| This situation probably has happened to everyone: | | | | you buy a new car, some would argue that you are |
| You're driving along the road and you notice that | | | | buying into the consumerism culture. This can be an |
| your car doesn't sound all that good. Before you | | | | expensive proposition. |
| realize what's happening, your poor car takes its last | | | | New cars also don't stay new for very long. You |
| gasps on the side of the road. You need a new car. | | | | eventually will find your first nick or scratch. |
| Television ads tell you that you need a new car. | | | | Eventually, the floor will be stained, the doors will |
| Although a new car does sound appealing, you've | | | | have dings, and you won't have the thrill of having a |
| also heard from friends that buying a new car is a | | | | new car. Your monthly payments will last much longer |
| better idea in the long run. You're faced with a tough | | | | than your shiny new car. |
| decision. This article will look at the positives and | | | | A Humble Used Car |
| negatives of buying new and used vehicles. This will | | | | Although "pre-owned vehicles" - what the car dealers |
| help you pick the vehicle that's meant to be yours. | | | | like to call a used car - don't have the mystique and |
| The Glory of New | | | | "shiny" factor of a new car, they are hard to top as |
| There's something powerful about the looks of a | | | | a practical financial move. Buying a late model car with |
| brand-new car, all the way from the tantalizing smell | | | | few miles can be a bargain seeker's dream. |
| to that shiny new paint. In this consumer culture, a | | | | Positives: |
| new car is a symbol that tells everyone you have | | | | Buying a used car helps you get the most amount of |
| made it. There also are other benefits to buying a | | | | car at the lowest cost. A late-model used car often |
| new car rather than a used car. | | | | costs less than half the cost of a new car. Some |
| Positives: | | | | dealers' pre-certified programs come with good |
| Most new cars do have good reliability. The warranty | | | | warranties. They often include the balance of the |
| also will likely cover any problems that do crop up. | | | | factory warranty and the opportunity to buy an |
| Buying a new vehicle also means that you shouldn't | | | | extended warranty. Low-mileage, late-model used |
| have to worry much about how the vehicle was | | | | cars are almost new. You probably don't notice the |
| treated before it became yours. | | | | difference between a used and a new vehicle if you |
| A number of companies also have roadside | | | | trade in your car every few years. Most modern cars |
| assistance for new cars. This gives you peace of | | | | can go 100,000 or more with few problems. You |
| mind and can save you the expense of getting a | | | | could probably get 60,000 more miles on a car with |
| roadside assistance program on your own. | | | | 40,000. |
| New cars also usually have the highest fuel-efficiency | | | | You can also buy a used car for only a few thousand |
| standards and the newest safety features, like | | | | dollars if you don't have much cash and are willing to |
| side-curtain airbags. You may also find a good | | | | take a chance on a used car. Buying a care that |
| financing program with either no interest or low | | | | needs a little tender loving care can cut the amount |
| interest rates. This can make it less expensive to buy | | | | of money you need to spend on your "new" car. |
| a new car than it is to buy a used car. | | | | Negatives: |
| Negatives: | | | | Some used cars still have the stigma of being |
| Without a doubt, buying a new car is expensive. | | | | unreliable. There may always be a fear of buying |
| Most new cars cost more than used cars, and they | | | | someone else's problem because you don't know |
| depreciate very quickly in value. A new car loses the | | | | how its last owner treated the car, or why the last |
| most value during the first few years that someone | | | | owner traded the car into the dealer. Even if the car |
| owns it. | | | | is fine, you still need to perform maintenance sooner |
| The difference between what you paid for your car | | | | than you would on a new car. That maintenance will |
| and what it is now worth can be substantial. | | | | include radiator and transmission flushes, new tires, |
| According to the Kelley Blue Book, the MSRP | | | | and new brakes. |
| (manufacturer's suggested retail price) for a 2007 | | | | It also may be difficult to find a used vehicle with the |
| Ford Focus two-door hatchback is $14,335. The | | | | features you want. You also will have fewer options |
| resale value for the same car is $11,995. The value | | | | if you buy a lemon. Lemon laws usually only apply to |
| has dropped about $2,300 just for driving the car off | | | | vehicles under a certain age. |
| the lot. | | | | New or Used? |
| Buying a new car therefore means that you are | | | | You should make your decision to buy a new or used |
| getting more debt and losing value more quickly than | | | | vehicle based on many factors. You should be |
| if you had bought a used car. You'll also be paying | | | | comfortable with your various financing options, |
| more for car insurance than you would if you had | | | | monthly expenses, as well as any long-term |
| bought a used vehicle. | | | | consequences. You need to feel safe and buy a |
| There are also issues to think about on a deeper | | | | vehicle that is reliable for your needs. Your "new" car |
| level. Buying a new car can contribute to the culture | | | | also needs to meet your requirements for amenities |
| of consumption and not the culture of frugality. If | | | | and features. |