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Tips for Deciding on a New or Used Car

Buying a car is an exciting time for many people, though it can also be at least somewhat stressful. Aside from our homes, cars are likely to be the most expensive thing we put our hard earned money into, so there is often a lot of pressure to get it right. Furthermore, the wrong car may end up needing expensive parts and repairs down the road which can add to the stress.

Cars are built for convenience and so the last thing any driver wants is to have their vehicle out of action for repairs beyond the expected servicing and MOTs. While it can be difficult to predict whether your next car will need more repairs than usual before you have bought it, you can reduce the likelihood of purchasing an unreliable car by doing plenty of research into the available options.

As a buyer, you can also reduce the risk of buying an unreliable car by choosing to buy from a reputable dealership. This goes for whether you are looking to buy a new or used car, particularly if you are able to find one that provides extended warranties and guarantees on their vehicles. If you are in the market for your next car then you may be struggling to choose a make, model and dealership, and these are some of our best recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Should you buy a new or used car?

One of the biggest decisions you will have to make when looking for your next vehicle is whether you will buy a brand new or a used car. There are benefits to both options and there are no right or wrong choices depending on your budget. On that note, your budget will usually be the biggest deciding factor on whether you will buy something new or used, though it is far from the only consideration you will have to make. 

One of the most important benefits of choosing a new car is that you will have complete control over everything about it, including the make, model, colour, trim level, additional extras, and even the engine type. Another reason that new cars are popular is that they tend to be covered by long warranties that give the owner peace of mind over several years should something go wrong with the car. These are the biggest reasons for choosing a new car over a used one, though it is not without cost.

When you compare new cars to used cars that are for sale you will find that a new car will cost you a lot more, even when the used alternative is only a couple of years old and has low mileage. The reason for the discrepancy in cost is that cars depreciate very quickly once they are bought and driven by their first owner. The rate of depreciation can be so high that a new car can lose up to 40% of its calculated value by the end of the first year. 

With depreciation taken into account, you can save yourself a lot of money by choosing a used car. Often, drivers can save themselves many thousands of pounds by choosing a car that is a few years old instead of a brand new one, though they may have to make some sacrifices. For example, if you are planning to choose a used car you may need to be a little more flexible in terms of the specifics of your desired car. You may well be able to find the make and model you prefer, but may not be able to find it in your desired colour or trim level. 

For many people these are minor issues and are worth the decreased cost of buying a used motor, but if these issues are deal breakers for you then you will want to choose a new car to avoid disappointment. While choosing used cars is better for your wallet and better for the environment because you’re making use of an existing product, sometimes a new car will be the right choice. Make sure you do plenty of research before committing to your purchase as there is lots of potential for expensive mistakes to be made.

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