Is it smart to buy a new car or used?

New cars come with the latest safety features and are very likely to be reliable, though they can come with a higher price tag and higher insurance costs. Used cars are generally cheaper because the high depreciation of their early years is already behind them and you may not need as much insurance coverage.


Is it financially better to buy a new or used car?

Driving new costs on average $700 per month while used averages at $525, according to Experian's State of Automotive Finance Market for the third quarter of 2022. If you are trying to save money on your initial purchase, a used car is a good choice.

Why is it better to buy a used car than a new car?

Here are the biggest reasons you should be buying a used vehicle: Save money on the purchase price – if you can live without the new-car smell. Less sticker shock for shoppers who have not been out looking for six years on average. Depreciation is a lot less with a vehicle that is at least three years old.


Is it worth it to buy a new car in 2022?

Lower Prices: Though it may seem counterintuitive, buying a new car can save you money in the long run. Buying a new car in 2022 means not only getting a lower price but also getting a vehicle that's under warranty. This means that if something goes wrong with your car, you won't have to pay for repairs.

What are 3 disadvantages of buying a used car instead of a new car?

Disadvantages of Buying a Used Car
  • A used car might not be as reliable. ...
  • You might have to compromise on color, features and options. ...
  • Most used cars are sold as-is, so there's less protection and usually no warranty coverage. ...
  • Financing will likely be more expensive.


Should I Buy a New or Used Car



At what mileage should you not buy a used car?

There's no absolute number of miles that is too many for a used car. But consider 200,000 as an upper limit, a threshold where even modern cars begin to succumb to the years of wear and tear.

Do people regret buying a new car?

Nearly 4 in 10 (39%) Americans who have bought a car have regrets about their purchase.

Should I wait until 2023 to buy a new car?

Americans planning to shop for a new car in 2023 might find slightly better prices than during the past two years, though auto industry analysts say it is likely better to wait until the fall. Since mid-2021, car buyers have been frustrated by rising prices, skimpy selection and long waits for deliveries.


What is the cheapest month to buy a car?

According to Edmunds data, December has the year's highest discount off MSRP — 6.1% on average — and the highest incentives. Automakers and dealerships want to close the year with strong sales. They also want to get rid of the prior model-year cars that are taking up space, so they're motivated.

What should you not say to a car salesman?

Things to Never Say to a Dealer
  • “I'm ready to buy now.” ...
  • “I can afford this much per month.” ...
  • “Yes, I have a trade-in.” ...
  • “I'm only buying the car with cash.” ...
  • “I'm not sure…which model do you think I need?” ...
  • “Oh, I've wanted one of these all my life.” ...
  • “I'll take whatever the popular options are.”


How old should you buy a used car?

In retaining “like new” quality and inheriting a slower depreciation rate, the best used car age for buying is 2-3 years. In fact, Americans are saving up to $14,000 on a 3-year-old vehicle. For example, a car that may have cost you $30,000 when new would cost around $16,000 after just 3 years.


What is best month to buy a new car?

In terms of the best time of the year, October, November and December are safe bets. Car dealerships have sales quotas, which typically break down into yearly, quarterly and monthly sales goals. All three goals begin to come together late in the year.

What is the point of buying a new car?

A brand new car offers peace of mind and a sense of security. There's no need to worry about hidden flaws, plus the car will typically come with a three-year, 36,000 mile warranty. It's Easier: Buying a new car is easier than buying a used car. Just determine the make and model you want and start shopping.

Will car prices drop in 2022?

Average prices were up 42.5% in September 2022 vs. February 2020. Used car prices have likely peaked, but new car prices are set to remain elevated through end-2022. In 2023, prices are expected to decline by 2.5% to 5% for new cars and by 10% to 20% for used cars.


What are the disadvantages of buying a new car?

Drawbacks of Buying a Car
  • Buying Can Be More Expensive – in the Short Term.
  • Pay Interest on the Total Cost of Your Car.
  • You May Pay More Sales Tax.
  • Larger Down Payments.
  • Future Value of Your Car is Unknown.
  • Manufacturer Warranties Will End.


What is the cheapest day to buy a car?

Best Times to Buy a Car
  • Three-Day Weekends.
  • The Month of May.
  • October through December.
  • New Year's Eve and Year-End Sales Events.
  • Black Friday.
  • When There Are Incentives, Rebates, or Financing Deals.
  • End of the Model Year.
  • When a Car Has Been Redesigned or Discontinued.


Can I negotiate a new car price?

The short answer is yes. However, for many, even the thought of negotiating new car prices can seem intimidating. Treat this experience like any negotiation and go in with a plan. The more thought you put into it upfront, the more confidence you'll feel about speaking with your dealer about the price of your new car.


How do you talk down a car salesman?

How to Talk Down a Car Dealer
  1. Take Your Time.
  2. Arm Yourself With Information.
  3. Learn the Games Dealers Play.
  4. Make a Reasonable Offer and Stick to It.
  5. Practice Saying, "No, Thank You"
  6. How Much Can You Expect to Save?
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Will auto loan rates go down in 2023?

Auto loan interest rates are expected to remain high due to moves made by the Fed and vehicle prices potentially remaining high. Five-year new car loans are predicted to reach 6.9 percent and four-year used car loans to hit 7.75 percent over the coming year.

Will vehicle prices go down?

Used vehicle prices are expected to come down further this year amid rising interest rates and improved availability of new cars and trucks, according to Cox Automotive. The firm expects wholesale used vehicle prices to end the year down 4.3% from December 2022.


Are vehicle prices dropping?

Based on recent industry data, the prices that car dealers pay wholesale for used cars dropped 14.9% during 2022, which means consumers should also start seeing lower prices on the lot. Money expert Clark Howard also predicts the conditions will continue to improve gradually each month throughout 2023.

Why is it not a good time to buy a new car?

Car prices continue to fluctuate rapidly. Here's what to keep in mind if you're buying one in 2022. Buying a car continues to be a challenge amid record-high inflation, support shortages and increasing interest rates.

Why is buying a new car a money mistake?

Financial experts Suze Orman and David Bach agree that buying a new car isn't worth it. Orman recommends buying used cars because, unlike a home, a car won't increase in value. “The second you drive that car off the lot, it depreciates, 10 percent, 20 percent,” she tells CNBC Make It.


Why is it not a good idea to buy a new car?

Cars are depreciating assets, meaning they lose value over time. New cars are the worst. That's because the biggest depreciation comes in the first year, with a big chunk of that coming when you drive it away, and it goes from new to used. This is unofficially referred to as the new car hit.

What mileage is too high for a used car?

What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.