Auto Maintenance: Benefits of Keeping the Car in Shape

5 Reasons Why Your Next Car Should Be A Used Car

25 February 2015 by Brent Porter

If your idea of a used car is something that will just "get you by," then it's time to upgrade your opinion of them. Your local used car dealers carry a number of late model vehicles that will give you years of service, and cost much less than a new car. If you're in the market for a different car, it's time to reconsider the used car option for the following reasons.

1. Cars Are More Reliable

The New York Daily News notes that cars are more reliable than ever before. This means that people are getting more years of service with fewer maintenance issues. Many of the used cars you'll find on a lot have years of service left in them. Look for low-mileage, late model used cars for a vehicle that you could own for years.

2. New Cars Depreciate Quickly

A new car depreciates the moment you drive it off of the lot. It then depreciates quickly over the next couple of years. This means that your car is worth much less than it did when you bought it. You avoid this depreciation hit by buying a used car. When you buy a two-year old used car, the original owner took that hit and you now have a car that will only slowly decline in value.

3. Get More for Less

Because of the depreciation difference, compare models and features. For example, a two-year old, decked out BMW will be less than a new model BMW with just the standard features. Also compare upgraded models such as a two-year old Lexus and a new Toyota, or a two-year old Acura and a new Honda. You may find that by buying used, you can upgrade the type of car you own., and add a little more luxury to your driving life.

4. More Data is Available on Used Cars

After a year or two, there is plenty of information online about a car's service records, reliability, performance and economy. When researching new cars, you only have access to the manufacturer's specifications, which will be roughly correct for their "normal driving conditions."  You'll find used car data available for all types of real-life driving conditions.

5. You Have More Protection Now When Buying a Used Car

Most manufacturers now offer used-car certification programs. Under these programs, the automaker inspects and repairs used cars, then sells them with a warranty. You can be more comfortable when buying one of these certified cars that you won't drive it home with hidden problems. It is also a way that automakers build a relationship between you and their dealers so you may one day purchase an additional used car, or a new car, from them.

To learn more, contact a company like Star Auto Mall LLC with any questions you have.

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