Y'know, there is a reason why the smart people of the world say to never buy a vehicle new. For the longest time, I heeded that warning...partly because I was broke, but also because it just wasn't feasible for me to get a new one. That all changed just over a year ago when I purchased my first (and only) new car...my '06 Malibu Maxx LTZ.

I picked the Maxx because I loved my previous Maxx (traded in due to high miles from commuting). It was more than spacious enough, all the seats but the drivers fold flat for hauling cargo, handled way better, was much safer (8 airbags total I think), and had all the options I was looking for, except the front sunroof and XM. One would think with all the features it has, plus its crash rating, it would hold up well in resale value.

Oh, how wrong I was.

Purchase price was around 26k. Keep in mind, everyone, that as far as trim packages are concerned, the LTZ is above even the SS. Today, even with the low miles it has, retails at a blistering 14k, with trade being just a little less. Meaning I will NEVER break even with this car, and if I do happen to break even, it will probably be in the last year of making payments.

I feel so sick.

You'll more than break even if you drive it for 10+ years and hundreds of thousands of miles.

Hmmm.....that depends. IF I keep the 3500 that is highly torque managed, along with the 4t-45e, it *might* last that long.

But IF I go through with my idea of putting in the 5300 w/the 4t-65e...it could last longer

That is the reason I always buy used vehicles for very few $$$. Let someone else pay for the depreciation.

Anyone can pick up a grreat used car for less money than the first months depreciation on a new car.

The only reason to buy a new car is to keep it a long long time.

I bought all my vehicles brand new. They are 29, 19 and 8 years old now.

Yes it does make me sick to see how much my $45K Bonne is worth now. That'* why I'm not selling it.............yet.

that'* why they're torque managed.... to last longer. It'* just there to help reliability.

Tossing the 5300 in there is an idea I have had since day 1. It shouldn't be too hard to bolt the combo up, provided there is enough room in the bay. Though I imagine it will throw my handling off a bit

That 3500 that is in there right now is severely hampered. Even with the TC off, TM is monstrous. Putting the -45e behind that motor was a BIG mistake in my eyes.

But I think the biggest reason for the huge drop in value lies with the release of an all-new Malibu for '08. Compared to the last generation (pre-2004), this generation had a very short run. Plus with this new generation, the Maxx has been eliminated. I am guessing it was taking away from the HHR sales, but regardless, the Maxx in my eyes is a real good car for us middle-income folks.

Thats why I love my Bonneville. It'* Worthless! (money wise)

Yeah, my whole view on it is to buy a car that still has its factory warranty, but someone else has footed the bill for the depreciation.I mean, just look at the GXPs, 2-3 years ago, you paid what, 35k for a new one? Now you can pick one up for $18-23k? Nice IMO. Especially if it still has its warranty, and you can get an extended one.

I'll take my high mileage $2000.00 car over a new one. Reasoning? Tried and True....