Why does anyone buy anything new?
Discussion
Following on from the new car on finance threads and some of the replies that all say why buy new when you could get a much better car used. Why does this not apply to every day life?
Why should I buy a £1000 3D tv when I can get a 10 year old back projector tv for £50?
Why should I buy clothes new even if from Primark or asda when I could get a designer item from a charity for half the price and make the money I save work for me in a Isa?
Why should I buy a new dslr when I could buy a old 35mm camera and use the money I save when I'm developing in a dark room to save for a buy to let property?
Why should I buy food when I could scrape around in bins safe in the comfort all the cash I've got sat in the bank is working hard for me, cause hey after all why would you want new when you could have used?
Why should I buy a £1000 3D tv when I can get a 10 year old back projector tv for £50?
Why should I buy clothes new even if from Primark or asda when I could get a designer item from a charity for half the price and make the money I save work for me in a Isa?
Why should I buy a new dslr when I could buy a old 35mm camera and use the money I save when I'm developing in a dark room to save for a buy to let property?
Why should I buy food when I could scrape around in bins safe in the comfort all the cash I've got sat in the bank is working hard for me, cause hey after all why would you want new when you could have used?
I think there is a middle ground.
Food, I tend to buy that new. There are lot's of things I am happy to pick up used. For example, furniture, either antiques or just older and eclectic stuff. I don't have any modern flat pack/chipboard stuff in my house. Also I've got a few items of clothing which I've bought used but as it was well made stuff originally it'll still outlast me and I've saved the £££££ original price.
Each to his own I guess.
Food, I tend to buy that new. There are lot's of things I am happy to pick up used. For example, furniture, either antiques or just older and eclectic stuff. I don't have any modern flat pack/chipboard stuff in my house. Also I've got a few items of clothing which I've bought used but as it was well made stuff originally it'll still outlast me and I've saved the £££££ original price.
Each to his own I guess.
Some things just have to be new.
Pants.
Toothbrushes.
Toilet roll.
Most white goods are bought new so you have the warranty if it goes wrong. Yes buying second hand would save a mint but again its not knowing how clean/ hygenic the last owners were.
We bought a Panasonic CRT about 9 years ago when the fashion was plazma, it was the showroom model so unknown how long it had been on but was reduced sufficiently to make it worth the punt with the warranty. Still in out living room and as good as the day we bought it. When it goes wrong we will buy another new tv not second hand as technology moves quicky and parts would become difficult to source.
Pants.
Toothbrushes.
Toilet roll.
Most white goods are bought new so you have the warranty if it goes wrong. Yes buying second hand would save a mint but again its not knowing how clean/ hygenic the last owners were.
We bought a Panasonic CRT about 9 years ago when the fashion was plazma, it was the showroom model so unknown how long it had been on but was reduced sufficiently to make it worth the punt with the warranty. Still in out living room and as good as the day we bought it. When it goes wrong we will buy another new tv not second hand as technology moves quicky and parts would become difficult to source.
All about keeping up with the Jones again....the 'look what I've got' culture.
If you're flush then I guess it doesn't really matter.....for normal folk its a case of doing the best you can with what you have, unless you want to have loans & credit up to your neck to 'look' good.
Is it really worth it?
If you're flush then I guess it doesn't really matter.....for normal folk its a case of doing the best you can with what you have, unless you want to have loans & credit up to your neck to 'look' good.
Is it really worth it?
Same reply as to other thread really.
Seems to me from this thread that people fall into one of a few camps:
1) Those who don't worry about cars/things breaking down because they have (a) mechanical knowledge, equipment and time (b) unlimited pots of money to spunk on repairs (c) they don't worry about a thing, ever, because that's just the way they were born. They therefore don't mind old cars/things.
2) Those who would actually like a nice new car/things but (a) can't afford one (b) have no job security so they cant get finance (c) have a 1950s mindset of 'never a lender, nor a borrower be' (d) they are tight gits. They therefore act all bitter and jealous and twisted towards those who have new cars/things at worst, or at best, all superior because they own their older car/objects outright and think it's the best way to go.
