Did some 'man maths' today as I've never been a fan of buying new, thinking used 12-18 months etc is better value. This may still be true if buying outright, but looking at finance the deal we got on the new z4 is cheaper than a 1 year old car.
This is the cheapest Sdrive23i Msport on AUC within 100 miles of me @ £22,571. The spec is similar but slightly inferior to our new one.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/details/0,,1156___ask-20%40adm-xx,00.html?ch=_V0JBTE0zMjA5MEU1MTYyMTM=&btp=1x12-distance_ASC
With the same deposit we are putting down, the finance quote comes back at £428 per month over 4 years, compared with the £300 we are paying. Used cars are quoting 13.9% APR as opposed to the 4.9% of new cars.
Even the total amount payable comes in slightly lower. Admittedly, you may be able to get a bit off the car with negotiation, but then factor in the fact you have a year newer car with 0 miles, longer warranty, better fuel consumption, lower tax etc it does show that new can in fact be better than used.
Just confirms we have made the right decision and a bit of a no brainer really!