A new car is always better than a used car, right? After all, it’s newer, has fewer miles on it, and likely comes with a warranty. But is that necessarily true? Here are six reasons why buying a new car might not be the best decision for you.
1. Used cars are cheaper.
This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of buying a used car. You can save thousands of dollars by opting for a pre-owned vehicle instead of a brand-new one from a Jstar car dealer.
2. Used cars don’t lose value as quickly.
When you drive a new car off the lot, it immediately loses value—sometimes as much as 20% of its original MSRP! A used car, on the other hand, has already taken its biggest depreciation hit by the time you buy it. That means it won’t lose nearly as much value over time, which can be helpful if you ever decide to sell it or trade it in down the road.
3. Used cars come with more features.
Today’s cars are packed with all kinds of high-tech features and creature comforts that didn’t exist just a few years ago. By buying a used car that’s just a few years old, you can get all of those features at a fraction of the price of a brand-new model.
4. Used cars may have better gas mileage.
Today’s cars are more fuel-efficient than ever before thanks to advances in technology like electric vehicles and hybrid powertrains. If you buy a used car that was made in the last few years, you may be surprised at how good its gas mileage is.
5. Used cars come with less pressure.
There’s no denying that buying a new car is exciting. But it can also be stressful, especially if you’re worried about making the wrong decision or ending up with a lemon. With a used car, there’s less pressure because you know that it’s not brand-new and that it doesn’t have to be perfect. If you lease a new car, there’s usually a mileage limit that you’re not supposed to exceed. And if you do go over that limit, you’ll have to pay fees when your lease is up. With a used car, however, there’s no such worry. You can drive as much (or as little) as you want without having to pay any penalties.
6. Used cars may have more personality.
Buying a new car feels very cookie-cutter sometimes – like you’re just another number on the dealer’s sales sheet. But buying a used car often feels more personal because each one has its own unique story and personality.
There are plenty of good reasons to buy a used car instead of opting for something brand-new off the lot. Used cars are cheaper, have already taken their biggest depreciation hit, and offer more flexibility when it comes to financing and mileage limits (among other things). So if you’re in the market for a new ride, and think you have a high enough credit score for a car loan, don’t rule out buying pre-owned!