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5 smart reasons to buy a used car over a new one, according to a dealer

Noel Rabbitte of MSL Ballsbridge Motors says a premium used car has plenty of compelling advantages.

FINDING THE RIGHT car for your needs, lifestyle and budget can be a tricky process. We want to help streamline the search. As part of our Insights series, every week we’ll take a different car-buying question to the experts at the heart of the motor industry.

This week, should I buy used or new? Noel Rabbitte, brand manager at MSL Ballsbridge Motors Mercedes-Benz, reckons a premium used car is often a smarter choice than a new mass-market model.

“The ratio of used to new cars sold in our dealership is fairly evenly split,” says Noel, who has around 70 premium used cars on the forecourt at any given time, and 25 examples of new models in the showroom.

“We’ll get customers looking to buy used who’ll walk away with a new car, but very often it’s vice versa too.”

So why opt for a used car when you could have a brand new one in your driveway? When it comes to premium used models in particular, the choice is often simple, says Noel. Here are his reasons why…

1. The car has a proven history of reliability

If you like the idea of sitting into a car that’s already had some time on the road and has proven itself to be roadworthy, you’ll get great comfort from buying used, says Noel.

We always sell a used car certified and fully serviced, meaning you can be assured of its reliability. Plus we repair any bodywork or wheel damage to make the car look as good -  if not better – than any new car on the road.

2. There are often added benefits

While you’ll no doubt know that a used car has a lower price point than a new one, you might not be aware of the many specific used car extras a dealer can offer, particularly with a premium pre-owned model. As Noel explains:

“You can expect to receive benefits like a multi-point vehicle inspection, a 12-month/50,000 km warranty, use of a courtesy car if your car is in for a service during the first year, a year’s roadside assistance and a 30-day exchange plan.”

3. For the sake of 12 months, it’s a far lower price

You don’t need to knock ten years off the number on your registration plate to find a used car that’s good value, Noel emphasises.

It’s not uncommon to find a car that’s only 12-18 months old and is considerably cheaper than the new model, with less than 10,000 or 12,000 km on the clock.

He cites a current example on his forecourt, a 171 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 Style on sale for €24,950 that was €29,715 a year ago – a price difference of 16 per cent.

4. Your resale value will still be strong – if you look after the car

Whether you buy a car brand new or used, there will be a significant drop in value the moment you drive away from the forecourt. However Noel notes a couple of ways of ensuring the best possible return when you do sell up again.

Changing your car semi-regularly and keeping an eye on the market value of the car means you’ll be able to trade-in at the best possible time and be confident of a good return.

Keeping your car in good nick is important too. “Inspect the condition of your vehicle before coming in, as damaged bodywork, scraped alloy wheels and worn or torn interior elements will go against the price of your trade-in.”

5. You have a wider choice of models than you might think

If your chosen car is a four-door saloon, mid-sized crossover or hatchback then you’ll have no trouble finding a used model, but what if you’re looking for a less mainstream vehicle?

Noel says it’s worth contacting your local dealer to flag your interest. “They might be aware of a car that matches your description that will be coming into stock soon, or they might know of someone within the motor industry that is selling your desired car and will be able to source it for you.”

More: 5 smart ways to decide between different car brands, according to a motor dealer

More: Automatic or manual? 6 questions that’ll help you decide which to go for

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    Mute Sean C
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    Jun 5th 2016, 7:48 AM

    Horrible to lose a family member. When it’s this sudden, it’s worse. May he rest in peace and hope the family find some peace too at some stage.

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    Mute Matthew Balfe
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    Jun 5th 2016, 9:17 AM

    Most fatal car accidents happen in the early hours of the morning. Most likely caused by speed or alcohol. But where are the speed vans? The garda I checkpoints? No where to be seen. But there would be garda checkpoints during the day in 50km zones especially in the good weather…. Along with the speed vans…. that’s like shooting fish in a barrel, all to create revenue!

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    Mute Mark
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    Jun 5th 2016, 9:40 AM

    This isn’t the time or the article for this comment. You make a good point but we don’t know what happened here. All we know is that 1 family are grieving for their loss. Sad news.

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    Mute Matthew Balfe
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    Jun 5th 2016, 10:09 AM

    I totally agree with you Mark. But it annoys me when I read about another tragic death on the roads. I think more can be done to prevent them. It’s very sad news and my thoughts are with the family. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.

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    Mute William Boyd
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    Jun 5th 2016, 10:59 AM

    And the common denominator here is yet another 20 something dies on our roads?

    You can’t dress it up young drivers are more likely to die why?

    Speed

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    Mute Stephen Brady
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    Jun 5th 2016, 11:08 AM

    Mark we also know they weren’t coming back from mass at 4:15 in the morning. It is very sad what happened

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    Mute anthony johnston
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    Jun 5th 2016, 11:15 AM

    When is the time? He is right to save lives we need to do more at night.

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