[griston64]

My usual way is buy a car 6-8 months old cash and then keep for quite a while.

Intend to keep the V70 for at least 10 years and possibly more.

We still have in the Family my mums Honda Civic ( bought new in 2000 ) with 50k ! And my Uncles Audi 100 2.3e ( bought new in 1991 ) with 79k !

Only spent money on tyres, exhaust and batteries on the oldies and have no monthly payments on any cars.

Worst move I ever made was buying a 7 year old V70 which looked good but was a complete pile of pants !! ( badly neglected as mentioned in another post )

I would be inclined to spend money keeping an old car going if you have owned for a long time and from nearly new.