How to Decide Whether to Buy New or Used Vehicle

When it comes to buying a vehicle, one of the first things to think about is whether it is better to buy new or used.

The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to making the big decision. Both buying options offer attractive benefits. The most important thing is to find what type of vehicle is going to work best for the driver when taking into account a range of factors like lifestyle, budget, preferences, and needs.

By taking the time to inform themselves of the different perks that come with both buying new and buying used, a driver should have no problem weighing the advantages and finding out what type of vehicle will work best for them.  

This article is designed to make that process easy by laying out the pros of both buying new and buying used.

Why Consider Buying a New Vehicle:

New vehicles are typically right off the top of the line and offer minimal mileage and a factory warranty plan.

1. No Need to Worry About Unexpected Repairs

New vehicles typically come with a bumper to bumper warranty coverage that will last for about 3 years after the purchase of the vehicle, and often offer extended powertrain warranty coverage as well.

This means that people who choose to get behind the wheel of a new Ford in Costa Mesa won’t have to worry about footing the cost of any unexpected breakdown outside of the usual wear and tear, at least not for a good while.

The fact that new cars offer the most comprehensive warranty coverage means that buying new is often a preferable option for people who want to ensure that their investment is risk-free.

2. Customize the Features

When drivers choose to buy a new vehicle they will have the option to choose the added features they want, which means the vehicle can be factory customized to suit their individual taste profile. These options typically extend to choosing the paint color, seat material, and interior styling as well.

This is why people who don’t want to settle for missing out on features they enjoy often prefer to buy new vehicles so they will know that they are getting everything they want and need.

3. Technology

Technology is always improving, and this means that new car buyers are getting the best of it.

This typically will include handy features like app integration and improved sound system technology, but also means better safety features as well. Most newer vehicles include standard driver assist technology that often isn’t available in older models.

4. Better Fuel Mileage

As a general rule, newer vehicles will typically offer better fuel mileage than their pre-owned counterparts. This is because of two factors: stricter government fuel standards and rapidly improving fuel technology.

This means that while people who choose to buy new might end up putting in a little more money up front, the investment could easily translate into savings in the long-term.

5. Financing Options

New cars might come with a bigger looking price tag, but dealerships will often offer lower interest on financing as well as deals and rebates, so it can be worth it for shoppers to do their homework when it comes to budgeting.

They might find that in the long run it really doesn’t cost that much more to buy new after all.

Why Consider Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle:

Pre-owned vehicles, otherwise known as used vehicles, can be purchased as either certified or non-certified.

Certified pre-owned vehicles are typically low mileage pre-owned vehicles that are dealership inspected and come with limited warranty coverage. Non-certified pre-owned require and outside inspection and don’t offer warranty coverage, but come with a lower price tag.

1. Save Money on the Cost of the Vehicle

This is far and away the biggest incentive to buying a used vehicle.

While buying a pre-owned vehicle does come with more risk than buying new, buying a certified pre-owned vehicle can be a great way to strike a balance between better savings and less risk in the investment.

2. Choices, Choices, Choices

When it comes to buying pre-owned, there are a lot more fish in the sea to choose from than there are with new vehicles.

While used car buyers can’t customize the features or paint color – unless they choose to do so themselves after the purchase – they can choose from a broader range of options if they are willing to put in the work. Pre-owned vehicle buyers also have access to rare, antique and vintage models.

3. Save on the Cost of Insurance

Not only do pre-owned vehicles cost less, but they also generally cost less to insure. This is not a sure shot though, since the price of insurance will always vary from model to model.

4. Better Return on the Investment

If a pre-owned vehicle buyer chooses to sell or trade their vehicle somewhere down the road they are likely to get more of the money they paid back for used Ford Fusion in Costa Mesa than they would for a new one.

This is because the value of used vehicles depreciates much more slowly than the value of used vehicles, so buying used is almost always a better option for anybody who isn’t sure about making a long term investment.

5. Upgrade to a More Expensive Model

Anybody who has their sights set on an F150 in Costa Mesa but can’t afford the price tag of a new truck or car might want to consider buying a pre-owned model.

Opting to buy pre-owned is a great way for buyers to give themselves more room to budget for an upgraded vehicle or get their hands on their dream model without having to compromise.

The Takeaway:

Buying new and buying used are both great options. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is always better to avoid buying pre-owned vehicles from independent sellers since they are likely to leave a buyer out in the cold when something goes wrong.

Always stick with a certified dealership who will stand behind their sale and mitigate the risk involved with the investment.

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