The traffic nowadays has forced people to switch to two-wheelers. With shrunk roads, vehicles everywhere, and a lack of efficiency, two-wheelers have emerged as a true savior. Whether planning to go on a road trip, commute daily to work, or ride just for fun, bikes are the best option. Bikes generally are cost-effective and easy to maintain, but still, some people might find it hard to buy a new one. So, is it wise to buy an old bike or you should stick to buying a new one under your budget? Every decision comes with its set of merits and demerits.

Every person is different and so are their needs, no two people have the same taste. Hence, making the wrong decision will give you pain for life, so, let us help you make the right choice! We are certain that after reading this blog post, you will easily make an informed decision, best suited for you.

Whether it’s about the latest technology, good performance, or comfort level, a second-hand two-wheeler might lag. There are several upsides of going for a new bike over an old two-wheeler, let us look at some of those:

You are free to explore enhanced new technologies and specifications as per your requirements when going for a new vehicle. New bikes often come with cutting-edge features and the latest accessories enhancing the comfort and safety of the vehicle. You will have a new experience since riding a new bike is almost like riding a clean slate and painting the town red!

While going for a new bike, you undisputedly get a great performance vehicle. It is less likely for you to get any surprises down the road related to the two-wheeler’s performance. You will feel like riding on a buttery road with a seamless uninterrupted experience.

New two-wheelers usually come with a warranty which helps you have a sense of protection. This is a guarantee of uninterrupted service for several years. You might also get free-of-cost workshop services for more protection and maintaining the bike in sound condition. A new bike will get you covered for any future failures or defects that might come your way.

A new bike eliminates the problem of a shady history or any major issues related to the bike. Since the vehicle will be brand new and you’ll be the first owner, the vehicle’s worth would be high if you ever decide to sell it.

Since you will be buying a new two-wheeler, you will have the opportunity to choose what kind of bike you want. You get plenty of model options, with an opportunity to choose from a varied pool of distinct designs, and series, that too within your budget constraints.

Other than a long list of merits for buying a new bike, there are many downsides too. Not everyone can afford to buy a new bike, so let us look at some of the demerits too:

Buying a brand-new bike might become a significant financial burden on many. Not everyone can afford to go for the latest model or their dream bike, and this is a major drawback when it comes to buying a new vehicle. This often leads to people looking for loans with high interest rates further adding to their worries.

A new bike has a higher depreciation value than an old two-wheeler. It depreciates fast, as major depreciation happens within the first 5 years of purchase, i.e. up to 50%. This means that you are likely to lose more money in the future if you ever decide to sell it. In this way, your bike becomes outdated sooner.

You will have to pay various overhead costs including RTO charges, registration, etc. Any third-party bike insurance is way costlier for a new two-wheeler than a used two-wheeler. So, after paying a high initial cost, you will get stuck with various extra expenses, making a hole in your pocket.

Now, if you go for an old two-wheeler, there are many merits to that also. If you are practical, with limited needs, then you can opt for a used two-wheeler. Let us look at some of the pros of buying an old two-wheeler:

The most important benefit of buying a second-hand two-wheeler is its cost-effectiveness. Sometimes the costs can be less than 50% or even more. These are very affordable and perfect for budget-friendly buyers looking for efficient yet cheap options.

New bikes have already hit the initial depreciation point in the first five years. After that, the depreciation is much lower, making the vehicle to be a much more practical choice.

The cost of a vehicle’s insurance premium is decided by its market value. So, a second-hand two-wheeler which has already crossed its depreciation value, has a much lower insurance premium cost as compared to a new one.

Since you already have paid less for a used two-wheeler, with a lower depreciation value, if you ever decide to sell it again, you are most likely to receive nearly the same amount you paid.

Along with a long list of merits of buying a used two-wheeler, it also comes with its fair share of demerits. Whether it’s about the history of the vehicle or warranties, old two-wheelers lag. Let us look at the cons of buying an old bike:

Buying a second-hand two-wheeler is almost like a blind purchase since you can never be too sure about its history. You should try to get the history of the vehicle checked before making any purchase, and be sure to ask for the original vehicle documents. Platforms like Shriram Automall help you get an old vehicle verified and even provide you with a certificate, hence making your purchase completely legit.

This is a fact that an old two-wheeler will need more maintenance than a new one. You may come around unexpected repairs, meaning that an old two-wheeler requires more upkeep than a new one.

Many dealers often replace the original vehicle parts and fit the duplicate ones. This helps them earn more, while the person buying that vehicle suffers in the long term.

Unlike any new vehicle, a used two-wheeler might not have any warranty. This will leave you responsible for any repairs that might come your way during the years.

You should have a clear idea about the bike’s mechanical aspects. Failing to do so can make you spend more money than the bike’s actual worth. Based on the vehicle’s details, ValueXpert, a service by Adroit Auto can provide the value of any old vehicle. It is an AI-powered tool that helps determine the correct value of any vehicle. So, you can use services like this to make sure that you do not get scammed.

So, when it finally comes to choosing between an old bike or a new bike, the choice might seem a bit difficult. But, you can make a list of your preferences, needs, and priorities. Based on these pros and cons list, the choice would easily come to you. Be sure to keep your financial standing in mind while making the choice, because the wrong one would hurt you in the long run. If you decide to go for an old two-wheeler, buy it from a trusted dealer. Shriram Automall is a good choice, as it is the only organized player in an otherwise unorganized sector. They offer plenty of choices with services like valuation, verification, loans, insurance, and so much more!