is it better to buy a new car or a certified pre-owned car?

Question

pros & cons of buying new car vs. certified pre-owned car

Answer 1

There is always a certain pride and rush of pleasure in purchasing a new car. And the benefit of a nice long warrantee is an added appeal.

HOWEVER, since the wise money manager wants to be or to remain debt free as soon as possible, the lower price associated with pre-owned cars is highly attractive. Many banks and credit unions offer very attractive financing for late model used cars.

If you purchase from a reputable dealer -- who will want your repeat business several years down the road -- you can generally trust the salesperson representation as to the condition of the vehicle. The "certified program" now associated with many dealers is an added plus as is the longer warrantee available for late model used cars.

Besure to do your homework when looking for a new or used car. Some good sites are listed below. You want to have a good idea of what kind of car you are looking for and how much such a car worth (what the dealer is likely to ask for it, or what a private seller might ask).

My wife and I have purchased our last three vehicles used. We are now driving a three year old buick and a 3 year old Honda CRV. We researched the cars online and had a very good idea what the dealers had allowed the previous owners who traded these vehicles for something newer. We also decided what the most we would pay (our walk away $ figure). I both cases we were able to purchase vehicles with less that 20,000 miles and in excellent operating condition for less that we were prepared to pay. We were ... and still are very pleased.

One final thought. As soon as you or someone else drives their brand new car off the dealers lot the car is worth some $2000 - $4000 less. That is immediate depreciation. I always like to think that the previous owner of my pre-owned car was the one who took the loss on the depreciation.

Buy smart. Give the used cars a serious consideration.

Answer 2

You buy a new car, and it depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. You get a new car, and you freak out the first time you notice someone's hit you in the parking lot, or the first time you hit something and scrape the car.

You get a pre-owned car, and sometimes you are simply inheriting someone else's problems, a common belief. Most times, you're just getting someone's leased car. People say, well there must be some reason why the person doesn't want this car anymore. Not really, maybe they are just the type of person who wants or "needs" a new car every year. If you are buying from a reputable dealership, there shouldn't be a problem with buying pre-owned.

My dad prefers to get a new car, he says, "I want to be the first person to fart in that seat."

Me, I don't care what idiot "farted before me" I just care that the owner before me maintained the car well, and more importantly, took the biggest chunk of depreciation out of his wallet, and not mine. :)

It's just one of those personal choices. You do whatever is best for you. Do you need to worry about financing, or can you buy it outright? If money is not an issue, go ahead and get a new vehicle if it makes you feel better, but remember this: just because the seat's never been farted in, doesn't mean it can't be a lemon.

Answer 3

i love buying new cars, but it makes more financial sense to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle because a good portion of the depriciation is already done.

Answer 4

preowned is better in my opion .sources.. have both. /