Should I buy a used German car or a new Asian car?
Second-hand German Car: Worth it or not?
This is a question we often get from customers, friends, and family: Should I buy a new Korean/Japanese car or a used German luxury car for the same price?
The dilemma is understandable. Why drive a Hyundai if you can upgrade your status to a BMW without exceeding your budget? Everyone knows that German makes are sturdier and safer, not to mention aesthetically more pleasing. And they truly put you in a class apart.
Despite these reasonings, we always advise the same thing: go for a new Korean/Japanese and not an old European. Why do we suggest this? Let’s look at all the aspects and weigh the pros and cons:
- Money: Sure, a used car may come at an affordable price, but there’s a reason we call German cars money pits. You have to keep throwing money at them to keep them running. The same part replacement that may cost you a few thousand bucks for a Korean car may set you back by a few lacs for a German car. Just the post-purchase patch-up may cost you a few lacs, so be sure to add that to your price.
- Maintenance: And don’t think that’s a one-time cost. European cars are over-engineered and bundled with electronics, which means that even with a new car, a trip to your service people could be a monthly thing. With a used car, you can expect that much more often, and you can bet you’ll bleed money every time.
- Features: Cars, even non-luxury cars, have new and awesome features these days that luxury cars of an older make might not have, such as Bose speakers, 360 camera, blind spot coverage, touchscreen control deck, sunroof. If you are buying a car, why miss out on the technological coolness of new cars?
- Mileage: Whether you are concerned about the environment or your own wallet, mileage should be a consideration for you. The mileage difference between an old German and new Korean/Japanese cars could be staggering, and you could expect up to 50% fuel savings with Asian cars.
- Resale: This is an important concern for many, and so it is crucial to keep in mind that while German cars keep depreciating rapidly year on year, Asian cars tend to hold their values better in the second-hand car market.
However, we cannot end the discussion without pointing out that in the case of an unfortunate accident, we’d rather be inside a German car than a Japanese one. A second- or third-hand German car is STILL considerably safer than a brand new Asian car.
As car technicians, used German cars are actually much more lucrative for us. Nonetheless, we have tried to take an unbiased look at the dilemma, keeping your convenience and interest in mind. In our opinion, Asian cars would be a better choice.
Ultimately, it depends on your priorities. Style, status, and safety on one hand, affordability and convenience on the other. What do you think? Given the choice, would you choose a used German car or a new Asian car?