Should I Buy New or Used?
When it comes to buying a car, there are a wide range of available options. Along with picking the right model, you also need to decide whether you want to buy new or used. This is an important decision which will significantly impact your finances for years down the line. At Gastonia Nissan, we're here to help you determine the right option for your budget. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new Nissan vs buying a used car in Gastonia at our dealership.
Pros and Cons of Buying New
The Advantages:
- New Car Warranty - One of the primary benefits of buying a new Nissan is that your investment comes with a new vehicle warranty from Nissan. If a covered part malfunctions during the warranty period, you can get it fixed at no cost.
- Maintenance, Not Repairs - Typically, new cars don’t need a lot of repairs in their initial couple of years. Because of this, your primary additional costs will be spent on routine maintenance like oil changes.
- New Car Specials - You may be eligible for seasonal special offers on a new car.
- Latest Tech and Engineering - New cars are equipped with the latest technology and mechanics. This means that when you buy a new car you are likely to get a larger touchscreen, convenient phone pairing, efficient gas mileage, and lower emissions.
The Disadvantages:
- Depreciation - The biggest drawback of buying a new car is that it loses its value as soon as you leave the lot. The value on your new car will depreciate significantly in the first couple of years.
- Features Move Fast - Additionally, when you buy a brand-new model, there is no guarantee that the company will not upgrade the model's engine or design in the next year, causing your car to depreciate even more in value.
- Higher Initial Cost - A new car is highly likely to cost you more upfront than a used one would, especially if you're comparing the new vs used version of the same vehicle. However, if you're looking for a new car that doesn't break the bank, Nissan offers a variety of new models under $30k!
Pros and Cons of Buying Used
The Advantages:
- Much Slower Depreciation - When you are buying a used car, you don’t have to worry much about depreciation. If you don't add significant mileage or damage to the vehicle, you will be able to sell the car for almost the same price as you paid for it.
- Budget-Friendly - Buying a used car can help you avoid high interest and high monthly payment (depending on your credit score and money down). This can be a great way to save up money for other goals, especially if you are a young driver or someone supporting a family. You might even be able to pay for your used car with cash, avoiding financing altogether.
- Wide Variety of Model Years - Buying used means you have a huge variety of makes, models, and years available to you, whether you choose a used Nissan or a car from another manufacturer. All you have to do is research and pick the model with the features, color, price, and mileage you want.
The Disadvantages:
- Older Cars Have More Issues - The biggest drawback of a used car is that it may not be as reliable as a new model and might require more repairs. However, cars have become more reliable and long-lasting in the past decade, reducing the amount of major repairs they need as they age. For example, a used Nissan Rogue could last over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
- Not the Latest and Greatest - To state the obvious, a used car isn't brand-new. If getting the newest and best performance, tech, and safety features is important to you, a used car may not satisfy you. However, cars that are only a few model years old may have everything you're looking for while remaining in your budget.
New vs Used Nissan
If you're already set on the Nissan brand but not sure whether to buy new or used, we get it. New Nissan models are stylish, efficient, and packed with the newest tech features. However, a new car isn't in the budget for many people, so a used car might be the better option.
The same pros and cons listed above are true for Nissan vehicles. Nissan makes cars that are trustworthy and long-lasting, but they need regular maintenance just like any other brand's cars. Your choice of a used Nissan should be informed by Carfax reports on maintenance and accident history - and we provide this report on every used car we sell. Buy a well-maintained, accident-free Nissan and take care of it, and it will last you for years to come!
The Choice is Yours at Gastonia Nissan
Both new cars and used cars come with their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. So, the final decision will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. If you have adequate financing and want the latest model, then you should opt for a new car. However, if you are looking to save money, then buying a used car is the smarter option.
At Gastonia Nissan, we're here to help you find the right fit, no matter what kind of car you want. There's no pressure to make a choice that doesn't fit your lifestyle. We're also here to ensure you get as many cost savings as you can, whether those come through trading in your current car, military or college discounts, new specials, or manufacturer incentives. Along with offering our Lifetime Warranty on all new models, we also offer it on many used vehicles, so you can get warranty coverage even if you buy used when you choose a covered model! Make your choice and enjoy the ride!