A Used Car or A New Car?

Our family is planning to buy another car. The main issue is we could not decide if we will go for a used car or relatively a brand new car. One thing more, we have only a minimal budget for that. Otherwise, we have to resort to borrowing from a bank if we are going to purchase a brand new one. Any suggestion for a family car? If you are on our place, what will you consider?

if you have a minimal budget then i suggest that you just buy a used car. Buy a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey

if you have a minimal budget then i suggest that you just buy a used car. Buy a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey


Thanks for your suggestion. Borrowing from the same CU where we acquired our mortgage loan (https://www.calcoastcu.org/borrow-home-purchase-fixed-rate-mortgages.htm) came up during one of our talks and it might not be that bad of an idea. We have a minimal budget because we understand that value of vehicles deplete in time so it doesn't make sense to find one that's well above our means but the thing is, if we can get a loan, we could afford a car that's going to serve its purpose for years to come.

So, we decided that it would be a better idea to refinance our old car so we can add it to our current savings and buy a new one with that. What do you think?

the toyota sienna is a good option

Thanks for your suggestion. Borrowing from the same CU where we acquired our mortgage loan (https://www.calcoastcu.org/borrow-home-purchase-fixed-rate-mortgages.htm) came up during one of our talks and it might not be that bad of an idea. We have a minimal budget because we understand that value of vehicles deplete in time so it doesn't make sense to find one that's well above our means but the thing is, if we can get a loan, we could afford a car that's going to serve its purpose for years to come.

So, we decided that it would be a better idea to refinance our old car so we can add it to our current savings and buy a new one with that. What do you think?

Buying a new car is probably the number one worst "investment" you can make. Look for 2-3yrs old. The depreciation kills most folks. You are upside down the minute you put a license plate on a new car. Check with your CU about repo sales. Most have them.

I could buy a second hand Audi A4 . Audi never gets older easily. So quality, and longvous.

From personal experience I would stay away from the A4.

From personal experience I would stay away from the A4.

Did you have problems with or just you dont like it?

Sure they look decent and have nice features but parts are expensive and working on them sucks due to the so called German engineering.

Sure they look decent and have nice features but parts are expensive and working on them sucks due to the so called German engineering.

Yes parts and yearly maintence is expensive. But audi is my dream car. frankly speaking; we have not many choices here in Türkiye. All firms send limited models and they built 1.0, 1.2 cc enginees. Because of high taxes. Audi a3 sedan, with 1.2 enginee. Bullshit.

Also, until recently a lot of Audis had electrical problems, so if you get one too old, you're buying lots of headaches.

Also, until recently a lot of Audis had electrical problems, so if you get one too old, you're buying lots of headaches.

I had 2000 audi a3, had used it for 4 years between 2009-2013 and never had any problem. May be because it was old version with less tecnological systems. But i heard that main problem is dsg gear in vw group autos .

This totally depends on your budget capacity. From what you said, a used car seems the better option but be careful with the deal as some of them might end on the wrong note.

If you have enough salary each week or month, then you can buy a new brand car, or you can buy a second one, also a better option.

Hi Jenna,

A "relatively a brand new car" can still be a used car. It really depends on your budget but it is not a bad idea to take a loan and buy a new car, at least you know for the next few years, you won't have to worry about mechanical issues outside general maintenance.

If you are adamant on buying used car or if your budget is really limited, I'd recommend to go with Japanese or Korean made used cars. Main reason is parts and maintenance for those tend to be cheaper than let's say German cars and of course domestic cars tend to have a bad rep. when it comes to being used.