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It’s the age-old debate: should you buy a used car or a new car when you’re ready for a fresh ride? Everybody loves a new car smell and the thrill of a shiny model loaded with the latest technology and features. However, buying a secondhand car can save you money over the long term. As a used car dealer in Taunton, Somerset, Westpark Direct analyses the pros and cons of each for our customers.
When you buy a new car fresh from the factory, you’re the first owner. You won’t have to worry about how well the previous owners maintained it or wonder if it was involved in any major traffic accidents.
It should be equipped with all the latest features, and everything should be in perfect condition. Newer models may be more energy-efficient to give you better gas mileage while producing fewer environmental emissions.
You also don’t have to limit yourself during the selection process. Rather than settling for what’s available on the lot, you can choose the colour, make, model, wheels, and accessories you want. The sky’s the limit when purchasing a new car!
Brand-new cars are covered under their original manufacturers’ warranties, giving you the ultimate peace of mind about your purchase. While you shouldn’t need repairs or replacement parts for a long time, it’s reassuring to know that they may be covered under your warranty for a few years. You also won’t have to worry about MOT tests during the first three years of ownership.
The biggest drawback to buying a new car is the high price tag. While a new car is like a blank canvas with all the accessories and upgrades you desire, there’s a price to pay for such a privilege. For some, the investment in a new car isn’t worth the amount of depreciation that occurs within the first five years of ownership.
This depreciation may affect the car’s resale value, meaning you could end up losing money should you need to resell it any time soon.
Buying a new car is expensive. You may have higher monthly payments, and it may take you longer to pay off your car financing.
New cars also usually have higher insurance premiums because of their higher value and replacement part costs.
And if you’re ordering a customised car or next year’s model, you may have to wait anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before you can drive it home.
For many, the benefits of buying a used car outweigh those of buying a new car. There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to used cars. They could be decades old with numerous owners over the years, or they could be nearly new from the past couple of years with fewer owners. A nearly-new car gives many shoppers peace of mind, knowing it has modern features and low mileage, but most of the depreciation has already occurred.
Most used car dealerships offer warranties up to a specific mileage or number of years from your purchase date in case anything goes wrong down the road. A word to the wise: buying a used car from a private seller doesn’t offer you as much protection as buying from a reputable used car dealer like Taunton’s Westpark Direct.
Used cars are usually priced cheaper than new cars fresh from the factory. You should enjoy less depreciation, lower monthly payments, and lower insurance premiums with a secondhand car.
Depending on what’s available when you’re ready to buy, you may be able to get a more luxurious model or one with added accessories at a better price than a basic new model.
You also won’t have to wait to take it home. Many used car dealers in Somerset allow you to apply for financing and drive away with a new ride all in the same day.
Buying a secondhand car is sometimes a riskier investment than a new one because issues are more likely the older the car. However, manufacturers have made improvements to ensure modern cars last longer. Wear and tear on a used car are par for the course but will vary depending on how well previous owners maintained it. You should be able to view the car’s history online to give you more peace of mind.
When you purchase your vehicle from a used car dealership, it should have been inspected, tested, and repaired (if necessary) by the dealership’s service centre. If your used car is older than three years, you’ll be responsible for having an MOT test done every year to ensure everything’s in order.
When it comes to used cars in Taunton, Somerset, Westpark Direct has earned a positive reputation for providing an exceptional selection and customer service. You’ll find many quality used cars at our dealership, and we work with an extensive database of financing companies to help you secure the best used car financing deals. If you have any questions about our selection and availability, please contact us on 01823 795 437 or stop by and see us in the Westpark Business Park. Our dedicated Somerset used car dealers are here Monday through Saturday and Sundays by appointment!