Stepping into a car dealership can feel immediately overwhelming. Shiny cars, confusing financing packages, and the sheer choice of options seem almost designed to be disorienting. Top that off with the decision to purchase a new or certified pre-owned car. Luckily, there is a lot of information out there to make some sense of these options and simplify the whole experience. Let’s dive deeper into the differenced between purchasing a new or certified pre-owned car.
New Car: Pros
You know that feeling when, just as you’ve gotten used to all of the bells and whistles of your new smartphone, it’s time to upgrade? It’s kind of the same with cars. Technology changes at the speed of light and these innovations are included in each new model year. Speaking of smartphones, amenities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are relatively new innovations that have quickly become standard features on many vehicles.
Beyond sheer convenience, new innovations in car technology also extend to important safety features. The rearview camera, for example, has become standard in many vehicles and has completely changed driver’s perceptions of how to safely reverse. If you’re someone for whom being at the forefront of technology is important, a new car is appealing.
New cars also come with the most generous warranty coverage available, important for peace of mind related to high repair costs. That said, new cars generally don’t need huge repairs for a couple of years due to brand-new parts.
New Car: Cons
New cars can be expensive and generally cost more than a certified pre-owned vehicle. If you’re budget conscious, a new car may not the best decision for you. New cars also depreciate as they age and can lose nearly 20 percent of their value in the first year of ownership.
Insurance costs should also be considered, as coverage is required by law. Premiums are linked to the cost of your car, so the more expensive your vehicle, the higher your insurance costs can be.
Certified Pre-Owned Cars: Pros
Some people are understandably concerned about the unknown history of a car when purchasing a used one. Certified pre-owned cars from reputable dealers like Jeff Belzer take the mystery and guesswork out of the equation, as these vehicles are typically cherry-picked, have lower mileage, and a clean history in order to receive this designation. They’re also protected against heavy repairs by extended warranties and often must pass multipoint inspections to make sure the full vehicle history and health are transparent.
Manufacturers often include other perks to sweeten the deal with certified pre-owned vehicles like free satellite radio, roadside assistance, and discounted finance rates on loans.
Certified Pre-Owned Cars: Cons
Although most certified pre-owned vehicles are only a handful of years old, technology changes swiftly, and the newest features may not be included in yours. This carries over to safety features, as some of the newest driver assist technologies may be a couple of steps behind on a certified pre-owned vehicle.
Armed with information about the benefits and challenges of purchasing a new car versus certified pre-owned can make you the most informed consumer. Talk it through with your trusted dealer at Jeff Belzer’s who can help you solidify your auto priorities, along with assisting you with any financing needs you may have, and you’ll be driving off happily in no time.
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