3) Those who think buying on finance is a good idea because (a) they don't have the full amount upfront or don't want to see their savings go (because they'd miss £30K out of their bank much more than they'd miss £300 a month) (b) the finance or lease deal on that car/item works out cheaper than paying cash and swallowing the depreciation (because the lease company buys in bulk and passes some of their savings on) (c) they like the intangible feel good factor, smell, status, technological benefits, gadgets, fuel economy, performance of a new or newish car over an older one they could buy outright. (d) they are fashionistas and have fallen into the materialist, capitalist trap of 'must have the latest thing out'.
I'd say I'm in camp three. Most of what I've read here leads me to think many on PH fall in to camp 2...if you are offended by this then, I'm sorry, but check the tone of what you post, because you seem all bitter and twisted to me! Each to their own I guess, but don't judge others.
Seems to me from this thread that people fall into one of a few camps:
1) Those who don't worry about cars/things breaking down because they have (a) mechanical knowledge, equipment and time (b) unlimited pots of money to spunk on repairs (c) they don't worry about a thing, ever, because that's just the way they were born. They therefore don't mind old cars/things.
2) Those who would actually like a nice new car/things but (a) can't afford one (b) have no job security so they cant get finance (c) have a 1950s mindset of 'never a lender, nor a borrower be' (d) they are tight gits. They therefore act all bitter and jealous and twisted towards those who have new cars/things at worst, or at best, all superior because they own their older car/objects outright and think it's the best way to go.
3) Those who think buying on finance is a good idea because (a) they don't have the full amount upfront or don't want to see their savings go (because they'd miss £30K out of their bank much more than they'd miss £300 a month) (b) the finance or lease deal on that car/item works out cheaper than paying cash and swallowing the depreciation (because the lease company buys in bulk and passes some of their savings on) (c) they like the intangible feel good factor, smell, status, technological benefits, gadgets, fuel economy, performance of a new or newish car over an older one they could buy outright. (d) they are fashionistas and have fallen into the materialist, capitalist trap of 'must have the latest thing out'.
I'd say I'm in camp three. Most of what I've read here leads me to think many on PH fall in to camp 2...if you are offended by this then, I'm sorry, but check the tone of what you post, because you seem all bitter and twisted to me! Each to their own I guess, but don't judge others.
HaloGen8 said:
All about keeping up with the Jones again....the 'look what I've got' culture.
If you're flush then I guess it doesn't really matter.....for normal folk its a case of doing the best you can with what you have, unless you want to have loans & credit up to your neck to 'look' good.
Is it really worth it?
Sometimes.If you're flush then I guess it doesn't really matter.....for normal folk its a case of doing the best you can with what you have, unless you want to have loans & credit up to your neck to 'look' good.
Is it really worth it?
Not everyone is an uber mechanic and can drive RWD cars into oversteery drifts like half of you on here. They don't have the time to repair cars either.
For some a new warranted car is totally worth it especially if their job depends on it.
And where would PHers get their bargain sheds/interesting cars if someone didn't buy new?
Lotusevoraboy said:
Same reply as to other thread really.
Seems to me from this thread that people fall into one of a few camps:
1) Those who don't worry about cars/things breaking down because they have (a) mechanical knowledge, equipment and time (b) unlimited pots of money to spunk on repairs (c) they don't worry about a thing, ever, because that's just the way they were born. They therefore don't mind old cars/things.
2) Those who would actually like a nice new car/things but (a) can't afford one (b) have no job security so they cant get finance (c) have a 1950s mindset of 'never a lender, nor a borrower be' (d) they are tight gits. They therefore act all bitter and jealous and twisted towards those who have new cars/things at worst, or at best, all superior because they own their older car/objects outright and think it's the best way to go.
3) Those who think buying on finance is a good idea because (a) they don't have the full amount upfront or don't want to see their savings go (because they'd miss £30K out of their bank much more than they'd miss £300 a month) (b) the finance or lease deal on that car/item works out cheaper than paying cash and swallowing the depreciation (because the lease company buys in bulk and passes some of their savings on) (c) they like the intangible feel good factor, smell, status, technological benefits, gadgets, fuel economy, performance of a new or newish car over an older one they could buy outright. (d) they are fashionistas and have fallen into the materialist, capitalist trap of 'must have the latest thing out'.
