New Car vs Used Car
Compare buying new versus used on depreciation, warranty, repairs, and five-year total cost of ownership.
Open calculatorBuy new
Warranty peace of mind and latest safety kit — paid for with sharp early depreciation.
- Full warranty
- Latest safety features
- Predictable early maintenance
- Highest depreciation
- Higher insurance groups
- Easy to overspec
Buy used
Let the first owner take depreciation; budget more for repairs and inspection risk.
- Lower purchase price
- Slower depreciation curve
- More car per euro
- Repair uncertainty
- Shorter remaining warranty
- Possible hidden history
Used often wins on pure money if you buy a well-inspected car. New can win if warranty value and reliability matter more than depreciation — quantify both with Car Total Cost.
Key factors
- Depreciation over your horizon
- Insurance quotes for both cars
- Inspection / certification quality
- Annual kilometers and fuel type
How to decide
- 1Pick comparable models
Same class and similar mileage needs.
- 2Get insurance quotes
Price both VINs or trim levels.
- 3Run TCO
Use Car Total Cost and New vs Used calculators over 5 years.
- 4Add EV check
If considering electric, run EV vs Petrol too.
Run the numbers
Free calculators linked to this comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3-year-old car the sweet spot?+
Often yes — much depreciation already taken, with useful life left. Still inspect thoroughly and model repair reserves.