How much is a newer car model year worth?

[mollybrown]

We're still in the early stages of car buying, but I'm trying to have all of my ducks in a row.

If you have the option between a new 2014 or 2015, how much extra is having the 2015 worth?  Another factor for this car (Pilot) is that it is being redesigned for 2016.

The number that the salesman came back with for the 2014 are way high, IMO.  But I also am not inclined to pay much more for the 2015 because the 2016 is being redesigned anyway, and the 2014 and 2015 are virtually identical.  One just sounds a year older.

I bought my first Honda a month before the redesigned body style was released, and that sucked.  I think both models should be pretty heavily discounted, since they're going to look dated in a few months.  I might go with the Highlander just to not worry about this issue.

[Deleted]

Hondas hold their value fairly well. If you're financing, are the rates the same for both model years?

[mollybrown]

Nov 22, 2014 16:20:40 GMT -5 @bonsoirlune said:

Hondas hold their value fairly well. If you're financing, are the rates the same for both model years?

Good question.  0% financing for the 2014, and either .9% or 1.9% for the 2015.

[Susie]

We bought a 2014 last month (at 0%). The 2015s aren't out yet, but 2015 will be a redesign year for the VW Sportwagen. I knew I really liked the 2014 and didn't want to gamble on whether I would like the changes in the 2015 (because by then the 2014s would all be sold; as it was it was difficult getting the car we wanted). We also have a 2008 Subaru Forester, which was right before the 2009 re-design. As such, we got a great deal. Sure it looks "dated" if you follow those things, but IDGAF. Plus there are aspects of it that I actually like better. I've heard the same thing from other Subaru people who don't like what they did with the 2009-onward Foresters; they got big and bubbly-looking and tall. The "less dated" design isn't always better.

Even when we're not talking about being a redesign year, I don't care very much. The difference between 2014 and 2015, come roughly 2028 when I finally sell/trade it, will not matter to its value very much, and in the meantime model year doesn't affect my use/enjoyment.

With the financing options you have, I'd be all over the 0% on a 2014.

[mollybrown]

Nov 22, 2014 16:47:08 GMT -5 Susie said:

We bought a 2014 last month (at 0%). The 2015s aren't out yet, but 2015 will be a redesign year for the VW Sportwagen. I knew I really liked the 2014 and didn't want to gamble on whether I would like the changes in the 2015 (because by then the 2014s would all be sold; as it was it was difficult getting the car we wanted). We also have a 2008 Subaru Forester, which was right before the 2009 re-design. As such, we got a great deal. Sure it looks "dated" if you follow those things, but IDGAF. Plus there are aspects of it that I actually like better. I've heard the same thing from other Subaru people who don't like what they did with the 2009-onward Foresters; they got big and bubbly-looking and tall. The "less dated" design isn't always better.

Even when we're not talking about being a redesign year, I don't care very much. The difference between 2014 and 2015, come roughly 2028 when I finally sell/trade it, will not matter to its value very much, and in the meantime model year doesn't affect my use/enjoyment.

With the financing options you have, I'd be all over the 0% on a 2014.

I hear you.  The hard part is not knowing if the redesign will be something I care about.  With my Civic, the new model looked like a completely different car, and it bothers me even now (although less so since a 2000 and 2001 Civic are both pretty outdated).  With the CRV, I much prefer the body style that I have over the newer version, but I'm pretty sure the backup camera became standard.  0% financing is definitely a good incentive.

[AAM2012]

If you might care about the redesign could you wait till they come out next year? Then you would still be faced with the same decision (new or new-new) but you wouldn't have the 'should I have waited?"

[babsbunny]

A work guy friend of mine that loves cars made a comment to me about never buying a car if it's the first year of a redesign. I think he said it has to do with them getting some things wrong. Then again, he is a typical car guy that said he could never imagine driving a minivan.

RESPECT THE MINIVAN!!!

