New Car Comfort Versus Old Car Budget

Posted on: 15 May 2017

Share

The great debate of new cars versus old cars may never end, and your personal answer depends on budget and style. The car style of your dreams may be from the past with no immediate plans of being remade, or you may not think that a new car is in your budget. A new car may be a safer investment in case of car failure that can be taken to the dealership or manufacturer for a required fix, or you may be fine with a fixer-upper. If you've never been deep within the new vs used debate, here are a few car selection considerations to make your next purchase more informed.

Why Buy Used?

Cost is usually the first factor for buying a used car. Not all budgets can afford a vehicle that fits their performance needs, and not all cheap, new cars are what the buyer wants. A new car with no sense of style or no performance features versus a 2 through 5-year-old car of your dreams can be a clear win for the used car.

When you look at used car prices, keep in mind that you're looking at the window price alone. You need to consider any problems that could exist under the hood and away from general inspections. You may need to replace a few inexpensive parts and perform a tune-up immediately after purchase. At worst, you may need to take the previous owner to court.

Although maintenance is an issue for all vehicles, the potential cost of used vehicles versus new vehicles is significantly higher. This is because any major failures within the first year or so are the responsibility of the dealership and manufacturer when dealing with new cars, while used cars have a few variables that require your immediate investment in most cases.

New Cars And Handling Risk Properly

If you don't feel like dealing with mechanics, worrying about breakdowns, or simply want something fresh to call your own, a new car is the way to go. Still, you need to understand your rights and responsibilities.

When getting a new car, read the warranty carefully. Figure out what kind of problems are considered free repairs, and figure out who exactly needs to handle the repairs. This can save you a trip to the wrong mechanic when you're already strapped for time or stressed, especially if you need to take your vehicle to a specific manufacturer repair shop instead of the dealership where you bought it.

Keep up with maintenance. It's cheaper than having to get everything repaired when the engine wears out and the axles warp, and you won't have to sell your car at a major loss later. Many used cars with problems were new cars that weren't maintained properly, so think of your investment as a way to save money on repairs and possibly give a good car to someone looking for used quality later.

Contact a new car representative, like Wills Toyota, to look through your choices and understand how far your investment protects your best interests.