Why Buy Used? The Benefits of Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle

Shopping for a vehicle involves a market filled with new and used models. In fact, more than 50 million vehicles are sold each year in the United States, with used vehicle sales outperforming new by more than a 2-to-1 margin. This brings an important question to mind: why buy used? The answer is somewhat intricate, but the used vehicle you want may very well be sitting on your dealer’s lot, ready for your consideration.

New vs. Used

While a new vehicle offers the latest style and technologies, a used vehicle has its own advantages. Let us explore them, then detail an action plan to help you successfully purchase your next ride.

Cost Savings

Purchasing a late-model used car offers buyers a lower price while allowing them to afford a well-equipped vehicle within their budget. Since used cars have already undergone several years of depreciation, they tend to retain their value better than new ones. Buyers can also benefit from lower sales tax and registration fees, making the overall cost of owning a used car more affordable.

More Vehicle for the Money

You may have your eye on a new vehicle, but the trim you want is beyond your budget. But when you find a comparable late-model version of that vehicle, it is affordable. In effect, you are enjoying luxury for less with the features you want.

Finance for Less

Although interest rates on new vehicles are typically lower than those offered for used ones, you can work with your dealership’s finance team to find a competitive rate. A great perk is that monthly payments are often much lower with a used model versus a new one. You may also afford a shorter-term loan, a further advantage worth exploring. Dealerships like Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood also often offer specials and incentives for buying pre-owned vehicles.

Proven Reliability and History

With proper care, your ride should last at least 150,000 to more than 200,000 miles. With a well-cared used vehicle, you will simply take over a newer vehicle and enjoy many years of satisfactory ownership. We recommend considering Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (CPOs) as these have gone through rigorous dealer inspections and usually have warranties included. You can confirm the vehicle’s repair history through reports offered by CARFAX or AutoCheck.

Avoid Initial Quality Issues and Recalls

With thousands of parts included, most new vehicles undergo initial quality issues that are covered by the manufacturer. These include recalls, which are paid for by the manufacturer and handled by the dealer. Find a used vehicle that has already undergone such a service and most of the future maintenance and repairs should be routine.

Lower Insurance Costs

Auto insurers base their premiums on several factors, including the vehicle’s cost. Insuring a comparable used vehicle equates to lower monthly insurance premiums based on that cost reduction. You might save thousands of dollars over years of ownership.

Action Plan

With these points in mind, there are a few additional points to consider. These include comparing technologies and amenities. New vehicles typically come better equipped, offering certain safety features not available on models that are three or four years old.

Understand those differences, then make your decision based on what is important to you. Also, retrieve the model’s history report to ensure that all maintenance items and repairs were handled in a timely manner. That is also one of the advantages of a CPO vehicle, as the dealership’s certified technicians and sales team follow a checklist and supply a warranty for peace of mind.

Consider Buying Used

Buying a late-model used car supplies consumers with excellent value. By combining your research with due diligence, you can afford the model you want and enjoy many years of satisfactory vehicle ownership.

Reach out to us at Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood to explore your options and arrange for a test drive today!