New vs. Used | AAA Ohio

A car drops an average of 20 percent in value when you drive off the lot. Insurance costs will be lower for an older car. Therefore, buying a used car is smarter financially.

You may be thinking – why buy someone else’s problems? A car could look good and be a reincarnated rental that was never maintained. In that situation, you’d be happier with a new car.

You have to consider what would make you happiest – a shiny new Toyota or a five-year-old BMW? This all depends on your priorities.

Should I buy a new or used car?

Buy a new car if:

The car you want is within your budget.
You need the peace of mind of a new-car warranty.
Customizing you vehicle is a must for you.
You plan to keep your car on the road 10 years.

Buy a used car if:

You want a luxury car or one loaded with options – and it’s breaking your budget.
You do not mind getting options you don’t care about (such as a CD player) and living without some you do (such as Cruise Control).
You have used the Vehicle ID Number (VIN) to check the vehicle’s history (AAA offers discounted CARFAX reports), opted for a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned vehicle, purchased a warranty, and/or you had the vehicle inspected by a AAA Approved Repair Provider.

For the best used-car deals, consider:

A car from the model year preceding a total redesign.
Late-model off-lease vehicles.
Certified pre-owned vehicles with manufacturers warranties.
Program cars (fleet vehicles, company cars, demonstrators).
Late-model, low-mileage cars.

Watch out for:

Rental cars with no maintenance records.
Discontinued models no longer supported by manufacturers, such as Fiats, Peugeots or Renaults.
Vehicles with questionable information on the vehicle history report.
Vehicles that have serious mechanical problems.

Get Roadside Assistance

Search Vacations

Find a AAA Approved Repair Shop

Buy a new car if:

Buy a used car if:

For the best used-car deals, consider:

Watch out for: