New vs Used Cars: Advantages and Disadvantages

Getting your first car is always a big deal! It’s an exciting time for you and your family. So, that’s why it’s important to make sure you get the perfect car. In the mix of models and colours, there’s also the question of getting a used car or a new car. To make the decision a little bit easier, we’ve made a list of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of buying a new car vs buying a used car, so the decision will hopefully be a bit easier to make.

Advantages of buying a new car:

Apart from that brilliant new car smell, one of the biggest advantages of buying a new car is that it might cost you less to maintain and operate within the first few years of ownership. All new cars also have a factory warranty for at least three years. This means that any hiccups or bumps n the road, won’t cost you near as much as it would with a used car. New cars are often more trustworthy, and your dealership will help you choose the perfect car for you.

Generally, people also prefer new cars because they know the car’s entire history, as well as the fact that there have been no previous owners, accidents or mechanical incidents – giving you peace of mind as an owner. With a new car, buyers also often have the option to customise and personalize their car with a variety of special features, including the exterior paint colour of your new car. An added benefit is that new cars frequently come with the latest technology and features making for smoother rides and more convenience.

Disadvantages of buying a new car

Right off the bat, the biggest decider between a used car and a new car is largely the price of new cars. Compared to a used car, new cars are exceptionally pricier and doesn’t fall in everyone’s price range. As soon as you purchase your new car, unfortunately, depreciation will kick in immediately, making it instantly worth less than you just paid for. New cars are also frequently not a once off price, as optional features will be added into the price of your car. C02 tax and sales tax are also usually added to the initial car price.

Advantages of buying a used car:

Used cars are much cheaper than buying the same model new and have a slower depreciation as well as lower tax and insurance costs. Potentially your used car could also include the added benefits of a motor plan or warranty which can be transferred with the car. If you are buying from a reliable and trusted source, the car history won’t have to keep you up and night and you could get a wonderful deal and perfect fit for you and your family. If you might be slightly concerned, reliability data is also available from consumer reports.

Regarding the models, used cars can also offer a much larger variety of choice within your price range, meaning that the buyer does not necessarily have to opt-in for the newest model of his or her preferred car.

Disadvantages of buying a used car:

With used cars, it’s a what you see is what you get situation. The buyer cannot add optional extras and safety features to the car unless done so externally and paying for it separately. The misfortune could also occur that you buy a used car from an unreliable source and it’s possible that you could buy a car that has sustained heavy damage with the previous owner that might not be recognisable until you’ve had the car for a few months.

As they age, used cars could require more expensive repairs. Therefore, when buying a used car, you need to keep in mind that fixes might occur down the line. Any problems with the used car will result in additional repair and maintenance costs if the car is out of warranty and its service plan has expired.

Ultimately, being able to buy your first (or second) car, is a milestone for anyone and a big commitment as it takes you to new places and adventures. Regardless if it’s new or used, you need to ensure that it’s a good deal and value for your money.

If you are still making the exciting and important decision of buying a new or used car, visit our site for more information: https://www.nissanec.co.za/ or visit Nissan Eastern Cape, we’d love chat and help you through the process and all your options.

Sources:
https://www.bankrate.com/auto/buy-new-car-or-used/
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/new-cars-vs-used-cars