Is it Better to Buy a New or Used Car in 2009?

The bleak economic picture has many people whoTaxes are another additional cost associated with
need to buy a car in a quandary as to whether it isbuying a new car versus a used car. Typically taxes
better to buy a new car with the many deals andare a lot lower on a used car than a new car.
0% financing available or a good used car.Insurance costs can be much higher on new cars.
There are great deals to be made out there on newSome states require consumers to buy full coverage
cars. Car companies are offering 0% financing andfor new cars and only require liability coverage for
large discounts on cars. Those people with goodused vehicles which is much cheaper.
credit ratings and job security who prefer to buyNew car prices are affected by the state of the
new cars and need a new car should be looking ineconomy much more than used car prices. Typically,
2009. It is still important to shop around to makeautomobile companies have several layers of
sure you are getting the best deal. There areincentives for dealers and during a weak economy
excellent warranties on cars today so it is importantthey can offer more vehicles at lower pricing to
to feel comfortable with the service department ofdealers combined with attractive financing packages.
the dealer you purchase from. You will most likely beUsed car dealers, on the other hand, still purchase
taking your car there for years to be serviced.cars predominantly at auctions and put the same
There are additional costs associated with buying aprofit margin on vehicles during bad times or good.
new car versus a used car. Depreciation is aThe decision to purchase a new or used vehicle in
significant expense to the new car buyer. Cars canthe current recession requires considering many
depreciate anywhere from 20% to 40% in the firstvariables. The most important variable is what makes
year after purchase. They typically depreciate 15%the most sense for the consumer based on their
the 2nd year, 13% the 3rd year and 12% in the 4thfinancial situation. If there is any doubt about job
year. People are keeping their new cars on averagesecurity or if the consumer already has high levels of
about 5 years today unlike 20 years ago when theyconsumer debt purchasing a cheaper used car and
would trade every year or every other year. If youpaying with as much cash as possible may be the
go to trade your car in the 5th year it hassmartest choice .to make.
depreciated approximately 70%.