I'd never recommend anybody to buy a brand new car, the first owner always loses the biggest chunk of its value. I'd never buy a new car regardless of how much money i had, let some other chump buy it and take the hit. Bottom line is between them two the Focus is a better car and its cheaper.

"A magic tree makes it smell like a new car"

That's like shopping at the Al Karama though.

It may smell like "it" (though it doesn't actually, unless you're borderline anosmic or suffering from chronic rhinitis), but it isn't "it".

The paradox is that if you can afford a new car, you don't need one. If you can't afford the repairs on an old car, you can't afford a new one!

CORRECT. I like cars full stop, but I love new ones. For me buying a car is like buying white goods. Purchase, use, wear them out or get bored of. buy a new one. If a car is taking up too much of my valuable time with repairs and servicing ( busmens holiday)then it goes.Depreciation ?-always been fortunate to earn plenty, so never give it a thought.

Jamie 745,

Im glad that you are a happy with your 5 grand Jag, But calling people who buy new cars idiots and chumps is a bit strong. I hope your Jag works out well for you, But it has to be said that if it breaks down and costs 2 grand to get fixed im not going to be in any hurry to stop and offer you a lift. Wouldn't it just be easier to accept that some people don't share your opinions, But hey thats what makes the world an interesting place.

Just to prove we all have different opinions I wouldn't have bought a older jaguar. why buy a potentially unreliable executive when there are so many different but better alternatives, Merc W124, Lexus to name a few. Or even still you could have virtually had a brand new Fiat Panda, May be doesn't have the same comfort but is probably a better car in the long term.

I wasnt calling anyone on here a chump. I used it in a general term to describe a person who buys a new car to sell it for 20% of what they paid just three years on. With the second hand buyer clearly being the beneficiary.

Ok 20% may have been over egging it a bit but cars are not like clothes, unless you wrap your car around your body, fill it with sweat and chuck it in a washing machine. Plenty of cars have plenty of life left after 10 years, the same cant be said for clothes. I do hate apples and oranges comparisons. Like i could ask you if you'd only buy a brand new house? Would you refuse to buy one someone else has lived in previously? I know you'll come back and say 'ah but property prices go up as well! cars only depreciate' but your point seemed to be you dont buy things pre-owned.