Auto Maintenance: Benefits of Keeping the Car in Shape

Why Buying A Used Truck Might Be Better Than Buying A New One

15 January 2015 by Brent Porter

Buying a new truck can be tempting when you visit the showroom. After all, a new vehicle has all of the latest technology and you know that everything is brand new, not previously-owned. However, buying a used truck offers a number of advantages over a new vehicle, not the least of which is price. Many used vehicles today come with a warranty and/or a certification so that you have some assurance that the truck you buy is reliable.

Benefits of buying a previously-owned truck

1. Cost. The average truck depreciates as much as 15 percent the minute you drive it off of the car dealer's lot. That can mean losing several hundred dollars even if you would turn around and sell it shortly after you purchased it. And, it's not just the initial depreciation that costs you. New vehicles decline in value more quickly than do older vehicles. When you buy a used truck, you're letting someone else take that financial hit.

2. Lower down payment. Because the value of the truck is less when you buy a previously-owned vehicle, your down payment will be less on a used vehicle if you opt to finance the purchase.

3. Lower taxes. And, of course, the lower the value of the vehicle, the lower the sales tax will be.

4. No "new vehicle" fees.  There can be a lot of fees associated with a new car purchase that a buyer of used vehicle doesn't have to contend with. These include shipping charges, destination charges and dealer prep.

5. Lower insurance rates. In addition to the other cost savings, your vehicle insurance will be lower on a used vehicle than for the same vehicle purchased new, since the value of the vehicle is less.

6. You can drive it home today. When you buy a new truck, you often have to order the vehicle from the factory to get the features you want. Assuming you can find a vehicle you like on the lot (and you have the financing), you can drive it home the same day.

7. Less chance of getting a "lemon." Since any initial problems with the vehicle will have been worked out by the previous owner, there is less chance of getting a defective vehicle when you buy it used than if you buy it right from the factory.

While buying a previously-owned truck isn't the right decision for every driver, such a move can save you money in many different ways while still giving you a reliable vehicle. Check out dealerships like Ranger Chevrolet-Buick-GMC for more info about buying a truck and how to find the best one for you.

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