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Used vs new car test: which should you choose?

The ultimate head-to-head test as we see if a used car can live up to its brand new rival

Does the value of buying a used car outweigh the thrill of a new car purchase? We wanted to find out, so we’ve brought together five pairs of cars from a wide range of classes in a unique used vs new clash. 

Few things can match the thrill of buying a new car, from the excitement of picking out your perfect spec to the pleasure of arriving at the dealer to collect your factory-fresh pride and joy.

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Best used cars to buy right now

But what if you spent the same amount of cash on a nearly new model? Would you be able to get an even more alluring machine – and would the extra desirability, size and performance be worth it when you consider the lack of a new car warranty and other aftersales perks?

We look at everything from superminis to vast SUVs to find out which models make the most sense to the heart and the head, so click on the links below or at the top left of this page for our full review on each used vs new category.

Guide to buying a new car

Used cars and new cars go head-to-head

What do you see as the pros and cons of buying new or used cars? Let us know in the commnets section below...

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New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £1,509 off RRP*Used from £13,195
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,576
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,879 off RRP*Used from £15,730
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,675 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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