“Should I buy new or used?”
The age-old question when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. While there is no right or wrong answer as it comes down to every individual’s unique situation and needs, a vehicle is one of the largest assets one purchases, ergo, vast research is required prior to setting your heart on a car. While used vehicles boast lower initial costs, new vehicles come with various benefits that can actually save you money in the long run. Whether you are in the market for your very first car or looking to ditch your current vehicle for something new, buying a new vehicle can benefit you in more ways than one. Although new vehicles are more expensive initially, they provide a great payoff for your driving needs and with our Dealer Invoice Report, you can save big on the cost of a brand new vehicle!
With that being said, what are the perks of buying a brand new vehicle?
No hidden issues, all new parts
When purchasing a new vehicle, you are the first owner meaning that no wear and tear has been done to the interior or exterior of the vehicle prior to you driving it. All the parts are brand new and thoroughly inspected by the manufacturer and the dealer, in sum, what you see is exactly what you get. Whilst most used vehicles pass safety standards and are in relatively good condition, there can be hidden issues that a previous driver didn’t disclose which could lead to issues soon down the road.
Being the first driver of a vehicle gives you peace of mind knowing that there are no hidden issues in regards to the performance and quality of the vehicle and all of its parts.
More bang for your buck?
When comparing new vehicles to used vehicles, it’s appropriate to assume that purchasing a used vehicle is the cheaper route, however, that is not the case in every situation. Piggybacking on the aforementioned point, new vehicles = new parts which means that the chances of issues arising are less than that of a vehicle with older, used parts. How does that translate to fewer costs? Simple – fewer trips to the mechanics.
Another way a new vehicle can actually incur fewer costs over time is in relevance to fuel economy. Over time, a vehicles fuel economy will decrease. You may notice that after a few years, your tank isn’t getting you quite as far as it used to. With that being said, a new vehicle will boast it’s optimal fuel economy, whereas a used vehicle may have dropped a few percentiles from its initial fuel abilities.
Still on the topic of costs, insurance is another key component to note and an extremely important one as everyone is required, by law, to possess auto insurance. Your insurance costs are contingent on a number of factors including; age, location, license class, current safety of vehicle model, and driver/accident history. A vehicle that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident previously may impact your premiums if you plan on purchasing it, regardless of the fact that the accident had no correlation to you. As the first owner of a new vehicle, you can rightly assume that there were no prior accidents that could cause your monthly rates to soar!
Out with the old, in with the new
There comes a time where we may have to make a decision to part ways with our beloved vehicle and while the thought of purchasing a new vehicle thereafter is exciting, there is one thing you have to deal with first – the old car. Whilst some keep their current vehicles, utilizing them as certain season vehicles or perhaps handing them down to a relative, others want to allocate funds from said vehicle towards the purchase of a new vehicle. It’s no secret that vehicles depreciate over time, even those that are well-maintained. With that being said, it’s important to keep in mind how long you plan on having your vehicle. If you purchase a 2019 vehicle and plan to sell it in 5 years, you will get a significantly higher offer or trade-in value than that of a car 5 years it’s senior. Whilst most people aren’t thinking about their next vehicle while in the process of purchasing a new vehicle, it’s important to keep in mind the value of the vehicle down the road, should you want to sell or trade-in.
Features, features, features
Infotainment system, back-up camera, heated seats, heated steering, navigation, park assist, lane departure warning – the list of features available in new vehicles goes on and on! Albeit, these features come down to personal preference; some prefer a simpler vehicle whilst others want all the features included. Most new vehicles come equipt with an array of features, even the base models. These features are included in the cost of the vehicle.
Whilst there are older vehicles that have some of the aforementioned features, such as heated seats, they typically do not possess the more technically advanced features. Should you purchase a used vehicle and decide down the road you do want these features, adding them on can be costly! If you want a vehicle loaded with features, a new car is the best route to take.
Choosing between a new or used vehicle comes down to the factors listed and personal preference/needs. Although new vehicles boast a plethora of benefits in a majority of situations, used cars can be a great option if;
- You are a first-time driver, not 100% confident in your driving abilities
- You are looking for a classic/specific model/make
- You are looking to heavily modify the vehicle (a fixer-upper)
It’s important to do a good level of research prior to making a purchase to ensure you get the right vehicle for your individual needs.
Ready to get behind the wheel of a brand new vehicle? Contact us today and we will help you save thousands on your new ride!
