By Jared Hinderer

Two and a half years ago, I bought my first car. I had to decide between getting a newer “economy” car that may have only been a couple years old, or getting five to six year old luxury car.

Fortunately, luxury won out. For less than I could have bought a new bare-bones Kia Rio, or a slightly used Camry, I got a fully loaded six-year-old turbocharged V6-powered Saab.

The reason I make this comparison is that for the same price as a new car with nothing luxury about it, you can get a very nice older car.

For example, what you pay for a new Kia Rio, (about $13,000) that does not even have air conditioning or power locks, you can get an 80,000 mile 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, with  heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control and a lot more.

Furthermore, despite being older, these higher-end options will more than likely last longer than a newer “cheaper” car.

Although, you have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. With an older luxury car, you have to take into consideration repair costs if they need servicing, and the fact that they have no warranty. Also, an older Mercedes, Saab, BMW, or other luxury car will probably show some signs of wear.

On the other hand, a new car will have a warranty, be in perfect condition, and have that glorious smell.

Now, I’m not knocking buying a new car. If you have the money and can get the features you want in a brand new car, by all means, do it. Especially if you are shopping American; we need all the help we can get.

In the long run, I have been much happier driving an older luxury car over a new econo-box, but the choice is yours. Weigh the options and choose what makes you happy.