Buying a newish car - What matters most?

Ok, so this is here because it's not so grassrootsish. I need a commuter car that is reliable and has a warranty so I'm fixing the fun car not the DD car. So I'm looking for a CPO Outback. Don't judge, I like them for DD family cars.

I've narrowed down to two choices of the same car. Both are CPO, 1 owner cars with excellent service history. They are:

2011, White on Ivory, 3.6R, 72,000 miles (2 years/28,000 miles warranty left)

2012, Silver on Black, 3.6R, 56,000 miles (3 years, 44,000 miles warranty left)

Kicker is they are ~$1000 different in price, with the 2012 being more expensive. There might be an opportunity to get that down some, as well. So all logic dictates that this is the choice. It has 1 year and 16,000 more of warranty than the white one.

The issue is that the white on Ivory is one of my favorite color combinations on this car, and the silver specifically but silver on black is one of my least favorite color combinations.

I'm trying to convince myself that if nothing goes wrong in the next 2 years, 28,000 miles, then it's not likely to go wrong with a properly maintained automobile, but I'm doing this because I REALLY prefer the white to the silver in this car.

Is it more important to take the additional warranty, and walk out every day to a car and think "Meh." or go for the less warranty and walk out and really like the way your car looks? The head says one way, the heart says another...

What do you all think?

I wouldn't hesitate to get the older one if you like the color combo that much more.

Ask yourself if you and your family are really clean enough to live with a white-ish interior... Even blue jeans stain white seats over time (leather ones at least) and every passenger in my car has apparently had filthy fingers. Then there is the spilled coffee. Every. Single. Time. I think black interiors are boring as well, but they seem to hide dirt a little bit better.

I'd get the one you like more. I don't think much will happen within either warranty period. It would look into an extended warranty if you're concerned.

The '12 seems like the better deal but I know I would hate to be in your situation and pick the one that I like the least, since that's the one I'd be looking at and driving for the next several years.

maybe the quote

"If you don't look back at your car after you park it, you've bought the wrong car"

applies here

I bought a slightly older higher mileage (and cheaper) mazda 5 than I wanted because it was a unique color

Get the one you like. Otherwise, every time you get into the silver car with black interior you are going to regret it. Plus, less $$$. The bugs should be worked out of both by now, so warranty may not really be adding much value.

The '12 being one year newer and w/ lower miles and longer warranty would appear to me the better deal especially if negotiated down some but if you don't prefer the color combo you just ain't never gonna be happy w/ it. If the '11 is everything you want and your fav color combo why not go for it. In a hurry to buy soon? Maybe keep looking.

Getting what you want is the whole point of the exercise.

I don't mean to sound smug. Most of us have done this analysis.

Go look at and drive both. Get the better one.

Tell the people with the '11 about the '12, and that an extended warranty or allowance for extended warranty would make the choice easier.

If I am spending my money it will be on something that I want and can live with for the next 8 years.

On normal depreciation year is worth ~$1k and 10k-15k is worth ~$1k. (this obviously changes within the first year of ownership to a higher rate and decreases after about the 7 year mark lower rates but there are exception to every rule, but for this the normal rates are fine.)

So that is where the normal $2k a year depreciation happens.

Based on those numbers, I would go with the 2012 for the better warranty, and better year mileage in range with depreciation.

Essentially you are paying a $1k for a years worth of driving, warranty, and vehicle life (all else being equal)

How much is a $1k worth to ya? Is it worth a color you don't like? The numbers say 2012, but you hating the car isn't good either. In the end how you maintain the vehicle from here on out will have more to do with it than anything.

You could always negotiate the 2011 down based on the 2012.

The age, miles, and price are so close, I'd get the one that appeals to my emotions more than my conscience.

failboat wrote: maybe the quote "If you don't look back at your car after you park it, you've bought the wrong car" applies here I bought a slightly older higher mileage (and cheaper) mazda 5 than I wanted because it was a unique color

QFT. I'd also use the '12 as a bargaining chip against the '11 as someone else mentioned. An added year of warranty for free would make it a no-brainer if you really like it that much better.