Should I Buy a New Car?

Buying a new car can offer personalization, longevity, and updated safety features for a higher price.

Christian Wardlaw | 

Aug 5, 2021 | 2 min read

Updated March 30, 2026

Capital One

New car benefits can include the vehicle's pristine condition, lack of previous owners, and included manufacturer's warranty. 

Whether you invest in a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, there are a few things to keep in mind. Learn more about purchasing a new car to see if it's the right choice for you.

• Benefits of buying a new car
• Considerations of buying a new car

Benefits of Buying A New Car

New cars commonly offer updated technology, factory warranties, and higher reliability. Depending on your priorities, these benefits may justify the higher sticker price. 

Here are some benefits to buying a new vehicle.

• Condition: New cars may require less upkeep given their condition.
• Warranties: Your new car will typically come with a full manufacturer's warranty, plus many automakers include free roadside assistance, connected services, and maintenance programs for a limited time. Some automakers have more generous warranties, like 10-year or 100,000-mile warranties for new cars, so read through the fine print. 
• Personalization: You can order the exact vehicle you want, choosing everything from exterior paint color, interior materials, and included features.
• Technology: New vehicles typically feature more safety and technology features, including driver assistance systems, infotainment technology, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 
• Financing: You may benefit from lower loan financing rates with a new car.
• Incentives: Dealerships frequently offer consumer rebates and dealer incentives, on top of low interest-rate financing, on new cars.  
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Depending on your warranty, you may not be on the hook for repair or maintenance bills for your first year of ownership.

Considerations to Buying A New Car 

Buying a new car is one of the most expensive ways to buy a vehicle. New vehicles depreciate and are viewed as used cars immediately after leaving the dealership.

Here are some other things to consider when buying a new vehicle.

• Cost: New cars typically cost more than the used version of the same vehicle. 
• Depreciation: Depreciation can be steep during the first several years of ownership.
• Additional Costs: New vehicles are typically more expensive to insure and, in some states, register.

Christian Wardlaw

Chris says his first word was "car." For as long as he can remember, he's been obsessed with them. The design. The engineering. The performance. And the purpose. He is a car enthusiast who loves to drive, but is most passionate about the cars, trucks, and SUVs that people actually buy. He began his career as the editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s, and for more than 30 years has created automotive content for CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, the New York Daily News, and others. Chris owns Speedy Daddy Media, has been contributing to Capital One Auto Navigator since 2019, and lives in California with his wife, kids, dog, and 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata.