back to articles | November 29, 2022 | Maggie Lyster

Categories: Tips & Insights For Car Buying Vehicle & Buying Research

Pros & Cons Of Buying A New Car vs A Used Car

There are many things to consider when buying a car. One of the biggest decisions is whether to buy a new or used car since there are pros and cons to both options. New cars have the benefit of being under warranty.

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There are many things to consider when buying a car. One of the biggest decisions is whether to buy a new or used car since there are pros and cons to both options. New cars have the benefit of being under warranty. This means that if something goes wrong, it will be covered by the manufacturer. New cars also have the latest technology and safety features. They also hold their value better than used cars.

Used cars are often cheaper than new cars. They may not have all the bells and whistles of a new one, but they can still get you from point A to point B. Used cars may also come with features that you wouldn’t be able to afford on a new car, such as leather seats or a sunroof. With that said, let’s break down why you would want either choice.

Warranties

When you buy a new car, it comes with a warranty. This is a guarantee from the manufacturer that if it breaks when it shouldn’t, they will fix it. New cars usually come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers almost everything on the car for a certain number of years or miles. This comprehensive coverage can give buyers peace of mind in case something goes wrong.

Most new car warranties usually last for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Used cars may not have the same bumper-to-bumper coverage, but they might come with a powertrain warranty, which covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. This type of warranty is often transferrable to the new owner, so it’s worth asking about when buying one.

Used cars that come with warranties are usually much shorter. For example, the car might come with a 30-day/1,000-mile warranty. This means that if something goes wrong with the vehicle within that time period, the dealer will take care of it, but after that, you're on your own.

Cost

Buying a car for yourself can be tricky especially when affordability is a top concern. It’s no surprise that new cars can be significantly more expensive than used vehicles, so it’s important to weigh all your options before making a purchase.

If you’re looking for the most affordable option, buying a used car is usually the way to go. You can find good quality used cars for much less than their new counterparts. And, if you’re willing to sacrifice some features and amenities, you may even save some money.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to buying a used car. For one, you may have to put up with a few more repairs and maintenance costs. Most of all, you won’t have the same peace of mind that comes with owning a brand-new vehicle.

The Positives

When you buy a new car, you have the opportunity to choose the exact model and features that you want. This ensures that you get exactly what you're looking for in a vehicle. It can offer functions such as Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera. New cars are also often more fuel-efficient than older models, so you can save money on gas over time. Plus, the latest safety features can give you peace of mind on the road.

When it comes to used cars, you can often find one for much less than their new counterparts. Even if the used car is a few years old, it can still have plenty of life left in it.

The Negatives

You might not be aware that when buying a new car, it depreciates in value quickly. As soon as a new car drives off the lot, it can lose some of its value. This means that if you decide to sell your vehicle or trade it in after just a few years, you may not get as much money as you expected. Assuming you finance your new car, you'll end up paying much more than the sticker price.

In addition to interest, there are taxes and fees that can add several thousand dollars to the total. One of the biggest risks of buying a used car is that you may not know its true history. The previous owner might’ve neglected important maintenance tasks, which could lead to expensive repairs down the road. Additionally, used cars generally have a lower resale value than newer cars, so you may not get as much money back if you decide to sell it later on.

Conclusion

Depending on what you choose based on this information is ultimately up to you as the purchaser. There are ways to facilitate the cost of both by taking out an offline or internet loan if need be. The great thing is that there are always options available, all that really matters is what works best for your needs. As with all investments, take your time and choose wisely.