8 Reasons to Buy a Used Car


June 5, 2020

Aside from your home, your car is likely the most expensive purchase you will make in your lifetime. It’s certainly not a decision to be taken lightly. Your first instinct might be to buy a brand-new car instead of considering to buy a used car. People tend to view them as the safer, less risky choice. Although they come with a hefty price tag initially, new cars won’t cost you anything else because they are, well, new. Right?

Not necessarily. Sure, new cars shouldn’t cost you much in maintenance or repairs. However, there are lots of other fees and costs to take into account, which can add up to thousands of dollars over the first few years. It’s important to be aware of this if you’re buying a new car on the pretense that long-term costs will be lower.

On the other hand, buying a two-year-old used car with under 50,000 kilometers can be much lighter on your wallet without compromising on quality. Today, buying a used car is looking better and better to many shoppers.

Here are Just Honk’s Top 8 Reasons to Buy a Used Car Over a New One:

Price

No one can deny that it feels great to drive a car that never been owned. The new car smell, shiny surfaces and blank kilometers make for a luxurious ride. But these frills don’t come cheap, so make sure the novelty is worth it. Whilst the interest rates for new cars can be slightly lower than those for used cars, despite the higher rate, you’ll usually end up with a significantly smaller total bill if you opt for a pre-loved vehicle.

Ivan Drury of Edmunds, an automotive data-analysis company outlines “New cars are getting so expensive that they’re out of reach for many car shoppers, but there are so many more affordable vehicles … that the market is shifting in that direction”. There is no doubt that if you can live without the new car smell – you will save money on the purchase price of a used or ex-lease car.

Depreciation rate

As the adage goes, a new car loses thousands of dollars the moment it leaves the dealership. Some new cars lose as much as 40% of their value within the first year after purchase. Not only do they depreciate in market value, but also the owner’s perceived value. When somebody purchases a new car, it can be gut-wrenching to witness normal wear and tear which happens organically over time. Used cars are different. When you buy a used car, you don’t need to worry about massive drops in value. There’s also less stress over miniscule paint chips or tiny scratches.

Sales tax

Every ad for new cars seems to conveniently gloss over the issue of tax. Many state laws subject new cars to sales tax. This added cost can set buyers back thousands of dollars. Fortunately, this is not the case when you buy a used car. Before buying new or used, do your research and confirm the state laws on sales tax to avoid getting hit with a heavy unexpected bill.

Features and extras

The oldest trick in the dealer’s book is to charge for unnecessary add-ons. They might add a pinstripe, a protective film, or an “anti-rust coating”, depicting them as essential. Be aware that these will rack up the price of the car significantly. Be savvy and say no to these extras, which are often just novelties in the first place. If you decide you need them, purchase them outside of the dealership and get a much better bang for your buck. Or better yet, simply buy used and you won’t be swindled out of money for extras you may not have initially planned for.

More fees

As if forking out hundreds of bucks for rust-proofing wasn’t enough, new car dealers these days also hit customers with shipping charges, destination fees and “dealer preparation” costs. Unlike paying for unwanted extras however, customers have absolutely nothing to show for these charges – except a lighter bank account. When buying a used car, you won’t encounter these sneaky hidden fees. All you’ll have to pay for at the local registration office is tag, title, and registration* [this may vary from state to state]. You’re in the driver’s seat when you buy a used car.

Condition

Nowadays, cars are built to last for at least 200,000 kilometers. This means you don’t have to sacrifice reliability for a good deal on a used car. What many people don’t understand is that there are plenty of used cars up for grabs that are still scratch-free and in prime condition. When you buy a used car at a manufacturer’s dealership, you’ll know that they’ve inspected the vehicle and that it meets the strict requirements for certification. Perhaps the most important factor when buying a used car is the manufacturer’s warranty – once you have this, you don’t need to worry about being shafted.

Variety

You’ll be spoiled for choice when shopping for a used car. This is because you’re not limited to the newest models that were released over the past couple of years. Instead, you have a much wider range to choose from. Take your pick and find something unique to you!

Technology

Shopping for used cars is much easier than it was in the past. These days, consumers have access to a wealth of information and resources at the touch of a button. Thanks to reviews and testimonials, you can also learn about the experiences of thousands of other car-buyers. If you’re on the fence about a particular model, so check out reviews online. They can be extremely helpful in guiding and informing your buying decisions.

Our final thoughts 

We will agree – that “brand new car smell” is great, but the novelty wears off pretty quickly. Look at the big picture before you buy new. Odds are, the total cost won’t be reflected on the price tag, so take the time to consider whether it’s truly worth the hefty cost. If not, used cars are an excellent alternative and there are plenty on the market in great condition.

If you’re on the hunt for a competitively priced used car in Melbourne or West Gosford – Sydney, look no further than Just Honk used cars. You simply cannot beat our yards when it comes to value, quality and range.

As one of Australia’s newest car dealerships, we have access to hundreds of used cars that are sure to impress. Most of our cars are ex-leased vehicles so they are in excellent condition. With Just Honk, you can rest easy knowing you’re purchasing a reliable car that is built to last.

Our used car dealership is your one-stop shop when it comes to buying a used car in Australia. Not only can you access a wide range of used cars, but you can also avail of expert assistance from our partners with car finance, vehicle warranties and roadside assistance plans that suit your needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Just Honk and check out our range of used cars for sale. Hit the road in a car you truly love.

Explore our VIC CAR STOCK here and our NSW CAR STOCK here.