[noodleoo]

When I bought my Corolla I wanted the old style but missed it and got the first year of the redesign. I was disappointed at first, but pretty quickly was glad because the older style looked old really fast. I wouldn't buy the last year before redesign unless I get a really good price on it. I've also heard you shouldn't buy the first year of a redesign, but I had no choice and it was fine. They didn't change much in the next few years with that particular car.

If the 2015s are out you should be able to get a good deal on a 2014. I'd either shop around for a great deal on that or wait for the new style.

[lmdbww]

I bought the first model year of the Mazda3 and it rocked! So I disagree with that. It isn't always a bad idea. I think it depends on the car manufacturer.

I'd prob do whatever had the best financing, if the prices are working out to be the same.

[mslhb]

I worked for many years for an automotive tier supplier so am familiar with model year cycles. Unless you are going to keep the car a short time I don't see a big difference in buying the 2014 vs. 2015. By the time you go to sell/trade-in the car the total mileage will likely be more meaningful then the actual year of manufacture. I would NEVER buy a new model in the 1st 6 months of manufacture... but that is just me! I keep my cars a long time so although emotionally it is annoying to see a new version of the car out a year later, unless you keep the car a short time there will be a new model at some point. You can probably google and see images for what the new model is going to look like to see if it is that much more appealing to you. Car manufactures typically do a full re-design every 4-5 years... but can be as early as 3... as more and more they are starting to do significant "mid-model" overhauls. To me cars are becoming like buying electronics where whatever you buy will likely be "old" fairly quick no matter what you do! I feel like as long as the car you are buying now has the options and styling you like... then go for it.

[rubytue]

Susie - so true about the forrester. We have an 02 that is on its last legs or at least needs $1500-ish in exhaust system repairs. We have been debating about replacing it with an 08 bc he loves the size and shape.

[lime]

Nov 23, 2014 10:14:01 GMT -5 @juno said:

Nov 22, 2014 23:04:08 GMT -5 babsbunny said:

A work guy friend of mine that loves cars made a comment to me about never buying a car if it's the first year of a redesign. I think he said it has to do with them getting some things wrong. Then again, he is a typical car guy that said he could never imagine driving a minivan.

RESPECT THE MINIVAN!!!

I've heard the same about never buying the first year.

Having worked as an automotive engineer, I disagree with both of these comments. 

Self proclaimed "car people" always seem to have opinions that very rarely reflect how the industry actually is. 

[mollybrown]

Nov 23, 2014 10:36:47 GMT -5 mslhb said:

I worked for many years for an automotive tier supplier so am familiar with model year cycles. Unless you are going to keep the car a short time I don't see a big difference in buying the 2014 vs. 2015. By the time you go to sell/trade-in the car the total mileage will likely be more meaningful then the actual year of manufacture. I would NEVER buy a new model in the 1st 6 months of manufacture... but that is just me! I keep my cars a long time so although emotionally it is annoying to see a new version of the car out a year later, unless you keep the car a short time there will be a new model at some point. You can probably google and see images for what the new model is going to look like to see if it is that much more appealing to you. Car manufactures typically do a full re-design every 4-5 years... but can be as early as 3... as more and more they are starting to do significant "mid-model" overhauls. To me cars are becoming like buying electronics where whatever you buy will likely be "old" fairly quick no matter what you do! I feel like as long as the car you are buying now has the options and styling you like... then go for it.

You're right.  My 00 car has very low mileage, so I'm sure we'll be able to get more than a marginally newer car.  I think I'll focus on just getting the best deal on a 14.  But right now, the salesman's price is a joke.  For $500, I think it would be worth being able to choose whatever color and interior in a 15.

The salesman actually showed us "pictures" of the redesigned 2016.  They were good for a nice laugh, and that's about it.  The car was seriously wearing a burqa.  Every single thing was covered.  We could tell that the hood sloped more, and they moved the gear shift.  That's it.  

[atarianna]

Go with the Highlander. I love mine and since it was just redesigned, no worries about it looking old for a while.

[CloudBee]

Get the 2014 if it has low miles.