Can you be a car enthusiast without owning a brand-new car? Naturally, it’s easy to see why most people would prefer a brand-new car. But, there’s a strong case to be made for the practicality and advantages of opting for a second-hand vehicle.
Unsure where to get started? Here are the 7 most common reasons to buy a used car.
- Cost-Effective Solutions
Why spend more and you can buy a perfectly suitable car for less? Most prospective buyers are quick to consider the price advantage. New cars often come with a hefty price tag, and the moment you drive them off the lot, their value depreciates rapidly, On the other hand, a used car can be budget-friendly and it will not lose its value as fast as a new model. So, you get more value for your money and you spend less. So, once again, why would you want to spend more on a new model?
- Informed Decision-Making
When you buy a brand-new car, you’re essentially an early adopter. Will the car be as good as it promises? Every day, we hear about manufacturers recalling cars for safety reasons. So, when you buy a new model, your car could potentially be recalled.
Now, if you buy a car that has already been on the road for a few years, you have access to all reviews and real-world experiences. You know the car has not been recalled. You know you can find out in a few clicks what drivers think about the model.
This is an extra layer of protection. Essentially, buying a used car means you can check reliability ratings, running costs, most common repair needs, and so much more. You will also need to review the specific car you are buying. But gathering information about the model can be a game-changer!
- Reduced Anxiety Behind the Wheel
Do you have cold sweat running down your back when you drive a brand new car? The thought of having a scratch or a dent on a brand-new car is scary!
This is why many buyers prefer a second-hand car. They don’t need to worry as much about the first scratch. As a result, you’re less likely to worry about the sound of gravel hitting the undercarriage.
There’s a real psychological advantage about driving a used car if you are a naturally anxious car owner. So, this is worth considering if you don’t feel confident looking after a new vehicle.
- Tailored to Your Tolerance for Imperfections
This might sound silly, but it’s worth considering used cars that need some repair work. Indeed, even if a car body has some dents and bumps, it doesn’t mean the car is worthless. On the contrary, when you explore second-hand vehicles, you’ll see all sorts of things. Some cars will look in pristine condition, almost as if they were still new. Others may show some signs of wear and tear, such as old tires, rusty brake pads, or some scratches on the body.
If you’re willing to compromise on cosmetic aspects, you could get yourself a bargain. How much should you be willing to compromise? Naturally, you want to car to still be safe to drive. It shouldn’t need extensive repair work But minor works, such as changing brake pads, or taking it to an auto body repair shop to fix scratches, should not discourage you from considering a vehicle. In fact, this means you’ll get to pay even less for the car!
- Affordable Insurance Premiums
How much should your insurance premium be? It depends on the model and your location. But the good thing about used cars is that they have more affordable insurance premiums.
When you consider the different costs of owning a car, saving yourself several hundred dollars on car insurance is definitely an advantage!
- Warranty Assurance from Dealerships
Do second-hand vehicles come with warranty? Don’t let common belief fool you. You can still enjoy all the benefits of a warranty even if you don’t a new car. In fact, many dealerships offer warranties for their certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, so you know you buy safely.
So, if have decided to buy second hand, you should definitely focus on dealerships. You are more likely to find a suitable CPO car under warranty than if you buy from a private seller.
How do CPO program work? Basically, cars under CPo warranty go through inspection and can even receive essential repairs to meet high-quality standards. So, this means that the car is unlikely to collapse as soon as you start driving!
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choice
As more and more car owners are concerned about the environment and making sustainable choices, second-hand cars can make a difference. Indeed, car production consumes a lot of energy, raw materials, and creates CO2 emissions. It’s worth mentioning that this is equally valid for electric vehicles. While they are designed for green driving, they are not a green purchase.
But a used car, in comparison, reduces the need for producing new cars, therefore it has a smaller environmental impact. Bear in mind considering fuel consumption and opting for a used EV instead would be the best option. Used cars may be more eco-friendly when it comes to fuel efficiency. The bottom line: Also do your research before you’re ready to decide!
Experts believe that keeping existing vehicles on the road for longer, by buying used cars, can reduce the overall carbon footprint of the vehicle. Unlike what you might believe, a used car could be a green choice as a car owner!
When it comes to owning a car, there are pros and cons to both used and brand-new vehicles. So, it becomes impossible to argue for only one option. Your choice can be driven by a variety of factors, such as cost or even new car anxiety. So, what truly matters is that you are now better equipped to see the benefits of buying second-hand. Whether you can be convinced depends on your values as a driver! There is no right or wrong answer here.
Every car owner is different and has different needs and priorities. Besides, specialist leasing programs can make it easier to drive a new vehicle, so perhaps this is what’s right for you. But if you are looking for a cost-effective, sustainable, and relaxing driving experience, remember second-hand cars could tick all those boxes too!