There are plenty of used cars for sale these days. Whether you live in Sarasota, Florida, or Albany, New York, used cars are everywhere. Similar to their newer counterparts, a used car can be quite pricey. Obviously not as bank-breaking as a new car, however, if you seek a certain higher end make or model, you can bet on paying a bunch. But, if you do your homework, shop around and be patient, you can and will be able to find the car of your dreams even if it isn’t entirely shiny and brand new. (Most used cars shine up pretty nice though, it’s amazing what a little soap and wax can do.) The pros and cons of buying a used car are laid out below so that you may make an informed decision before breaking the bank to finance a new car. Each decision, whether new or used, has its own advantages and disadvantages. We will focus on Used cars specifically in this article.
The pros and cons of buying a used car are laid out here so that you may make an informed decision before breaking the bank to finance a new car. Each decision, whether new or used, has its own advantages and disadvantages. We will focus on used cars specifically in this article.
The Downside of a Used car
Although many different automotive dealerships offer a variety of different makes and models of used cars, usually they only have what’s on the lot and that’s it. Some may go out of their way to find a specific vehicle for you if you have your heart set on a certain model, however, more often than not, a sacrifice must be made. Usually in the form of the cars colors or options. You may want a Kia Sportage in white with loaded features, but you might end up with one in black with the power options, but no fog lights, instead.
More Cost Up Front.
Often times, finding the used car of your dreams can seem too good to be true, when you receive it for a 24-hour test drive. The smart consumer will use this time to drive the vehicle, get a Carfax report to go over its history, and ask a trusted independent local mechanic to take a look under the hood. Now, this may be easy if your uncle Bob owns the Jiffy Lube down the street. The rest of us will probably have to pay a mechanic though to thoroughly check out the vehicle. This may seem like an unnecessary step to some, however, it is a smart one. Asking an independent mechanic to check out the car for $100 can save you thousands if the motor has a vital issue waiting to erupt.
No Safety Net.
Buying second hand from a dealer or an individual owner can, oftentimes, but not always, mean that the original factory warranty has expired. It can be very hard to establish any current issues, likely issues, future issues, or even determine which issues have already been repaired. Seldom can you find the first time owner who kept meticulous records of all services done to the vehicle. Although it’s not impossible to find this mythical owner and car, it’s just unlikely.
Not Purchased Off the Assembly Line.
It’s a guessing game with a little bit of chance rolled in. You have no idea if the previous owner drove like a school bus driver or Mario Andretti. Was the original owner nice to the car while breaking the motor in during the first thousand miles or so, or did the original owner have no regard for the factory’s suggested guidelines? Was the original consumer of the car a stickler for oil changes and brakes, or did the car run for more than 10,000 miles between tune ups? Chances are, you don’t even know if the seller of the car was the original owner, especially in a private sale.
Finally, The PLUS Side of Secondhand Cars
They’re cheaper!
Not only will a used car offer a lower price tag, a used car is usually cheaper to register, insure, and has less of a tax burden.
Most dealerships offer some type of a warranty, even if it’s only 30 days. A private sale won’t even get you that, so weigh the benefits of a dealer. Usually, a premium warranty package or something like it is offered for more protection if wanted.
New cars often times lose up to 60% of their value within the first 18 months or so. A used car has already gone through this depreciation drop before you bought it, so resale value will be okay for you.
There are used cars for sale everywhere. If informed, any consumer can snag a pretty nice ride on a lower budget with the right know how.
