Should You Buy a New or Used Car? Pros and Cons

The pace of inflation seems to have slowed down in 2025, which is good news. But prices of new SUVs and cars are still 20-30% higher than most of us are used to. On top of that, you also have dealer market adjustment fees on many popular vehicles, like the Ford Bronco and several Jeep Wrangler models that can tack on thousands of dollars more. None of that is a problem when you buy a low-mileage used SUV at Major World. 

Many of us have been buying low-mileage used cars for years—just about anyone in the car business does because they understand the math. But what if you usually buy a new vehicle or you’re not sure which way to go? 

This Major World article provides an honest breakdown of the pros and cons of buying a used car or SUV versus a new one to help you make the right decision. 

The Pros of Buying a Used Car or Pre-Owned SUV

In the U.S., about 75% of car sales are used rather than new. The reasons why people decide to buy a low-mileage used SUV over a brand-new one are more varied than you might think. Cost is a prominent factor, yet we know many people who make six-figure incomes and regularly buy used and pre-owned luxury vehicles. 

It’s not as simple as just spending less. Many used car buyers end up getting a luxury car for what they were about to spend on an ordinary commuter sedan. If you know anyone who is an accountant or a math whiz, take a look at what they’re driving. Ask them what they think about buying used vs. new. 

9 Pros of Buying a Low-Mileage Used Vehicle

1 – Lower Purchase Price: 

It’s simple. A used vehicle of the same make and model costs thousands less than a new one, even if it’s only a year or two old and has 30K miles or less.  

2 – Reduced Depreciation: 

A new Ford F-150 or RAM 1500 loses thousands of dollars in value the minute you drive it off the lot—that’s no exaggeration. A low-mileage used pickup truck doesn’t.

3 – Cheaper Car Insurance:

Insurance premiums are typically lower for used cars than new ones, that’s an easy way to save a lot of money on vehicle insurance. 

4 – Wide Selection in One Location: 

When you shop for your next vehicle at Major World, you have a huge variety of makes, models, and years to select from and test drive back-to-back. 

5 – Lower Registration Fees: 

In many states, registration fees are based on the car’s value and age, meaning used cars often have lower fees.

6 – No Hidden Fees: 

New cars often come with additional dealer fees and charges, like market adjustment fees. You won’t find any of that at Major World. 

7 – Avoiding Initial Defects: 

Previous owners usually resolve any initial defects or issues with the car model and any used vehicle you buy from Major World has undergone our rigorous quality assurance program.

8 – Sustainability: 

Buying a used car is not only more fiscally responsible but also more environmentally friendly, as it reduces the demand for new car production.

9 – Upgrade Potential: 

You can afford a higher-end model or trim level with the money saved from buying used. 

The Pros of Buying a New Car or SUV Over a Used One

It probably won’t surprise you that this is a shorter list, but we’ll be the first to admit that breaking in a brand-new vehicle is fun. Sure, you can buy a low-mileage used vehicle with plenty of new car smell left, but maybe there’s something special about being the very first owner of your car or truck. A new vehicle may also have a lower interest rate for financing, depending on your credit, and they may offer longer-term financing.

The Truth About Buying a New Car or SUV

It might surprise you coming from a used car dealership like Major World, but we’re known for our honesty—so we’re not about to tell you that new cars are terrible. Of course, they aren’t. The key is to think practically. Understand that when buying a new car or truck, you are buying a depreciating asset. 

Whether you’re buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee or a Mercedes GLE—a NEW vehicle will lose value the minute you drive it off the lot. 

Doing The Math: New vs. Used Vehicle Purchases

We won’t try to talk you out of buying a new vehicle. But we will suggest that you do the math to know exactly what that bit of extra new car smell is, and taking the car for its first oil change costs you dollars and cents. 

Say you’re looking at buying a new Ford Explorer. The average out-the-door price for a new 2025 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD right now is around $50,400. What if we told you you could buy a pre-owned 2023 Ford Explorer 4WD in a higher trim level with only around 30K miles for around $15,000 LESS? 

That may or may not resonate with you, but before you decide—you owe it to yourself to ask what the new car smell and other attributes are worth to you. Be honest with yourself. 

Major World: The Used Car Kings of Queens 

For more than 20 years, Queens residents have known that Major World is the place to go for quality and value. Even if you’ve never purchased a used vehicle before, you’d be wise to browse our extensive selection of low-mileage pre-owned vehicles before you pull the trigger on a new car or truck. We’re busting myths about buying used cars every day. 

We make buying a vehicle EASY. You can even shop online for your perfect used SUV in our online search portal before you get here!

Major World’s no-nonsense financing process is the best in the business. You can even pre-qualify yourself right now to save time, and it won’t ding your credit. 

Don’t settle for less than the best used car dealer in New York. You deserve the Major World standard of customer care. Call us now at (866) 614-2884.