Benefits of Buying a Used Vehicle in Bedford, OH

Shopping for a vehicle is exciting, whether you’re considering a brand-new model or a pre-owned car, truck, or SUV. Although it might seem more appealing to opt for a shiny, new vehicle, buying a used model comes with several unique benefits. 

This article breaks down some of the upsides to purchasing a pre-owned, rather than new, vehicle.

Advantages of Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle

“man driving a car wearing wrist watch” licensed under Unsplash by why kei

New vehicles have their merits, no doubt. But many car owners favor pre-owned automobiles when they need another set of wheels, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of shopping for a used vehicle.

Save Money

Prioritizing a used car, SUV, or truck over a new one will save you money. Pre-owned vehicles usually command a lower price than their brand new equivalents, thanks to the level of depreciation. A pre-owned automobile’s depreciation is not as steep as a new vehicle’s. To illustrate, as soon as you drive a new car off the dealership lot, it can depreciate by as much as 11% just on the drive home. Over the first year, the average depreciation on a new car is between 20 and 30%. 

Since you aren’t responsible for that initial depreciation when buying a used car, you can save and get the vehicle you want for a lower price. These depreciation dynamics also mean lower financing and, as a result, paying less in interest over the loan term. Even depending on the down payment, you put up and the cost of the car, you may be able to choose a shorter loan term and pay the vehicle off sooner. Basically, buying a pre-owned automobile is a wise decision financially.

Get the Features You Want

Shopping for new vehicles comes with a few hassles. Many of the features you want are on higher trim levels, putting your favorite ride beyond your budget. After all, a higher trim level can add thousands to the cost of the car. On the other hand, opting for a pre-owned model allows you to have your preferred amenities and not go over your budget.

Some of the most popular comfort features among used-car shoppers are upgraded upholstery, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. On the tech side, you might want an upgraded audio system or smartphone integration that makes it easier to stay connected and listen to your favorite tunes. A few models that are only a few years old may even have wireless charging pads or other high-end features.

Drive a Safer Model

Another reason a potential car owner considers a new ride is the comprehensive safety profile of today’s vehicles. Most modern cars are expected to come with multiple active driver aids. Popular safety add-ons on today’s cars include forward-collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The latest models may also add adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system that provides a better view of what’s around the vehicle. 

That said, you can also get all these features if you purchase a pre-owned model of a modern car. Vehicles a few years old will likely tack on sophisticated safety essentials than owners demand or, at least, expect nowadays. 

Spend Less on Insurance

A new car is expensive to insure, regardless of the other factors that could affect your rates. But by choosing a pre-owned vehicle that’s at least a couple of years old, you’ll save quite a bit on insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the risk when offering coverage to drivers, and a new car is the most valuable in its first few years. After a vehicle has undergone most of its expected depreciation, its value plummets and drives down your insurance cost accordingly. 

Pay Less to Register

You’re likely to pay less to register a pre-owned model than for registering a new car. Here’s why. Most states apply a sliding scale to registration fees, with more expensive cars costing more to register. Consequently, owners of new vehicles pay the highest fees during the first three years. You, in contrast, can save at least a few hundred dollars in registration fees by buying and registering a used car.

Consider a Certified Pre-Owned Model

These stated benefits highlight why some go for pre-owned cars instead of brand-new models. However, shoppers of used models always worry whether the vehicle they choose is safe and functional. That concern is logical. As a potential owner, you don’t always know how the previous owner treated the car and whether they cared for it properly. Fortunately, you can eliminate these misgivings by considering a certified pre-owned vehicle. Many automotive manufacturers have certified pre-owned programs, which come with several advantages.

Every certified pre-owned car, truck, or SUV must undergo a thorough inspection, which often includes at least 100 points to check. Certified pre-owned programs also have their own unique requirements on the age and condition of the vehicles. Most qualified cars are within a few model years and still in good shape. 

What’s more, automotive manufacturers provide additional benefits to buyers under their individual certified pre-owned programs. Most models come with extended warranty coverage, giving you more peace of mind that if something goes wrong with the vehicle, you’ll be covered. You might even qualify for emergency roadside assistance and other perks. Additionally, some certified pre-owned cars are available with special financing terms.

When you’re ready to start comparing used vehicles to find the perfect model for your needs, visit North Coast Auto Mall. We have an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, including options that qualify under the manufacturers’ certified pre-owned programs. Our one-stop shop also makes it easy to get financing and trade in your existing vehicle to apply toward the cost.

If you’re planning on using our financing experts, consider applying online to get pre-qualified. This step can save some time when you’re in the dealership and let you know what you can qualify for, narrowing down your search. Our friendly salespeople can answer any questions you have to help you get behind the wheel of your dream car.