There’s nothing quite like than. It’s picture perfect inside and out – no dents, no spots where the paint was scratched by the garage door, it even smells new. Should you treat yourself and get a car brand new from the dealership showroom, or is a used car a better deal? Each option has pros and cons.
The clear advantage to buying a used car is that the price tag is much easier to afford. In fact, the minute you take a new car off the lot, it loses a high percentage of its value. A new car is still new on the second day you own it. I doesn’t have any scratches, it still smells new, and it has a lot of use left. But if you were to try to sell it, it isn’t a brand new car anymore, and that difference translates into dollars. It would be reasonable to assume that the value of a car would decline gradually over its useful life, but that isn’t so. It loses proportionately more value during its first months and years. Eventually, the value levels off and its value depends entirely on its condition – but it still has some value.
One of the biggest drawbacks to getting a pre-owned car is the unknown. Why did its previous owner get rid of it? Is it a lemon? Was it maintained properly? Did it get all recommended oil changes and maintenance? Has it been in an accident, or has it had water damage? Ascertaining the answers to these questions is much easier now that it has ever been. Many used car dealers offer up a Carfax report, which tells you the car’s history. Has it been involved in any accidents? How many owners has it had? Cars can be traced by their vehicle id numbers and now that computer records have evolved, it’s much easier to compile this information.
A shorter useful life is another drawback to getting a used car. It will require maintenance and repair earlier. This, of course, depends a great deal on the age of the used car. If a car is still relatively new, it may still be under the manufacturer’s warranty. In fact, many used car dealerships sell ‘certified used vehicles’. This means that they have inspected the car, done any necessary maintenance and repairs, and determined that it meets certain quality standards. You won’t have to worry about major repairs for a while if you buy a car that comes with a warranty. If a used car does not come with a warranty, the key is to have your mechanic look it over before you buy it. Compare the condition of the car to its price. If you accept a car with some defects, you should get it for a lower price. Of course, there is a limit. A car that’s about to expire isn’t worth any money at all – except to the junkyard.
New cars are pricey – that’s the bad news. There’s a lot of good news too. First, engineering is improving, so a car made today will run longer than a car built even a few years ago. And you may not be able to find a used car in the model you like if it has just come out. Infiniti’s G37 Convertible is a good example. If you can find a used one, it’s probably at a premium price for a used car. Buying it new may be a better option.
Ultimately, new or used is a personal decision. It will probably depend a lot on the type of car you’re looking for. Whichever route you choose, do your homework and consider both options before you make your choice.
Written by Hannah Valez Used Trucks in Orange County, Used Cars Roswell or Used Truck Sale