Pros and cons of buying a used vehicle

Buying a used car seems like a good way to save some cash as compared to driving a brand new car. But like anything else in the world, second-hand cars have their pros and cons.

There are risks in buying a used car

For some, the advantages might work in their favor, while for some, that isn’t the case. So to know whether buying a used car should be your go-to option in owning an automobile, here we have listed down the pros and cons of this type of purchase.

Pros

I. Price

Even those who aren’t familiar with the whole car buying experience know that used cars are always more affordable than their brand new car counterparts. The reason for this is cars that leave the dealership for the first time instantly lose 10 to 20 percent of their value. If you are on a strict budget, maybe consider used cars.

II. Modifications

After getting a brand new car for the first time, you will notice that you shouldn’t install modifications to keep the car’s manufacturer's warranty. But in the case of used cars in the Philippines, you can modify them as much as you want. Moreover, you can even sell the used car at a higher value after a few modifications, which we will talk about next.

You have more freedom to work on a used car

III. Good Resale Value

Yes, you can buy a second-hand car, rebuild it, and later sell it at a higher price. This is where the business of ‘buy and sell’ thrives. But make sure that you have your target audience if you plan to sell it as not every used car buyers want a heavily-modded vehicle with a bunch of flashy LEDs.

Cons

I. Reliability

A car is at its best when it got off from a dealership for the first time. After years of running on roads, it starts to show issues like any machine in the world. If you plan to avail of a used car in the Philippines, you should be aware that reliability isn’t guaranteed. As such, access the car you are eyeing thoroughly first before making a purchase.

II. Maintenance Costs

Sure, buying a 2nd hand car can help you save a lot of money. But if you are not careful with your purchase, the maintenance will take a toll on your ownership experience. You might find yourself visiting your preferred service shop more often than not, costing you some of your savings and time.

It can be costly to keep a used car

III. Lack of Choice

As compared to buying a brand new car where you can choose the variants and options, the second-hand car market doesn’t offer that. You can only choose between used cars that owners want to get rid of their garages. Worse, these cars might start to become problematic, hence the reason for disposing of them.

See more car buying tips at Philkotse.com.