Should you finance a used car?
Used cars don’t have the negative reputation they once possessed. With many car buyers now updating their vehicle two to three years after purchase, there are plenty of used cars on the second hand market in great condition.
If you’re looking to buy a car through some form of finance agreement, you may be wondering ‘should you finance a used car?’. If the reason that you’re choosing the route of finance is your affordability, then choosing a used car over a new one is probably a good idea.
Ultimately, it must be your decision, but if costs are a concern, financing a used car might be worth considering. Buying a used car with finance is still the most cost-effective method of obtaining the use of a vehicle when you require it.
Used vs. brand new cars
When trying to decide whether to finance a used car, it’s worth looking at the main alternative – financing a new car.
For those in the market for a car, there are plenty of advantages in choosing a used model rather than a new one. The price of a new car is always considerably greater than that of used car. This can limit your choice on the model and make in your price range, not to mention what additional features you can afford to include. When buying a used vehicle, you can often find you’ll be able to afford a much better car than you could if you bought new.
A used car costs less overall, which means that your monthly payments will cost less as well.
Finally, in the initial two years after buying a brand-new car, it’ll depreciate in value by around 20-30%. If you purchase a used car however someone will already have taken the hit as used cars will not depreciate at this rate.
Affordability and your credit history
If you’re concerned about the likelihood of being accepted for finance, choosing a used car can be a good choice. Monthly repayments on a finance agreement for a brand new car will be far higher than on a used car and lenders may not trust you to be able to make repayments in a number of circumstances, such as poor credit, irregular income, or payment problems in your past.
The older the car, the lower the monthly payments are likely to be, which means that if you’re on a low income, you may be more likely to be considered a good applicant by lenders.
If your credit history is limited or poor, it can also sometimes make it difficult to obtain credit. If your monthly repayments are smaller, however, finance companies may be satisfied that you can cope with them suitably.
Available warranties for used cars
Some car buyers might be concerned about how to protect a used car but it’s now perfectly possible to purchase a warranty for a pre-owned vehicle.
There are a number of extended warranties readily available for used cars, so even if your vehicle is not brand new, you can get a warranty, which covers unexpected mechanical and electrical failures. These warranties aim to offer used cars with a warranty with a comparable level of cover to a new car warranty.
Finance agreements for used cars
If you’re looking for a car finance agreement for a used car, or would like some advice on the options open to your individual circumstances, you can get in touch with us here at Car.co.uk.
Our continuing goal is to offer a resource for car buyers with information on all aspects of car finance, and we’ll be happy to help with your questions and concerns.
