I tend to buy new vehicles.  Earlier this year I traded in my old Avalanche on a new one.  Mostly the reason was to get some upgrades that I wanted when I bought the first one, but that I thought I could get by without (and which I’d been regretting ever since).  However, every now and then I run into someone, who I’m sure has the best of intentions, that tells me that I’m stupid for buying a new vehicle and then launches into a discussion of how they were so smart to pick up such-and-such used vehicle, etc.  I’ve always wondered if these people have really thought through the implications of their advice.  Specifically, if it weren’t for the “stupid” people like me, where would all the good used vehicles come from?  Someone has to buy new vehicles or they wouldn’t have any used ones to buy.  Also, I tend to do all the scheduled maintenance and keep my vehicles clean.  Without me, they wouldn’t be able to get those great used cars/trucks.

Anyhow, I’m not unalterably opposed to buying a used car or truck.  I just tend to look at the deal a bit differently than someone who’s out for the lowest-cost alternative.  I place a high value on a factory warranty and not having to deal with unknown maintenance issues that the previous owner may have neglected.

The next time these people are tempted to call me stupid, perhaps they should reconsider.  They’d be wiser to keep it to themselves and realize that without me there’d be no used cars for them to crow about…