The lure of the new car is strong. There’s the wonderful smell, the joy of knowing you’re the first ever owner, and the hope that your new car will retain value long after you’ve made those 60 payments. But before you sign those papers, consider a used car instead. Here’s three reasons why you should:
- 1. Money. Let’s be honest, money is usually the number one consideration for anyone making such a large purchase. When it comes to cars, the term to keep in mind is value. A new car loses as much as 15% of it’s value when you simply drive it off the lot. The reason you pay less for a used car is that it’s already depreciated in value. Why pay for a new car, only to watch it lose value while you’re still paying for it? While any auto dealer would like to convince you that buying new is the best route, ask yourself whose best interest they actually have in mind.
- 2. Dependability. Believe it or not, cars have actually become far more dependable over time. Used cars were a risk in the past, as there was no guarantee that you weren’t getting a lemon. With dealers now selling certified used cars that have been inspected and repaired as needed, the risk of buying used cars is much less. Cars built today will last twice as long as cars made twenty years ago, with proper maintenance. One caution: buying used means keeping an eye on your car’s maintenance schedule. Keep on top of oil changes and belt replacements.
- 3. Safety. After money, safety is the biggest concern that car buyers deal with. With technology changing faster than a car can drive, you may believe that having the newest car means it will be the safest. But car safety has been a priority for car makers for enough time that buying a used car doesn’t have to mean settling on safety. As with any major purchase, do your research. Make sure that you’re looking at a car with standard safety features such as anti-lock breaks, stability control, and airbags.
Buying a car can be an overwhelming experience. By doing your research and shopping around, you can make the right choice for your budget and long term needs. But if you’re looking for the best value and the most dependable car you can afford, look no further than your closest certified used car dealer.