New or Used Car? How You Can Decide

Something to seriously consider when purchasing your next car is whether you should go with a new or used vehicle.  

These are a few of the things you need to consider when deciding on whether to buy a new or used car. And when you’re ready to start shopping, come see us at your local Bridgman, Michigan Mazda dealership for the best selection of new and used vehicles.

The Pros of Buying a New Vehicle

There is nothing like purchasing a new vehicle. The look, feel, and even the smell cannot be found on any other vehicle. Here are some of the pros you need to consider if you want to purchase a new car.

• An advantage that comes with purchasing a new car is the fact the vehicle will have no history. You will be the first one to drive the vehicle, which means you don’t need to worry about how previous owners treated the car.

• If you are someone who deeply cares about the warranty of a car, you cannot beat the value you get with a new car. New vehicles come with a powertrain warranty from the car manufacturer for an average of five years or 50,000 miles.

• Safety features are also important to consider when purchasing your next car. New vehicles will come with the latest safety features and technology.

• As gas continues to get more expensive, you need to consider fuel efficiency to save money over your car’s lifetime. Newer vehicles tend to have better fuel efficiency than older and used cars.

• Finally, purchasing a new car comes with lower interest rates compared to used vehicles.

Disadvantages of Purchasing a New Vehicle

While there is nothing like the feeling of purchasing a new vehicle, they can come with their own issues that you need to consider.

• If you are looking to save money on your purchase, you may want to avoid a new car. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average cost of a new vehicle is around $39,000, while a used vehicle averages around $22,000.

• When purchasing a new car, you need to consider the depreciation value of the vehicle. Kelley Blue Book states a vehicle depreciates the fastest within the first three years. If you purchase a new car, you could lose thousands of dollars in value by the time you are ready to sell.

The Reasons You Should Consider Purchasing A Used Car

Purchasing a used car can not only save you money, but you can also buy a better vehicle for the money. Here are some factors to consider before you decide to purchase a used car.

• Purchasing a used vehicle can be more affordable. On average, used cars are $10,000 cheaper than their new counterparts. 

• When you purchase a used vehicle, you can often afford a more luxurious manufacturer or a car that includes premium features. For example, a used Buick Navigator averages around $18,000, while a new one starts at $24,000.

• You will not need to concern yourself with the depreciation value of a used vehicle. Depending on the age of the vehicle you choose, the car will have already gone through the massive drop in value.

The Negatives Associated with Purchasing a Used Vehicle

Purchasing a used vehicle can save you a significant amount of money, but it also comes with substantial setbacks that could outweigh the benefits.

• When it comes to a used car, you never know how the previous owner treated it. If you purchase a used vehicle that was neglected by its previous owner, it could lead to higher maintenance costs over the lifetime of the vehicle.

• Used cars often come with a limited warranty or no warranty at all. The powertrain warranty provided by the car manufacturer is only suitable for a certain number of years or miles. Once a car reaches the powertrain warranty limit, you will either have no warranty, or you will need to purchase a new warranty through the dealership.

• If you are looking at used vehicles, you cannot be as picky as you would be with a new car. Car dealerships have a minimal number of used cars in their inventory. This limited inventory may result in you having to settle for a vehicle that might not include all the features you want in a car.

• Interest rates are much higher for used cars compared to new cars. If you are not careful about keeping your loan term as short as possible, you will end up paying a significant amount of money on interest. When it comes to used cars, it is recommended to keep the loan term no longer than four years to avoid the bulk of interest payments.

Get the Best New and Used Inventory at Your Local Bridgman, Michigan Mazda Dealership

Whether you decide to purchase a new or used vehicle, you need to buy the car from the right dealership. Here at Siemans Mazda, we’ll be happy to help you find the right vehicle for your needs.