Planning to buy a used auto can be conflicting, particularly if you’ve learned about myths and misconceptions about buying used vehicles. Ease your worries because most of them may not be true at all. Here are some used car buying myths that you can clarify with a car dealer.
Not Reliable
One common myth about used cars is that they are unreliable. But this is far from the truth! Many vehicles are built to last a very long time. Engine improvements, designs, and performance enhancements allow modern cars to be very reliable. They may even work well, even beyond 150,000 miles of use.
The modern car’s reliability also comes with making maintenance easy to perform. Everything under the hood of your car has been arranged to make it easier to check and replenish the levels of various fluids used. Oil changes can be performed safely in your home. Modern used cars truly prove to be more and more reliable today.
Considered “Lemon Car”
Another myth is many used cars sold by dealerships are known as “lemons” or defective vehicles. These so-called “lemon cars” are also known to be dangerous to drive on the road because of their manufacturer defects. But not all cars sold at dealerships are in dire need of repairs. Many are in great working order and have been well-maintained by their previous owners.
Additionally, you can easily find a specific vehicle’s history and determine if a used car is indeed a “lemon.” Consider looking online for websites that offer this service. You may then enter the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) on the site to get more information. This is a great way to avoid purchasing a “lemon” when shopping for a used car.
Lack of Safety Features
Many used cars do have many standard safety features. From front and side airbags to anti-lock braking systems, modern used vehicles have them all. Just be sure to look into the specific car’s history to determine if any repairs were done to these features. Also, utilize the manufacturer’s website to find out if any recalls were issued involving any safety systems for that vehicle.
You can also find more information at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Highway Loss Data Institute site. There, you can find details about crash-test results or the crashworthiness of the specific car you want to buy.
Large Amount of Money Up-Front is Required
Buying a used vehicle can involve the use of car loans. Some of which do not even require down payments up-front. Many banks and auto loan lenders offer options for those who cannot afford a high cash payment when purchasing a vehicle. Do not hesitate to ask your bank and look online to find lenders that provide these offers.
Many dealerships offer in-house financing as well. These do not usually require a large amount of down-payment as well. Although it would be best to compare their interest rates to what your current financial institution and others currently provide. This way, you won’t have to spend a large amount of money over time either.
Guzzle Gas
This myth is actually true with certain types of vehicles. Trucks, for example, do tend to consume a lot more gas than regular sedans or coupes. But used cars are generally very fuel-efficient. And quite honestly, even certain trucks have been tuned to have the better fuel economy. Modern car engines are designed to maximize fuel efficiency. This does not necessarily change when a vehicle has been used over time.
No Resale Value
Many used cars hold their value for a long time. The prices vary depending on the car’s make, model, and specs. But do realize that when you maintain the vehicle well over time, its value may still be retained. So, when you do decide to sell the car or trade it in for a newer model, you can be certain that you will attain a fair amount of money for it.
Don’t Have Warranties
New vehicles typically come with warranties that last for about 3 years. This can be extended by the owner as well. However, many of the original car buyers decide to sell their autos within the allotted warranty period. If you decide to purchase one of these cars, you can still take advantage of its manufacturer warranty benefits.
Visit a Used Car Dealership Today!
While some myths may seem believable, it’s also important to do research so you can have an informed decision. If you’re in search of used vehicles, get in touch with a trusted car dealer. They can help you out and look for the right used car that will suit your needs.
