Why Buying Used Is Sometimes Better Than Buying New (Even in 2025)

"The new car smell fades in a week. That used car discount? That lasts years." - Chase Jordan

There’s a myth out there that buying new is always better.

More reliable.

More “worth it.”

But here’s the truth: buying used — the right way — can be one of the smartest moves you make.

In 2025, with new car markups still hanging around and financing costs climbing, the used market might be your best friend.

Let’s break it all down with facts, humor, and a lot of love for your wallet 💸

🧠 The Core Truth: Cars Depreciate FAST

The second a new car leaves the lot, it loses 10–15% of its value. In year one? You're looking at up to 20–25% total.

That means:

• A $40,000 new car could be worth $30–32k in 12 months

• And someone who buys it gently used (1–2 years old) skips that depreciation cliff entirely

✅ Buying used = letting someone else take the financial hit.

📉 Real-World Price Gaps (2025 Data)

Let’s say you’re eyeing a 2025 Toyota RAV4:

• New MSRP: $34,800

• Dealer markup: $1,200

• OTD price with tax/fees: ~$39,000

Now let’s compare a 2023 RAV4 with low miles:

• Market price: $28,500–$30,000

• Still under factory warranty

• Nearly identical features

💥 Boom — instant $8–10k savings just by choosing used.

💰 Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Used cars often come with:

• Lower insurance premiums

• Lower registration fees

• Lower monthly payments

• Less risk of being upside-down on your loan

If you plan smart and buy a well-maintained used car, your long-term costs can shrink dramatically.

🛠 What About Repairs?

Yes — used cars can have more wear and tear.
But if you:

• Choose cars with strong reliability records (Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Subaru, Mazda)

• Get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI)

• Buy certified pre-owned (see Post #82!)

• Budget for maintenance

You’ll likely come out ahead versus paying the inflated price of new.

🧠 Plus: modern cars are built to last well beyond 100,000 miles with regular care.

🔄 You Can Sell It Without Losing Your Shirt

If you buy used and keep it for 2–3 years:

• It depreciates slower

• You can resell without massive value loss

Compare that to a new car, where most of the depreciation hits you in the first 24 months.

Used = safer exit strategy.

🛡 How Deal Guard Helps You Buy Used the Smart Way

At Deal Guard, we:

• Find the most reliable used models for your needs

• Decode vehicle history reports

• Coordinate pre-purchase inspections

• Negotiate pricing and warranty options

• Protect you from flood-damaged, lemon law, or accident-hiding cars

Used doesn’t have to mean risky — not when we’ve got your back.

😎 Final Word from Chase

Buying used isn’t settling. It’s strategic.

It’s how you skip the markup, dodge the depreciation, and drive something great — without overpaying.

At GetDealGuard.com, we help people buy used with confidence, clarity, and zero regrets.

🎯 Thinking about a used car?

Let Deal Guard check it out before you commit. We’ll make sure it’s solid from VIN to tailpipe.

See you at the next post —
Chase ⚡️