When is it okay to buy a Used Vehicle?

Question

Buying through a Dealership, is there really a difference between buying used and buying new?

Answer 1

Many consumers, especially teenagers, cannot afford to buy a new car when the average price is approximately $18,000. The cost of insurance is much higher for a new car, increasing the demand for used cars. The supply of used cars has increased due to the number of two and three-year-old lease cars available.

There are real advantages to buying a used car. The buyer of a used car avoids some of the depreciation costs, which can be up to 40% of its value in the first two years. Sometimes, buyers can afford more options and luxury items when they purchase a used car. Many consumers feel that they can arrange a better deal with less hassle if they buy directly from the owner of the car.

Buying a used car can have disadvantages as well. One important disadvantage is that often the most maintenance-free time of the cars life is during the first two years. Some used cars have serious hidden defects with limited or no warranty coverage. It is sometimes difficult to determine whether the car was maintained properly by its previous owner. The used car may not have all the desirable safety or technical features of a new car. The selection of models, equipment, and colors may be limited.

Answer 2

Personally I'd say it's only OK to buy a used vehicle when you can't afford a new one that will do what you need it to do.

But that's just my view. Franchise dealers tend to be better bets for used cars since they get the pick of the best trade-ins although this also makes them more expensive (you won't find any cheapies).

Buying from a dealer is more expensive and some of them will sell you a lemon (so get anything used checked up properly) but they can guarantee clear title and you might even get a warranty (not much of one though).

Private parties are cheaper and in some cases you'll get the people who really look after their car but some private sellers are crooks.

Answer 3

I'd say look through your classified's and buy a private sale car. Used cars from Dealers are always over priced and for a reason cause they want to get as much money out of the car as they can so they don't feel like they didn't get anything out of the deal.
Kinda why some dealers do not like dealing with used cars cause they know how the market is for them at dealers.

Answer 4

The key issue is why are they selling it. Dealers and some people do it to make money. There are cars that people want to get rid of badly. The best deals are people that like a new car every few years and can't trade in, Divorce's, and lost jobs etc... Other than that you can expect problems.

Answer 5

There is a lot room for price negotiation on a used car. Most reputable dealers will make sure the used car passes the basic road worthy tests. If you find a problem after you have agreed on a price the dealer should be willing to fix that at the same price before it leaves the lot.

Answer 6

Dealerships used vehicles are okay. They tend to not be so great and overpriced. I don't like buying from dealerships.

Answer 7

Do you have it in writing? Most dealers have a "we owe you owe" form that will be filled out during the deal for things like this, if you have that it would be very helpful; if not it's your word against his.

Answer 8

i would say never buy from a dealership

Answer 9

stay away from dealers...you will do much better buying from a Private party