I'd say I'm in camp three. Most of what I've read here leads me to think many on PH fall in to camp 2...if you are offended by this then, I'm sorry, but check the tone of what you post, because you seem all bitter and twisted to me! Each to their own I guess, but don't judge others.
Camp two here but by no means bitter or twisted! If people want to live on the never never to keep up with the Jones then good luck to them! It's not a lifestyle choice for me but I'm not bitter or jealous of people who have a house and drive full of "shiny new things" acquired by these means.Seems to me from this thread that people fall into one of a few camps:
1) Those who don't worry about cars/things breaking down because they have (a) mechanical knowledge, equipment and time (b) unlimited pots of money to spunk on repairs (c) they don't worry about a thing, ever, because that's just the way they were born. They therefore don't mind old cars/things.
2) Those who would actually like a nice new car/things but (a) can't afford one (b) have no job security so they cant get finance (c) have a 1950s mindset of 'never a lender, nor a borrower be' (d) they are tight gits. They therefore act all bitter and jealous and twisted towards those who have new cars/things at worst, or at best, all superior because they own their older car/objects outright and think it's the best way to go.
3) Those who think buying on finance is a good idea because (a) they don't have the full amount upfront or don't want to see their savings go (because they'd miss £30K out of their bank much more than they'd miss £300 a month) (b) the finance or lease deal on that car/item works out cheaper than paying cash and swallowing the depreciation (because the lease company buys in bulk and passes some of their savings on) (c) they like the intangible feel good factor, smell, status, technological benefits, gadgets, fuel economy, performance of a new or newish car over an older one they could buy outright. (d) they are fashionistas and have fallen into the materialist, capitalist trap of 'must have the latest thing out'.
I'd say I'm in camp three. Most of what I've read here leads me to think many on PH fall in to camp 2...if you are offended by this then, I'm sorry, but check the tone of what you post, because you seem all bitter and twisted to me! Each to their own I guess, but don't judge others.
Out of the above I used to be in camp 3 now I am in camp 1. Wny? Well I got bored of not learning anything. I started off with a brand new mini cooper ten years ago, which I still have but ive now stripped it and its being re built, I have also acquired a number of aged Alfa Romeos which I am undertaking all of the work on, some its basic maintenance and work, some its welding and re engineering certain parts. I would rather have a car which I know every inch of and have developed some better parts for that has cost me relatively little than have a new car waiting to develop issues that I cant yet solve. I also changed for liking 'toys' to having a preference for mechanical. Things like bluetooh climate control and sat nav have no interest too me. I much prefer a car that is a bit more pure.
Do I think my friends who have the new and the shiny are silly, no its their choice. Its taken me a while and a fair bit of cash to build up the tools and knowledge to do what I do but I like having the ability to fix it there and then usually. This came out of getting pissed off with the substandard and expensive labor I experienced at main dealers and having to constantly wait for the car. I can do all the servicing, most items of major work weather depending etc in an hour on my drive without having to sit and wait and it costs me relatively little. When it comes to the complex its a bit more faff but I have a car tent I can put up and work in the dry at home too.
Do I think my friends who have the new and the shiny are silly, no its their choice. Its taken me a while and a fair bit of cash to build up the tools and knowledge to do what I do but I like having the ability to fix it there and then usually. This came out of getting pissed off with the substandard and expensive labor I experienced at main dealers and having to constantly wait for the car. I can do all the servicing, most items of major work weather depending etc in an hour on my drive without having to sit and wait and it costs me relatively little. When it comes to the complex its a bit more faff but I have a car tent I can put up and work in the dry at home too.
Edited by lordf on Sunday 13th October 12:37
Not specifically talking cars, people
Moan about buying new cars but then will happily buy anything else new.
As for keeping up for the jones, I bet everyone that's ever said they don't do it live in a nice house that they have spent money doing up with the original 60s kitchen was more than adequate.
