Buying advice

Used car or new car – which is worth it?

Used or new — which one really pays off when you buy a car? A new car gives you the latest technology and a full warranty, but it loses value fast. We compare both options objectively so you can make the right call.

A buyer comparing a new car and a used car on a dealer's lot

up to 50%

depreciation in 3 years

1 year

statutory warranty from a dealer

30%+

saved by buying used

MFK

roadworthiness test at a reputable dealer

How does depreciation differ between new and used cars?

The biggest drawback of a new car is depreciation. In the first 12 months a new car loses 20 to 30 percent of its purchase price on average; after three years it can be 40 to 50 percent. With a used car you simply do not buy that loss — you pay for the car, not for its first owner.

Criterion	New car	Used car (2–3 years)
Purchase price	High	Clearly lower
Depreciation per year	15–25 %	5–10 %
Warranty	Full manufacturer warranty	Often some warranty left
Equipment	Freely configurable	Fixed, but often very well equipped
Delivery time	Weeks to months	Available immediately
Technology	Latest generation	Only slightly older

When is a new car worth it?

A new car is the right choice if:

You want a specific configuration (colour, equipment, engine) that is not available used
You want the full manufacturer warranty plus an extension
You are looking for an electric or hybrid car with the latest battery technology
You are taking the new car on a company leasing contract

When is a used car worth it?

For most private buyers a younger used car is the smarter choice:

Clearly lower purchase cost with almost the same technology
Lower depreciation per year
Available right away — no waiting for production
Often still covered by the remaining manufacturer warranty
From reputable dealers with statutory warranty, MFK roadworthiness test and registration

The sweet spot: two to four years old

Cars between two and four years old offer the best compromise: the steepest drop in value is behind them, the technology is still very current, there is often some manufacturer warranty left, and they cost considerably less than new. That is the range in which FlexiMoto offers most of its vehicles.

Buying used at FlexiMoto: safe and transparent

At FlexiMoto you will only find inspected used and nearly new cars. Every vehicle has passed the MFK (the Swiss roadworthiness test), is registered in Switzerland and comes with its full history. With fixed prices, a digital purchase process and the option to cancel free of charge within 24 hours, you buy without risk.

Frequently asked questions

How much cheaper is a used car than a new one?

Used cars lose up to 50% of their original value in the first 3 years. A car that is 2 to 3 years old often strikes the best balance: modern technology, little wear and a price well below that of a new car.

Is a new car the better choice?

A new car pays off above all if you want a particular configuration, want the full manufacturer warranty and accept the steepest loss in value. For most buyers a younger used car is the more economical option.

What about the warranty on a used car?

Many used cars still carry part of the manufacturer warranty. On top of that, reputable dealers give a statutory warranty of 1 year and, optionally, a used-car warranty. At FlexiMoto every vehicle has passed the MFK (the Swiss roadworthiness test) and comes with complete documentation.

Related guides

Mileage on a used car – What is a lot, what is normal?
Buying used from a dealer – What to watch out for at a dealership.
Leasing vs. financing – Which way of paying suits you?
To the vehicle marketplace – Browse used and nearly new cars.