New, used or certified pre-owned?

There's no single right answer. New cars cost more and lose value fastest but come with full warranties and often lower finance rates. Used cars cost less but carry more unknowns.

New

• Full factory warranty and the latest safety features
• Steepest depreciation
• Manufacturer financing promotions are sometimes available

Used

• Lower price; someone else absorbed the early depreciation
• History and condition vary: get a vehicle history report and an independent inspection
• Used car loan rates are often higher

Certified pre-owned (CPO)

• Inspected and sold with an extended warranty by a manufacturer program
• Costs more than a comparable non-certified car
• Read exactly what the CPO warranty covers and for how long

General information for car buyers, not financial advice. Costs vary by location, driving and market. Easy Auto Compare isn't a dealer, lender or insurer and takes no referral fees.