You just got your driving license after passing your driving test and you might be thinking about should you get a brand new car or a used car to continue improving your driving skills. At this stage, you might already have shortlisted some of the cars like mine I do fall in love with the Toyota Raize before my driving test.
In this article, I will be sharing some tips, and the advantages, and disadvantages of getting either a new car or a used car.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Get A New Car As a New Driver?
Here are some of the reasons why you should get a brand new car if you are a new driver.
Less Hassle & No unknown history.
As a new driver, you may not know how to check the car condition, etc so getting a new car will be less hassle and less risky as well. Furthermore, a new car means there will be any history hence you do not need to worry if there is any unknown history for that used car.
More Advanced Features
Newer cars are equipped with the more latest technology with features like fuel efficiency and most importantly safety feature which can be very useful for new drivers.
Able to choose the exact specification and design
Even though I have not gotten a new car before I believe you will have more options for you to choose from after you shortlisted the model. Like owner of the new car have the option to customize the car body’s color, rim & other accessories/parts, etc
Why You Should Not Get a New Car as a New Driver?
In this section, will briely shared what are the disadvantages for new driver when getting a new car:
More Expensive
The new car definitely will cost more especially in Singapore currently the COE is on the high side, a Cat A car’s COE easily hit $70K in mid-2022. Is it worth the risk to get a new car as a new driver? As you might not know whether you enjoy driving.
More Worries That New Car Being Damaged
As a new driver, sometimes you may make minor common mistakes like brushing against the wall while turning or hitting some pillar when parking. You will feel a pinch and upset that after paying so much for a new car was damaged due to inexperience driving.
Higher Depreciation
According to some sources and research like sgCarmart, a new car has a higher depreciation which can be as high as 30% for the first year. So you might be thinking is it worth it to pay for a new one with a high depreciation just to sharpen your driving skill
Why You Should Get A Used Car As a New Driver?
Getting a used car sometimes really has to depend on your luck whether you are able to get a good used car. Over here are some of the advantages of getting used cars:
Lower Cost
A used car is cheaper compared to a new car so you do not fork out too much upfront for a car to test and improve your driving skills.
Will not feel the pinch if the car is damaged
I feel that the pain you feel when your car is damaged due to an accident will be lesser compared with a brand new car.
Lesser Waiting Time
The whole process of getting the new car will be longer compared to the used car as a new car sometimes has limited stock on hand or will face problems out of stock which will take a longer period.
In addition, the process of getting the new COE will also take quite some time too unlike getting a used car already have the car on hand with COE which shorten the whole process.
Insurance can be cheaper
According to sgCarMart, the insurance can be cheaper for used cars compared to new car models as one of the main reasons will be the car parts for used cars are easily available
Why You Should Not Get a Used Car as a New Driver?
Here are some of the reasons that you need to consider when getting a used car as a new driver.
Unfamiliar with checking the car
As you are a new driver and inexperienced, you may not know what things you need to take note of and check for a used car. Unless you can someone with experience along to help you to check when getting a used car.
Higher chance of mechanical & unknown issues
Some of my friends did encountered that have to send their old problematic used cars for repair or parts replacement quite often due to some mechanical issue where the cost you paying for the used car end up can be higher. This is one of the risks if you need to factor as well when getting a used car.
Conclusion
As a new driver like myself, I have consolidated all the factors need to take off when getting your next car after getting your driving licenses. There are both pros and cons whether you want to get a new car or used car.
Personally for me, if cost is not a main concern for you then I will suggest getting a new car will be better option to avoid other risks like unknown issues for the old used cars.
Alternatively, if you only want to try out for a short perioid like 1-3 years, you can get a >10 years COE cars where the cost upfront is lower instead of commit a brand new car.