Are you going for a new car or a used car?
Is it time for a different car, but are you unsure whether to go for a brand new or a second-hand car? The big advantage of opting for a second-hand car is the purchase price, which is lower than for a new one. The depreciation costs are also much lower. This is because the value of a car drops rapidly during the first three to five years. This often makes a difference of up to several thousand euros when purchasing.
Read in this article what the difference is between a new and used car and discover the advantages and disadvantages. Also check out our 3 favorite auto.nl occasions of the moment.
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The difference between a new and used car
Purchasing a new one from the car dealer is a lot more expensive than buying a second-hand one. The costs for depreciation and the premium you pay for the insurance are also higher. The reason for this is that the price you pay for a repair is also more expensive in most cases than with an older model. On the other hand, with a new car you can make all the choices in terms of equipment and color. In an occasion, this has already been chosen for you.
Our favorite occasions at auto.nl
Do you need help choosing a reliable used car? Choosing a new car at a platform like Marktplaats involves risks. For example, scammers may be active. You run less risk if you purchase a car from an expert car dealer, such as auto.nl. This online platform was founded in 2017 and is part of the Louwman group. View our favorite used vehicles at auto.nl below.
#1 Audi A3
With this model, Audi has done everything possible in terms of technology to make your car journey as safe and easy as possible. For example, the A3 has sports seats, heated exterior mirrors, a fullmap navigation system and a crystal clear sound quality.
The drive is requested by a four-cylinder petrol engine, with an automatic transmission. This model is also available in a plug-in hybrid version, with energy label A. The most important features of the Audi A3 at a glance:
| number of doors | 5 |
| number of seats | 5 |
| circuit | Vending machine |
| Assets | 150 hp |
| Top speed | 220 kilometers per hour |
| Amount of cilinders | 4 |
| Drive | Front Wheel (FWD) |
| Energy label | B |
| Average usage | 1 liter per 20 kilometers |
#2 Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR has everything you would expect from a vehicle from the Japanese Toyota brand: high quality, good driving performance and a long service life. This model has a combination of electric and fuel engine, also called hybrid.
To ensure your comfort during the journey, the C-HR has, among other things, heated front seats, a speed limiter, heated exterior mirrors and LED daytime running lights. The main features of this vehicle are explained below:
| number of doors | 5 |
| number of seats | 5 |
| circuit | Vending machine |
| Assets | 122 hp |
| Top speed | 170 kilometers per hour |
| Amount of cilinders | 4 |
| Drive | Front Wheel (FWD) |
| Energy label | a |
| Average usage | 1 liter at 20 kilometers per hour |
#3Peugeot 3008
A unique SUV with a powerful design: that is how this model is described. The Peugeot 3008 is available in a petrol or hybrid variant. We highlight the hybrid 3008 here. Along the way you benefit from the high-quality technical features.
Examples are the heated front seats including massage function, digital radio stations with DAB receiver and built-in voice control to control your systems with voice commands. The main features of this model are:
| number of doors | 5 |
| number of seats | 5 |
| circuit | Vending machine |
| Assets | 296 hp |
| Top speed | 235 kilometers per hour |
| Amount of cilinders | 4 |
| Drive | Four Wheel (4WD) |
| Energy label | a |
| Average usage | 1 liter at 67 kilometers |
The pros and cons of buying a used vehicle
Advantage 1: Cheaper to purchase
Compared to new ones, used cars are a lot cheaper to purchase. This has the great advantage that you can drive a ‘more expensive’ or more luxurious model than if you opt for a brand new model.
Advantage 2: Wide range
Despite the fact that the corona crisis has caused a shortage of used cars, there is still a wide range of second-hand cars to be found. At auto.nl you will find second-hand models of brands such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, Ford, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Are you curious about the complete used car range of auto.nl?
Disadvantage 1: Less attractive warranty conditions
When you purchase your car, you can assume that you can participate in traffic normally and safely. Since April 2022, the legal warranty on used cars has been extended from 6 to 12 months. This is a guarantee that cannot be excluded. At auto.nl you can check the exact terms on the website of the relevant brand. In most cases, a 12-month Excellent Warranty is offered on all used cars, in collaboration with Autotrust. For example, you receive 100% reimbursement on parts and labor, almost all mechanical and electrical parts are covered, and you receive reimbursement of the diagnosis costs in case of a valid claim. With this guarantee you will also be reimbursed for the costs abroad or close to your place of residence.
Disadvantage 2: Signs of use present
The disadvantage with an occasion is that you often do not know what kind of past the car has and what condition the vehicle is in. Especially if you purchase a second-hand car on a platform such as Marktplaats, it is wise to take a test drive and take someone with you who understands cars. This way you avoid disappointment. At Auto.nl you are assured that all used cars are in good condition. A thorough inspection takes place according to BOVAG standards. You will only find the model in the available range if the car meets all the requirements.
Advantage 1: Being able to choose from the various options
If you purchase a second-hand vehicle, you no longer have a choice in, for example, the color of the car or the extra built-in options you want. You do have this freedom of choice with a new copy. It is good to know that the more functions you want to add to the model, the higher the purchase price will be.
Advantage 2: The newer, the more economical
Second-hand vehicles built before 2005 emit more CO₂ than newer models. In most cases, a new vehicle is better for your wallet and the environment. Do you want to go for maximum economy in consumption? Then check the smaller cars or EVs.
Disadvantage 1: Higher acquisition costs
Purchasing a new car also has disadvantages. For example, figures from Bovag and RDC show that the average purchase price for a new passenger vehicle up to and including May 2022 was around 43 thousand euros. This amount is almost 7% higher than the year before, when the average purchase price was around 40,323 euros. The amount you pay on average for used cars in 2023 is around 25,215 euros. So you have to dig deeper into your wallet when you choose a new car, compared to a second-hand model.
Disadvantage 2: Larger depreciation costs
Virtually every product you purchase loses value from the moment you purchase it. This is also the case when you buy a car. You often hear that a newly purchased car is worth less immediately when you drive it home. To keep the depreciation costs of your new model as low as possible, it is important that you maintain your vehicle properly.
Would you like to purchase a model from auto.nl and trade in your current vehicle? Then the remaining value of your car comes into play and you will be happy if you have maintained it properly.
Do you want to buy a used car at auto.nl?
