There’s nothing quite like a brand new automobile. It’s perfect inside and out – no dings, no places where the paint was scratched by the garage door, it even smells new. Is a used car a better deal, or should you splurge and get a car brand new from the dealership showroom? Each option has pros and cons.
The price is much nicer on a used car. In fact, the minute you take a new car off the lot, it loses a lot of its value. A week after you’ve bought a new car, it’s still new. I doesn’t have any scratches, it still smells new, and it has a lot of use left. But it isn’t a brand new car anymore to the next guy, and that changes the value. You would believe that the value of a car would fall little by little over its useful life, but that isn’t so. It loses significantly more value during its first few months and years. In the end, the value levels off and its value is determined solely by its condition – but it still has some value.
The potential unknown troubles are the largest drawback of purchasing a pre-owned car. Why did its old owner sell it? Is it a lemon? Was it maintained properly? Was the recommended maintenance done in a timely manner? Has it been wrecked and repaired, or has it experienced flood damage? Fortunately it’s much simpler to find out the answer to these questions that it ever has been. Many used car dealers offer up a Carfax report, which tells you the car’s history. How many owners has it had? Has it been involved in any accidents? The information age has made it much easier to compile this information by tracing a car’s vehicle id number.
Another disadvantage is that an older car will probably not enjoy as long a useful life as a brand new car. Repairs will be needed sooner. The age of a previously owned car plays a big role in this factor. Some second-hand cars are still new enough to be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In fact, many car dealers 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 problems, 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, a car made today will run longer than a car built even a few years ago, because engineering is improving so quickly. Also, if a new model that you like has just come out, you won’t be able to find a used one. Infiniti’s G37 Convertible is a good example. The few used cars that might be out there will certainly sell at a premium price for a used car. You might be better off just to buy it new.
In the end, new or used is a personal choice. The type of car you’re looking for and your purpose in buying it will probably determine which way you go. Whichever route you choose, do your homework and consider both options before you make your choice.
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