One of the best ways to save money when buying a new car is to not buy a “new” car at all. Buying a car that’s new to you, however, is smart. If you buy from a reputable used car seller, you can purchase with the assurance your car has a clean title and has been repaired and reconditioned to provide years of reliable service. You’ll get a like-new car and have the satisfaction someone else paid top-dollar to drive it off the new car dealer’s lot. Buying pre-owned saves you money right away.
Misconceptions About Pre-Owned Vehicles
Auto industry insiders are accustomed to dealing with customers who buy into the following two myths about used cars. Don’t fall for them because they could end up costing you.
Myth 1: The number one consideration in determining a used car’s reliability is what brand it is. This is false. A used Ford whose previous owner took meticulous care to follow the recommended maintenance and service schedule quite possibly will be a better choice than a used Toyota whose owner neglected maintenance recommendations.
Myth 2: It’s always best to purchase one-on-one from the person who last drove the car. Wrong. When you purchase through a private sale, you’re essentially at the mercy of the seller’s honesty. Especially if you don’t personally know the seller, there’s nothing stopping him or her from misleading you. On the other hand, dealers’ reputations are at stake if they sell sub-par vehicles. They’re careful to ensure cars haven’t been salvaged, rebuilt or flooded; they evaluate cars with an extensive checklist of factors that determine a used car is reliable; and they often thoroughly recondition cars before selling them.
How to Estimate a Fair Price on a Pre-Owned Car
One way to save money on a pre-owned car is to buy from a reputable dealer. You can be confident you’re buying a quality vehicle, and you’ll usually have the option to protect yourself with an extended warranty. A private seller you find through the automotive classified ads can’t offer that. Another way to save money is to know the car’s fair market value. Here are factors to weigh when determining a fair price to pay for a used car.
- Check the Kelley Blue Book to find out the baseline value of the car you’re considering.
- Evaluate the car’s age and mileage (the lower the numbers, the higher the value).
- Buy a certified pre-owned vehicle. These cars have already been inspected so you won't need to hire and pay for another professional to look it over.
- If the car has been modified, assess whether the modifications add or detract from value. Some aftermarket “extras” aren’t upgrades at all.
If you’re in the market for used cars in Sussex county NJ, contact us at DeBoer’s Auto. We’re your source for the highest-quality, lowest-priced pre-owned vehicles. We’ve hand selected each car we sell for its quality, reliability and unblemished history.
