[jacquesm]

Cars in Europe are as a rule not bought on credit.

[magduf]

Well in that case you're losing potential interest on that money, and also (much more significantly) depreciation.

[jacquesm]

The last time I got any interest worth mentioning on money was more than a decade ago. Yes, assets depreciate, cars more than most. So don't buy new, buy second hand.

[magduf]

>The last time I got any interest worth mentioning on money was more than a decade ago.

What's "worth mentioning"? My bank gives me about 2% on savings; it's not huge but it's certainly enough to switch banks over. If you're not making any interest in a bank, you're at the wrong bank.