A Cuban TikToker based in Atlanta, Georgia, has sparked a lively discussion on whether it's better to buy a new or used car in the United States after sharing her ordeal with a vehicle malfunction just a year after purchasing it.
Yanet Atlanta, a content creator well-known among the Cuban digital community, posted a video on TikTok this past Wednesday detailing how her brand-new Kia EX ended up in the shop due to a faulty trunk sensor. This issue prevented her from opening the trunk with the button, app, or from inside the car.
"I bought a brand-new, zero-mile Kia EX, which isn't a bad car, right? We all know that. Guess where my car is today, a year after buying it? It's not this one; this is a loaner," Yanet explained in the video, which she recorded while using a borrowed vehicle during the repair.
Her story becomes even more compelling when compared to her prior experience: her previous used car never gave her any trouble.
"The used one never, not once, broke down because it was all manual, no sensors," she remarked.
Yanet recalled that when she previously spoke in favor of used cars on her platform, she faced criticism from followers who argued that such vehicles were unreliable and prone to frequent breakdowns.
The irony was hard to miss: it was her new car—purchased with monthly payments and interest—that ended up costing her additional mechanic expenses.
"The takeaway here isn’t that one is better than the other. A new car can also break down. I'm paying monthly fees, interest, and now a mechanic every month," she explained.
Her concluding message was clear: she wasn't advocating for used cars as the superior choice, but rather cautioning that no vehicle guarantees absolute reliability.
"I'm not saying go buy a used car because it's better... what I mean is either one, used or new, can break down," she concluded.
The debate over whether to purchase a new or used car often resurfaces within the Cuban community in the U.S., especially among newcomers who need to get around quickly and may not have an established credit history.
The most common advice from financial advisors in the Hispanic community is to opt for a used car paid for in cash to avoid debt and protect credit in the early stages of life in the country, according to guidance for newly arrived Cubans.
This isn't the first time a Cuban in the U.S. has shared a negative car-buying experience on social media; a similar incident sparked extensive debate within the community back in September 2025.
Choosing Between New and Used Cars in the U.S.
What are the advantages of buying a used car?
Buying a used car can be financially beneficial as it often comes with lower purchase prices, avoids the initial depreciation of new cars, and might not require financing, thus avoiding interest payments.
What are the risks associated with buying a new car?
New cars can be expensive due to monthly payments and interest. They also suffer rapid depreciation, and like used cars, they are not immune to mechanical issues.
Why is the new vs. used car debate significant in the Cuban community?
For Cuban newcomers, who often lack a credit history in the U.S., the choice between new and used cars can significantly impact their financial stability and credit future.