Buying a used car has many benefits, including total cost, less depreciation, lower insurance rates, and more. However, the auto industry is still recovering from plant closures and chip shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left the used car market facing shorter supplies and higher prices than normal.
A recent study looked at the prices of more than 2.6 million used and new cars sold between August 2020 and March 2021 to determine the price difference between new and same-model vehicles after one year of use The study revealed that the average one-year-old lightly used vehicle costs 17% less than the same new version. However, 15 cars had a much smaller price difference, so it was a better choice to buy the newer version.
Here are four Toyota vehicles that made the list of the best cars to buy new.
1. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best trucks to buy new
According to iSeeCars, “Although used cars tend to be cost-saving over their new versions, sometimes buying a new version of the car is a smarter financial decision, especially for consumers who take advantage of lower finance rates which usually include new cars.”
Second on the list is the Toyota Tacoma, which has a slight price difference of just 4.2%, which equates to a savings of just $1,557 when buying used. MSRP for a new base model 2023 Tacoma is $27,750, while Kelley Blue Book lists the used 2022 version at $26,500, making the newer model a better deal.
2. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is worth a look
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a price difference of approximately $2,808 between a new and used version, which is well below average at 7.8%.
A side-by-side comparison of the two models reveals similar specs, but the new 2023 model stands out with updated tech features like wireless Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility and a standard 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster display that increases from size up to 12.3- inches for high-end trim levels.
The 2023 model year Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a price range of $30,225 to $38,530, making it a better bargain than the previous 2022 model with an average selling price of $29,575.
3. The Toyota Tundra is one of the best larger cars to buy new
The Toyota Tundra is also on the iSeeCars list, with a price difference of 8.3%, equivalent to $3,939 between models.
The third-generation 2023 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck received a complete redesign last year and now features an all-new SX package that offers 18-inch dark gray metallic wheels, a blacked-out tailgate badge 4×4, black interior details. , black door handles and a black rear inner bumper.
Depending on the trim package, the new Tundra’s retail price ranges from $39,660 to $77,940. Two engine variants include the standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which generates 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and the hybrid powertrain that combines a twin-turbo V6 with a motor-generator for 437 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque.
With less than $4,000 between new and lightly used models, buying the newest version makes more sense.
4. Toyota 4Runner is a new car for off-road drivers
The Toyota 4 Runner has a price difference of 10.8% or $4,909 between the newer and older versions. The 2023 model marks the 40th anniversary of the popular SUV, with an MSRP range of $40,390 to $55,355.
The special anniversary edition package includes 17-inch bronze wheels, interior anniversary badges and tri-color exterior graphics. Additionally, a rear cross-traffic alert system and blind spot monitoring are now standard on all 2023 4Runner models.
According to iSeeCars, “Crossovers have overtaken traditional truck-based SUVs in popularity in recent years, but the body-on-body 4Runner’s popularity has endured, perhaps because of its reliability and because it’s one of the last midsize truck-based SUVs. still available.”
