LIC, I don\'t understand how you think you have a personal insight into the fundamental laws of the universe.
Of course buying a used car is smarter than buying a new car in almost every situation. A new car depreciates enormously in the first year, and it\'s smarter to let someone else take that financial hit.
I also agree that a college student with limited resources should try to live within reasonable means, and not bother to buy a new car.
However, there are always exceptions.
Some "sporty" vehicles are well known among young people as a popular recipient of aftermarket modding and abuse. For example, I would never consider buying a used Subaru STI, Mitsu Evo, Dodge SRT4, or (next year) a Honda Civic Si. The odds that some dipshit has modded it, beaten the crap out of it, and returned it to stock are very high with those cars. To me the only perfectly safe way to own one of those cars is to buy it new.
Also, we cannot rule out the possibility that other young people may have greater advantages and resources than we had at the same age. I didn\'t buy my first car from an outside party (non family member) until I was 28 years old. I couldn\'t afford it until then! However, I\'m constantly amazed at the stories of 17 year olds who are buying new cars I have only recently begun to dream about.
When you call this particular carbuyer young and stupid, you\'re making an assumption. Maybe he has more financial stability than you give him credit for.
One final point. Those who dream of avoiding car payments at all costs and only buying a used car every 10-15 years are headed for one inescapable destination: They will always own a crappy car. If you want to own a nice car, you\'ve got pay to play. Some things are worth paying for, but only true auto enthusiasts can appreciate it.
