Let’s be honest... brand new cars are shiny, sleek, and they smell great. But at the end of the day, are they really worth the cost, stress, and environmental impact?

We don’t think so. At Tandem, we believe there’s a smarter, greener, and more down-to-earth way to get around: buying used.

Here’s why going pre-loved is a win for your wallet, the planet, and your peace of mind.

1. They cost less and save you stress

Let’s call it like it is: new cars lose value fast. Drive a brand-new motor off the forecourt, and boom! It’s worth up to 35% less in the first year. After three years? You’re often looking at over 50% depreciation.¹

Used cars, on the other hand? Someone else has already taken that hit. That means lower upfront costs, smaller monthly payments, and more money left over for the things that really matter, like a weekend away or improving your place.

2. They're kinder to the planet

As a greener bank, we back choices that protect the planet. And let’s face it — making a new car uses a lot of resources:

• Citroen C1 (small): around 6 tonnes of CO₂e
• Ford Mondeo (mid-size): about 17 tonnes
• Land Rover Discovery (large): up to 35 tonnes of CO₂e
  (Source: The Guardian)²

To put that in perspective, 1 tonne of CO₂ = driving 6,000km in a diesel car.³

By buying used, you’re extending the life of a car that’s already on the road. That means less demand for new manufacturing, fewer raw materials used, and a smaller carbon footprint overall. It’s a simple switch that does a world of good.

3. They depreciate slower

Here’s a bonus! Once that initial hit is out the way, used cars lose value at a much slower pace. Buy smart, look after it, and when the time comes to sell or trade in, you’ll get more back than you might expect.

4. They're built to last (and loved by many!)

Today’s cars are more reliable than ever, and a lot of used models have full service histories, MOT records, and loyal followings online. That means it’s easier to find reliable motors, get honest advice, and keep things ticking over for years to come.

Want tips or common fixes? There’s a good chance there’s already a Facebook group or forum full of people sharing advice on your model.

5. You can find the right one and finance it with Tandem

Ready to start looking? Our app has a free car search tool where you can browse lower-emission used cars from our network of trusted dealers. Every car listed emits less than 110g/km of carbon emissions, so you’re already making a cleaner, greener choice.

Once you spot a car you like, you can use our built-in finance checker to see if you’d be eligible for Tandem Motor Finance. If you’re pre-approved, we’ll put you in touch with the dealer to take the next step. Simple as that.

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[1] Lease Loco

[2] The Guardian

[3] Radicle