AutoNation Chevrolet North

Used Car Buyers Guide

What to know when you buy your next used vehicle

Choosing a used car over a new one is an easy way to save money when buying a car. A new car begins to rapidly depreciate the moment you drive it off the dealer's lot, losing a large portion of its value in the first few years of ownership. When you purchase a secondhand car, the previous owner bears the burden of the vehicle's early years' severe depreciation.

While buying used is a great way to save, buyers should be aware that an out-of-warranty used automobile may require extra maintenance. Also, financing it might be a little more expensive and promo rates for used vehicles can hard to find. Those issues aside, buyers can save a ton of money by selecting a car with a high expected dependability rating and low ownership expenses.

Buying a used automobile successfully can be trickier than buying a new one. The lack of a new automobile factory warranty can make it more financially hazardous. Buying used is a great way to save money but it comes with a different set of concerns that buyers should consider. Please reach out to our sales specialists with any questions you may have, or to

Set a budget you can afford

Finding a used car, truck, or SUV with a monthly payment you believe you can afford isn't as easy as setting a budget for your used car purchase. While the monthly payment does need to be reasonable, you also need to consider other costs associated with owning the car. Buyers can save more in some instances by paying the full cost in cash, but for many the flexibility and lower barrier to entry with financing is the way to go. This covers the interest rate on your auto loan, the cost of insurance for your brand-new vehicle, parking fees, and maintenance expenses.

You should strike a balance between purchase and ownership costs. Expect to pay less when purchasing an older vehicle. However, the likelihood that a car may require expensive repairs increases with age. When you're stuck waiting for a tow truck rather than going to work, school, or that weekend getaway, that fantastic deal you received on a cheap automobile won't seem all that terrific. Fortunately, there are more tools available than ever for used car purchasers to research maintenance prices, common issues, and dependability. To learn more about typical difficulties, simply enter the name of the car and the word "problems" into any search engine.

The cost of auto insurance is a sometimes disregarded aspect you should take into account while looking for a used car. Depending on the model you select, prices can vary greatly. Updated insurance quotes can easily be obtained through your insurance agent. Surprisingly enough, sometimes older cars, despite a lower value, can cost more to insure due to less safety features.


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