Pristine New Car Or Cheap Used Car?

19th August 2010

A brand automobile is a delightful thing. There are no dings, no spots where the paint was scratched by the garage door, no smell of something that was spilled months ago – it’s flawless inside and out. Is a pre-owned car a better deal, or should you treat yourself and purchase a car brand at your local car dealer? Each option has benefits and drawbacks.

The cost is much nicer on a used car. In fact, the minute you take a car off the lot, it loses a large portion of its value. A car is still a week after you’ve bought it it. It still has a lot of use left, no scratches and it still smells . But it isn’t a brand car anymore to the next guy, and that alone is worth money. It would be reasonable to think that the value of a car would fall gradually over its useful life, but that isn’t so. It loses proportionately more value during its first few months and years. Eventually, the value levels off and its value is determined solely by its condition – but it still has some value.

The potential unknown factors are the biggest disadvantage of getting a used car. Why did its old owner sell it? Does it break down a lot? How well was it cared for? Was the suggested maintenance performed when it was needed? Has it been in an accident, or has it had flood damage? Luckily it’s much easier 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 wrecks? Cars can be tracked by their vehicle id numbers and now that computer records have evolved, it’s much easier to compile this information.

A shorter useful life is another drawback to buying a used car. It will need repair and maintenance earlier. This, of course, depends a great deal on the age of the used car. The manufacturer’s warranty may still apply if the car is still relatively . In fact, many used car dealers sell ‘certified used vehicles’. Certified vehicles have been inspected, had any necessary repairs and maintenance completed and have been deemed to meet certain quality standards. Certified vehicles generally come with a warranty, so you won’t have to worry about major repairs for a period of time. 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 price tag to the condition. If you accept a car with some defects, you should get it for a lower price. There’s a limit, of course. A car that’s about to expire isn’t worth any money at all – except to the junkyard.

New cars are expensive – that’s the bad s. There’s a lot of good s too. First, engineering is improving, so a car made today will run longer than a car built even a few years ago. Also, if a 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. Buying it may be a better option.

In the end, buying or used is an individual choice. The type of car you’re looking for and your purpose in buying it will probably determine which way you go. Either way, do your research and consider both before making a decision.

Written by Hannah Valez Used Cars Plano, Used Car Redlands or Used Infiniti Dealer