How to Fix a Car

When it comes time to buy a new car, you will likely be inundated with offers. There are so many different options to choose from when it comes to buying cars. You could go with a literally brand new car, buying directly from a company. You could buy a used car from an ad online or in the newspaper, straight from the previous owner. Or, you could choose the sane option — buying from a used car dealership. We call this the “sane option” for several different reasons. In this day and age in particular, there is no point in in buying a brand new car. A new car begins losing value as soon as you buy it; and chances are that if you buy a car brand new, at some point or the other you will want to sell the vehicle or trade it in. A new car is not an investment; it’s a money pit. So, why not buy a used car directly from the original owner? Well, aside from the personal safety issues involved in heading out to buy a car from a stranger — as well as the risk of a scam — you simply don’t have much legal protection on your side when you buy directly from an owner. A used car dealership can offer things like warranties and much more. You’re paying more when buying from a used car dealership — on the surface. What you’ll have to pay to refurbish and repair a car bought off of an ad often ends up making the car more expensive in the long term.

Buying From A Used Car Dealership: The Real Value

As mentioned above, you will lose value when buying a new car. But how much do you lose exactly? Rough estimates have new cars depreciating by at least 20% when they’re driven off the lot. During their first year, they usually lose about 10% more due to regular wear and tear. There’s nothing good about a 30% loss in value in the first year. A used car, on the other hand, can gain value. For one thing, if a used car is well-maintained over the course of many years, it can eventually reach “classic” level at a much faster rate than a brand new car. Another great advantage of these vehicles is that value can actually be added to them in other ways. Vehicles that are three to four years old often sell for less than half the price of the average new car; however, it’s often larger and loaded with newer features. Yes, you can buy affordable used cars with new ad-ons that change their overall value. Because the car is used, it’s still more affordable. But it could in many ways have more to it.

Previously Used Cars: There’s More Than What Meets The Eye

Some feel that there is a risk involved when buying a used car. They feel that used cars are automatically “old”. In fact, the average age for all cars on the road is 11 years — and they’re still running very well indeed. Reliable used cars are actually quite easy to find; you just have to find the right pre-owned car dealership first. A good dealership will be completely honest about the car’s wear and tear. Look for things like a warranty. Many dealerships offer packages in which, should you damage your car during a certain time frame, any repairs will be free. Even without taking that into mind, there are more advantages to keeping a car for years to come.

Keeping Your Car: The Advantages

Less mileage isn’t always better. Recent research has revealed that reaching the milestone of 200,000 miles on your car could result in savings of $30,000 or more. This could take about 15 years — but think about the money you’re saving by keeping your used car rather than trading it in.

If you’re looking to a buy a car, think about a used vehicle. The payoff speaks for itself.