It doesn't matter. Sure, if you truly value a new car that much and you have the money/investments to support it, then sure, blow your money.
It doesn't change the fact that you'll always come out FAR better buying a used car.
Realistic sample scenario:
- New car is $25k. You can finance it at 0% for 5 years, no down payment! Amazing!
- Used car (same make/model) is 5 years old and is worth $13k now.
- You can pay cash for the used car (no loan required).
Here is how much "value" you'll have after 5 years buying the new car:
Investment portfolio will be worth $17,397 ($13k @ 6% for 5 years).
Total cost of car including opportunity costs are $29,877.
Value of car after 5 years is ~$13k.
Total value: $520.
Investment portfolio will be worth $29,877 ($416/mo @ 6% for 5 years).
Total cost of car including opportunity costs is $17,397.
Value of car after 5 years is ~$7k.
Total value: $19,480.
Unless you think that you're going to have over $18k in repairs on the used car, you're far better off with the used car.
Of course this example isn't perfect, nor conclusive. The new car may still theoretically last longer (but how much longer may not be relevant). And of course, there are subjective reasons to buying a new car vs a used one (maybe the brand new Tesla model just came out and there are no used versions of it...not Mustachian or financially smart though). The main point is that buying used is much more profitable than buying new overall. It's illogical to say that just because your investments will cover the payment and you have a large enough down payment that buying new in this scenario is the way to go.
