Buying a New Vehicle vs Buying a Used Vehicle

 

Introduction
As you shop for a new vehicle, you will discover a seemingly endless amount of options that are available to you. This can be excellent if you know which vehicle you want but can be daunting if you have no idea of where to start during your shopping process. If you are overwhelmed by the number of vehicles that are available to you, you should first determine whether you want to purchase a new vehicle or a used vehicle. New vehicles and used vehicles are both great options, but each vehicle type offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Determining whether you want to purchase a vehicle that is used or new first will allow you to narrow your search down much more.
 
The New Vehicle Advantage
New vehicles are great choices if you would like to have the latest and greatest features that the automotive industry has to offer. Additionally, new vehicles have no mileage on them, or very low mileage as a result of their transport. The minimal use of the vehicle, and its fresh appearance off of the production line, nearly ensures that it will not be very problematic to own for some time. Research for newer vehicles is also much easier, as manufacturers will have information about their new models readily available on their websites. You have various financing options that are available to you when you are purchasing a new vehicle, allowing you to purchase the vehicle that you really want rather than one that may fit into your immediate budget. You can also choose to lease new vehicles, providing you with the option to return the vehicle and terminate your contract if you are not fully satisfied with the vehicle.
 
The Used Vehicle Advantage
The used vehicle market is much larger than the new vehicle market, which provides you with an even greater selection of vehicles. In the used vehicle market, you will find rare vehicles, vehicles that may no longer be in production, and vehicles with unique options. Used vehicles are also sold by both dealerships and private parties, providing you with more opportunities to find the vehicle that you want. When you are shopping for a used vehicle, you will certainly be able to find a vehicle that fits within your budget. Additionally, there is slightly more bargaining room when it comes to used vehicles. There are many opportunities for you to purchase vehicles for much less than their prices when they were new.
 
Used Vehicle Disadvantages: Why Buying New May be Better
While there are vehicles that have appreciated in their value over the years, used vehicles tend to be sold for less than their prices when they were new, and this is for several reasons. Constructed with a variety of moving parts, vehicles wear out over time and with increased usage. When you shop for a used vehicle, even if you are presented with all of the service records for the vehicle, you cannot be fully sure of how the vehicle was treated over the course of its lifespan. Some owners maintain their vehicles meticulously, and this will show, and other owners only have their vehicles serviced when attention is required, and this may not always show immediately.
 
If you are shopping for a used vehicle, and you are inexperienced with vehicles, bring a mechanic with you or someone who understands vehicles. Alternatively, you can arrange, with the vehicle's seller, to have a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done at a local dealership or mechanic. A pre-purchase inspection can be carried out by a third-party dealership or mechanic to identify any possible issues that the vehicle may have. Ultimately, these steps will save you money and time during your purchase.
 
New Vehicle Disadvantages: Why Buying Used May be Better
New vehicles tend to quickly lose much of their value to depreciation. It is commonly joked that new vehicles lose their value as soon as drivers drive them off of the dealership's lot, and this can be true for many vehicles. Additionally, while vehicles are rigorously tested by manufacturers, brand-new vehicles that have recently been introduced can present issues that may have not been initially identified by manufacturers. 
 
An Alternative
Certified pre-owned vehicles are great alternatives between new vehicles and used vehicles. While certified pre-owned vehicles are still classified as used vehicles, they are carefully inspected before they are accepted into the certified pre-owned program that a dealership has. Certified pre-owned vehicles need to meet numerous requirements before they are accepted by a dealership. These requirements specify the condition, year, and mileage that a vehicle needs to have to be considered for the program. After a vehicle has met the condition, minimum year, and maximum mileage requirements, the vehicle then goes through a rigorous multi-point inspection that is carried out by several service technicians. After the vehicle has passed the inspection process, it is added to the program and backed with a manufacturer's warranty. The warranty is valid for customers up to a specified year, mileage, and condition.
 
Aside from the confidence that multi-point inspections and manufacturer warranties provide for customers, certified pre-owned vehicles are great alternatives for several other reasons. Certified pre-owned vehicles, as a result of their age restriction, are newer vehicles that offer some of the latest technologies and features that are available. As a result of their lightly-used conditions, certified pre-owned vehicles are also sold for much less than the price of new vehicles. This all means that customers can purchase vehicles with newer features at lower costs.
 
Conclusion
Your choice between purchasing a new vehicle, a used vehicle, or a certified pre-owned vehicle lies in what you need specifically for your situation. Each vehicle choice has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and they are all great options if you take time to do research and planning. At Sport Chevrolet, we will be glad to walk with you through the vehicle purchasing process, providing valuable information to you as you shop for your next vehicle. Contact us or visit our dealership to learn more.