When you buy a new car, there are a lot of questions to answer and different decisions to make. You have to think about practicality, fuel consumption, and space. You need to decide where you are going to buy from and how much money you have to spend. But, we think the most important decision you will make is whether to buy used or new. The answer to this question really alters the whole buying experience, so let’s look at some of the differences.
Image credit: Rich Nacmias
Buying New
Buying new could be seen as the easiest choice. Theoretically, if you are buying a car new, you could pick one online and purchase it from the same website. You never have to take it out for a spin or check it for problems because it is “straight out of the box.” Even if it did have problems, you are covered so there is no need to panic. Based on this alone, buying new seems like a far more attractive option.
However, buying a new car is a lot more expensive than taking one second-hand. Also, because it is brand new the cost for insurance will be bigger each month. Plus, you will only be able to afford a car that you can pay the full price for. There is not much haggling in the process of buying a vehicle brand new. Although, if you are speaking to a dealer you may find you get extras thrown in that push up the price, you did not realize you wanted. That is not even mentioning the fact that cars have one of the biggest depreciation problems out of all purchases. That means the more you spend, the more you lose.
The best advice we can give you about buying a new car is to research thoroughly and make sure you are ready for such a big commitment.
Buying Used
On the other hand, the process of buying a second-hand car is a little more complex. At the very least you have more options when deciding where to buy your car from. However, unlike a new car, you can not buy online without seeing the vehicle in person. But, you can use online resources to find the exact car you want. For instance, you could type into Google find used Audi TT. Then, you can search for a suitable location and head over to check it out.
But, once you get there you will have to make all the appropriate checks. This is why buying a used car is a little riskier. If anything is wrong with the car and you did not notice it before purchase, it is still your problem. Not the dealers and not the private sellers. We suggest looking at a guide online on how to buy a used car.
However, there are advantages to purchasing a used vehicle. First, you will be able to afford a higher class of car, and it will not cost as much to keep on the roads. Second, you will not be losing as much to depreciation, because you will not have paid a big amount. Finally, you can find a car with a character on a budget price without being pushed into every add-on imaginable.
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both choices. You have to make the right decision for yourself.
