Buying a car: new or used?
If you want a new car, you are spoilt for choice: Should it be a used car as good as new or better a brand new car? These are the pros and cons of these two purchase options.
Opinions differ when it comes to buying a car: While some only consider a new car, others prefer to buy a used car. But what are the arguments in favor of one or the other? If you absolutely want to own a car that no one has sat in, smoked or eaten in before, the case is clear: You should order a new car from the factory from your trusted dealer.
Attention: Stock vehicles are not necessarily "brand new"
But be careful: warehouse cars are not "brand new". Therefore, make sure that the model year is always entered in the purchase contract. Don't just accept the note "brand new". A clue is provided by the inspection report with the customs clearance date enclosed with each new car. Automotive experts consider a period of 6 to 12 months from customs clearance to the first placing on the market to be the limit for the designation "brand new". If you are actually only buying a "new" stock vehicle, you should demand a corresponding discount for the loss of value already caused by storage.
The advantages of buying a new car
Benefit from a 2-year factory warranty
Your main advantage when buying a new car: You always benefit from a 2-year factory or manufacturer's warranty for a car from the European Economic Area (EEA). This means that every Swiss brand workshop must carry out warranty and maintenance work for new cars from the EEA area, even if you imported the car directly from abroad. The factory warranty runs from the day the car is registered to you.
New car warranty usually 2 to 3 years or 100,000 km
In addition to the two-year manufacturer's warranty, new car buyers in Switzerland are also entitled to a two-year warranty. It gives buyers the right to a reduction in the purchase price if the car has minor defects. And to a right of exchange or withdrawal in the event of major errors. The catch: In Switzerland, the legal guarantee can be completely excluded in the purchase contract. But that doesn't have to be a disadvantage. The manufacturer's or factory warranty for new cars sometimes lasts longer than the statutory warranty. For new cars from Swiss dealers, the warranty period is usually 2 to 3 years or 100,000 kilometers.
The special new car feeling
Every car buyer knows it: A new car gives the owner a great feeling, because everything comes across as fresh and new. There are no bad smells from the previous owner. You know that you are the first person to shift through the gears and step on the brakes. A new car also usually has a typical "factory smell".
Customize your dream car
Another argument in favor of a brand-new car: Buyers can put together their dream car individually at the dealer or on the Internet and thus adapt it to their own personal needs. New car buyers can choose from various engines as well as entertainment and safety packages.
Latest technology on board
Anyone who decides to buy a new car also benefits from the latest engine and vehicle technology of the respective manufacturer. For example, a new car may already have a DAB or Internet radio integrated and also 5G mobile technology on board. New cars are well equipped in terms of safety with many airbags, tire pressure systems and the most modern driver assistance systems.
More efficient consumption and current emission standards
New passenger cars usually require less fuel than older vehicles. For example, while more than ten liters of fuel consumption per hundred kilometers were common in the 1990s, there are hardly any mid-range cars that exceed these values.
Every few years, the legislator tightens the emission standard. As a rule, every newer car produces less harmful nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons than an older one. A new vehicle meets all applicable emission standards.
However, new cars do not always have only advantages over used cars. It is therefore important to consider some rather negative points before buying.
The disadvantages of buying a new car
Depreciation, purchase price and waiting times
It cannot be argued away: a car loses about a quarter of its list price in the first year. This is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle without obligation. A three-year-old vehicle is still worth about half of its list price when it is resold. The purchase price of a new car is also usually higher than that of a used car with a few years under its belt. What you should also not forget: New car models can take several months to arrive due to high demand or special production requests.
Poor climate balance with a short holding period
The production of a new car consumes energy and the climate balance is only good if it is kept for a very long time. If the new car consumes even more fuel than the old one, the climate balance is clearly negative. After all, an economical new car can improve the climate balance after a short time compared to a thirsty old car.
When is it worth buying a new car?
Buying a new car is worthwhile for buyers who
- want to have everything brand new and spotless.
- want to fully benefit from the manufacturer's warranty.
- do not shy away from the high depreciation of a new car.
- want to be up to date with the latest technical developments.
- want to drive as efficiently, environmentally friendly and safely as possible.
Die Pros und Kontras beim Occasionskauf
Ein Gebrauchtwagen bietet in der Regel ein besseres Preis-Leistungsverhältnis für mehr Ausstattung als ein Neuwagen. Eine Occasion ist im Gegensatz zum Neuwagen meist schneller verfügbar und durchschnittlich günstiger in der Anschaffung als ein neues Automodell. Beim Gebrauchtwagen entfällt zudem der hohe Wertverlust eines Neuwagens.
Gegen einen Wagen aus zweiter Hand sprechen hingegen der häufig höhere Verbrauch, ein grösserer Schadstoffausstoss sowie teurere Unterhaltskosten. Gebrauchtwagen verfügen seltener über die neuesten Sicherheitstechnologien und die Herstellergarantie ist oft bereits abgelaufen.
Wer ein Occasionsauto kaufen will, möchte nicht nur den Preis, sondern auch den Zustand und die Schwachstellen kennen. Doch solche Informationen über die verschiedenen Automodelle gibt es zumindest in der Schweiz kaum: Die Strassenverkehrsämter veröffentlichen keine Statistiken über Mängel, die sie bei den Fahrzeugprüfungen entdeckt haben.
Wann lohnt sich ein Occasionskauf?
Der Erwerb eines Gebrauchtwagens lohnt sich für Käufer, die
- Abnutzungserscheinungen und kleinere Mängel in Kauf nehmen.
- auch mit einem Vorjahresmodell zufrieden sind.
- möglichst rasch ein Auto anschaffen möchten.
- auf eine Herstellergarantie verzichten können.
- keinen hohen Abschreiber nach dem Kauf finanzieren möchten.
- auch mit älterer Technologie und eventuell höherem Kraftstoffverbrauch zufrieden sind.
- auf den emotionalen Wert und das Prestige eines Neuwagens keinen Wert legen.
Conclusion: New car or used car
Whether it's a used or new car, your decision ultimately depends on which aspect is most important to you. If you want to have as much car as possible for little money, a used car is the right choice. However, if you want to benefit from a manufacturer's warranty, economical consumption as well as the latest technical refinements and maximum safety, a new car is the better choice. You should keep an eye on the sometimes high depreciation of a new car in the first few years.