If you own a second hand car which has an annoying habit of constantly breaking down, you would be forgiven for wondering if it would be better to splash out on a brand new one. After all, new cars traditionally come with a warranty which will cover the cost of any repairs that need doing, and you'll no doubt be treated to lots of other perks as well.
But there are downsides to owning a new car - not least the fact that their value decreases exceedingly quickly, literally beginning as soon as you drive it home. Perhaps it's this very fact that explains why so many more people buy used cars rather than new ones.
Before deciding whether new or used is the best route for you, it's a good idea to consider what you will use the car for. If you only want a small car to get to the shops and back, or to pick the kids up from school, the cost of buying a brand new car probably won't be worth it. A small run-around will be more than adequate.
However, if you drive to and from work on a daily basis, you'll be clocking up the miles in record time, and a new car will be more reliable than buying an older model. This is especially true if your work takes you from place to place; not only do you want something that performs well, you also want a car that will be comfortable and pleasant to travel in.
You also need to consider the monetary implications before deciding on a new or used car. Once you have narrowed your choice down to a few models, make sure you get some car insurance quotes to see what you will need to pay for insurance on a monthly basis. Prices can vary greatly between new and used models, and it's far better to know what to expect in advance than to buy an expensive car and find the insurance is more than you thought it might be.
A new car will have the benefit that there is no owner history to worry about. "One careful lady owner, non smoker" may be your ideal picture of the owner of that used car you've got your eye on, but the reality may be very different. If you buy the car from a dealer, you've got no idea how it has been treated beforehand, so be alert for any telltale signs of hard use, and take someone with you who knows a bit about cars if you feel unsure.
In essence, it's worth spending some time considering all the options before making a choice, as you could be driving your chosen car for a long time.
