New Car Versus Used Car
Posted by: saramerc
Ahh, it’s time for a new or not so new car. You have been scrolling endlessly through used car sites for weeks searching for your next set of wheels hoping for a good price, low kms and most of all not a lemon. Or would you if in the position financially, purchase brand new and have your 5 year warranty take care of any repairs that might arise unexpectedly? As for used cars sites and the law do you think they should have an extended warranty in place if the car is older than 10 years but still in excellent condition giving you peace of mind? What do ho think?
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Comments 5
abarnes
During 50 years of motoring, I have owned six cars. The first was used (and hence, the best value), the following five were new. The used car was a private sale (no warranty), so I obtained an NRMA vehicle inspection report. They gave the car the thumbs up, so I proceeded with the purchase and got eight years of trouble-free use before it was time for an update. I would suggest to you, that is possible to buy a 'lemon' regardless of its new or used status. Warranties are nice to fall back on, but they provide little peace of mind if the car is spending most of its time undergoing warranty repairs rather than in your hands. Your own due diligence will give you peace of mind...
- watch/read vehicle reviews
- look at vehicle maintenance logbooks (if it's used)
- have the vehicle inspected
Have any issues addressed, before you exchange money and drive it off the lot.
Finally, if you find a 10-yr old car in excellent condition and feel you would still like an extended warranty...ask for it. They just might give it to you - for a price.
NigeyBaby
If this is your only car, new+warranty would be safer (although we have all heard horror stories about cars being stuck in dealers' workshops "waiting for parts" and undriveable for months)
If you have another car, I think recycled (second-hand) is better for the environment.
saramerc
Yes, unfortunately I have been someone that has purchased used cars which have been in the shop more times than on the road. And only due to the fact that my very first brand new car experience turned out to be completely faulty and was recalled . So indeed had a few lemons….
jtmorri
I would buy a new car rather than a second‑hand one. I’ve owned both, and the difference in long‑term value is noticeable. Used cars often need to be replaced sooner because of age and wear, whereas the new car I purchased has been reliable, low‑maintenance, and genuinely worth the investment. It’s still in pristine condition with low kilometres, and would make an excellent second‑hand car for someone else.
Once a car reaches around ten years old, problems tend to appear and repairs become expensive. Because of that, I don’t think it’s realistic or viable for used‑car yards to offer extended warranties on older vehicles. It would only increase the price for the buyer without guaranteeing long‑term protection.
For anyone looking at second‑hand options, the safest path is Toyota Certified Used Vehicles. Their inspection and warranty system gives genuine peace of mind compared to buying from general used‑car listings.
saramerc
Thank you for your reply. Also very informative. Toyotas are incredible, in-fact my first car was a new Toyota Corolla and just my luck it turned out to be faulty had to replace the engine all covered of course but it took weeks again for a replacement . I buy “Demo”models nowadays, they’re much cheaper than brand new and only have a few thousand k’s on the clock. Given the option buying a used car buying privately can be much nicer experience than a dealer. Yeah a warranty for s used car doesn’t make sense at all. And its always the horrendous repair that you didn’t expect only to find out it’s not covered….