I am often asked by family, friends and colleagues what car to buy, where to buy and when to buy. However, one of the more interesting questions I am asked was whether to buy a brand-new or a second-hand car.
This is interesting and important because the Philippines, despite a booming automotive industry, is still predominantly a second-hand car market.
Rather than focusing on what’s a good car to buy second hand, and finding that dream second-hand car bargain, I thought I’d identify the people who will make better, second-hand car owner candidates over the ones who are better off buying brand-new.
The first question you need to ask yourself if you are considering buying a second-hand car is, are you prepared for the potential risks and headaches involved in buying one? Post-Ondoy 2009, there are now thousands upon thousands of flood-damaged vehicles circulating in the second-hand car market. Problems associated with flood damage can be fixed, but it will be costly, and it will take a lot of time, testing, and owners are always at risk of getting stranded on the road.
Aside from whatever hidden risks involved, there’s also the need for replacing old, worn-out parts from wear and tear. Admittedly, bringing a five- to seven-year-old car to the dealership doesn’t make a lot of financial sense because in your mind, you’re thinking an old car does not warrant servicing costs at par with brand-new cars. But the dealership is blind to these things for the most part. They will sell you their parts and services at the prevailing brand-new prices. Besides, the dealership won’t sell you old, worn-out and used parts even for your beloved old, worn-out and used car.
Should you take it to independent car-repair or service shops, that in itself opens up a can of worms. Is the shop reputable, competent and honest? To finish off this scenario, your bargain car might turn out to be a money-pit, which can cost more than if you just bought a brand-new car when you consider the downtime and the hassle the used car has inflicted on you.
If the car you are buying will be your only car, I usually recommend people, especially the ladies, to just buy brand-new ones. It’s hard enough when you have to rely solely on a single vehicle to bring you, your family and friends to and from the house to work or school. If that second-hand vehicle breaks down, the results can be very stressful for both you, your family and friends who rely on your car every day. Schedules are thrown into chaos, tempers flare and costs start running. In the end, this will cost you more because owning that second-hand car has negatively affected your own way of daily life, a cost far greater than money. Countries go to war when the ordinary lives of their citizens and constituents are affected. Your way of life is of the highest, ultimate importance to consider.
With all the risks and headaches involved in buying a second-hand car, who should buy them then?
Buying used cars, in my opinion, is best left to the enthusiastic owner who knows and understands cars, respects and accepts the inherent risks involved in buying a used car, is patient with them, and knows that nothing lasts forever, and the used car will need spending on to make it safe, reliable and enjoyable to use.
Used cars are also better candidates for project cars, weekend cars, track cars, show cars and the like. If you’ll be using a car less often on your everyday normal driving commute and more for a specialized purpose, it’s better because if you are serious about preparing a car for, say the track, you’ll go through everything with a fine-tooth comb, spot the problems, and upgrade or modify the car to suit its intended purpose better.
Enthusiasts will also have an independent car shop they have established good working relationships with, or do a vast majority of the work themselves.
These people can afford to own second-hand used cars because in the end, well, their respective lives can afford to be affected should the car break down on them. Plus, they are probably members of the AAP or have a towing company on speed-dial on their phones. Just like me.