Help with Pros and Cons of Buying New Vs Used (No Finance Required)

Tjadeanja on 22/03/2025 - 15:33
Last edited 22/03/2025 - 15:52

We are looking at replacing my 17yr old car for something newer, slightly more compact, and more fuel efficient. However we are stuck as to whether we buy new (from $28k - $30k) or used (up to $25k). We will not be requiring a loan/finance for this.

I'm hoping to get some outside perspective on whether we have missed anything with our pros and cons listings? For reference, we are looking at the new Kia Stonic Sport (drove like a dream!) for the new car option, and for used we are looking at 2018 onwards Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos.

Current usage: I drive about 60-80km/week (city driving), and am only getting about 300km/tank of fuel.

Judging from what we've seen we can get around $6k-$8k by selling my car privately.

Pros of Used:

  • Cheaper by $2k - $6k for the models we are looking at.
  • Potential for early issues already being fixed.
  • May still have manufacturer or dealer warranties.

Pros of New:

  • Long warranty (7-10 years if serviced on time)
  • Knowing the next few servicing costs.
  • Included Roadside assist
  • Choice of Colour

Cons of Used:

  • Stamp duty not included
  • Hidden issues/previous damage (will purchase car history check)
  • Require mechanic check.

Cons of New:

  • Potential to get a lemon (eg 2009 Holden Cruise…)
  • Higher upfront cost.
Automotive

Comments

  • spackbace on 22/03/2025 - 15:42
    +2

    (drove like a dream!)

    For many, after thinking that in comparison to other cars, they would've then go back to 2nd best (if they could afford it)

    Besides that, the Stonic is a Kia Rio underneath… Does it have the space you need? Stonic seems to get pretty average reviews

    • Tjadeanja on 22/03/2025 - 15:51

      We found the base S model to be the same if not more responsive than my Forester from a stop or slow speed. The new base model Seltos in comparison to the Stonic was sluggish and slower than our old diesel caddy to get going!

      As for space it would suit our GSD getting into the car and have space to lay down - we only use my car to take her short distances to the vet or beach.

  • MS Paint on 22/03/2025 - 15:58
    +1

    Just buy new and move on.

    • Murkymerv on 22/03/2025 - 17:31
      +3

      Or you could look at demo models once you decide on make and model , save on recommended retail price and still get full warranty ⁉️

    • Dr Phil on 23/03/2025 - 14:04
      -5

      OP is making this far too complicated.

      When Op says "We" it tells us OP has a partner.
      So Op should be consulting their partner instead of us.

      But in short …

      OP should just buy ANY CAR that ticks the boxes and just move on.

      Unfortunately regardless of all Op's considerations , nothing is ever for certain.

      So I say again as mspaint suggested

      Buy a car and move on

  • AndyC1 on 22/03/2025 - 16:06
    +2

    Just buy what you are going to be happy with.

  • Benoffie on 22/03/2025 - 16:15
    +2

    For me, used has too many unknown variables. Everyone claims 1 granny owner but no one tells you granny drives like 💩 and never maintained the vehicle.

    For the minor difference in price, go new.

    • Dr Phil on 23/03/2025 - 14:09

      A bit like saying "female driver"

      There is no benefit or relevance whatsover for the intending buyer

  • JIMB0 on 22/03/2025 - 16:35
    +1

    If you don't mind waiting get a new model Camry, otherwise used is a better option and you'll save a few bucks. Personally I'd hunt down one of the last V6 models.

  • CaptainJack on 22/03/2025 - 16:35
    +6

    I would've thought you need to compare the pros and cons of the different models for your needs specifically rather than the generic benefits of new vs used.

    Goes without saying but the main benefit of used is you get a cheaper car and don't wear the depreciation. The main benefit of new is you get a nice brand new car without the hassles and risks of second hand vehicles.

  • simplystu on 22/03/2025 - 17:12
    -1

    "Current usage: I drive about 60-80km/week (city driving), and am only getting about 300km/tank of fuel."

    @Tjadeanja … what other requirements does the car need ???

    1.i.) just yourself usually in car, or multiple ppl?
    1.ii.) eg. have children?
    2.) use on weekends for other purposes?

    Myself - I bought a 2ndhand MG - 3 years old … only live 10 mins drive from work - so I do same amount of KM each week as you (+++ weekdays == only me in car).

    But on weekends - we use my GF's V6 sedan for driving/trips/visiting places …
    the MG is just too small/uncomfortable driving elsewhere/distances (but great as a little run-about short distances).

    As to your other Question … i'd recommend going 2ndhand - around 2-3 years old … cars drop soo much in value in first few years.
    Have previously owned a car from new … and after afew months - the novelty wears off … I certainly wouldn't buy new ever again (unless flushed for $$$).

    [EDIT] : then use the $$$ you saved - and go on an overseas holiday/adventure for 6+ weeks.

    • Tjadeanja on 23/03/2025 - 10:37

      It's usually me, no kids (DINK life), and my husband has a company car that we use for free so that's our main car when we go away.

  • JimmyF on 22/03/2025 - 17:27
    +4

    We are looking at replacing my 17yr old car for something newer, slightly more compact, and more fuel efficient. However we are stuck as to whether we buy new (from $28k - $30k) or used (up to $25k). We will not be requiring a loan/finance for this.

    if you're going to ride out this car for the same period of time as your last one, it doesn't really matter what the starting price is. After 17 years they'll both be worth similar amounts.

