New & Used Car Buying: Weighing up your Options
By Motor Match • 18/11/2025
Buying a car is a big investment, it is crucial in many aspects you make the right decision. It's worth talking about weighing up your options before you put your hand in your pocket!
First things first…
Buying a car is a big decision, one that’s not just about the make or model, but whether you go for something brand new or opt for a quality used car instead. Both come with their own set of perks and considerations, so it’s worth taking a little time to weigh up your options. We’ve helped thousands of drivers budget, whether that’s fresh off the forecourt or a used gem that’s ready to hit the road.
Let’s break down the pros, cons and key factors to help you decide what’s right for you.
Pros of Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car can be a smart move, especially if you’re looking to save money without compromising on quality.
Lower Price Tag - The most obvious benefit, used cars cost less than new ones, meaning you can often afford a higher specification model or something with more features for your budget.
Slower Depreciation - New cars lose value as soon as they leave the showroom. With a used car, most of that initial depreciation’s already happened, so your car holds its value better over time.
Cheaper Insurance & Tax - Premiums and tax rates often cost less for used cars, which helps keep running costs down.
Wider Choice - The used market’s full of options, from compact city cars to luxury SUVs, so you can explore different makes, models and features without being limited to the latest releases.
Immediate Availability - Forget waiting lists or factory orders, with Motor Match, you can drive away in your chosen used car in days, not months.
Cons of Buying a New Car
New cars are shiny, fresh and exciting, but they do come with a few drawbacks to consider (note that finance offers can turn these drawbacks into positives).
Depreciation Hits Hard - A brand new car can lose up to 20% of its value in the first year alone.
Higher Initial Cost - You’re paying a premium for being the first owner, which means a bigger deposit or long term commitment.
Waiting Times - Depending on the model and specification, you might be waiting months for delivery.
Higher Insurance - Newer cars can be more expensive to insure, especially with advanced technology features or higher replacement values.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Car
Before you commit, it’s worth thinking about what really matters to you.
Budget - Be realistic about what you can afford monthly, including running costs, tax, insurance and maintenance.
Usage - How many miles do you drive? If it’s mostly short trips, a used car might make more sense. For heavy mileage or long commutes, a newer, more fuel-efficient model could pay off in the long run.
Warranty & Reliability - New cars usually come with full manufacturer warranties, but many used cars like those from Motor Match, are carefully inspected and come with added peace of mind.
Technology & Safety - Newer cars tend to have the latest technology and safety features, but you can still find plenty of modern used cars that tick those boxes.
Finance Options - Whether you’re looking for Hire Purchase (HP), PCP or a cash buy, both new and used options offer flexible ways to get on the road.
Why Buying a Used Car can be a Smart Choice
Buying a used car gives you access to fantastic value, flexibility and peace of mind, especially when buying from a trusted dealer like Motor Match, part of the Swansway Motor Group family. Every Motor Match car is handpicked, quality checked and ready to drive away, so you can buy confidently knowing it’s been thoroughly inspected by experts. Plus, our teams are always on hand to help with part exchange, finance and aftercare, making the whole experience easy and enjoyable.
You’re not just saving money, you are also making a sustainable choice by giving a perfectly good car a second life.
- You’ll save money on purchase price, insurance and tax.
- You’ll avoid steep depreciation and get more for your money.
- You can drive away sooner with no long wait times.
- You’ll still enjoy quality, reliability and support from a trusted car dealer.
- It’s a sustainable choice, helping reduce the demand for new car production.
Final Decision: New or Used Car?
Ultimately, it comes down to what fits your budget, lifestyle and priorities. If you want the latest technology, zero miles on the clock and that new car smell, buying new through Swansway Motor Group could be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for excellent value, choice and quality, a used car from Motor Match might be your perfect match.
Whichever you choose, our friendly teams are here to help you find a car you’ll love driving, with honest advice and flexible finance to suit you.
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