As the first month of 2024 comes to a close, there’s never been a better time to shop for a used vehicle. Thanks to modern day enhancements, cars are built to last like never before, creating a robust and diverse used car market.
Today, Dells Auto presents five reasons why it’s time to pay Dell Rapids' number one used dealership a visit.
Yes, a used car still costs less than a brand-new car, and yes, it always will. The economy’s ups and downs may have compounded the new car market in recent years, but the used car shopping remains as accessible and affordable as ever.
By buying used, you’re able to bypass several of the fees and taxes typically associated with new car buying. Insurance costs are curtailed, as used cars have already depreciated in value and thus come with reduced premium rates. Furthermore, if there’s a specific new model you have your eyes set on, chances are you can find a comparable, more affordable model that’s only a year or two older.
When you buy used, you’re not just saving money on the initial purchase price – you’re investing in the future. Used vehicles typically incur lower upkeep and service costs than their brand-new counterparts. It helps that they've been on the market for years, making needed parts more readily available for purchase.
New cars straight off the assembly line may have empty odometer gages, but they also have no previous owner history – leaving you with no point of reference when something goes amiss. Before you purchase a used car, make sure you look into the vehicle’s history report, which gives you a comprehensive overview of its health and potential warning signs to stay alert for. Use CARFAX or a similar vehicle history report database to complete your due diligence.
It's said that new cars depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot. New cars typically depreciate by roughly 20 percent upon leaving the dealership. Their value then decreases an additional 10 percent during their first year of ownership. For those keeping count, that's a 30 percent depreciation in quick order.
Used vehicles have already weathered that initial, unavoidable depreciation hit. As such, they’ll continue to depreciate at a much slower rate moving forward, making your cost-to-value ratio more stable as a result.
Variety is the spice of life. New car shopping automatically limits you to the styles and trends of this year’s models. But there are plenty of fish in the sea, and millions of unique used cars to select from. From vintage cars no longer in production to optional colors and features that were exclusive to a particular year’s model, your dream car awaits amidst a sea of virtually infinite options.
Modern vehicles are built to last in ways we never imagined at the turn of the century. 200,000 miles on the odometer is the new 100,000 (or close enough to it). Most new vehicles come with generous manufacturer warranties that could potentially be transferred to you after you buy. And with the advancements that have been made with safety features and apps, buying an older model carries less risk than it did in the past.
For these reasons and more, there’s never been a better opportunity to get the most bang for your buck when you buy used.
Now that we’ve covered how much sense it makes to buy used, your next step is finding your dream car amidst our used selection here at Dells.
Schedule your test drive with us today. We’ll get you financially squared away before you drive off the lot. After seeing what we have to offer at Dells Auto, you'll discover why used car shopping is the only way to car shop.