    So buy the car you like most, new or used.

    • MS Paint on 22/03/2025 - 19:08
      +1

      A 17yo Subaru Forester used primarily in peak hour traffic.

      • Tjadeanja on 23/03/2025 - 10:38

        Yup that's correct, I love my car but it's thirsty when it comes to fuel.

        • Broke-Ken on 25/03/2025 - 17:14
          +1

          If you love your car, then keep it. Thirsty fuel economy doesn't justify it with how little ks you do a year.

          I was in a similar position(I have an 18yo Forester), and the math ain't mathing.

          I drive about 60-80km/week (city driving), and am only getting about 300km/tank of fuel.

          That means you only do 3-4,000kms a year, and only fill up roughly once a month. Costing you about $100 per fill up.
          So your thirsty car is costing you roughly $1,200 a year on fuel.

          That means how ever economical the new car is, the max you will save on fuel a year is just $1,200(and you will only save the max if you get an EV). But now you have put in $20K for the new car, the insurance will be more expensive which negates the money saved on fuel.

          Keeping the warranty and fix cost servicing means you have to have your car service every year on the dot, or you lose the warranty which will be a waste on such low ks. Where as with your current car, you can space the servicing further apart without effecting anything.

          At the end of the day, I just couldn't justify it, but if you want a new car, go for it, but understand it's a want and not a need.

  • Gdsamp on 22/03/2025 - 17:41
    -3

    Tesla Novated Lease

  • Downvoter on 22/03/2025 - 17:44
    +2

    My current car was a demo model which I got with the 55km on it that it I added driving back to my house from the dealership.

    • MS Paint on 22/03/2025 - 19:07
      +1

      Sounds more like a vehicle that was registered by a dealership to meet a particular quota and receive a factory kickback.

      @spackbace - ammiright?

      • spackbace on 22/03/2025 - 19:45

        Potentially

  • Euphemistic on 22/03/2025 - 18:20
    +3

    EV? Itll cut down your fuel bill a lot. Especially if you can charge at home. Virtually zero servicing. Maybe an MG4?

    Yes, the haters and uninformed will say depreciation will be terrible but they probably havent considered that in 5years, the used EV market will be a lot stronger and we will have worked out that they actually arent going to need a new battery.

    • Murkymerv on 24/03/2025 - 07:47

      worked out that they actually aren't going to need a new battery.
      That's never going to happen , stop lying to yourself.

      • Euphemistic on 24/03/2025 - 17:00
        +1

        Maybe not 'never need a new battery' but there is a study of something like 15000 EVs showing that the average battery lasts well over 200k km and that degredation slows after a few years leaving more that 80% capacity. Results mean that you are unlikely to need a replacement battery short of 300,000km and very unlikely to need a battery short of 200,000km. Good news for used EVs.

        Sure, if youre doing 200,000km in 5y and fast charging all the time the car is probably going to be worn out - but thats not much different to an ICE vehicle.

  • dtc on 22/03/2025 - 20:14

    I’ve never bought a brand new car and don’t see the point, but have bought demo cars with 2000km for $5k off new. Cars today are tough and being a demo isn’t going to kill them so why not save the $5k?

    Serious 2nd hand - ie post warranty period - is a bigger risk as it depends on your exact car

  • Wiadro on 22/03/2025 - 21:51
    -2

    i just got a mazda cx5 today 5.5k off

    • MS Paint on 22/03/2025 - 22:27

      Brand new? Which trim level?

      • Wiadro on 22/03/2025 - 23:32
        +1

        brand new 2025 delivered g35 gt sp

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 23/03/2025 - 01:52
    +1

    Ask if the one you drive is for sale as a demonstrator?
    IF no luck, try another dealership.
    Full car wty, at a reduced price.

    My car was 54k, and I ordered one. Then another 'spotter' offered me a demo for 47k. Original dealer, said, we can find you a vehicle. 47k with 5000kms

  • 82norm on 23/03/2025 - 10:14

    If the difference is 5k’s get a new car, not worth the grief of someone else’s problem, nor dealing with dealerships about repairs etc. As for demo, personally I wouldn’t touch one.

  • tikboy2007 on 23/03/2025 - 11:31
    +2

    Just buy new nothing beats buying new. Especially you're keeping it a long time

  • tikboy2007 on 23/03/2025 - 11:32
    +1

    Demos are crap too as they get trashed

  • LFO on 23/03/2025 - 14:33

    Cons of Used:

    • Smells
  • SlickMick on 23/03/2025 - 17:11

    Cheaper by $2k - $6k

    Are you comparing like for like? I'm surprised a 2018 model hasn't dropped by far more than that.

    I'd def be buying new at those prices. I'd want a far bigger discount to accept 2nd hand.

    • Tjadeanja on 23/03/2025 - 17:55

      That's where we are getting a bit stuck, the second hand cars we're considering are Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and now Mazda CX3. But for new we are looking at the Kia Stonic or Mazda 2.

      So not so much like for like, moreso the price points we were willing to pay for used and new.

  • gromit on 24/03/2025 - 16:00
    +2

    For the price difference you are looking at I would just go new.

    Also note,
    Used has just as much chance if not more so of getting a lemon (people that get lemons often want to get rid of them)
    "May still have manufacturer or dealer warranties." this is not a pro of used, it is a con as it will be shorter warranties than new.

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