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It’s time to buy a car, should you choose a new or used vehicle? While that new-car smell is nice, there are advantages to buying a used car, too.
When you buy a new car and drive it off the lot, it starts to depreciate. If you buy a used car that's just 1 or 2 years old, it can be a more affordable option that still provides you with a relatively new vehicle.
As another option, a dealer might agree to sell you a demonstration vehicle – one that’s been used for test drives – often at a lower price than the sticker price or what you may be able to negotiate for a brand-new car. Some dealers will sell vehicles at a discount with as few as 1,000 to 3,000 miles.
Here are a few other benefits to buying used:
One of the top benefits of buying a new car is its condition. There’s no need to hire a mechanic to inspect the car, as you may need to do if you’re buying a used car from a private party. You also don’t have to worry about previous wear and tear, accidents, or damage.
New cars come with a variety of warranties, from bumper-to-bumper warranties to powertrain warranties, lasting multiple years. In addition, you can buy extended warranties from the dealer.
Here are a few other benefits to buying a new car:
When you’re ready to shop for a car, you can research online and receive price quotes from comparison sites. Price-quoting services can eliminate the tough negotiating up front, if you’re certain of the car you want.
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