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Although I do not agree with all the math here there is almost no way to justify a new car financially.
Depending on where you live, the difference in insurance can finance half your repairs.
Average new car payment is about $425/month. Do you really spend that on your brick.
The average fuel economy is about 6 mpg better than a non-turbo 240. For a 12-15K miles/year family, that is about $500-$700 you have saved with a newer car per year.
Were I live, the TAXES for a new car purchase will finance a year of maint plus a new set of tires.
All these things being said, if you look at specific features offered on new cars and their reliability, some are hard to argue:
A 240 is dependable (if properly maintained) but it will never approach current new car reliability of just change the oil and go for the first 100K miles.
Only the 1991-1993 have good AC.
None are quiet without additional work.
"Infotainment" or even just bluetooth integration is DIY.
You are never getting a heated steering wheel. Even heated mirrors are rare and rarely operational (I require three feature on all car here in the north: Heated seats, heated mirrors, cruise)
You will never get memory electric seats.
You only get a max of one airbag.
Of course in a new car you never get:
Simple maint processes
A decent tow rating
20 plus years of parts commonality for used parts
10 plus years of searchable support on a website like this
Small wheel, big tires so you have plenty of sidewall meat for the potholes that can qualify a craters
With certain exceptions, the phenomenal outward visibility
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