Are you thinking of purchasing a car? With so many options between new cars and used cars, which car is right for you? Take a look at the pros and cons and decide. You may be surprised by the answer.
!!New Cars
!!Pros
- Stylish – No one wants an old, beat up 1969 sedan. You want a stylish vehicle with a custom paint job, smooth interior, and maybe 26-inch rims. New cars are obviously stylish as the companies strive to roll out the latest trends.
- Low Maintenance – Let’s face it. In order to maintain any car, you must keep up with the maintenance, whether it’s the usual oil change or tire rotation, or fixing the dent on the back door, regular maintenance must be maintained, but with a new car, your wallet shouldn’t be strained by constant repairs.
- Modern Conveniences – Car companies would never sell a brand-new car today with a CD player although years ago (many years ago), that would have been seen as a luxury. Today, cars are decked out with heated seats, USB plugs, automatic emergency braking, and video rearview mirrors.
!!Cons
- More Expensive – New cars cost on average $15,000 to $25,000 more than a used car. Sometimes the difference in just a few thousand can break the bank, especially when you consider that the insurance for a new car is usually higher as well.
- Loses Value Immediately – You can buy a brand-new car with literally less than 1,000 miles, and that car will depreciate as soon as you drive out of the lot. Even if you decide to trade it back the next day, the value you will get in return would be nowhere near what you paid, and after a year the value can drop over 20%.
!!Used Cars
!!Pros
- Less Expensive – As stated before, new cars can cost around $30,000 more than used cars, so if you are on budget, it’s a smart idea to buy used. Also, used cars have lower insurance premiums, saving your wallet in the long run. The best thing about used cars is that they retain their value as most of the depreciation has already occurred.
- Able to Research Car History – With countless books and websites to choose from, you can always know about the vehicle you want to buy before you buy it. You can find out anything from how many previous owners there were to if the car has been in an accident or a few accidents. Knowing about the used car ahead of time can help you make the right decision.
- Certified and Inspected – If buying a used cars in Phoenix, for example, you can know and trust that the car has been thoroughly inspected and certified by licensed mechanics, ensuring that you don’t have to put a lot of money into fixing costly repairs and damage.
!!Cons
- Less Modern Convenience – The key word in this con is “less.” There are fewer modern technologies in used cars; however, there are many upgrades that you can make to your used car that could make it comparable to a new one, upgrades such as a cell phone holder for your mantle or a cigarette lighter plug adapter.
- More Maintenance (Possibly) – Obviously, older vehicles require more maintenance and upkeep like checking and replacing your spark plugs, but often, it is the same amount or similar to maintaining a new vehicle.
- Possibly Less Stylish – Used cars have the reputation for being old and outdated, but the truth is that while some may be, most are not, especially if at a car dealership. Car dealerships will not put in the necessary money for buying the car wholesale, checking and fixing problems, and certifying the car of an ugly, unwanted car. In fact, most used cars are only a few years old, so the style will be the same or similar.
When you compare both new and used cars side by side, the obvious decision is to purchase a used car because it will save you so much money without losing the modern conveniences and style of a brand-new car.