Skip advert
Advertisement
Features

New v used – which car should you choose?

The ultimate car-buying conundrum: go for something new and shiny, or spend the same on a used machine that was previously out of reach?

Not that long ago, making the choice between a new and a used car was simplicity itself. You want peace of mind, the latest kit and that box-fresh smell? Easy. Simply head to a dealer, tick some option boxes and wait for your freshly minted motor. Want a bargain? Okay, take the same cash and sink it into something second-hand that’s likely to be higher up the pecking order when it comes to performance and premium appeal. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, these days the lines are a little more blurred. The proliferation of personal-contract-plan (PCP) finance deals has made it easier and far more affordable to get the keys to some very desirable metal. At the same time, manufacturer-approved used-car buying schemes and vastly improved mechanical reliability mean purchasing pre-owned isn’t so much of a leap into the unknown as it once was.

However you look at it, this is great news for people like us, because it means greater choice with fewer compromises. And to demonstrate, we’ve gathered together four disparate pairs of contenders to discover which makes the best buy – new or used. We’ve also dusted off the calculator and worked out what some of the essential real-life costs of running these cars will be.

There is one drawback to these encounters, though: you’re guaranteed to lose hours constantly tweaking new-car configurator choices and trawling through the classifieds as you search for your perfect new or used partner. Read on for four new vs used battles. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever

The 296 Speciale is the latest in Ferrari's line of mid-engined road racers, packing 868bhp and LaFerrari-beating pace on track
29 Apr 2025
Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2025 review – the ultimate Nürburgring toy
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey front
Reviews

Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2025 review – the ultimate Nürburgring toy

Did the 992 GT3 RS need to be made more extreme? Posssibly not. We're glad Manthey Racing has done it, though.
28 Apr 2025