VALE A PENA COMPRAR CARRO ZERO EM 2026? TCAR MANDA A REAL

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Os Economistas Podcast Dec 21, 2025

Audio Brief

Show transcript
This episode covers a financial philosophy on car ownership, emphasizing strategies to avoid depreciation. There are three key takeaways. First, avoid buying new cars. Second, target used vehicles five to six years old. Third, be cautious with older models due to maintenance risks. New cars instantly lose significant value upon purchase. The strategy suggests letting the first owner absorb this major financial loss, maximizing your acquisition value. A five to six-year-old car is the ideal sweet spot. This age balances a lower purchase price with reduced risk of major repair issues, offering optimal value. Older cars, even premium ones, risk incurring substantial repair costs. These expenses can quickly outweigh any initial savings from a lower purchase price. This approach prioritizes financial prudence in vehicle acquisition decisions.

Episode Overview

  • The speaker shares his financial philosophy on car ownership, emphasizing that he has never bought a brand-new car to avoid initial depreciation.
  • He discusses the ideal price points and age ranges for purchasing used cars, balancing value with the risk of maintenance issues.
  • The conversation highlights the trade-offs between buying a newer, less premium model versus an older luxury car.
  • The importance of a car's age is explored as a key factor in predicting future maintenance costs and overall reliability.

Key Concepts

  • Depreciation of New Cars: A primary theme is that new cars lose a significant amount of value as soon as they leave the dealership. The speaker's strategy is to let the first owner absorb this major financial loss.
  • Price Point Segmentation: Different price ranges dictate the quality of used cars available. Above R$200.000, there are good "seminovo" (nearly new) options. Below R$150.000 requires much more caution and risk assessment.
  • "Seminovo" vs. Older Used Cars: The speaker advocates for buying "seminovos" (cars that are a few years old but in excellent condition) as the best value proposition, rather than opting for brand-new or much older vehicles.
  • Age as a Risk Factor: The age of a used car is a critical consideration. Older cars, even premium models, are more likely to incur significant maintenance costs, potentially negating the initial savings on the purchase price.

Quotes

  • At 00:18 - "Eu nunca comprei um carro zero. Não. Nunca comprei um carro zero. Porque você perde muito dinheiro." - The speaker explains his core financial reason for always avoiding the purchase of a new car.
  • At 01:10 - "Uma BMW em 2020, que é a 320... Pô, legal, ela é um carro bom, já, frente nova, traseira nova." - The host reinforces the idea that a slightly older premium model can offer great value and modern features.
  • At 01:59 - "Eu acho que o ideal é... cinco, seis anos, cara. Cinco, seis anos é, é legal, assim." - The speaker provides a specific, actionable guideline for the ideal age of a used car to purchase for the best balance of value and reliability.

Takeaways

  • To maximize value, avoid buying a new car and instead let the first owner absorb the significant initial depreciation.
  • Aim to purchase used cars that are within a five to six-year age range, as this is often the sweet spot for balancing a lower price with a reduced risk of major maintenance problems.
  • Be cautious when considering older used cars (over 6-7 years), especially premium models, as potential repair costs can quickly exceed the initial savings from the lower purchase price.