Yesterday, we gave you 3 reasons why you should extend your COE instead of buying a new car.
Naturally, it’s only fair that we also give you 3 reasons to consider buying a new car.
1. A NEW CAR IS PROBABLY MORE RELIABLE
There’s no arguing against the fact that extending your COE is less expensive than buying a brand-new car.
However, there’s also no escaping the fact that generally speaking, a brand-new car is probably more reliable than a 10-year-old one.
We’re not saying that all old cars are going to break down because they have become unreliable. In fact, a well-maintained 10-year-old (or older) car can be more reliable than a new one, especially if it has fewer electronics/features. That makes them less likely to encounter problems.
On the other hand, an old car will require you to replace more wear and tear parts as you clock more kilometres. Not all these parts are expensive, but the downtime, which includes time spent driving to the workshop and waiting for the repairs to be completed, will still be an inconvenience. And to most motorists, that time could have been better spent on more productive matters.
2. A NEW CAR IS LIKELY TO BE MORE FUEL-EFFICIENT, TOO
Apart from being more reliable, a new car is likely to consume less fuel as well.
Some people claim that higher-mileage engines actually become more frugal, but if you know a bit of physics, there’s no escaping the fact that worn engines are less efficient than newer ones.
With the focus on producing more eco-friendly cars, manufacturers are not only making engines more efficient – they’re equipping their cars with features such as stop-start systems, better aerodynamics, improved gearboxes, etc.
These features will help you save fuel, especially if you practice a gentler and more eco-friendly driving style.
3. A NEW CAR CAN GIVE YOU BETTER DRIVING PERFORMANCE
As engines age, they become less efficient with fuel and produce less power.
Horsepower might not matter to all motorists, but every driver could use a little extra oomph, especially when they need to overtake slower cars. You’re better off completing the manoeuvre faster, especially if it’s on a two-lane carriageway with approaching oncoming traffic.
Generally speaking, most new cars are also engineered and tuned to give you better handling, too, which would complement the added power.
Unless we are talking about a well-maintained high-performance car that will continue to please its driver, most “regular” new cars will drive better than older ones.
ALSO: Your new car might be safer than your older one
If your new car has a higher Euro NCAP rating compared to your older one, it would be better equipped to protect you in the event of a mishap.
Apart from making cars more efficient and powerful, carmakers also try to make their vehicles safer. However, as a driver, always remember that your safety and those of your passengers are in your hands. Adopting a defensive driving style, anticipating other road users’ moves, minimising distractions and having good situational awareness will do more to improve safety than just relying on a car’s safety features.
When is the best time to buy a car?
Click here to read our consulting ed’s story about COE influencers.
Buying from a parallel importer? Read this first.
