Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your life. It's a huge financial commitment that takes a lot of careful thought. You'll likely be faced with the choice about whether to buy new or used, and this can be tough, as both options have pros and cons. Read on to learn more about the factors you should consider before making a final decision about whether to buy a brand new car or a used model.
Think About Your Budget
One of the most important things to think about when considering a new or used car is your budget. If you've been saving a while, you might be able to buy a used car outright. New cars tend to be more expensive, and in more ways than one. The upfront cost for a new car is more expensive than a used car, but in most cases, so are the insurance costs. If you have a dream make and model in mind, take a look at used cars first. You can get the car of your dreams for a lower price, or you can get a better car for the same amount of money.
It is true, however, that there are sometimes great deals on new cars as well, like cash back or special financing, so keep your eyes open. Still, in most cases, buying a used car is a more cost-effective option. If you're taking out a loan to finance the purchase of your car, you'll end up paying less interest over time for a used car, because its initial value is lower than that of a new car. Even buying a model that's just a few years old can help you save thousands of dollars over time.
Do You Know the Car's History?
A new car, fresh off the lot, has no history since you're the first owner. You'll know everything about the car like if any repairs were made, any parts were replaced, every time it has been serviced, or if there were any accidents and what damage was incurred. When you buy a used car, you don't know this history. However, it's easier than ever to learn about the history of a used car with websites like Carfax and AutoCheck. These sites will be able to pull a vehicle's maintenance history and information about accidents and subsequent repairs.
Consider Warranties
If you run into any problems with your car after you purchase it, you'll want to have a warranty in place so you won't have to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs. Car manufacturers know that the cars they make will sometimes have faults that get overlooked during production, which is why new cars usually come with warranties that last for your first few years or up to a certain mileage. These are included in the sticker price of the car, so you don't have to pay anything additional to be covered by a warranty.
When you buy a used car, you may not get that warranty or may need to pay more to get it. If you want to avoid this, go with a used Cadillac, because you'll likely get a solid warranty to protect you from any trouble down the line. Though the warranty you get with a used car won't be as long-lasting or comprehensive as a new car's warranty, you'll still be protected if you face any issues for at least a short time. This means that if you notice anything wrong with the used car you just purchased, you'll be covered!
What Features Are You Looking For?
If you're looking for the latest technology when it comes to safety, infotainment, or connectivity to other devices, new cars are the obvious winner. Vehicle technology is developing at a rapid pace, so even models that are only one or two years old can be outdated. Safety tech like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist come are now coming standard or at a low cost on many new models. And new cars are also outfitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easier than ever to sync your smartphone and vehicle for the latest traffic conditions. Touchscreen interfaces are becoming more user-friendly, and voice-activated controls are now more commonplace than they once were.
However, used cars, especially certified pre-owned ones, still have lots of valuable and desirable features and are quite safe. Sometimes, problems with new cars aren't discovered until a few years after they are initially released, so when you buy a used car, it may be easier to find out about any issues they commonly have.
Insurance Is Key
While insurance is absolutely necessary when you purchase any vehicle, insuring your car shouldn't break the bank, and you should consider insurance costs when choosing between a used and new car. Typically, used cars are cheaper to insure than new ones, because new cars have a higher value, to begin with. You can get estimated rates for both new and used models using tools you can find online, so it may make sense to compare before you buy, so you won't be shocked when it comes time to purchase insurance.
Ready to Buy?
When it comes down to it, buying a new car or used car is all about your preference. While both have pros and cons, you can usually expect used cars to be more affordable, while new cars may have more desirable features. Whichever you end up choosing, you'll want a car that will last you for years to come and provide you with the reliability and safety you need. If you're looking for the best-used cars in Bradenton, Florida, Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton is happy to be your Cadillac expert.
Our dealership is full of Cadillac specialists for a one-stop-shop for preowned cars in Bradenton. If you want to learn more, don't hesitate to give us a call at (941) 932-8852 or visit us at 4780 14th St., Bradenton, Monday through Saturday.
