Should You Buy A New Or Used Car?

Sales of used cars tend to outnumber the sales of new cars by quite a lot. Buying new, nearly new, or a used car all have different advantages. But which option should you choose? Is a new or used car the right choice for you? 

Buying Used

There are millions of used cars sold each year, which means there is a huge amount of choice for you to choose from. Another big advantage is that you can avoid the financial hit of depreciation. A new car loses a lot of value as soon as it leaves the showroom, and will lose value rapidly over the first few years. 

A used car, like a used Audi A5 Cabriolet, holds it’s value well. Many factories now offer very long warranties, so a used car could still be under warranty when you buy it. Check this before choosing which car to buy. 

For a positive buying experience, buy through an approved used dealer. You’ll pay more, but will get better service and a buying experience that is much closer to the experience you’d have when buying new. You’ll also have better support if there’s a problem with the car when you buy from an experienced dealer instead of buying privately. 

Private purchases are generally better priced, and you can save even more by buying at auction. However, genuine bargains are rare, so shop wisely. 

It’s important to do your homework before buying a used car, as there is often uncertainty about the history of the car you’re buying. Tampering with the recorded mileage is still a problem with unscrupulous dealers. Look for a used car with a complete service history to be sure what you’re buying. 

Buying New

The are three main advantages of buying a new car over a used one. Firstly, you will be able to choose the exact specification of the car you buy. You’ll also get the benefits of a full warranty package and any deals that are on offer when you purchase the car. There’s also no unknown history of the car to cause you any worries. 

There are lots of other good reasons to shop new too. Newer cars will have more advanced technology, which can add to the value of the car. New cars are usually more fuel-efficient, thanks to recent advancements in fuel technology. New cars can also be much safer, thanks to features like stability control, which could save your life in an emergency. 

However, all that technology can also be a downside. Many breakdowns in modern cars are caused by electrical faults, which can often be hard to put right at the side of the road. 

Whether you decide to buy a car that is used or new, the most important thing to do is to set a budget and stick to it, no matter how insistent the car dealer might be. Do your research first, so you’re sure what you’re buying, regardless of whether you choose to go used or new.