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Buying Cars: To Buy New Or Used?

The decision of whether to buy a new car or a used car mostly boils down to the question of budget. While there are a number of advantages buying a car right out the box there are equally as many for buying a preowned car from a reputable car dealer.

An industry under pressure

The fact that both the new and used car markets are under enormous pressure as a result of the recession worldwide is actually good news for the consumer. With increasing repossessions and less buying power there is literally a flood of vehicular stock on factory and dealership floors leading to more astute pricing by the industry and a burgeoning array of choice for the prospective buyer. Manufacturers are falling over one another to lure the everdwindling supply of consumers to their brands with moneyback offers free DVD and SatNav installations and other walletsaving incentives.

Budgetary constraints buy preowned from a dealership

Used car prices are also enormously competitive and car dealers are prepared to negotiate even further with the promise of a sale. One overriding factor that cannot be ignored if budgetary constraints are being adhered to is the fact that it is possible to buy a 34 yearold family sedan with all the gizmos and gadgets for less than half the price of a midrange new car.

Obviously the risk involved in buying a used car is always significantly higher than that of a brand spanking new model as one can never be sure the previous owner drove and maintained the vehicle properly. However it is possible to purchase a preowned late model car with the original factory warranty intact from a reputable car dealership.

Advantages to buying new and used cars

A new car will generally demand less maintenance as the average warranty period of at least three years assures the buyer of hasslefree driving for quite some time to come. Many manufacturers also offer free roadside assistance while the car is under warranty.
The leading finance houses are likely to offer better rates when buying new as the mint condition product will offer better collateral and is less likely to break down.
Buying a new car or a preowned car from a car dealership will offer peace of mind as the full might of the law is behind the consumer. Buying a used car at auction or from a private source can be dodgy as there is very little legal recourse should the vehicle turn out to be a lemon
Purchasing pristine will mean total freedom of choice as far as the make model colour trim and accessories are concerned.

At the end of the day the debate of whether to buy a new car or a used car will hinge on pride of ownership versus fiscal frugality.

About the writer: Reeds Motor Group offers the largest range of guaranteed used cars in Cape Town and great deals on new cars too! We retail Opel Isuzu Chevrolet Saab Hummer and Cadillac.