Let's say I'm planning on buying a car I really like

You dont invest in cars, unless they're special or classics.

Buy a civic and stfu.

>>16318436
cars are not investments. they are liabilities through and through.
the only exception is like >>16318460 said, but you're not gonna daily one of those and drive it for 15 years.

>>16318466
>Daily drive

What if I only drive two days a week?

>>16318436
no new car will last 15 years

>>16318436
Cars have a lifespan of about 10 years before major wear and tear repairs start to be required. 15 years is going to see you through major events like a head gasket failure, or replacing the entire brake system.
No more than 3 years old.

Also, a car isn't an investment unless you're trading up from an older, shittier car that's haemorrhaging money. And even then, you're just investing to save money in the long-term rather than making any.
Cars depreciate with age. However, if you love the car, and treat it right, go ahead and buy a new one if you want to pay double the price just to take it's virginity and get three more years out of owning one.
After all, if nobody bought new cars, there would be no used cars to buy.

>>16318436
>buy civic for 3k
>put 2k into it in the first couple years
>smooth sailing
>put another 2k into it several years later.
>you've spent less than 10k over 15 years.

>>16318436
Used. Get sub one year old if you must, but used. The only reason to buy new is if you need option nobody wanted (manual).

And you'll trade it or wreck it before 10 years anyway

>>16319663
Nah senpai ive been driving a Pontiac shitbox for 9 years w no major problems, I don't know why everyone thinks it will die before 10 years if I barely put any miles on it. I agree though I did think buying a newer model used car would be smarter than just buying brand new, I just didn't know if keeping the same car for a decade would change the "used is better than new" meme.