Buying a pre-owned vehicle isn’t what
it used to be. Gone are the used car salesman jokes and snobbery towards any
vehicle that isn’t brand spanking new. These days, you can purchase a
certified, pre-owned car from a reputable dealership—one as little as 3 years
old—and save as much as 30% to 40% over a brand new model.
Yes, you’re sacrificing that new-car
smell, but hey, they make air fresheners for that now. And yes, you’re not
getting a completely new vehicle with no wear and tear, but as long as the
vehicle is certified, you can rest assured that the owner took decent care of
it. Backed by manufacturers, "certified" pre-owned cars have to pass
a series of inspections and most have a fresh manufacturer warranty of 12
months or more.
So when you consider your next car
purchase, ask yourself a few key questions to see if you’re a good candidate
for a pre-owned vehicle:
· Do
you have expensive taste, but can’t afford a new model of your dream car? If so, a pre-owned Buick Enclave, for
instance, may be the perfect solution.
· Are
you on a tight budget? An all-cash or
low-payment pre-owned purchase may give you more peace of mind than committing
to long-term financing on a new vehicle with high monthly payments.
·
Can you afford to maintain a pre-owned
vehicle? After 12 months, a
certified vehicle might not be covered by warranty. By contrast, a new
vehicle probably won't need maintenance for several thousand miles and even
that may be covered by the manufacturer. But a pre-owned vehicle may need a new
battery, tires, breaks or other expensive items within the first year of
ownership.
When you buy pre-owned, you’re also missing out on the
free roadside assistance that comes with many new vehicles, and the long-term
maintenance and car programs included in your financing. You also won’t be able
to take advantage of the state lemon laws if you happen to end up with an old
lemon. However, if you look up your vehicle’s maintenance records on sites such
as Carfax or Autocheck , you can tell if the car you’re considering has a
history of problems and was, indeed, born a lemon.
Finally, keep in
mind that vehicles can depreciate fast. But don’t take our word for it. Check
out Kelley Blue Book’s Cost of Ownership calculator to determine the average cost and depreciation of a new vehicle over time.
While there are many advantages to owning a new car—it’s completely pristine
and new, and yours to love and take care of for many years!—there are also many
advantages to buying pre-owned. Stop in to consult with one of our sales reps
about which choice is right for you.
