With the economy where it is, drivers are keeping their current vehicle. As for those who must get another, used is more popular these days. This will help you find the right one for the right price.
Dealerships, used car lots, private sellers, and auctions are the primary places to buy the used car you want. Dealerships sell certified used which is a good way to go since they usually offer a warranty with it. They do vigorous inspections on cars which is good, although it does come with a higher price tag. Used car lots are cheaper and also a good way to go. Look into its reputation to see what past buyers thought of it. Many of them usually offer a 30 day to 1 year warranty. They usually just put it through a state inspection in order to sell them which is only a safety inspection. It could very well have leaks, cosmetic damage, and even transmission or engine issues and still be sold. Private sellers and auctions are a 50/50 shot of getting a decent car or a nightmare. You are relying on the seller to be honest about what kind of shape the car is in. A lot of times they sell “as is” which means it hasn’t been inspected. The price is much cheaper but after any repairs, to make it road ready could cost hundreds or even thousands.
When buying used you want to know its history, was it owned by a young street racer or the little old lady from Pasadena? Some believe the lower the mileage the better which is mostly true. If the car is 10 years old and has less than 10,000 miles on it, most people think this is a steal. However, the buyer may be getting themselves into some major problems with a vehicle like this. That mileage proves it has sat most of its life which causes a lot of seals, hoses, and belts to dry out and break. A car with mileage too low is just as bad as a car that has been driven too hard. If the mileage is 150,000 or more, big problems can start happening.
Quality is an obvious issue. You don’t want to buy a car with dents, scratches, tears, breaks, leaks, etc… With internet reports available for a lot of cars now, the chance that you are buying a car that has been in a major accident without knowing it about doesn’t happen much any longer. With quality, another issue is what the car is known for problem wise. For example Dodge Caravans are notorious for bad transmissions. GM uses Dex-Cool coolant which works well and lasts longer but is known to turn very acidic and vital engine parts start corroding.
As for cost, that includes the actual price of the vehicle and what it will need to maintain it. Re Even new cars still need oil changes, tires, etc... As for used they start needing more sooner. Brakes, tune ups, belts, hoses, and other pricier work will need to be done sooner than later.
Loyalty is a huge factor for a lot of car enthusiasts, like the obvious classics and muscle cars, Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles aren’t made any longer, and some buyers like certain years over others. Whenever car manufacturers redesign a model they are called a generation.
These are all important aspects to consider when looking for a used car. If you have any questions about this topic or any other involving car buying in Baltimore, please post it, and I will be happy to answer them.
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