Buying a car is a decision not to be taken lightly. Besides entailing hefty costs, there are vital issues to consider, including your safety, convenience, and comfort, including those of your family members and other motorists.
Thus, you must also choose wisely. It’d help if you did your homework and exercise due diligence, even when buying a new car. If purchasing a used vehicle, it helps if you hire a mechanic to check the unit’s roadworthiness—regardless of the model and make. It also helps to buy only from reputable car dealerships and auto repair services near your location. If searching online, check out shops like https://www.lumsautocenter.com/ and similar sites for peace of mind.
Additionally, it helps to keep the most important considerations before your purchase. To come up with a wise decision, it’s paramount that you weigh the pros and cons of each option. Below, you’ll find the most compelling reasons for choosing a new or used car. Here we will discuss what are the advantages and disadvantages of new vs used car and which one to choose.
Advantages Of Buying A New Car
For most, new cars are undeniably the better choice for several reasons. These road superstars often come fresh from the manufacturer and are untarnished. Besides the aesthetics, new cars are also deemed safer and perform better than aging vehicles, among other advantages discussed below.
1. Reliability
Because of the latest technologies in car manufacturing, you’re assured of a new vehicle’s performance and reliability. Some people have preferences for certain car makers, but this may not be too much of a concern when buying a new one.
As the first owner, you’re solely responsible for keeping your machine in good condition through regular checks on the car’s transmission system and other preventive maintenance activities. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said when buying a secondhand unit, as the owner can lie to you about regular maintenance work done or keep mum about hidden defects.
2. Safety
Besides releasing reliable cars, auto manufacturers can also guarantee consumers’ safety by integrating the latest safety technologies available on the market. Regulatory bodies have been more stringent in their guidelines and testing standards.
For instance, some cars are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, automatic emergency braking systems, and cruise control, alongside traffic sign recognition and lane-keeping capabilities. These are the new integrations that are most likely missing in old vehicles.
3. Technology
The latest technologies can also benefit drivers who want entertainment while traversing dark and long roads by themselves. Newly-released cars often have an audiovisual package that keeps motorists alert and their passengers awake. Some advanced models enable vehicle-to-vehicle-to-vehicle communication so that you can tell other friends about your location, speed, and destination.
4. Warranty
New cars often come with three-year warranties or a 36,0000-mile coverage on every purchase. If your vehicle breaks down or needs to be repaired within the validity period indicator, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to pay for anything. Check your warranty papers to find out. Note that warranty costs are included in the car’s selling price, but you can have it extended for a fee.
5. Fuel Efficiency
Advancements in car-making have also led to more fuel-efficient cars. And with oil prices going through the roof these days, it’s crucial to avoid using gas guzzlers. In the long term, a fuel-efficient vehicle can also save you some serious cash by substantially lowering the cost of ownership.
At the onset, buying a new vehicle may be the better option. But think about the following implications before taking one out of the showroom.
1. Cost Depreciation
Most experts say car depreciation becomes effective as soon as you take the vehicle out of the showroom. Indeed, as with other high-cost properties, a machine’s value dips fast after acquisition. Industry estimates reveal that a car loses up to 20% of its value in the first year and about 60% in three years. Figures vary depending on the brand, model, and condition. Often, it’s a better idea to take a certified pre-owned vehicle.
2. Higher Insurance Costs
While new cars are offered with ‘easy financing schemes,’ borrowers will soon discover they’re paying for a car loan dearly. According to a recent study, the average interest rate for a new car loan is pegged at 14.76% for those with low credit scores. Moreover, new cars cost more to replace, which is why their auto insurance prices are also higher than secondhand vehicles.
Advantages Of Buying A Used Car
Secondhand or pre-owned vehicles may lack a new model’s prestige and cosmetic appeal, but they can be a good choice if you consider the following points.
1. Cost-effectiveness
As mentioned above, car depreciation is unavoidable, with its owner bearing the brunt of the lost value. If you purchase a unit in excellent to good condition, it’ll likely be priced reasonably, making it the better choice if you have a tight budget.
