Should you buy a 2016 or a 2017 vehicle?

You are about to replace your vehicle and you are all ready to sign the papers. But when you visit the dealership, you notice that there are not only 2016 models on the floor, but 2017 vehicles as well. Even if the New Year is still far off, the automotive industry has its own calendar, and its own way of doing things.

That means that even if we have barely started spring, there may be 2017 model vehicles mingling with 2016 model-year cars and trucks. What should you do?

Well, the first thing is to determine how much the vehicle has actually changed from one model year to the next, specifically in areas that are important to you. Sometimes, vehicles do not change at all from model year to the next, except on little trivial things like available colors and trims. Other times, they are completely redesigned and offer improved fuel economy, comfort, performance, and safety.

On the other hand, a brand new model will generally be more expensive, or at the very least have fewer rebates. The rebates will indeed be applied mostly to the 2016 models as dealerships and automakers want to get them off the showroom floor.

You also want to take into consideration resale value. Although you can buy either a 2016 or 2017 model year vehicle today, remember that in three years (2019), one vehicle will only have two years while the other will have three even if they were bought the same day. Seems a bit odd, but just think about how, if today, you are looking for a pre-owned model, a 2014 seems younger than a 2013 even if they were purchased the same day.

That said, in the end, if the 2017 model has not changed, take the 2016 variant if there is an added rebate, which there will be.

Thank you to Kentville Mazda for their help with this article!