, 1 new
Cars- used, most less than 2 years old