New versus Used

[bluetrade]

This board has been helpful for research as I am considering buying a Q5. I am trying to shave the sticker price a little. I am now starting to open up to the idea of buying used. Ill take any thoughts the group has. Here are a few talking points: 1) any thoughts of new v used 2) the 2011 and 2012 are basically the same car right? 3) no keyless on the 2011? 4) does the 2011 pricing save enough to justify used 5) there does seem to be some value in "certified" with the extra warranty thanks

[The G Man]

Q5 have a very high resale value, its great if you are trading in your Q5 but not great if you are looking to buy a used Q5.

[gheffty93]

I think keyless entry was an option on 2011 models, but don't quote me on that.

[Reggie]

Originally Posted by gheffty93

I think keyless entry was an option on 2011 models, but don't quote me on that.

I have keyless in our 011' but it was probably part of a package

[quattrosky]

Originally Posted by bluetrade

This board has been helpful for research as I am considering buying a Q5. I am trying to shave the sticker price a little. I am now starting to open up to the idea of buying used. Ill take any thoughts the group has. Here are a few talking points:

1) any thoughts of new v used
2) the 2011 and 2012 are basically the same car right?
3) no keyless on the 2011?
4) does the 2011 pricing save enough to justify used
5) there does seem to be some value in "certified" with the extra warranty

thanks

When I started thinking about the Q5, I initially thought for sure I would just pick up a used one. However, as I started to look in to it, I wanted the 2.0T, and there are very few of those available used, the ones that are out there are generally dealer demos and they are priced within $2K of the price of new, and in some cases were even priced HIGHER than MSRP.

You could probably find an ok deal on an 09 or 10 3.2L Q5 (not a great deal, but I did find a couple that were $8K or more less than MSRP), but you will probably not find any reasonable pricing on a 11-12 2.0T.

It just made no financial sense to me to buy a used 2.0T at current prices. Probably in a year or so as they start coming off lease and there are more of the refreshed 2013s on dealer lots, prices will start coming down a bit.

If you want to shave the sticker price, the best way IMO is to order the base model 2.0T and resist adding any options. You can probably walk out with an ordered one for $37K or less (assuming a little discounting). Even 3 year old Q5s are still fetching more than that. The premium still comes with leather, 3 zone climate, roof rack included, a good stereo, etc. Great value in my view.

[ThunderDent]

I looked for almost 2 months at used Q5's ... even looking at online dealer auctions.

I quickly realized that to get the color combo I wanted (Ibis/Cinny) it was hard enough to find it new (3.2 or 2.0T) let alone used or coming off lease. The closest I got was bidding on one of the dealer auctions on a 2010 Prestige (even though the interior was black) but I got outbid on that one and it went for over $50K and it had high miles on it. In retrospect, glad I didn't win that bid.

I must have called about 4 or 5 others I found coming off lease that I saw posted on dealer websites, but I called and every single one had already been taken.

Just when I thought I'd have to order one and wait, I found 2 new ones relatively close, and decided to go with the Turbo. I just wished the 2.0 would have come with the S-line pkg, but 10 months in, I am slowly but surely getting all my mods ordered, and will make my ride just the way I want it ... hopefully before summer is out!

If they would have had the 3.0 S/C option in 2011 I would have thought hard about it, but still may have gone with the 2.0T. Not sure.

I agree with all the above comments. With Q5's in such high demand, (esp. the 2.0T's), and with such a high resale value, you are much better off buying new. Search like crazy to find one already in route that meets your specs or get lucky and jump on one the day it hits the lot, because it won't last long. If you can't find what you want, go the order route, and start the waiting game.

[Mr Kram]

used is great if you can find the car you want. i get no additional joy of getting a brand new car. the caveat is the ability to be patient enough to find the car you want, making sure that it is in good condition and possibly the hassle of dealing with a private party. i usually don't mind any of the above, but there have been several occasions where i've ended up going to a dealer a speccing a car for myself.

[bluetrade]

I am enjoying everyone’s input. I have had trouble justifying buying used with the spread being small. When I ask for advice from friends over beers they think I’m crazy to buy new. I don’t think they realize how small the spread is though.

[dr150]

Originally Posted by bluetrade

I am enjoying everyone’s input. I have had trouble justifying buying used with the spread being small. When I ask for advice from friends over beers they think I’m crazy to buy new. I don’t think they realize how small the spread is though.

In my region (N. CA), the spread isn't small. I could get a 2011 3.2 with 13k for $39k. That sounds pretty good to me.

Used cars will always be markedly cheaper than new, as you lose value on the car the moment it steps off the lot. These prices are calculated by Bluebook, etc and most dealers respect such published numbers. Plus, you negotiate further to make the deal sweeter.

If you're keeping the car until the wheels come off, then resale value doesn't really matter.

As an FYI, most all lux makes like Mercedes lose huuuge value. You can get a sweet ride with some years use. Owners baby their lux cars, so your car should be in very good shape.

[ForesterFan]

You can usually get a better APR for financing with a new car purchase compared to a used car purchase. That could also tip the scales in favor of a new car purchase.

Either way you'll have a sweet ride. Enjoy.