Used Car
Buying New vs Used
The age old question when faced with the dilemma of buying a car. Would you choose to buy new or used? New car smell, what could possibly be better? The large finance bill attached to it perhaps? A new car is nice, sure; not arguing that! A slightly-used however, is much better! When you purchase a new car, you will lose approximately 20% of its equity as soon as it is driven off the lot. The equity is lost but you are still paying the price in full.
When buying used you should remain patient and do your research. There are many advantages to buying used. A used car will cost you a fraction of the price; it won’t hurt your monthly budget or put you into debt.
Is depreciation significant?
To recap; 20% of a vehicles value is lost when you purchase new. That is a large amount of money that you are throwing away. In addition, typically you will see another 10% lost within its first year. On average that’s a 30% loss in value after a 12 month span.
A used vehicle, specifically one that is 2-3 years old, the depreciation is much slower. The fact is most used car buyers can purchase a used car, drive it for a year or two, and sell it for close to its purchase price. This will involve doing the right research and choosing the right type of car.
In fact if you do your research, remain patient and time things correctly most vehicles fully redesign every 4-6 years. You can buy used, only a year or two older and still have the most up to date body style.
How differently does it affect your insurance?
Insurance rates for a new vehicle will be higher than used. A used car is “worth less” according to how insurance companies estimate the cost of replacement and repairs. When you purchase new, you are still paying the increased insurance on the depreciation you have already lost. If you do purchase new despite the increase in rates remember, your rates will still be based off of it’s before purchase value and not on the depreciation you lost during that first year.
How are registration fees different?
When purchasing used, registration costs are less too. The registration price is based upon the amount you paid for the vehicle. It is significantly more once you factor in the price difference. You avoid a large financial hit by simply purchasing even a year older.
Affordable features.
Buying used will open the doors to additional features. Features that come at a high price tag new. You will get more of what you want while keeping your budget in a more financially affordable state.
This should significantly trump a newer vehicle at a higher cost, lower-end model and basic features. In the event you cannot find a used vehicle with all the upgrades you desire built in, you can from the money you saved install aftermarket upgrades as an alternative. Remember with the timeline we mentioned earlier about a vehicle re-design you are very likely to be the only one aware you purchased used.
Most people in the market interested in a used car will back out in fear they are purchasing another person’s “problem”. This is why it is important to check review ratings, see the car proof, trust your dealership and do your research.
