Should I Buy a New or Used Nissan?

The Appeal of the New

When you are in the market for a new vehicle, your first thought it likely an image of you riding in your brand new car. It is easy to be lured in by that new car scent and the flash of a new vehicle, but don’t let yourself be swayed by the superficial. A new vehicle may turn out to be the right option for you, but make sure you have considered all the factors before you make your decision. Let’s go over some things that you should keep in mind before deciding if you should buy a new or used Nissan.

Mileage

One thing you want to consider is mileage. Think of how often you will drive your car. A pre-owned car is going to come with some miles on it, and the lower the price, the more miles it likely has. The higher the mileage, the sooner you will need another vehicle. If you have a long commute each day or plan on putting a lot of miles on your car, then you may want to buy new or at least look for a used vehicle with low mileage.

Cost

Obviously, you are going to pay less for a used vehicle, but there is more to it than that. If you are looking at overall cost, then yes, a used vehicle will be cheaper. However, if you are planning on financing a car and the bottom line comes down to how much you will be paying per month, then you may want to go with a new vehicle. Dealers often have great financing options on new vehicles and you can usually get a lower interest rate.

Insurance Costs

You can’t just think about what you will be paying for a car per month, though. You also have to consider other costs, like insurance. A used vehicle will have a lower insurance premium than a new vehicle. When you are budgeting, make sure to check with your insurance company to see what cost you will be looking at for a variety of cars.

Fuel Efficiency

Another cost factor to consider is fuel efficiency. Each year, car companies improve fuel efficiency on new lines of cars. The newer the vehicle, the better the fuel efficiency. If you want to save money on gas each month, a new vehicle will be your better bet.

Depreciation

If you are thinking about resale value, then a used vehicle is the way to go. A new vehicle begins depreciating the moment you leave the lot and over the course of a few years is worth half the price you paid for it. A used car vehicle already faced its major depreciation and so you won’t lose as much money when it’s time to resell.

A Higher Class of Car

By choosing a used vehicle, you may open yourself up to a nicer class of car than if you buy new. If having a bigger or luxury car is important to you, then a used vehicle may allow you to make that happen.

Reliability

This one is a tough one. Traditionally, you would think of a new vehicle as being much more reliable than a used one, but if a pre-owned vehicle has been properly maintained, it can be almost as reliable as a new vehicle. Cars made in the last decade or so can often go well over 100,000 miles before presenting any serious maintenance issues.

Technology

If having the latest and greatest technology is one of your priorities, then a new vehicle is going to be your best options. Technology moves quickly, so each year cars are updated with the latest technology. If you are a tech geek, then a car that is even a couple of years old may feel outdated to you.

Safety Features

New vehicles will have the latest in safety features. That is not to say that an older car is unsafe, but new vehicles are always going to be that little bit better.
Once you have weighed all the options, you will be able to find a car that fits you and your lifestyle perfectly. Whether you buy used or new, you are sure to find a Nissan that works for you. Remember to research potential cars and consider all of the factors to make sure you are getting what you want. By taking your time instead of making a rash decision, you will be happy with your purchase in the long run.