Buying a used car can save you up to 60% versus the unit’s price, so you may already have the financial capacity to purchase the vehicle you’ve been rooting for after waiting for three years.
2. Warranty Coverage
This applies to certified pre-owned vehicles bought from exclusive dealerships. To the uninitiated, the seller has rigorously tested certified pre-owned cars. They’re also guaranteed to have low mileage and were used gently by their previous owner. These cars are also proven to not have had any accidents. That’s why they typically cost more than regular secondhand units. As such, they often come with extended warranties.
3. Lower Insurance Rates
As older car units depreciate fast, your insurance premium costs will also be reduced. Almost all states require owners to have their vehicles insured, except for Virginia and New Hampshire. So, if you’re living outside these territories, finding the best insurance deals can save you from unnecessary expenses. Furthermore, the cost of registering a car reduces annually. You’ll save on registry renewals for buying a pre-owned vehicle versus a new model.
4. Customization and Parts Availability
Some owners want to customize their cars to express individuality. If you modify a new vehicle, you may lose its warranty coverage, so you have to wait three years or so to do it. In contrast, you don’t have to worry about it when customizing an older car, so you’ll have more liberty to do what you want. It’s also easier to convert a pre-owned vehicle to a bespoke unit, as parts can easily be found as opposed to working with a newer model.
5. Less Stress
Owners are responsible for taking care of their new car regardless of its condition. However, there’s a notable difference between owners of new and pre-owned vehicles. Getting a small scratch or dent on a fresh-from-the-showroom unit can induce anxiety and stress in some owners. Conversely, secondhand vehicle owners may consider these as ‘battle scars,’ proving the unit’s reliability.
Disadvantages Of Buying A Used Car
The upfront costs of pre-owned vehicles might make it an attractive option for buyers with:
1. Lower Lifespan
A vehicle’s life cycle largely depends on how it was used and treated by its owner(s). In the US, recent research has found that the average car age is slightly over 12 years, almost similar to New Zealand based on industry estimates. Regardless, used cars often have higher mileage, which can sometimes reduce their life cycle.
2. Higher Maintenance Costs
Cars are subject to wear and tear, as with other machines. Their performance might be impacted by age, and they’ll likely cost more to maintain. According to a 2021 consumer survey, the average annual maintenance costs for five-year-old vehicles were pegged at USD$208, while 10-year-old models cost USD$406.
Other Important Considerations In Buying A New vs Used Car
Besides form, comfort, reliability, and safety, you must consider a few more vital elements when choosing between a new or used car.
Costs of ownership: Besides upfront costs, most owners neglect the ongoing costs of owning a vehicle. Take time to consider insurance, tax, maintenance, fuel, repairs, and other expenses associated with keeping it. Whether buying a new or used car on loan, thoroughly consider your financial situation
Car user(s): It may be easier to decide between these options if you consider who will drive the unit. For instance, it may be more reasonable for some to buy a reliable used car with great safety ratings for first-time or teenage drivers.
Who you’re buying it from: Only buy from reliable dealers for your peace of mind. If purchasing from an individual seller, ensure there’s complete paperwork to prove ownership and ask for maintenance records.
Concluding Thoughts
When choosing to buy a new vs used car, you need to consider several factors besides the purchase costs. If you’re rooting for unparalleled safety and technology, and have the means to spend for the relatively higher ownership costs, then a new car could be the better option.
In contrast, pre-owned units may be perfect for owners who prioritize value-for-money purchases. Those on limited budgets may opt for cheaper yet still reliable and properly-maintained older vehicles, preferably certified pre-owned cars. If taking this route, buyers should be ready to compromise on some missing features.
No matter which one you choose, it’s paramount that you take time to research, request a test drive, and ask for valuable insights from your trusted mechanic or veteran car owners. From there, make a comparison and list down your must-haves. Also, consider your long-term finances before making an informed decision.
