Everyone knows that when you are at the dealership every brand-new, shiny car looks like the perfect car for you. However, before you drop a couple of extra Gs on those brand new wheels, you might want to consider the less alluring, but far more practical, alternative of buying a used car.

            It doesn’t take a genius to know that buying a new car has its benefits. First and foremost is the prestige that comes with telling everyone who gets in your new car how much you love that “new-car smell.” However, the new car smell isn’t the only up side to purchasing a new car. All new cars come with a warranty that covers most mechanical malfunctions on your car within a certain mileage. Basically, having a warranty means that if something breaks on your car, the dealership will replace it for free. Unfortunately, warranties don’t cover parts that are designed to wear out like tires. Also, bear in mind that should YOU break something on your car (if you run into your garage, for example) the dealership cannot be held responsible. The only time the dealer will fix your car for free is if it breaks on its own.

            When you buy a new car you also save yourself the headache of wondering whether or not the car has been well maintained. Luckily, every new car should work, sound and look like a well oiled machine. Thus, if it doesn’t, you know something is seriously wrong with the car before you buy it. On the other hand, a used car can have some major problems that you never discover during the test drive. Often times these problems only surface once a mechanic has checked under the hood.  New cars also tend to come equipped with better safety equipment, higher crash test ratings and slightly better gas mileage than used cars.

            But don’t sign the check for your brand new car just yet. New cars have their downfalls too. Every new car will lose 20-40% of its value within the first 1-3 years of ownership. By purchasing a used car, you let the previous owner take on the largest portion of the depreciation value. Once a car is a few years old, the rate of depreciation begins to taper off. Another added bonus is that many used cars have been well maintained and run just like the day they were originally purchased. Thus, you are getting an excellent vehicle for a lower price.

            However, just like new cars, used cars have their pitfalls. If you buy a car that hasn’t been taken care of you are likely to run into some major problems as the mileage increases. You may find yourself facing expensive maintenance fees to keep your car running further down the road. If your car has been poorly maintained, you won’t just have to replace the usual things (like the alternator, the battery, or the starter), but you may also have problems with parts that were designed to last the lifetime of the car (like the axle or the doors). Used cars also don’t come with warranties folded into the purchasing price. Therefore, if you want a warranty for a used car, you’ll have to purchase one separately from the original price of your car. You also have the option of skipping the warranty and simply replacing parts as they wear out.

            When it comes time to make the decision between buying a new or a used car, make sure you do your research. Never buy a used car without paying a mechanic to thoroughly inspect it first. Also make sure to consider the types of cars you can get that are in your price range. You may be able to buy a new car for the same price as a used one that is considered to be a more reliable make or model. It is your decision, but remember don’t be blinded by flashy colors, fresh paint or the prestige of owning a new car.

hello i just wanted to say that i think that this is a good idea.

 When I get older I also agree that I am going to buy a used car. There are many upsides to getting a NEW car, and one thing that is always a plus for people is that nobody has literally taken the car home. But have you seen the deals on used cars? Here are a little bit of plus side info on used cars:

1) A lot of the cars that used car dealership sells look no different from a new one. Used car dealership's can promise that they will give you the best car <<OTHER THAN NEW>> that they can give.

2) Used cars cost A LOT LESS! They are great and affordable! AT THE EXACT SAME TIME!!!

3) They have great deals. Unlike other car dealership's used car dealership's say, "IF YOUR CAR IS BROKEN WE WILL FIX IT FOR FREE!" What a deal!

That is personally why I like used cars. And if anyone wants to know: when I am 16, I want a hot pink Jetta!

Hello, and my name is Josh, i just think that no teen should have a new car, it's crazy!!

Do your homework!  Check and compare by going online and doing research. Just because you want a car doesn't necessarily mean you need an SUV or high end car.

Never sign anything until you are sure of what you are buying. Last thing you want is to be stuck with a loan and a car that no longer runs.  

I'll probly get a used car