Buying a car - new or used?
I'm looking to buy a new car. I'm considering whether I should buy new or used. My budget is up to 70k for new - I plan to take a car loan. And around 30-50k for used.
Things I'm concerned about include reliability - so I'm inclining to something Japanese, but it sn't a must. Depreciation - I want to lose as little as possible. Safety - I've noticed that some cars only come with one air bag (basic Sonata for example (if I remember correctly)).
I looked at the new Yaris, but they only have the basic specs (1.3 and 1.5) available. Getting a full spec means waiting 5-6 months which doesn't work for me.
Any general advice? Used or new?
arkb, if you are planning to work and stay in Qatar for 3-4 years, then only buy a new car. If planning to stay for max. 2 years, then go for a used car, but inspect it very thoroughly by yourself before buying. Once you have decided to buy a used car, take it for a good test drive (switch off/lower sound of music system during test drive). At the end get the vehicle tested from a good testing center on Salwa road. Be very cautious in buying used car here in Qatar. Don't ever decide & buy if you are not satisfied with the machine or the selling owner.
@mastmalang - thanks for the info. I'll be sure to check out Honda at the places you mentioned. Looks like the consensus is to go with a new car...
arkb...for your budget of 70k-75k max., go for either Corolla-2.0L / Yaris-1.5L (both full options models). Next in line is Mazda 3-2.0L mid option model. It has all the looks, safety features, reliability & maintenance benefits. Next is Honda City - 1.5L (full option model). Honda is giving some very cool offers on their high trim level cars. Do check with Honda-Salwa Road showroom or Markhiya area showroom.
All these 3 Japanese giants are best machines to buy, use and sell back in all possible terms of price, looks, safety (most important), handling, comfort and re-sale value. Where Corolla or Yaris tops where re-sale topic comes in.
I have a Mazda-6 2.0L full option car and still its pleasure driving this refined machine. All the very best !!
@klizs82 - I'm open to considering Korean. Kia probably didn't make it to my list because their marketing efforts haven't made an impact on me. Hyundai seems to have a stronger brand in my eyes. @urstrulyash - I see what you mean. I think I'm going to opt for full option. Might go with a smaller car but better to go with full options. The guys at Toyota told me that they only have stock of the basic models of the Yaris, and you have to place an order for the full spec Yaris because the full spec Yaris would compete with the Corolla - which they don't want.
Dear, do not go for base model even if its is 2.0 litre. Always go for the full option 2.0 ltre which is only a matter of around another 5-6 k, which when dissolved in the loan will be a meagre amount. it will aid you in resale value.
Dear arkb,
I wonder why Kia sedan cars is not on your list... its very affordable, spare parts available and low maintenance car and it suits your budget.
Mazda has not been able to grasp the market here so far as Corolla. Also, the spares of Corolla would be comparatively cheaper. Corolla would be a better buy in every aspect.
@acchabaccha - thanks. The new Mazda 3 sedan looks really nice. The basic spec is 58k which is really good for such a good looking car. But the full spec is 86,500. So not sure...
@urstrulyash - thanks. The corolla is certainly towards the top of my list. It's 70k for the 2.0 litre basic XLI. If that's the one I get what can I expect to get for it after 2-3 years and 60k on the clock? I think they're best for holding their value.
forgot to mention about service- every 5000 km- QAR 170 and every 10000 km- QAR 430. 20k km and 40k km will cost you QAR 950 & QAR 1400 respectively since they do some replacements at this points.
for all your requirements mentioned above- 1. reliability, 2. lowest depreciation and easy to sell, 3. airbags- atleast 2 for the front passengers and the most important of all, 4. Budget- 70k, there is only one choice. yes you guessed it right- its the worlds best ever selling car till date- Toyota Corolla. it fits perfect for your requirements. I own a 2012 model 1.8 full option which i bought new and believe me, till today I never had any issues other than battery change and front brake pads, both which I did this May after 19 months . its spacious too, has dual airbags for front passengers, ABS, alloy wheels (full option), fog lamps, etc. the 2014 model is good looking too. go for it. cheers.
Try to avail brand new mazda cars, i owned mazda 3 HB 1.6 which satisfy me so far since i bought it last year. the revolution is superb which allows you not to delayed at R/A and count also the AC,Audio etc.. highly recommended.. PS: im not related to any mazda dealer or totally no connection, im just satisfy on the performance and fuel consumption.. Only an opinion to share :D
You can easily get a new car within the budget you have stated. A new car will keep you free from the maintenance hassle for at least a couple of years with just minor replacements such as brakes, oil, filters etc. Also, if you take good care of a new vehicle, it will sell faster with some brands such as Toyota and Nissan having an edge over others in the resale market.
Thanks @mauvesquee. It seems that cars hold their value a lot better here than in my home country. Problem is anything with decent spec gets pushed out of my budget. Still thinking...
Based on experience, new cars are well worth it. Most people I know who bought used cars spent too much on repairs which equals the money one would normally spend for a new car. And of course, when you leave Qatar for good, it would be easier to sell the car you bought firsthand than reselling a used car. Go for a new one and spend less on maintenance.