When you decide to buy a car, one of the important first steps is deciding whether you want to buy a new car or a used car. This will be one of many decisions you’ll make in the car buying process, but it may be considered the most important one. There are a number of variables that factor into this decision, including but not limited to: your income level, the kind of car loan you’re able to obtain, and your plans for your new car (i.e. will it be a family car or a car that you alone drive).
Before you decide to venture out to your choice of car dealership to shop around, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of each choice. Here are a few tips on how to make this decision:
- What are you looking for in your future car? Everyone has different priorities when it comes to the car they’ll be driving; some people are okay with the basics, and some are interested in more advanced technology, such as built-in Bluetooth, specialized safety features, and the bells and whistles you often see in car commercials. If you’re looking to save money and those features aren’t a priority, a used car might be a good deal for you. You can also consider a certified pre-owned car, which features the best of both new and used cars.
- Why buy a new car? First of all, it’s important to note that a car will lose roughly 20 percent of its value once you drive it off the dealership lot. However, as mentioned above, if you’re looking for the newest car features and have the cash to spend (or if you’re able to procure a solid car loan), a new car could be an excellent investment. You have the benefit of being the first owner to drive your car, and you won’t experience any potential issues that may arise from having higher mileage.
- Why buy a used / pre-owned car? There are a number of financial benefits to buying a used car that aren’t limited to cost; for example, you may get a lower insurance premium for buying used. If your choice of car is less than three years old and under warranty, or is classified as certified pre-owned, it might have lower mileage and will have been thoroughly inspected by its manufacturer.
Our loan officers are always on hand to help you make the decision to apply for a car loan, and answer any questions you may have. We encourage you to reach out to us via phone or email or visit one of our branches to get started.