Would You Choose To Buy A New Car or A Used One?

The question of whether or not it is cheaper to buy a new car or used requires more information to answer completely. The quick answer is it depends but the important question to ask is what type of vehicle do I want to buy and can I purchase the vehicle cheaper used or new?

This gets to the heart of your preferences in a vehicle and whether or not the particular make and model that you want is available as a used one.

Determining if a used or new car is cheaper to buy requires a little bit of work on your part. If you do this work before you approach a dealer, private seller or online retail portal will mean that you know what you are looking for and will be matched with the car that meets your driving needs.

Types of Vehicle

The first determinant on the price of a car, whether used or new, is the vehicle type. This refers not only to the difference between a C-class or E-class Mercedes Benz, but also the year, condition and whether or not the car is used or new.

Also consider that a used Mercedes Benz is going to be most likely more expensive than a new KIA or Hyundai, as examples. Cars that are used are not always the least expensive option. Knowing the different prices for different types of vehicles can be found out easily by using sources such as Kelley Blue Book, a collection of car values by type, maker and year.

Typical Costs for Used Cars versus New Cars

You may typically expect to pay £6,500 ($10,000) less when buying a used car over a new car, depending on the type and year. Kelley Blue Book can provide a good comparison for you to see what price changes are for a certain type of vehicle.

This info is also of value because, as stated, you will find that a used car may be every bit as expensive as a new car but the same model vehicle that differs in year will show the price differential you may be looking for. A 2011 model year vehicle may be every bit as good as a 2012 model year of the same class, provided any of the enhancements from year-to-year are not so significant.

Which Should I Choose – A New or Used Car?

Deciding to choose new or used in a car is not as simple as cost. The cheaper of the two may not offer all of the bells and whistles that you are looking for in the vehicle that you want to own.



Don't consider all used cars cheap and all new cars more expensive. Think instead in terms of accessories, safety, style and other intangibles that will place your choice not between new or used but solely on price, as you will be comparing apples to apples.

A used car may be cheaper than a new car in some instances. A new car may be cheaper than a used car in other instances. When those instances exist – whether it's cheaper to buy used or new – can only be determined by knowing what type of car you want (i.e. year, make and model) and the costs between different types of cars.

If a used 2005 E-Class Mercedes Benz meets your needs better than a 2013 E-Class model, then the dollars you save are relevant but not the only deciding factor in obtaining the vehicle that you will fall in love with.