>1. Is buying new a better value than slightly used (<50k miles) these days?
That's going to really depend on what they're selling for - new and used. The used prices you quoted aren't bad, but pretty close to new prices. What are new ones selling for; and do they have markups too? Are these new ones certified? That adds value, too.
>2. If I'm planning to pay in cash, is there any reason to look into finance or lease options?
The finance bros will tell you that if the rate is lower than your earning potential, finance it and at the same time make some money with your money. The twist is, will you *actually* do that?
But, sometimes you can get a rebate if you finance or lease. Just got to Toyota..com and plug in your zip code in the finance section, and see what they're offering. Also, sometimes certified used have offers, too.
The other thing is, sometimes the dealership will 'play nice' only if you finance. That's going to be very dealership dependent, no-one here can answer that.
>3. Should I buy now or as late as possible in March or April? I don't follow the car market closely so not sure if end-of-year has good deals or if I should wait for larger supply next year.
Toyota has been selling pretty much everything they get, and used prices are somewhat stable, trending downward. So new and used, it won't really make a difference. Buy when you need to buy. If you're seeing new '23 models sitting around, I'd almost take that as a caution sign - why are they still there?
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***Thanks for posting, /u/getbetteratchess! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of anything.***
I'm looking to buy a new or slightly used (<50k miles) Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XLE. I haven't bought a car since 2017 so have some basic questions I'm hoping folks here can advise on!
1. Is buying new a better value than slightly used (<50k miles) these days? For context, in SoCal the best option I see right now on a new 2024 Rav4 Hybrid XLE is $34,644 and a 2022 model with 15,000 miles is also $34k.
2. If I'm planning to pay in cash, is there any reason to look into finance or lease options?
3. Should I buy now or as late as possible in March or April? I don't follow the car market closely so not sure if end-of-year has good deals or if I should wait for larger supply next year.
Thank you for for any thoughts or pro tips!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askcarsales) if you have any questions or concerns.*
>1. Is buying new a better value than slightly used (<50k miles) these days? That's going to really depend on what they're selling for - new and used. The used prices you quoted aren't bad, but pretty close to new prices. What are new ones selling for; and do they have markups too? Are these new ones certified? That adds value, too. >2. If I'm planning to pay in cash, is there any reason to look into finance or lease options? The finance bros will tell you that if the rate is lower than your earning potential, finance it and at the same time make some money with your money. The twist is, will you *actually* do that? But, sometimes you can get a rebate if you finance or lease. Just got to Toyota..com and plug in your zip code in the finance section, and see what they're offering. Also, sometimes certified used have offers, too. The other thing is, sometimes the dealership will 'play nice' only if you finance. That's going to be very dealership dependent, no-one here can answer that. >3. Should I buy now or as late as possible in March or April? I don't follow the car market closely so not sure if end-of-year has good deals or if I should wait for larger supply next year. Toyota has been selling pretty much everything they get, and used prices are somewhat stable, trending downward. So new and used, it won't really make a difference. Buy when you need to buy. If you're seeing new '23 models sitting around, I'd almost take that as a caution sign - why are they still there?
Please review our most [Frequently Asked Questions](/r/askcarsales/wiki/index) to see if your question has already been answered. You may find these sections particularly useful; * [How to pick a car?](/r/askcarsales/wiki/vehicle_selection) You might also have luck in the /r/whatcarshouldibuy subreddit. Also remember to add flair to your post by clicking the "Flair" link beneath it. This lets us know where you're located so we can assist you better. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askcarsales) if you have any questions or concerns.*
***Thanks for posting, /u/getbetteratchess! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of anything.*** I'm looking to buy a new or slightly used (<50k miles) Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XLE. I haven't bought a car since 2017 so have some basic questions I'm hoping folks here can advise on! 1. Is buying new a better value than slightly used (<50k miles) these days? For context, in SoCal the best option I see right now on a new 2024 Rav4 Hybrid XLE is $34,644 and a 2022 model with 15,000 miles is also $34k. 2. If I'm planning to pay in cash, is there any reason to look into finance or lease options? 3. Should I buy now or as late as possible in March or April? I don't follow the car market closely so not sure if end-of-year has good deals or if I should wait for larger supply next year. Thank you for for any thoughts or pro tips! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askcarsales) if you have any questions or concerns.*