4 Reasons You Should Buy a Used Car Instead of a New One

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/environment/4-reasons-you-should-buy-used-car-instead-new-one



1. Sustainability.From a sustainability perspective, it definitely makes more sense to buy a used car that gets good fuel economy over a new one, as the building and disposal of an automobile has a significant environmental impact. The automotive industry's own studies have shown that between 12 and 28 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions generated during a car's lifecycle occur during manufacturing and initial shipment. Every time a consumer opts for a used car over a new one, that's one car that’s already passed through those phases and one less vehicle headed to the scrap heap.

2. Value. As far as value is concerned, the old adage rings true: A car loses value as soon as you drive it off the dealership lot—up to 15% depending on the vehicle. It doesn't stop there; by the time it's four years old, the typical car retains only about half of its value. After that, however, the depreciation curve is much less steep.

3. Dependability. Overall, car dependability has improved considerably over the past decade. A five-year-old vehicle is likely to have about a third fewer problems than one would have had a decade back. Engine, transmission and exhaust problems, which once plagued older cars, have decreased dramatically, according to automotive research groups. When properly maintained, a vehicle built in 2011 should easily last another six to eight years without needing any major repairs. Modern cars can last 150,000 miles or even much longer when properly maintained.

4. Safety. Only a few years ago, buying a three- or four-year-old used car meant that you had to give up advanced safety features like electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side-curtain air bags, but those features can now found on most cars manufactured after 2009. However, you should still do some research to make sure any car you’re interested in has such safety features, do not even consider a car without stability control, which is a critically important safety feature that can keep a car on its intended path by preventing it from sliding sideways in a turn.

[linuxman]

1. #3 and #4

really don't belong on this list, as they are generally going to be more true for new cars.

It's sort of like saying- "5:paint. Cars as old as 1985 usually have paint.

#1 made sense. Everyone already knows #2.

Silly list.

Buy what you can afford.

[hobbit709]

2. 5. Affordability

I paid $3000 for my 1992 Toyota truck in 2005. It had 98,000 miles on it at the time. It now has 145,000 miles on it. I've probably spent more on tires and oil changes than on repairs.
It gets 32 mpg on the road and about 26 mpg in town. I'll drive it until it wears out.

the last safety inspection had emission test results at the low end of the limit ranges.

[ileus]

3. I replaced a 20yo Honda with a 9yo Nissan last year.

I plan on another 10 years with a M-F 48 mile round trip commute @30mpg

[meaculpa2011]

4. I will usually buy a two-year-old car...

and keep it for five years.

The first owner takes the hit on depreciation and the third owner takes the hit on repairs.

Hurricane Sandy wrecked my strategy. We lost three cars and there weren't any used cars to be had.

The pleasant surprise was that the local car dealers weren't profiteering. In fact, none of the local business (except for one pizzeria) took advantage. I bought a new boiler and water heater from the local plumbing supply house. When I asked about the price the owner of the business said he wouldn't know until they were delivered.

"Don't worry," he said. "Everybody is getting trade prices. We're all in this together."

The pizzeria owner lasted less than four months. When the the new owner took over the location he put up a giant "Under New Ownership" banner.

[Vinca]

5. I've had too many bad experiences with used cars to buy one.

That said, when I buy a new car I keep it forever. The last one was on the road so long the frame acquired enough wear to become unsafe.

[Sherman A1]

6. Agreed

I drive mine at least 10 years and replace them with new cars.

[HappyMe]

7. 1. Can't afford a new car.

We have a friend who is an excellent mechanic. I would buy an older car after he checked it out. The insurance would be cheaper, and I have no need for gps, wifi or any of those pricey things.

[RobinA]

8. I Can't Buy

a used car. When I started out , beginning in college, I had a string of used cars. All very good cars, but someone else's cars. I longed for the day when I would be in a position to buy a brand new car all my own. Go to the dealer, pick it out from a choice of cars... I got to that point eventually and was so proud that I had gotten to the point of being able to buy A New Car. I've had several new cars since then and am now contemplating a new car. I tend to buy good smaller cars, e.g Honda, Mazda. I keep telling myself I should consider a used car. I could get more for less, etc.

But so far I just can't. About the only adult thing I can afford, even after all these years, is a new car. Buying used seems like a step back. I know this is irrational, but there it is.

[Scuba]

9. I buy late model used cars. My last purchase was a Ford with 7,200 miles selling for half ....

... of what a new one would cost. It still had 95% of its useful life (figuring ~150,000 miles), the balance of the new car warranty and saved me a boatload of cash.


Ask your dealer about "program cars".


http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/used-car-deals-program-cars-rental-cars-salvage-titles.html

Program cars have been owned by the manufacturer and given to employees for a short time to use for company business. The idea is to have a Ford employee, for example, drive a late-model Ford to advertise the company's product. These cars are maintained by the factory and usually sent to auction before the odometer turns 10,000 miles. The cars are sold to Ford dealers at closed auctions and then put up for sale on the car lot advertised as "program cars."

"Dealers like these cars because they can get them at low prices and then sell them at a good profit," Lovejoy said. "Besides that, they always get the service they need because they can work on them in their own shops."

Lovejoy said these cars can be a great deal for the average buyer. They have been well-maintained, so in essence you are buying a nearly new car with no worries about mechanical problems. Furthermore, some dealers might extend the warranty for the full term or you can drive it under the balance of the warranty.

So how would the average consumer go about buying a program car? Just call used car dealers or check the ads. "Dealers are proud to advertise program cars."

[intro-verce]

10. Reasons You Should Buy a Used Car Instead of a New One

You may be right, but there are still many underwater rocks. You should choose a secondhand car very carefully. Here are [url=http://whatmycarworth.com/used-car-or-the-new-one-which-to-buy-how-to-value/]some features to consider at choosing a used car[/url], just to be sure.