New or nearly new? Why a three-year-old car is the sweet spot
Why a three-year-old car often makes the strongest financial case.
The steepest depreciation happens in the first three years. A car bought at that point has lost the money someone else paid for, usually still has service history and often a manufacturer warranty left. You get most of the newness for a good deal less of the cost.
Compare both options side by side: browse new cars in stock and used cars for sale.