Moan about buying new cars but then will happily buy anything else new.
As for keeping up for the jones, I bet everyone that's ever said they don't do it live in a nice house that they have spent money doing up with the original 60s kitchen was more than adequate.
Lotusevoraboy said:
Classic. Someone describes themselves as not bitter, jealous, judgemental etc but then uses the phrases 'on the never, never' and 'keeping up with the Jones'. Don't you realise how that comes across?
Those are just figures of speech used in a colloquial way? maybe the Jones expression is a little more loaded but it doesn't mean I'm bitter or jealous.okie592 said:
Following on from the new car on finance threads and some of the replies that all say why buy new when you could get a much better car used.
Why does this not apply to every day life?
Why should I buy a £1000 3D tv when I can get a 10 year old back projector tv for £50?
Why should I buy clothes new even if from Primark or asda when I could get a designer item from a charity for half the price and make the money I save work for me in a Isa?
Why should I buy a new dslr when I could buy a old 35mm camera and use the money I save when I'm developing in a dark room to save for a buy to let property?
Why should I buy food when I could scrape around in bins safe in the comfort all the cash I've got sat in the bank is working hard for me, cause hey after all why would you want new when you could have used?
Firstly because cars are for most people the second most expensive thing they buy, the savings are much greater but it does apply to everyday life.Why does this not apply to every day life?
Why should I buy a £1000 3D tv when I can get a 10 year old back projector tv for £50?
Why should I buy clothes new even if from Primark or asda when I could get a designer item from a charity for half the price and make the money I save work for me in a Isa?
Why should I buy a new dslr when I could buy a old 35mm camera and use the money I save when I'm developing in a dark room to save for a buy to let property?
Why should I buy food when I could scrape around in bins safe in the comfort all the cash I've got sat in the bank is working hard for me, cause hey after all why would you want new when you could have used?
I can afford new stuff and I do buy many new things - typically things I intend to keep until they wear out so I will buy a new big TV but I don't buy the very latest tech, I wait until it is sensibly priced and I'll keep it, moving the lounge TV to the kitchen / office / bedrooms etc as I upgrade.
Recently on Ebay I've bought:
As new leather sofas - cost £2K bought for £250, Mango TV stand cost £400 bought for £69, GRP garage door cost £2400 bought for £100
I love getting a bargain, that is what enabled me to recently build my 5 bed house that owes me £120k in total.
However I'm happy that there are plenty of people who buy new stuff because if they didn't I wouldn't be able to buy it off them for bugger all at a later date.
I don't know where I'm meant to be pigeon holed?
I've never taken a car out on PCP. Mainly because I've never been in a position where I could.
There's only two cars I've considered buying new in the past five years. The BMW 1M and the Alfa 4c.
I was still paying off a loan for my integrale Evo2 when the 1M was being sold and decided against selling the Evo to make it happen.
The 4c won't be available on PCP.
So as bitter and twisted as I am, I don't see why I should PCP any of the cars I own.
The Mercedes was 8 grand, came with 30k miles, immaculate and cot 50k when new.
The Lotus was 20k miles, mint condition, at 15.5k saved me 11k on a new one.
The integrale isn't sold anymore, bought when the market was at a low point for 11k. Costs a frigging fortune to run. (If it was new it would still cost a fortune to run and service).
The MGF is basically a free car.
I own all of them and it gives me the chance to drive different types of cars and buy and sell them as I see fit.
So I don't think I fall into any bracket. Overall they have cost me 35k to buy. If I was to PCP then I could probably afford a new Mercedes coupe, only. As for running costs, Its all relative, the cars are not used all the time, so dont have to be taxed all the time. Apart from the integrale, the rest of them cost a few hundred quid a year in garage bills at most.
I don't see the point in buying new. Not unless its for something really special.
My company car is leased but I dont pay for that.
I've never taken a car out on PCP. Mainly because I've never been in a position where I could.
There's only two cars I've considered buying new in the past five years. The BMW 1M and the Alfa 4c.
