Is It Better to Buy a New or Used Car in Ontario? 2023 Guide
With all the craziness happening in the world right now the car market is doing strange things. But even when the world is all topsy-turvy you’re still going to need a car. The Big question is will you buy a new and used in Ontario? This article will help you decide.
Initial Price
New cars are more expensive because they’re new, they have all the latest features and they have a clean slate history, none of this should be surprising, it’s not until we get to some of the other factors that things get odd.
Depreciating Value
Source: Credit Karma
At least that's how it’s supposed to work in normal times, but we don’t live in normal times.
Running Costs
Another big factor to consider this year between a new or used car in Ontario is the massive surge in gas prices, which is having its own significant effects on the industry, but also for day-to-day drivers. When you’re shopping for a car, one of the biggest things on your mind should be fuel efficiency. Or if you’re feeling extra modern, you should even buy a gas-powered car.
The electric car market is going to boom over the next few years, there was already a push and the gas prices will accelerate it even further, unfortunately though the market for EVs is still new and there's not really a used electric market available at the moment, if you want one you’ll probably have to buy new.
This will be more expensive in the short term but in the long term, especially with gas prices as they are, it will save you a lot of money.
With all the craziness happening right now, it can be tempting to just hold off buying a car until things calm down, assuming that they ever do. But the craziness can be to your advantage if you play your cards right. Now, let's move on to the pros of a new and used car in Ontario
Pros and Cons of Buying a New Car
All-New 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Coming Soon!
Pros of Buying a New Car
New Technology and Safety: New cars benefit from the latest technology and safety innovations. If you’re interested in either of these, buying new is your opportunity to get the newest tech.
Straight off the line: Nobody has driven your car except to drive it off the line. You’re the first owner, taking the car from new, creating your own imprint in the driver’s seat, and being the first to enjoy everything your new car brings.
All New Jeep Grand Cherokee Right off the Truck at Unique Chrysler
Dealer or manufacturer incentives: New cars often come with incentives including 0% finance, free servicing, full warranty, free upgrades, and other offers. You don’t get those very often with used cars!
You can add factory features: While cars can be customized with aftermarket parts, only new cars can have options fitted at the factory. This can have a huge influence on how the upgrade works or how it looks.
Cons of Buying a New Car
Price: There is no doubt you pay for the privilege of being first. You’re paying at or close to MSRP for the car and will need a larger loan or more of a down payment to cover it.
Depreciation: New cars depreciate quickly in their first 5 years and anywhere between 20-35% in their first year. That’s a lot to contend with when you’ll be paying your auto loan for the next few years.
First edition issues: If you’re driving the first version of a new model or new edition, it isn’t uncommon to experience teething problems or have to contend with recalls.
There is always something newer: For those who are always looking for the latest version of something, new cars come along all the time, so satisfaction can be fleeting.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car
Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz Available at Car Nation Canada Direct
Pros of Buying a Used Car
Lower cost: Used cars cost much less than a new model. Even if you buy a car just a year or two old, you’re paying significantly less than a new car price. That can means a lower Burlington car loan or a more premium car depending on your situation. You'll be able to buy bigger or better by being able to afford a step up in terms of size, luxury, or technology.
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Less depreciation: Once that initial year is over, depreciation slows appreciably. It still happens but to much less of a degree than if it was new. That means far less chance of going upside down or losing too much value as the car ages.
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Still get the technology: While used cars won’t have cutting-edge technology, buy something a year old and you’ll still get lots of new features. That does mean not having the very latest technology but you won’t be far behind.
Cons of Buying a Used Car
Less warranty: New cars can come with many years of warranty and free servicing. Most used cars will come with a 3-6 month warranty at the most. There are other warranty options available though.
No incentives: There are usually few dealer or manufacturer incentives for used cars. Dealerships may offer special deals but the best will be reserved for new models.
Car loan interest can be more on used cars: Depending on the car loan and the lender, the interest rate you’ll pay can be higher on a used car.
Increased likelihood of maintenance or repair: The older the car or the more miles it has done, the more likely it will need work.
Used BMW being serviced
At the end of the day, there is no right answer to what you should buy. Whether you buy a new or used car in Ontario completely depends on your current financial situation as well as your personal preferences, but hopefully, we've given you some things to think about so you can come to a clear decision.
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