When the time to start car shopping rolls around, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed. There are so many options out there and everyone has their opinions on what the best investment is. We’ve found that there are several misconceptions about buying previously owned vehicles, and are here to debunk the myths!
The thing we hear the most from concerned customers about used cars is that they can’t possibly be good quality. Just because the original owner got rid of their car doesn’t mean that it was because of an issue with it! There are plenty of reasons used cars exist, like trade-ins, completed leases, and more. A lot of the time, growing families trade in a car for a larger vehicle, or a commuter swaps their gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient ride. Trade-ins are carefully inspected to ensure they are ready to hit the road for the next customer!
Misconception #2 is that you always end up paying more than a used car is worth. If you do a bit of your research and visit a reputable dealer, you’ll only pay what you need to. Ways to find out what a vehicle is worth include checking pricing at multiple dealerships, looking up the original MSRP, getting a vehicle history report, utilizing Kelly blue Book or CarMax for pricing information, or getting a pre-purchase inspection done by a professional that can give you an exact number.
Third on the list of false assumptions is that used cars aren’t safe. It is important to make sure you’re having any previously owned car properly inspected before buying it. Make sure everything is running correctly and that any accidents have been disclosed. Have an expert mechanic give you a full report on the status of the vehicle before you buy, and you’ll be just as safe on the road as you would be in a brand-new car!
Next up is that you’ll have to buy a used vehicle with cash and no financing is available. Buying a previously owned vehicle is extremely similar to buying a new one, and there are no differences when it comes to financing either. Paying upfront in cash means you won’t have monthly payments, but that isn’t always an option. If possible, put down a decent-sized cash down-payment to save money overall!
Finally, one of the biggest and falsest misconceptions: used cars don’t have any resale value. This couldn’t be more wrong! When you buy a brand-new car, it loses value the second you drive it off the lot. Used cars have already seen the majority of their depreciation meaning you’re more likely to be able to trade or sell them for close to what you originally paid.
If you’re ready to start your search for a previously owned car, truck, or van, we’re here to help! Sarasota Cars Sales can work with just about any budget and find you any vehicle! Give us a call at 941-925-7150 or visit us in person at 1683 Cattlemen Road in Sarasota to check out our current inventory.