The Difference Between Buying a New Car Vs. Buying an Old Car

There’s no doubt about it, buying a new car can be an overwhelming process. There is so much choice available when it comes to makes, models and brands. The first, and possibly most important, decision you need to make is whether to buy a brand new car or whether to go for one that has already been used. If you can’t decide what to buy, read on to find out the difference between buying a new and old car.

Cost

Buying a new car gives you more options in terms of the customisation of the car. You could even have a car custom made, with your desired interior and exterior colour and the fittings you need. Newer cars also tend to come with the latest technology and security devices, which is an added bonus. However, these extras, and the guarantee of a car being new and reliable, come at an additional cost.

In contrast, when you buy an old car you are somewhat limited and you are likely to be given a ‘what you see is what you get’ sales pitch. Although there is sometimes a wider variety of cars available, as you may be able to find cars and models which are no longer made. The benefit of buying an old car is that it will usually come at a much lower price than a brand new one.

Reliability

A new car comes with the reassurance that it won’t develop any problems because it has only been driven from the manufacturer, to the transporter and then onto the dealers courtyard. When you buy a new car you know that you shouldn’t have to visit a repairs garage for a while. You can also trust that the security systems in place are the latest available.

An older car doesn’t come with this guarantee. Older cars are vulnerable to wear and tear, which can mean parts malfunction or the car breaks down. You could find yourself having to pay for expensive repairs as soon as you have purchased the car.

Value

Cars rarely increase in value over time. A new car loses its value as soon as you drive it away from the showroom or dealer. However, buying a new car does come with the benefit of all the additional extras you may want, such as a stereo or the latest multimedia screen, being included in one price.
The benefit of buying an old car is that the value has already been lost and you are able to take advantage of this. However, you may end out paying out in repair expenses. An old car is generally good value for money if you are careful in your purchase choice.

Whether you choose to buy a new or used car will depend on your personal preferences and your budget. Some people prefer to buy a car cheaply and sell it on once it becomes unusable, while others prefer new cars for their reliability and the amount of customization and control they can have over the purchase, which helps to really make the car your own.