What is the Best Age for a Car When Buying Pre-Loved?
Second-hand cars have many advantages: economic, environmental, and even medical – the latter especially for those with vulnerabilities that might be an issue when using public transport. But what is the best age car to buy as a second-hand model? Let us take a look.
Too Young
For many people, choosing a second-hand car is a deliberate act, made in order to save money, or for environmental reasons. However, choosing too young a second-hand car can defeat this purpose. The cost of a car does drop as soon as it is driven off the shop-floor, but usually not by more than ten percent or so. So if you are wanting to make a big price saving on the purchase price, you will need to look at cars older than, say, eighteen months or two years old. Similarly, the environmental impact of a nearly new car is still quite high – with two or so years needing to pass before it has begun to amortise the resources mined to produce it.
Too Old
Cars over five years old are often very cheap, and can be great bargains. However, once a car has passed its third birthday, it begins to deteriorate a little more quickly than before. This is why cars in the UK must begin taking an annual MOT test on the third anniversary of their registration. Therefore, buying a car that is over five years old can be rather too much of a gamble: small defects and hitherto unnoticed issues can suddenly and quite dramatically worsen, leaving you out of pocket and without a car!
Just Right
The Goldilocks zone for second hand cars, therefore, lies between two and five years old. Cars of this age, especially if carefully looked after and lightly driven are likely to be in great condition, cost relatively little compared to the price of a new vehicle, and yet will still be new enough to benefit from the latest advances in technology. However, this band of ideal age can be narrowed still further!
The Sweet Spot!
The absolute best age to purchase a second-hand car is when it is between two and three years old. Two-year old cars have a full year left before they will need their first MOT, and are almost guaranteed to be in nearly-new condition, while three year old cars often sail through that first MOT without any issues. If you are looking for credible used car dealers in Brighton, visit KAP Motors and let them take care of the rest. As an added bonus, used car dealers often offer warranties with their used cars, so you will enjoy many of the benefits of a new car, with all the advantages of a second-hand car.
Finding your perfect car is easier than ever these days, and by choosing the right age of car to buy as a second-hand purchase, you can give yourself an easy ride and a clear conscience, as well as looking after your budget at the same time. And who could ask for more?
