This is an article I wrote a few years ago for the Toronto Sun. I could very easily write an article called “Five reason to buy a used car over new,” but that wasn’t the assignment. Here, for your reading pleasure; the article.
When you start your search to buy a car you’re pressed with several choices. Do you get a coupe or sedan? Car or truck? New or Used?
Whether you choose a coupe over a sedan or opt for an SUV over a car is largely a matter or personal preference and your needs in a ride. But choosing new over used has several benefits opposed to the other way around. Here are the top five reasons why choosing new over used is better.
1. Financing and leasing options
When you buy a new car you have a few options for paying for it. In most cases the dealership you’re buying from will have the financial services available under the same roof. While financing might be available from a used car dealer, leasing rarely is and the rates you’ll get for either won’t be spectacular. Financing rates as low as one per cent isn’t unheard of in the new car market.
2. Customize your vehicle to your liking
Really want the sunroof and air conditioning but can live without the six-disc CD changer? When you order your ride from a new car dealer you can choose what goes into it. Imagine finding a great price on a great used car. But the original purchaser opted for the burgundy red interior and decided they didn’t need A/C. Ouch.
3. The new car warranty
While it’s true used car dealerships sometimes offer warranties, more often than not a warranty from them will often come with a hefty price tag. New car warranties nowadays are quite substantial. So in addition to having the peace of mind your new car should be without problems
(unlike the used jalopy you might be considering), the warranty it comes with will cover your butt.
4. Why risk your investment?
When buying from a used lot you’re probably buying from an independent retailer. It’s not fair to say the guy in the trailer surrounded by random used cars is a crook – most are probably nice, honest people. But whom do you phone when there’s a problem and they refuse to help you solve it? New car dealers are bound by a code of ethics and if you ever do have a problem there are people to help you if it escalates.
5. The green factor
New cars are friendlier to the environment than they ever have been. Fuel economy is improving and emissions are down. Buying used means you’re going to be putting unnecessary pollutants into the air. In fact, some manufacturers are doing more than just developing better engines to help out the environment. GM sponsors a program called Car Heaven. Car Heaven will pick up your used car for free and give you money towards a new GM vehicle. And if green is your thing; GM has more fuel-efficient cars and trucks across more vehicle segments than any other auto manufacturer.