New vs Used Car - A checklist before you buy a car | DirectAsia

New things. Our brains are hard wired to like them. That’s when shopping morphs into ‘retail therapy.’ It’s momentary bliss, although it comes with a price tag.  And the price tag comes with commas when you are buying a new car. So what’s the deal? Or, with so many options available in Singapore, what is the best deal for you?

The short answer is - that depends.

Just like good car insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all. But there are key questions to ask before you part with your hard earned cash. And asking, will I look good behind the wheel of this BMW, isn’t top of the list.

Ask this before buying a new car

• What comes as standard?
• What are the on-road costs?
• How long is the warranty?
• Are there any promotional deals?
• Can I trade in my current car?
• Is the price negotiable?

Tip: “Newly launched car models are normally priced higher. Be patient and wait for a while for the price to drop before you make your purchase.” SGCarMart.com
 

Ask this before buying a used car

• How many owners has the car had?
• Has the car ever been in an accident?
• Do you have receipts for all work done?
• Does the car have a full service history (with evidence)?
• How many kilometres has it done?
• What’s it used for? Every day? Weekends?
• Any objections to me getting it inspected?
• Is the price negotiable?

Tip: “Weekdays are best for visiting the showroom as it is less crowded. The sales personnel will tend to be more attentive and obliged to answer all your doubts.” SGCarMart.com
 

Buying A New Car - Advantages

The warranty. New everything – engine, interior, breaks, tyres. Also, you can rest assured that the car is accident-free and no one is covering up its bad history. Lower maintenance and repair costs, plus less time in the workshop are worthwhile considerations.
 

Buying A Used Car - Advantages

Subject to your choice of model and its mileage, a used car is often cheaper. Also, a used car depreciates less as the first buyer absorbs most of the loss. And if that previous owner took good care of the car, your used car maybe almost new, except at a much lower price.
 

Feel Good About This

At DirectAsia, We promise to put you first. Always. You can choose the car insurance cover and options that work for your life. You can choose how you want to pay, and get a fair price. You can talk to a local, dedicated insurance expert. When you need us, we’ll be there.
We make insurance better. So you can get on with being happier.

^*Compared to leading car insurers. 16% of DirectAsia customers would save $300 or more compared to the estimated average premium across leading insurers. Cheapest based on average price of more than 12,000 cases, compared to leading car insurers.