Jul 28, 2025
person debating new vs used when car shopping online

Buying new vs. used: If you’re in the market for your next vehicle, this is one of the first decisions you’ll face. Each has its advantages and trade-offs. At White’s Canyon Motors, we’re here to help drivers in the Black Hills make informed, confident decisions that fit their lifestyle, budget, and driving needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of buying new vs. pre-owned:

Benefits of Buying a New Vehicle

  • Latest Technology and Features: New vehicles come equipped with the most up-to-date safety systems, infotainment technology, fuel efficiency improvements, and driver-assist features, such as Ford Co-Pilot360 or Lincoln BlueCruise.
  • Full Factory Warranty: New cars include a manufacturer’s warranty, offering peace of mind and saving you money on unexpected repairs for several years.
  • More Financing Incentives: Manufacturers often offer special financing rates, cashback offers, owner loyalty bonuses, or affordable leasing options, which can lower your overall cost or monthly payment. Leasing is especially popular for those who like to upgrade every few years or want to keep their payments lower while enjoying the latest features.
  • Customization Options: Do you have a specific color, trim level, or package in mind? Buying new lets you build the vehicle that matches your exact preferences.

Drawbacks of Buying New

  • Higher Price Tag: New vehicles typically cost more upfront—even with incentives.
  • Faster Depreciation: A new car loses value quickly in its first few years. If you plan to trade in within a short timeframe, this could impact your resale value.

Benefits of Buying a Used Vehicle

  • Lower Purchase Price: Pre-owned vehicles are more budget-friendly, offering you the opportunity to get more features for less money or upgrade to a higher trim level.
  • Slower Depreciation: Since the most significant drop in value happens early, pre-owned vehicles tend to retain more of their value over time.
  • Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Options: CPO vehicles offer the best of both worlds: a thorough inspection, extended limited warranties, and the reliability of late-model vehicles.

Drawbacks of Buying Pre-Owned

  • Limited Inventory and Customization: When buying pre-owned, your choices are limited to what’s available on the lot. You may need to compromise on color or features.
  • Shorter Warranty Coverage: Pre-owned vehicles may have little or no factory warranty left. However, we offer extended service plans for added protection.
  • Unknown History (Unless You Shop Smart): Not all pre-owned vehicles come with a clean history, but we provide free CARFAX reports and inspect every used model before putting it on our lot.

So, Which Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you prioritize the latest features and warranty coverage, buying new might be a better fit. If you want to save money and stretch your budget, a reliable pre-owned or CPO vehicle could be the smarter move.

At White’s Canyon Ford & Lincoln, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of both brand-new Ford and Lincoln models and quality pre-owned vehicles, all backed by our trusted service and hometown values.

Still deciding? Stop by our showroom in Spearfish or give us a call—we’ll walk you through your options with zero pressure and real transparency.

If you prefer lower monthly payments, up-to-date tech, and staying under warranty, leasing might be an excellent fit for you. Ask us about current lease specials!

Serving Spearfish, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Rapid City, Gillette, and beyond!