New or Used? How to Choose What Kind of Car to Buy

Whether your current daily driver has sadly driven its last, or you’ve simply decided now is the time for an upgrade, chances are you are facing a difficult decision. Do you buy a new car or a used car? Money and concerns over expenses may push you in one direction, but reliability may push you the other way…

If you find yourself in this predicament, visiting an Indiana Toyota Dealer can offer you a range of options and expert advice to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.

Financial Concerns Aside…

Even if you have money enough not to be particularly concerned by the financial side of the equation, there are a number of other factors that can make the decision between used and new more difficult than it may initially seem. Issues from warranty and financing options to geography can influence your decision, and the ease with which you can get a hold of your next vehicle.

Below, these pros and cons – including financial considerations – are expounded on with regard to used and new vehicles, in order to help you draw your own conclusions about your current car conundrum.

Buying New

New vehicles are a strong option by virtue of never having been driven by another owner before – reducing the risk of hidden issues or unexpected breakdowns. New vehicles also benefit from much more flexible payment options than the majority of used car listings, allowing you to cater the transaction to your preferred payment plan or process.

New cars are often cutting-edge and feature rich, benefiting from quality-of-life conveniences that older cars do not have. These come at a cost, though, and buying new can be significantly more expensive in the long run. That said, insurance is often cheaper for used cars than new cars, owing to their reduced breakdown risk and enhanced safety features.

Buying Used

The leading benefit to choosing a used car over a new one is financial; simply put, used cars are cheaper than new ones. The moment a new car leaves the showroom floor, its value drops significantly. Over a three year period, a car can lose as much as 50% of its value. Used cars, however, have already shouldered the bulk of this depreciation – making them cheaper, and easier to recoup money on if you need to re-sell.

Not only does price difference relate to depreciation, but also regionality. Used cars of the same type can fluctuate in price depending on where they are sold. For example, Vauxhall cars Norwich dealers are selling might come at a lower price point than Vauxhall cars from other, more populous regions – allowing you to source an even better deal for a reliable vehicle.

Speaking of which, there is also a point to be made about the reliability of older models over newer, untested models. Certain vehicles will have a reputation all of their own, having been revealed to be particularly reliable over time – whether evidenced by longer mileages before issues present themselves, or better long-term performance than other vehicles. Put simply, older models are tried and tested, while brand-new vehicles can be something of an unknown quantity.

Of course, these positives come at a significant cost. Older cars are simply more susceptible to breakdowns overall, and their lifespan may not be as long as a new vehicle. However, if you’re in the market for a reliable older vehicle, a trusted used car dealer in lansing can offer quality options that have been inspected and maintained. If you are driving your car until it fails, then you will never get the opportunity to sell and properly subsidise your next purchase.