Buying a used car instead of a new one is the smart choice for people who don’t have the time to shop for, test out and maintain an automobile. It can be an attractive option for drivers just starting who want to add new car payments over time but aren’t ready to commit to a big purchase yet.
This article will investigate whether it’s difficult to buy a used car and discuss some extra bells and whistles you might get with a pre-owned vehicle to help decide which kind of car is right for you.
Is It Difficult To Buy A Used Car?
As long as you do your homework before heading to the dealership and shop around for a good price, buying a used car doesn’t have to be difficult. Purchasing any type of used cars in Philadelphia can quickly become overwhelming if you approach it without knowing what you’re looking for.
If you know exactly what features matter to you, are fully informed on your financing options, and have pre-selected all of the extras that interest you, then finding the right used vehicle is just a matter of walking into a dealership, chatting with an employee and driving away in your dream car within 24 hours.
Benefits Of Buying A Used Car
The used car market has come a long way in the past few years, and shoppers can benefit from buying pre-owned vehicles today in ways they couldn’t just a few short years ago. While buying a used car used to be synonymous with “buyer beware,” today’s used cars are often as good as new, maybe even better. Here are some of the benefits of buying a pre-owned vehicle.
Help To Save Money
When shopping for a used vehicle, you can often find a much better price than you would for a new model. If money is tight, buying pre-owned can make it easier to purchase a car without going into debt. In addition, the average cost of repairs for pre-owned cars is about half that of new models. There are also many ways to save money when buying a used car.
Depreciation Has Already Occurred
New cars lose anywhere from 15-20 percent of their value as soon as you drive them off the lot. This means you’ll never get back 100 percent of what you paid for a new car when it comes time to trade it in or sell it. With a used vehicle, most of this depreciation has already occurred, so you’ll be able to recoup far more of your initial investment when you decide to trade in your pre-owned car.
Certified And Thoroughly Inspected
When buying a used car, do your research – and look for a good reputation among consumers, especially if shopping online or through classifieds rather than directly from a dealership. You want to ensure that the used car you buy has been thoroughly inspected. This means a complete check-up and testing of all the car’s parts, as well as an examination by a certified mechanic.
A thorough inspection should include checking the mechanical condition of all major parts, including brakes, transmission, steering, and suspension. All fluids should be checked and topped off if necessary; tires should be in good condition with plenty of treads. Inspect the body for signs of damage or rust (have it looked over by a professional if you are unfamiliar with what to look for). A clean title is also important when buying a used car.
Lower Customization Costs
New cars are fully equipped with features like satellite radio, Bluetooth, heated seats, and GPS navigation, which adds to the vehicle’s sticker price. A used car will have all of these standard features, and in some cases, you will even be able to get more for your money! For example, a driver can get factory-installed GPS navigation and satellite radio on a new car, but if you buy a pre-owned model, you’ll have the option to add these features yourself (which is usually much cheaper).
No Exaggerated Fees
New car dealerships will often tack on a number of extra charges when selling a new car, including destination fees, “gas savings” or “market adjustment” charges, and other similar add-ons (many of which are actually illegal). New cars also have dealer price markups as high as 10 percent. Pre-owned cars usually have just one price, so there are no hidden fees to worry about – and you won’t be charged extra for the privilege of buying a new vehicle.
Original Warranty Is Usually Available
The used car market includes plenty of vehicles with full manufacturer warranties. The manufacturer’s warranty will be honored if you buy from a dealership, covering major defects. A car with an original factory warranty will also need less upkeep – the cost of repairs is usually lower when the vehicle comes with a full one-year or three-year warranty.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Insurance premiums can be fairly expensive, even on used cars – but you can often save money by purchasing your policy through the dealership (or through the same company that handles your financing). Many dealerships offer insurance for new and used cars through the same company, which is often cheaper than a traditional policy from another provider.
Better For The Environment
You can also save money by buying your car with a “green tag” – a designation given to vehicles that meet environmental specifications. You’ll be helping the environment and your wallet at the same time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines for green-tag vehicles, which can help you make an informed purchase decision.
Lower Annual Registration Fees
Owning a car can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break a bank in annual registration fees. Some states don’t charge annual registration fees on vehicles that are seven years old or older, while others will waive your annual registration fee if you buy your car from a private seller.
The Bottom Line
The used car market has come a long way, and it is worth your while to take some time to find the right vehicle at the right price. You can get a quality pre-owned vehicle for a decent price by staying away from fly-by-night dealers and shopping around. You’ll enjoy lower maintenance costs, cheaper insurance premiums, and many of the other benefits of buying used, without any of the drawbacks that used to come with it.
