Subaru has earned a reputation for reliable, long-lasting vehicles loved by owners. If you’re considering a Subaru, deciding between buying new or used comes down to weighing factors like budget, availability, peace of mind, and features. Here is an
overview of the key pros and cons of buying a used versus new Subaru to help guide your decision.
Benefits of Buying Used Subaru Vehicles
More Affordable Prices:
The most obvious benefit of buying used is substantial savings versus new. Even gently used Subaru models just a few years old cost thousands less than new MSRP. This allows stepping up to better-equipped vehicles for the money.
Wider Selection:
One big advantage of buying used is access to a much wider range of Subaru models, trim levels, and configurations versus what is currently offered new. Used Subaru inventory includes vehicles across multiple generations no longer in production, opening options to find exactly what you want.
For example, used lots provide more access to the turbocharged, rally-bred WRX STI performance sedan or Outback XT with its punchy turbo boxer engine. Those seeking capable off-road wagons can find older Outbacks with higher ground clearance. Across all models, used Subaru shopping allows choosing from a diverse mix of exterior colors and interior options that aren’t always found on dealer lots.
Used lots also allow piecing together ideal combinations of mileage, equipment, colors and packages. New inventory forces choosing between a limited set of preset configurations ordered for that model year. The possibilities are far broader when
casting a wider used net across multiple model years at once. For buyers with very specific preferences, used Subarus provide the selection to locate that perfect alignment of features and specifications.
Fast Availability:
A used Subaru in Utah is ready to drive away and are abundant, whereas more popular new models can involve waitlists. This provides immediate transportation if needed.
Lower Insurance Costs:
Insuring a used Subaru costs significantly less than insuring a brand-new model. Premium differences of $50 or more per month are common.
Shorter-Term Ownership:
Those who only plan to own short-term before reselling benefit from used prices that depreciate less over 1-3 years of ownership. New cars lose value quickest initially as soon as they are driven off the lot, whereas used vehicles have already taken the big front-end depreciation hit. This makes used Subarus a smarter money choice for owners who may only keep the car for a few years before trading in or selling. You can expect to recoup a higher percentage of your used Subaru’s purchase price compared to a new model when it comes time to sell.
Benefits of Buying New Subaru Vehicles
Latest Features/Design:
New Subarus showcase the brand’s latest styling, in-demand features like updated infotainment systems, and modern engineering advancements.
Custom Ordering:
Ordering new allows custom tailoring your Subaru’s colors, options, and configurations versus settling on dealer inventory.
Long-Term Reliability:
Buying new provides confidence in a vehicle’s full-service history and proper break-in by the original owner. This results in potentially longer trouble-free operation.
Warranty Coverage:
New Subarus come with generous multi-year bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties (3 years/36,000 miles) that offer peace of mind.
No Surprises:
Careful inspection before buying used cannot guarantee avoiding problems down the road. New condition guarantees no deferred maintenance or hidden issues.
Ultimately there are convincing cases for both new and used Subaru purchases. Assess your budget constraints, ownership plans, and must-have features. Carefully balance the pros and cons before deciding between the value of used versus the benefits of new.