Since the 2008 order was already in motion I'm being encouraged to stick with it by the company selling to me. But I've also been reading about the dramatic depreciation on the Mz5 particularly after the first year (almost 5K the first yr., about 2k every year after that). Since the car is so popular with owners, I have to imagine the depreciation has to do with the Mz5's invisibility in the overall market (until this year perhaps).
While I'd like to think we'd keep the vehicle for 7 to 10 years; more likely we want to stay in a position where we sell in 4 to 5 years.
My initial thinking with the timing was that we would get the car in July and the 2009 would not be out till December (so consideration of depreciation was less immediate in my mind). Since then I've on the one hand learned about the depreciation and on the other hand seen how popular the 2006s and 2007s are with their owners.
Final factor--with the economy continuing to slow, perhaps I'm making a mistake buying this early before I return to the USA with my family in late July. It may be better to see how desperate the dealers are to unload cars?
Or perhaps they will simply reduce their inventory?
So now I debating which to buy:
2009, 2008, or used 2006-7?
With the used model--what's your advice for best chance of finding a private party sale? Ebay?
My experience with trying to buy used at a dealership is that either you're getting a rental fleet car (bleck!) or losing any financial advantage by buying certified.
OK that's like 3-4 threads right there but you have been so encouraging with your responses, So thanks for any feedback!
