Problems With Buying a Brand New Car (8 Most Common Issues)

Everyone certainly loves the thrill of buying a brand-new car.

The excitement that comes with it is second to none. However, we hate to break it to you that even brand-new cars can unsettle your spirit when you learn that they may have certain issues.

In this article, we compile a list of problems you may experience when you buy a brand-new car. Let’s get right into it!

1. Electrical Problems May Pop Up 

Automakers have increased the level of technology in cars today, especially the infotainment system and driver assistance features.

The malfunction of mechanical problems has reduced drastically as cars have become more reliable. However, the rise in technology has brought about more electrical problems than mechanical ones.

 Owners have complained about the confusing usage, and in rare cases, malfunction of these features. One common brand that frequently has this problem is the Hyundai Company, specifically its Elantra model.

This can be frustrating for owners who have paid several thousands to add these features, only to discover that they are difficult to use.

Going through the manual will be a great help, but it can be tiring to always have to consult a book before you operate your car.

2. Weird Noise From the Vehicle 

Buying a brand-new car can come with engine trouble because it might have been in the dealer’s lot for an extended period. Tires may become flat, certain compartments may rust and suspensions may have stiffened up.

These issues may welcome engine trouble and weird noises in the car. It could come as a scraping or grinding noise from the brakes or unwanted vibrations in motion.

3. Lot Rot and Rust 

This problem is common in cars produced long before customers bought them. 

Lot rot is simply when a car has been exposed to the elements for a long time. This problem is commonly associated with Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes Benz and Ford.

They are big companies that produce cars in huge numbers and sometimes they do not sell out so fast, which causes a pile-up of cars.

So they set up big storage spaces to keep these unsold cars and in that process, they are exposed to all kinds of elements throughout the year.

However, when buying a new car, there are common signs to indicate this problem. They include: 

• Obvious rust
• The brake malfunctions
• Batteries are probably dead or low 
• Screeching tires
• Damaged car paint 

4. Trouble With the Engine 

Another common problem that may come with a new car is engine problems. Luckily, the check engine light will usually come to indicate these problems.

This warning light can indicate hundreds of issues, ranging from minor to major ones. For instance, it could be a broken timing belt, seized engine, fuel loss or just system errors.

For example, the 2022 Lexus GX is an abysmal model known for draining fuel, even though it is brand new.

5. Suspension Trouble and Bottoming Out 

This majorly comes from the springs, shock absorbers and struts of the new car. The 2022 Lucid Air vehicle has been recalled because of this problem.

According to the new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announcement, Lucid Motors is recalling 203 of their models because there is a fault with their front strut damper, and in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to an accident.

Also, note that any problem with your suspension makes your drive very uncomfortable. If you notice the car pulls to one side when you turn the wheels, it is a major indicator that there’s a problem with the suspension.

Other noticeable signs include:

• Feeling bumps more than you used to
• Irregular wear on the tires
• Vibrations or shaking while driving
• Rough braking
• Fluid leakage
• Drifting or pulling while trying to turn.

Aside from these common car problems, there are other disadvantages to buying a brand-new car. These downsides include:

6. The Value Depreciates Faster

The value of a brand-new car depreciates from the moment you take it to the road. In the first year, new cars lose about 20% of their original value. They lose about 50% of their value after 5 years and by the time you want to sell, half of their value is gone.

For instance, if you purchase a car worth $30,000, by the next five years it might be worth less than $15,000.

The same cannot be said for used cars because they’ve already depreciated, which makes them cheaper and better at holding value.

7. The Insurance Cost Is High

The cost to insure a brand-new vehicle depends on the value of the car. As the new car depreciates quickly, the same cannot be said for the insurance.

You would have to pay full coverage of the car even though you might not necessarily need it. The cost to insure a new car monthly could be over $120. That comes to over $1000 yearly for the vehicle, but for used cars, you might not even spend up to half that amount.

8. Reliability Issues

Even with the constant upgrade given to cars by their manufacturers, there are still some years and models that are not as reliable as others. Newer vehicles or modified ones can indeed have reliability problems.

Luckily, most cars undergo various tests, but you might not be so lucky to get the one that passed the test successfully.

General Pros and Cons of Buying a New Car

There are various benefits to buying a brand-new car, but they also have drawbacks.

Truly, there is no perfect car, thus, we have compiled a list to help you make a good choice, in case you plan to invest in a brand-new car.

Pros

• Latest features
• Warranty
• Lower running costs
• Personal customization

Cons

• Depreciation
• insurance
• Higher cost
• Electrical Issues

Related: Are Leased Cars Well Maintained? (Checked & Explained)

What Is the Resale Value of a Brand New Car?

New cars lose about 20% of their value in the first year and by the fifth year, about 40% of their value will be gone. For instance, the Chevrolet Bolt loses about 27% of its value after 5 years.

Currently, the base price of the 2002 Chevrolet Bolt is $31,500. In the next 5 years, according to Car Egde, it will have a resale value of $24,683.

On the other hand, if you purchase a used Chevrolet Bolt that has been used for 2 years, you can save up to $4,820 compared to buying the new brand.

Related: 8 Electric Cars With High Resale Value (With Numbers)

Things to Observe Before Buying Your Dream Car 

There are major parts of a car to inspect before you pay for it. They include:

Safety Features

 The safety features of your car directly affect your life and that of others. Even though you obey all the road rules, you cannot guarantee the behaviors of other road users.

Thus, it is crucial to have safety features to protect you against mishaps. Some basic safety features of a car include:

• Airbags
• Anti-lock brake system
• Seat belts 

Other optional features include:

• Blind spot warnings 
• Lane keep assist
• Inattentive driver monitor
• Tire pressure monitoring system 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Hill assist feature 
• Collision warning 
• Pedestrian detection
• Blind spot monitor 

Inspect the Engine 

It is important to inquire about the speed and performance you want for your vehicle.

Ask for the engine type for ICE or battery strength for electric vehicles. Ask for the horsepower and torque that it produces.

In addition, if you plan to cut down expenses on fuel, it is logical to ask if the car is fuel efficient and how many miles it can go per gallon of fuel in it.

Check for the Warranty

Be sure you get at least a year’s warranty for your brand-new car. It is certain that the car will begin to depreciate and will need some maintenance.

Cut short on these expenses with your warranty to get some maintenance service for free.

Check the Transmission 

It is generally recommended to go for automatic transmission if you have the money because they offer a subtle and comfortable ride.

But then, if you do not mind shifting from gears to gears, you could opt for a manual transmission. Check if they’re working properly before buying them.

Resale Value

It is good to consider the resale value of a car if you plan to sell it in a few years’ time. It is better to buy from brands that have a good reliability rating like the Toyota brand.

You can be sure to get a decent return on investment if you buy from brands with lower depreciation value.

Stay Within Budget

The purchase price of a car is an important factor to look into before buying. Discuss extensively with your dealer and do the math to regulate your spending.

Also, take into consideration your insurance cost as this policy is mandatory by law. You don’t want another high expense just for insurance coverage.

Body Type

Cars come in different bodies and shapes. The most common are hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. These three models have their individual strengths and weaknesses. 

For instance, hatchbacks are relatively small and offer little cabin space, but they can move through traffic more easily than an SUV. They also come with many luxury features.

Sedans are bigger and have decent luggage capacity. They also boast of elegance and luxury while the SUVs are all-rounders. They can go anywhere, especially for off-roading. 

Related: Are Newer Cars With High Mileage Worth Buying? (Explained)

Source

These Are The Most Common Problems In New Cars According To Their Owners | J.D. Power