Buying a New vs Used Car

Should I Buy a New or Used Car in Texas?

Everyone loves that new car smell, but is it worth thousands of dollars?

It’s wise to ask when to buy new vs used cars. We at Public Auto Auctions want to help you discern the decision, so we’ve come up with 5 financial incentives for buying a used car.

If you don’t know when it’s the best time to replace your beloved used car, then read our overview of the signs.

1. Used Cars Cost Less

This might be a “no-duh”. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average sticker price of a new car bought in the U.S. in 2023 has exceeded $49,000!

The cars in our inventory will NOT cost you nearly that much. Expect to pay under $10,000 for many of the great used cars on our lot.

Another plug for auto auctions (I mean, come on, we’re an auction lot 🙂) is that we can often beat the prices you’ll find at used car dealers. Click the link to read more!

2. The Value of Your Used Car

We Texans care about value as much as anyone (maybe even more!). You lose at least 10% of a new car’s value when you drive it off the lot.

How much is the new car smell, feel, and status of owning worth? A new car will lose a lot of value with every year you drive it, no matter what.

But your used car can more easily retain its value depending on diligent maintenance, quality driving, and overall care for the vehicle.

If you really really want the “new car smell”, just buy it. 😂

By the way, did you know you can sell your car at Public Auto Auctions? There are good reasons to sell at auction!

3. Lower Fees, Taxes, and Insurance Premiums

Buying a used car means lower purchasing fees, lower taxes, and, on average, lower insurance premiums.

So, not only will you save money during the initial purchase of a used car, but those savings will continue in the long run, especially if you purchase a reliable make and model.

4. No Hidden Fees

Just as the vision of our auto auction here in Texas is to help small charities benefit from vehicle donation, we also want customers to have a pleasant experience buying and selling.

There are plenty of used dealers in Texas, and unfortunately, private sellers, who include hidden fees! When you buy used at Public Auto Auctions, we make our fees highly visible.

For instance, click to see fees here.

I’d highly recommend reviewing our FAQs as well. And if you’re itching to talk to someone, give us a call, 512-398-5995.

5. Data Shows Used Cars Have Proven Themselves

What else can we say about whether auto auctions, and used cars, save money compared to new cars, private dealers or used car dealerships?

A new car comes with warranties, no prior owner, wrecks, or and well… it’s new. But at a price right, a big one?

Used cars come with data. And Public Auto Auctions puts that data right in front of you. We don’t hide salvage titles, wrecks, missed maintenance, or poor performance. We sell vehicles as they are, whether they are running, not running, in need of repair or pristine.

Furthermore, we never miss a beat to recommend inspecting any used car you’re interested in.

You can clearly see condition report of all cars in our inventory. So, while there aren’t new car warranties, quality used cars have proven that they can be depended on. Of course, we aren’t saying never buy a new car, but they are a lot more expensive.

At our auction, you will save a lot of money, even in the long run, with a great used car over a new car. And you won’t be fooled.

Let’s start bidding!