Used versus new cars – the big debate

There are many things that people would never dream of buying second hand. Cars are not one of them. Figures show that three times as many used cars are sold in the UK as there are new. But, overall, which is better? And when the time comes to buy your next car, should you go new or used?

Both options have advantages, disadvantages and different ways to buy. Some main dealers may only sell new cars, with used car sales coming more from private individuals selling their old cars. Outfits like the Jennings Motor Group, however, have a foot in both camps, selling both new and used. Knowing where to buy from is only the beginning. What else do you need to know?

New cars
There are many advantages to buying a new car, some of which are rather obvious. Naturally, new cars will come equipped with the latest technology. Built-in Bluetooth, for example, might seem like a luxury, but the latest technology in safety features should be an important consideration for any family, as should recent advances in fuel efficiency. New cars can provide the owner with greater peace of mind, with benefits such as a three-year warranty and no requirement for an MOT during the first three years either. And, of course, there is no unknown history to worry about.

New cars can be delivered to a buyer’s exact specifications, although this can cause a delay; having to wait a few weeks is not uncommon. The biggest downside to buying a new car, for most people, is the price. The initial outlay is one thing, but do not forget how quickly its value will depreciate either. It is pretty much instantaneous although, as The Guardian explains, finance deals are making buying a new car affordable to more and more people.

Used cars
Aside from being cheaper, and suffering less value depreciation, used cars have numerous other advantages over new cars. Technological progress means most new car breakdowns are electrical in nature, with only professional mechanics able to fix them. Older cars with minor problems can often be fixed quickly and cheaply. This may happen more frequently than the owner might like, however, as wear and tear will certainly become an issue at some stage. Any money you save on the initial purchase may well be needed to keep the car running.

Although used car buyers will not have all the customisation options available to buyers of new cars, they will find more choice in the private sellers’ market. It is often easy to find models that are no longer available at main dealers, and at good prices.

The biggest danger used car buyers face is that of uncertainty. Some cars might not be all they appear to be; private buyers run the risk of purchasing a ‘clocked’ car, a car that has done more miles than the clock displays. In the worst-case scenarios, the car may have been stolen or written off in an earlier accident. It is up to the buyer to carry out all the relevant checks to avoid this scenario.

Whether you decide to go for new or used, there is a wealth of options that should, given time and consideration, provide you with your perfect car.