When you think of buying a new car, it is tempting to always think of a brand-new car complete with that evocative new car smell. But this is not always the best way to go about getting yourself some transport, especially if you are feeling the pinch financially – and who isn’t these day? There are also environmental considerations when it comes to choosing a second-hand car over a new one. Let’s take a look in more detail
Kind to Your Wallet
Buying a second-hand car is always going to be cheaper than buying a new car, but what is perhaps not realised is that these savings go on. For instance, car depreciation is an unavoidable fact of driving, although a vehicle like a used Vauxhall Corsa may depreciate significantly less than a newer version. When new automobiles are driven off the dealership, they normally depreciate by roughly 20%. Most vehicles will further depreciate by another 10% of their value in the first year, resulting in a 30% decrease in value over the first year of ownership. Many motor-related expenses are pinned to the value of your car, so an older model will demand lower prices for things like insurance, taxes, and so on. You can also get a more upmarket model for your money: a brand-new basic vehicle will cost you the same as a year-old high-end vehicle with a lot of extras already added in; a win for both your status and your wallet!
Better for the Environment
While driving is inherently a carbon-heavy practice, choosing second-hand is a good way to mitigate some of your guilt. Each new car arrives on the dealership floor with the burden of the resources mined, refined and used in its manufacture. That burden begins to reduce with every year of usage: and the better condition a car is kept in, the longer it will last, and the more spread out that environmental burden becomes. Keeping your car in great condition with regular services and checks will ensure that you are safely on the road without any additional green faux pas in the form of oil or fuel leaks.
Sturdy and Durable
Finally, second-hand cars tend to be sturdy and durable vehicles: the flimsier ones do not make it past their first owner! New vehicles are subject to occasional recalls, whereas those models that have stood the test of time, perhaps been recalled for repair, and have lasted a year or so of usage, are the ones offered for sale as second-hand vehicles.
Pamper yourself this season and get a new-to-you car from KAP Motors Brighton. They offer amazing summer deals on used cars – and remember, you can get air fresheners that will give your car that lovely new-car smell to complete the treat!
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