What could be better than. It’s perfect inside and out – no dings, no spots where the paint was patched up, it even smells new. Should you treat yourself and spend your money on a car brand new from the dealership showroom, or is a used car a smarter bargain? There are benefits and drawbacks to each choice.

The clear advantage to buying a used car is that the price tag is much nicer. In fact, a brand new car loses a large portion of its value the minute it’s driven off the car dealer’s lot. A new car is still new after a day or a week it. It still has a lot of miles left, no scratches and it still smells new. But it’s no longer a brand new car to the next guy, and that alone is worth money. It would be reasonable to imagine that the value of a car would fall slowly over its useful life, but that’s not how it works. A car’s few months and years see a disproportionate loss of value. Finally, the price levels off and its value depends entirely on its condition – but it still has some value.

The potential unknown factors are the largest disadvantage of purchasing a previously owned car. Why did its previous owner get rid of it? Does it break down a lot? Was it maintained properly? Was the recommended maintenance done in a timely manner? Has it had water damage or been involved in an accident? Happily it’s much easier to find out the answer to these questions that it ever has been. A Carfax report tells you the car’s history, and many dealers offer them at their expense. Has it been involved in any accidents? How many owners has it had? The information age has made it much easier to compile this information by tracking a car’s vin number.

A used car probably won’t last as long as new car would, and that’s a another drawback. Repairs will be needed sooner. This, of course, depends a great deal on the age of the used car. Some used cars are still new enough to be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In fact, several used car dealerships sell ‘certified vehicles’. This means that they have inspected the car, done any necessary maintenance and repairs, and determined that it meets certain quality standards. You won’t have to worry about major repairs for a period of time if you buy a car that comes with a warranty. If a used car does not come with a warranty, the key is to have your mechanic look it over before you buy it. Compare the condition of the car to its price. If you accept a car with some defects, you should get it for a lower price. There’s a limit, of course. If a car is on its last leg, it’s not worth money to anyone – except the junkyard.

New cars are costly – that’s the bad news. There’s a lot of good news too. First, a car built today will run longer than a car built even a few years ago, because engineering is improving so quickly. Also, if a new model that you like has just come out, you won’t be able to find a used one. Infiniti has recently released its G37 Convertible. The few used cars that might be out there will certainly sell at a premium price for a used car. You might be better off just to buy it new.

In the end, buying new or used is an individual decision. The type of car you’re looking for and your purpose in buying it will probably determine which way you go. Whichever route you choose, do your homework and consider both options before you make your choice.

Written by Hannah Valez Used Trucks in Orange County, Used Cars Carterville or Used Cadillac Dealer