> I have a state-of-the-art digital camera circa 2012
This is a good strategy for anything with a high/quick depreciation curve. My DSLR body is pretty old now, but still works great (a D7100). The tech in bodies changes quickly so even waiting just a short period of time can save significant money. Spend money on lenses instead which hold their value and typically can be used across many bodies.
Cars are similar. My truck is a 2011, and I have no plans to buy a new used one anytime soon.
Agreed on camera bodies and lenses, but in my view a 2011 car is still quite new. I guess this depends on the country, taxation etc.
IMHO it makes sense to buy a used car at about 300 thousand kilometers. At that point it's cheap, it's already had a bunch of expensive parts replaced, and if it's survived this long it has a high chance of going another hundred thousand (given proper service, obviously).
Of course another point of view is that getting a car serviced is stressful, so it's best to buy new. But then it's even less stressful to mostly ride a bike and use a taxi or rental car when needed.
This is a good strategy for anything with a high/quick depreciation curve. My DSLR body is pretty old now, but still works great (a D7100). The tech in bodies changes quickly so even waiting just a short period of time can save significant money. Spend money on lenses instead which hold their value and typically can be used across many bodies.
Cars are similar. My truck is a 2011, and I have no plans to buy a new used one anytime soon.