Having a car is a privilege and a responsibility. It ensures that one will have reliable transportation to a job and virtually wherever else they would like to go. New vehicles are desirable for obvious reasons. The shiny appeal of something never played with by anyone else, the fresh paint, the latest technology, and the impressive modern accessories all add to the allure of an untouched automobile.
What might be less appealing is the price these days. Reports show that the typical American cannot afford the average price of a new car in 24 out of 25 of the nation’s largest metro areas. The rising price doesn’t make having this mode of transit any less necessary in most pockets of our society. An impressive 85% of the workforce in this country uses personal transportation as the primary way of getting to their place of occupation. Used cars are more than just a previously worn vessel. They are an opportunity for someone who cannot afford the most recent addition to the lot to experience freedom and mobility.
Getting the Most for Your Money
It is no secret that vehicles depreciate rapidly. The original owners get to experience this first hand as they watch the appraised value of their cherished purchase diminish quickly (10% in the first year). Buying a used car eliminates this component of the ownership process. If it is still relatively recent, the devaluation will probably not be detectable in the physical features. Registration fees are also usually lower, saving even more money.
A Comfortable Way from A to B
While all-new everything can be attractive, it can also wreck one’s nerves. Buying a clean, well-maintained pre-owned vehicle can ease this tension. Drivers of used cars should still take pride in their ride, but it makes things easier knowing that any mishap will not likely be the first.
Insurance Benefits
Depending on age and history, insurance can be one of the more costly responsibilities associated with driving. Deciding to go with a previously loved set of wheels can relieve this burden. The comprehensive, theft, and collision coverage rates will be lower for used cars. Of course, it is important to take into account just how weathered it is. Older models might have higher insurance costs due to lack of certain safety features. Then there is the exception of what one might call an “ultra used” automobile, meaning those that qualify as antiques, which are eligible for a completely different type of coverage.
While is it almost essential to normal professional and social life to have a means of transportation, it is not necessary to buy the latest product of the auto industry. Weigh your options to save your wallet and your peace of mind.
