Peter Vosper: Is it better to buy a new or used car right now?

If you are looking at changing your car you are probably confused by the number of different offers and advice. Firstly, there is the question of whether to make the move to electric as with sales behind the rate required to avoid potentially expensive fines, many manufacturers have some attractive offers. If you have off-road parking and are using your car to go to work and for the most part only making local journeys, this could be worth considering.

Some manufacturers are contributing to home charging insulation and a number of energy suppliers offer a discounted rate for overnight charging which will cut your costs when compared with petrol. When considering a new vehicle you will have the reassurance of the manufacturer’s warranty usually for three years, but some offer longer periods. You will need to decide on whether to take out a service package which can fix your servicing costs for a period, normally paid monthly. This is a way of avoiding any unexpected increases in inflation such as we have experienced recently and will not only ensure your car is performing at its best but also add to its value when you trade it in against your next car.

If you have chosen to have a used car you should ask how long the warranty is and what it does and doesn’t cover. It is a good idea to consider a service package for the reasons mentioned above. It makes sense to check the mileage and the service history of the car you are interested in, plus check the date of the last service and M.O.T. if applicable. Check the tyre wear and look around the car for any evidence of accident repair or anything you are unhappy with and do not be afraid to ask for clarification.