Is it Better to Buy a New or Used Car?

When searching for a new Redmond or Woodinville ride, you might be thinking to yourself: “Is it better to buy a new or used car?” New vs. used car shopping are different options that can pair you with a great ride that enhances your daily commute while still enabling you to stay on budget. Get a closer look at the various differences between new vs. used car shopping to determine which vehicles for sale you’ll bring home from our inventory at Honda of Kirkland today!

New vs. Used Car Shopping: What are the Differences? 

No matter if you’re familiar with new vs. used car shopping or now, you’ll quickly find that both require their own approach so you can feel sure of your next vehicle on Woodinville and Redmond roads. See the distinct differences in each option at Honda of Kirkland below:

New Car Advantages

• Newest Technology: Buying or leasing a new car gets you access to the latest and greatest technology from whatever brand you choose. Automotive technology updates frequently and a vehicle that’s even a few years old can be considered technologically outdated. 
• Greater Fuel-Efficiency: In today’s automotive market, achieving impressive fuel-efficiency ratings is a goal for most automakers. Today’s vehicles feature fewer V6 and V8 engines, as they’re being replaced with turbocharged motors that are designed for greater fuel economy. 
• Full Warranty Coverage: Most new vehicles come protected by a bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties that cover most of the car’s components for a certain amount of years and miles. 

New Car Disadvantages

• More Expensive: New cars are much more expensive to purchase than a used or certified Honda for sale, and you can expect to be taxed on the price you pay. What’s more, once the vehicle’s warranty coverage expires, you’ll likely find that your car’s state-of-the-art technology is expensive to repair and maintain. 

Used Car Advantages

• More Cost-Effective: Buying a used car is a good way to save money; you’ll save money when you purchase from the dealer, buy auto insurance, and pay taxes. 
• Slower Depreciation: The value of a new car begins to diminish the moment you leave the dealership. In fact, a large portion of a car’s value is lost in the first few years of its lifespan. Used cars have already taken this initial depreciation hit, and lose value much more slowly as they continue to age. 
• Less Chance for Negative Equity: Negative equity is when you owe more on your car loan than what the car’s worth. So, if the car is lost or irreparably damaged, you may get stuck paying on the auto loan, even though you can’t drive the car. When you finance a used car, you’re likely to have a smaller car loan, so it’s less likely that you’ll end up “upside down” on the loan. 

Used Car Disadvantages

• Higher-Priced Financing: Lenders tend to charge higher interest rates on used-car loans, which leads to higher monthly payments. On the flip side, the price of the vehicle will be lower, so the loan term will also be shorter. 

Why Shop with Honda of Kirkland?

Our dealership understands that you may still be weighing our new vs. used car options. That’s why you can count on our team to break down all of our new Honda sedans, SUVs, crossovers, vans, trucks, hybrids, and more until you find the perfect match for your driving needs and your budget. Plus, you can feel confident when you bring home a used vehicle on Woodinville and Seattle roads as our expert service technicians thoroughly inspect pre-owned models for condition and reliability for a long-lasting ride. 

Find Your Next Ride for Sale at Honda of Kirkland Today 

After taking a closer look at the difference between new vs. used car shopping, get ready to bring home your next ride on Seattle roads. See more helpful car buying tips and tricks at Honda of Kirkland and explore more ways to save on your favorite Honda models and trim options when you browse our rotating new vehicle specials. Our sales team is always here to answer any of your questions or you can apply for financing and value your current trade-in vehicle online at home to get started. Contact us today for more details on how to shop for new vs. used cars or stop by our Honda dealership right here in Kirkland!