I was still paying off a loan for my integrale Evo2 when the 1M was being sold and decided against selling the Evo to make it happen.
The 4c won't be available on PCP.
So as bitter and twisted as I am, I don't see why I should PCP any of the cars I own.
The Mercedes was 8 grand, came with 30k miles, immaculate and cot 50k when new.
The Lotus was 20k miles, mint condition, at 15.5k saved me 11k on a new one.
The integrale isn't sold anymore, bought when the market was at a low point for 11k. Costs a frigging fortune to run. (If it was new it would still cost a fortune to run and service).
The MGF is basically a free car.
I own all of them and it gives me the chance to drive different types of cars and buy and sell them as I see fit.
So I don't think I fall into any bracket. Overall they have cost me 35k to buy. If I was to PCP then I could probably afford a new Mercedes coupe, only. As for running costs, Its all relative, the cars are not used all the time, so dont have to be taxed all the time. Apart from the integrale, the rest of them cost a few hundred quid a year in garage bills at most.
I don't see the point in buying new. Not unless its for something really special.
My company car is leased but I dont pay for that.
There is a third way, new but obsolete. Eg our telly, ex-display reduced from £300 to £160, good quality suit £300 down to £150 at factory outlet shop or whatever they are called, £11.99 DVD I'd been looking for for ages from Poundland, and so on. You still get the newness and the full guarantee and normally the only changes are cosmetic so you can't lose. Same with cars, wait until the face-lifted version comes out and buy the old model new at a massive discount 
I can completely understand why people would buy only second hand. I was a piss poor musician for many years and wouldn't have dreamed of buying new trousers, let alone a new car.
Now I have some cash, I buy both new cars and new trousers. It's rather fun.
The cars are much more fun than the trousers.
Now I have some cash, I buy both new cars and new trousers. It's rather fun.
The cars are much more fun than the trousers.
Justin Case said:
There is a third way, new but obsolete. Eg our telly, ex-display reduced from £300 to £160, good quality suit £300 down to £150 at factory outlet shop or whatever they are called, £11.99 DVD I'd been looking for for ages from Poundland, and so on. You still get the newness and the full guarantee and normally the only changes are cosmetic so you can't lose. Same with cars, wait until the face-lifted version comes out and buy the old model new at a massive discount
Still plenty of ex-display, liquidation, refurb etc products around, especially on ebayI buy whatever car I want at the time - sometimes that means new, but if it's not in production anymore then I'll aim for the best used I can find. Aside from cars and houses, everything else I buy is new. Without wishing to sound like a cock, I can afford it and can't take my money with me when I die.
GetCarter said:
I can completely understand why people would buy only second hand. I was a piss poor musician for many years and wouldn't have dreamed of buying new trousers, let alone a new car.
Now I have some cash, I buy both new cars and new trousers. It's rather fun.
The cars are much more fun than the trousers.
I like this philosophy.Now I have some cash, I buy both new cars and new trousers. It's rather fun.
The cars are much more fun than the trousers.
Other half and her mother drive me a bit loopy with second hand stuff
We are looking at redoing our kitchen soon and we fancy a Belfast/butler sink. I've been keeping my eyes open on eBay for a quality used one
They both think this is mingling and unhygienic. Whene I ask them what's wrong with the sink that came the house that the previous people used, they can't give an answer
We are looking at redoing our kitchen soon and we fancy a Belfast/butler sink. I've been keeping my eyes open on eBay for a quality used one
They both think this is mingling and unhygienic. Whene I ask them what's wrong with the sink that came the house that the previous people used, they can't give an answer
With these feet said:
=We bought a Panasonic CRT about 9 years ago when the fashion was plazma, it was the showroom model so unknown how long it had been on but was reduced sufficiently to make it worth the punt with the warranty. Still in out living room and as good as the day we bought it. When it goes wrong we will buy another new tv not second hand as technology moves quicky and parts would become difficult to source.
The quality of that TV will be very poor though in comparison to anything on offer today. TV's are not badly priced at the moment, you can buy a 40" Toshiba 1080p LED TV for £300 brand new 
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff