Even if they are often more expensive upfront, purchasing a new car can come with quite a few advantages that used cars can’t offer, like updated safety features and fuel efficiency.

So it finally happened—your reliable old car finally took its last breath, and it’s time to find a new set of wheels. There’s no replicating that

new-car smell

or the shimmer of brand new paint, but is buying a new car the best move?

Used cars may seem like the best option due to their low price, but they aren’t always the most ideal choice in the long run. You want to make sure you’re getting the best deal—it’s important to consider every angle before making the big purchase.

Lucky for you, car insurance super app

Jerry

is here to walk you through all the advantages of buying a new car so you can make an informed decision when it’s time to choose your new ride.

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9 advantages of buying a new car

1. It’s brand new

This one may be the most obvious, but the main advantage of buying a new car is that it’s never been used. Not only are you the first person to drive it, but you don’t have to worry about the usual hassles of cataloging defects on a used car.

With a new car, you don’t have to worry about:

Previous mechanical issues

Leftover smells

Existing dings or dents

Miles on the odometer

Former accidents

When buying a used car, the previous owners are usually a complete mystery. They could’ve been a meticulous grandparent who only drove it to the doctor’s office and grocery store, or they could’ve been a reckless 17-year-old boy who never changed the oil. These unknowns can lead to compromised reliability, whereas new cars all but guarantee reliability.

2. You get a warranty

When you buy a new vehicle, it usually comes with an express manufacturer’s warranty, which gives you certain rights and guarantees if the vehicle fails to perform as promised. These warranties are typically a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty at minimum.

If you want a warranty on a used car, you have to shell out the extra cash to buy one or choose to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle, which is usually more expensive than other used vehicles.

MORE:

How to buy a new car

3. You can customize it

When you choose to buy brand new, the world is your oyster. You can choose the most standard version of the car, upgrade with every convenience package and trim, or pick the features that work best for you. Always dreamed of a cherry red exterior with Bluetooth capabilities and a sunroof? No problem.

When you buy used, you’re either stuck with a few options or doomed to a long search process. Buying a new car enables you to tailor your vehicle to your exact specifications. Be aware, though, that the price can climb when you start adding extras.

4. It will have the newest gadgets

The newer your car, the newer the tech. From infotainment systems to navigation, updated technology and features can make your driving experience much more convenient. The selection of new media and technology features is wider with new cars, which can come with anything from digital key apps to wireless smartphone chargers.

5. You’ll get up-to-date safety features

Not only are vehicle safety laws becoming stricter, but technology is rapidly evolving when it comes to safety features. With new cars, you can be sure the safety features are top-of-the-line. All new vehicles are sure to come with tire pressure monitoring and stability control, as those features are now mandatory in the US.

While they aren’t mandatory, new cars typically come with many driver assistance features, like blind-spot monitoring, a lane keeping assist system (LKAS), and adaptive cruise control. These features not only keep you safe on the road, but they could also score you

discounts on your car insurance

Older vehicles may have some safety features, but they’ll be outdated. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unsafe, but they won't be as safe as new vehicles.

MORE:

New car insurance: What coverage do you need when buying a new car?

6. You can enjoy better gas mileage

Due to emissions laws and updated technology, vehicles today are more fuel-efficient than ever before. These engine updates include things like:

Direct fuel injection

Automatic transmissions with more gear ratios

Stop/start systems that shut the engine off instead of idling

Along with the proper tire pressure and wheel alignment, these engine features add up to make a big difference when it comes to fuel efficiency and emissions.

Pro Tip Avoid calculating your mileage for the first 1,000 miles, because your new car’s engine and parts are still “breaking in.”

7. You’ll have lower maintenance costs

Many dealerships and manufacturers will offer free maintenance for a year after buying a new car. If not, you can usually add on a basic maintenance package to your purchase, which usually includes free oil changes at certain milestones.

Even if your dealership doesn’t offer free maintenance, you can still expect to make fewer trips to the mechanic for the first few years of your new car. The same can’t be said for a used car.

8. There’s less legwork

It’s no secret that finding the perfect used car takes a lot of groundwork.

First, there’s browsing endless car lots and websites, or sketchy meet-ups with owners from Craigslist. Even after you find a used car, you’ll still have to spend hours finding the

blue book value

and researching the vehicle history. On top of that, you have to do a thorough examination of any imperfections, lest they signify larger issues.

Buying a new car allows you to skip the homework and awkward meet-ups—the salesperson does all the work for you. You just tell them what you want, and it’s their job to find it. Plain and simple.

MORE:

How to transfer insurance to a new car

9. You’ll find lower rates

Most people have to finance a vehicle purchase through a bank, but banks give lower financing rates on new cars. This is because new cars are worth more, and their value hasn’t yet depreciated. That’s why used cars often have higher interest rates.

Tips for budgeting for a new car

Used cars can be tempting because of their lower monthly payments and overall affordability, but new cars can be just as budget-friendly in the long run. Following these tips can ensure financial success when budgeting for your brand new ride:

The total value of your car should not exceed 35% of your yearly income.

Your monthly loan payment shouldn’t be more than 10% of your monthly take-home pay.

Your total monthly car expenses—including gas, insurance, loan payments, and maintenance—should not exceed 20% of your monthly pay.

Try financing at a 2% or lower interest rate to benefit your credit score.

Put at least 20% down to avoid going “upside down” on your loan—when you’ll owe more than the car is worth even if you sell it.

Keep your loan term 48 months or less to keep from paying more in total—interest adds up!

How to find affordable car insurance

Now that you’ve decided to buy a new car, it’s time to find the best

car insurance

to protect your big purchase. With the Jerry app, you can choose from over 50 quotes in under a minute. As a licensed insurance broker, Jerry finds you the most affordable options from top companies.

With a brand new vehicle, you’ll also want to add on

new car replacement insurance

as well. New cars depreciate quickly, losing over 10% of their value in the first month alone. New car replacement insurance means that if you total your new car, you’ll be compensated for what you paid for—not its depreciated value.

Using Jerry will find you the cheapest insurance for all your coverage needs—and Jerry will even help you sign up for a new policy without all the paperwork and phone calls!

“When using
Jerry
, I just put in a bit of information, and they found lots of different quotes for me. I was paying $305 a month for 2 brand-new cars, but now I’m paying $150 a month for both with full coverage!” —Robin U.

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This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

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