Headline article

7 good reasons to buy a used car

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MAY 27, 2019

Reading time: 3 min

By pressing need to replace your old car at the end of the course or simple desire of novelty, you are planning very soon the purchase of a vehicle. But between nine or occasion, your heart swings. Whether you go through an individual or a professional, why prefer the purchase of a second-hand car? Here are 7 arguments for you to decide.

1. An expanded offer

Very dynamic, the second-hand market has been a boost in recent years in Luxembourg, recording record transaction volumes: according to Statec figures, it remains since 2013 the largest provider of registrations in the country.

This favorable context gives way to an extensive and diversified offer , regularly fueled by vehicles of all makes and all ages, including low mileage or very recent. Consequence: Opportunities are more common.

2. Make a good deal (while staying alert)

No surprise on this point, the acquisition of a used car is primarily motivated by financial reasons . A second hand will always be more affordable and you will pay less than for its new equivalent.

Analyze your needs and make your calculations : In addition to the initial selling price, your purchase must also be remembered in terms of user cost, which corresponds to the maintenance-fuel-insurance trio . Be wary of any hidden fees related to seniority, and take into account the replacement of wear parts .

The real good plan ? The very recent occasion , at particularly attractive rates. Maintained with care by their first owner because often intended to be quickly resold in concession, these almost new models have in general only a few months of seniority or have been marketed there is little, and are very competitive.

3. Increased bargaining power

A used car has already lived, it is rarely devoid of defects and imperfections such as bumps, scratches or other traces of corrosion.

If you are not too attentive on certain aesthetic aspects, and depending on the possible repairs to be made, your trading margin will grow and you can achieve substantial savings, including a professional who will most often agree to advantageous discount.

4. Better options

Bigger, more powerful, more luxurious ... Say goodbye to the basic model. For a similar investment, you'll get the same age and mileage of a car with a higher package of options , a better finish, or a larger engine.

Some state-of-the-art equipment ( parking assistance , hands-free keys, collision radar, etc.) are sometimes billed at a high price by the manufacturers and considerably raise the bill. So you can go upmarket, or even change segments, and offer you the gem that you have coveted for so many years.

5. Immediate availability

Unlike new vehicles that may have to withstand long delivery times (from a few months to more than a year for popular models), opportunities are directly available in stock at dealerships.

An argument certainly of smaller scope, but that will delight all impatient.

6. Damage the haircut

As soon as you leave the dealership, the process starts with no hope of going back: your brand-new all-new vehicle is already showing a 20% financial depreciation . After just a few years of use, even in excellent condition, it will only be worth half the value of the purchase.

In contrast, a second-hand car has suffered most of its discount. As a result, the loss on investment will be reduced, and your amortization, which is the difference between the purchase price and the resale value, is much better.

7. Car insurance less

The more recent and powerful a model is, the higher the cost of insurance , which also takes into account the Argus rating. For a purchase in new, an all-risks cover, even optional guarantees, will appear moreover as necessary for a maximum protection.

For a low-budget car that you will use little or that you do not fear to spoil, a subscription to the third , the mandatory minimum, will be conversely largely sufficient in view of its value.

You have been convinced and want to buy a used car? For a secure purchase and a simplified transaction, go toa builder or dealership.