What's Better: Buying New, Used, or Leasing A Car?

For many of us, our car is a second home away from home. Whether we’re going to the next town over or cross country, the checklist includes being comfortable to drive, relatively cheap to run, and fairly effortless to keep in tip-top shape. Here’s how to find a car that ticks all your boxes.

Use A Car Shopping Expert

Car shopping experts are a wealth of information, providing everything from car reviews to price comparisons on local listings near you. Edmunds is a great example as it has a team of car experts that review cars and their roadworthiness. They also offer free appraisals on your current car if you are hoping to trade-in for a new vehicle.

Get A Brand New Car On A Lease

If you are wary of buying a used car, going for a new vehicle on a lease usually offers the most confidence in a vehicle. After all, we can feel relatively confident that it won’t break down when we’re driving it. Use price comparison sites to find the best lease deals - it will save you a ton of time.

Get A Second Opinion on A Used Car

If you are buying a used car, make sure that you get a second opinion before purchase. Unless you’re a car expert, it’s definitely a benefit to take along a friend or family member that knows about cars to ask pertinent questions about any repairs. As a minimum, make sure the mileage is correct, you have the full servicing history, and ensure that the car had been fully paid for before purchase.

Work With What You’ve Got

Not upgrading anytime soon? Knowing your own car well has its own benefits. When it comes to longer traveling, buffing up on tips for preparing the car for a road trip is helpful. Also, make sure your car is fully serviced before you hit the road. As a bare minimum, check your battery, tires and fluids before preparing for any big road trip.

When Is It Better To Just Rent A Car?

Going on a road trip? We’re all about renting. Not only does it save you mileage but you have far more freedom to pick a car suited for your drive. Now is the chance to fantasize a little and go for the fun car. Whether it’s driving through the states, that countryside detour, or pool-side villa stay, renting a car takes a good deal of stress off the itinerary.

LivingTienlyn JacobsonCars