Should I buy a new or used car? I am considering to buy a used car but I am afraid of getting a car with lots of problems down the road. I am also afraid that if I ask a mechanic to check it out for me, he will not be honest. Should I just buy a new car instead?
it really depends on the car. Some new cars actually have new technology that fall apart. For example, you like a 5 year old Volkswagen. Don't get it because it is a pile of junk that will be very problematic. Dont get a new one either because the transmissions have problems at like 15k miles.
But let's say you like an 8 year old Honda Accord. It's in nice shape you like it. Bring it to a mechanic and let him check it out it should take no more than an hour to see what shape the car is in. If everything is good, maintain it and it should last longer. Buying used saves you a ton of money. I would go used. There is no reason to go new. If a 3 year old car is falling apart, then why spend money on a new one, which would fall apart just making you loose even more money. It really depends.
If you like to keep a car for at most like 5 6 years, then go ahead get a new or cpo Nissan and then sell it a few years later because they are generally reliable for that time period. Used one may be a risk because of their awful Continuously Varibale automatic transmissions.
Just stay away from any purchase, new or used or cpo, on many brands. These include:
General Motors (Chevy, GMC, Buick)
FCA (Fiat, Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, Jeep)
Volkswagen group (VW, Audi, Porche)
New cars depreciate an average of ~50% in just 5 years. That is a lot of money. My opinion, save your money a buy a used car. Yes there are risks but if you know a thing or 2 you can avoid getting a beat car and end up with a super good deal on a great car.
The car itself matters more than new or used. As you said, what a waste of money. If it is a well made car, new or used it does not really matter you will pay a lot and either way it will last. New or used, some junk cars will fall apart.
are you rich? Is money "not a obstacle"?
If no, then used 1-3 yrs old.
