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One of the biggest decisions any car buyer faces isn't always about which model to choose. Instead, it's whether to buy a new or used vehicle in the first place. And it's a question we get asked a lot here at Wilsons Motor Group!
At our multi-franchise dealership in Epsom, Surrey, we deal with every type of driver (from first-time buyers to experienced owners), so the right answer really does depend on your individual circumstances. The good news is that Wilsons Epsom, we have both new and used cars for sale in abundance.
As the South East's largest family-run car dealership, we've been helping customers across Surrey, London, and beyond find their perfect vehicle since 1904. With over 1,000 new and used cars in stock across 12 leading brands (and growing!), we're perfectly placed to help you weigh up your options.
In this helpful guide, we discuss everything you need to know about buying a new vs used car, so you can make a confident, informed decision when you decide to visit us. Read on to find out more…
Before we dive into the details, here's a quick summary of what we'll cover in the article:
There's something really exciting about driving a brand-new car off the forecourt. But beyond that new-car smell, buying a car from new comes with some genuine advantages, including:
New cars are packed with the most up-to-date safety systems, infotainment technology, and driver assistance features available. Whether you're after Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, advanced emergency braking, or the latest electric powertrain, buying new means you're getting the very best that a manufacturer currently has to offer.
One of the biggest benefits of buying a new car is the manufacturer warranty it comes with. Most new cars come with at least a three-year warranty as standard, and some brands (including MG, which offers an impressive seven-year warranty) go even further in their warranty offering. This gives you genuine peace of mind that any unexpected faults will be covered.
When you buy a new car, you get to choose exactly how you want your car built. From colour and trim level to optional extras and accessories, the car you drive away is the car you customised. That level of personalisation simply isn't possible with a used vehicle.
Buying a new car can come with attractive offers directly from the manufacturer. These types of incentives might be money off (especially if you’re purchasing a fully electric car) or complimentary servicing packages. At Wilsons Motor Group, we regularly have deals across our franchise brands, so it's always worth asking what's currently available when you visit.
In the spirit of being impartial and giving you the full picture, buying new isn't without its downsides. Here’s what you need to know:
This is the biggest drawback of buying a new car. This is because a new car can lose a significant portion of its value the moment it leaves the forecourt (in some cases, as much as up to 20% in the first year alone). For buyers who plan to sell or part-exchange their car in the short to medium term, this could be a big financial hit.
To put it simply, cars bought from new cost more than their used car equivalents. If budget is a primary concern, you'll generally get more car for your money by going used.
Depending on the model and specification, some new cars may need to be ordered and can take several weeks or months to arrive from the factory. If you need a car quickly, a used vehicle already on-site might be the more practical option.
The used car market has improved enormously over the past decade. Today's used cars are better quality, better value, and better presented than ever before. Here are the advantages:
The most obvious benefit of buying a used car is the price. Because new cars depreciate quickly, buying a car that's just a year or two old can save you thousands of pounds compared to buying the same model brand new.
Once a car has passed through its steepest period of depreciation, the rate at which it loses value tends to slow considerably. That means when it comes to selling or part-exchanging your used car down the line, you're less likely to take the same kind of financial hit as a new car buyer would.
The used car market opens up a huge range of possibilities across every price bracket. You might find that your budget stretches to a larger model, a higher specification, or even a different brand entirely when you go used rather than new.
Buying a used car gives you the benefit of hindsight. You can check real-world owner reviews, known reliability data, and long-term running cost information for the specific model you're considering. All this information gives you a much clearer picture of what you’re investing in.
As with buying new, used cars come with their own set of considerations. Here are some of the downsides:
While a full service history and vehicle checks help, you won't always know every detail of how a used car was driven or maintained by its previous owner. That's why buying from a reputable, established dealership (like us here at Wilsons Epsom) rather than privately provides that all-important reassurance.
A used car purchased today might not have the latest infotainment system, safety features, or connectivity options that a new model would. If cutting-edge technology is important to you, this is worth factoring into your decision.
Depending on the age and mileage of the vehicle, any remaining manufacturer warranty may be limited, or have expired entirely. At Wilsons Epsom, many of our used cars come with warranty cover included, and extended warranty options are also available for added peace of mind. Speak with us to find out more.
If you like the idea of a new car but want to avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve, a nearly new car could be the perfect solution.
Nearly new vehicles (these are typically ex-demonstrators or cars with very low mileage) offer the best of both worlds. You get a car that's essentially as good as new, with the latest specification and minimal wear, but at a noticeably lower price than buying a brand-new factory-made model.
At Wilsons Motor Group in Epsom, we regularly have a selection of nearly new vehicles available across our growing franchise brands. These are well worth exploring if you're weighing up a new vs a used car.
| New Car | Used Car | |
| Price | Higher upfront cost | Lower upfront cost |
| Depreciation | Fastest in year one | Slower and more predictable |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer warranty | Warranty options may still be available |
| Technology | Latest features as standard | May be older generation tech |
| Personalisation | Full configuration page | Limited in choice |
| Availability | May require a factory order | Often available immediately |
| Finance Options | Available | Available |
If you’re still not sure which route to take, then we’re here to give you a steer in the right direction. Here are a few practical questions you should ask yourself:
If budget is your primary consideration, used cars generally give you more for your money. But don't rule out a new car altogether because competitive finance deals can sometimes make a new car surprisingly affordable month to month.
If you're planning to keep your next car for five or more years, the depreciation hit on a new car is spread over a longer period and becomes less of a worry. If you tend to change cars every two or three years, a used car may be the smarter financial choice.
If you want the very latest driver assistance systems, infotainment, or electric powertrain technology, a new car is the way to go.
A full manufacturer warranty on a new car offers a level of coverage that's hard to beat. That said, many used cars at Wilsons Epsom come with warranty cover included, so this needn't be a dealbreaker.
If you need a vehicle urgently, a used car already in stock is the quickest route. New cars may need to be ordered and built to specification in the factory. But, there are pre-reg deals to be had, so always check with a member of our team first.
Whichever route you choose, Wilsons Motor Group has you covered. Here's why thousands of customers across Surrey and the South East choose to buy a new or used car from us:
Whether you walk in knowing exactly what car you want or you'd like some friendly, expert guidance to help you decide, our team is here to make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
There's nothing like seeing our cars in person, sitting behind the wheel during a test drive, and having a conversation with someone who really knows their stuff. Visit us at our Epsom showroom in Surrey. We’re just off the M25 at Junction 8 or 9, or a short drive from the A3 and M23.
Browse our full range of new and used cars online, or come and see us in person. We're open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
We look forward to helping you find the perfect car - whatever that looks like for you.