Why Used Car Buying is the Way to Go in 2024

As the first month of 2024 comes to a close, there’s never been a better time to shop for used vehicles. Thanks to modern day enhancements, cars are built to last in ways they never were before, creating a robust and diverse used car market. 

Today, Charge-A-Car presents five reasons why it’s time to pay a visit to Aurora’s number one used dealership.

1. They Cost Less Now 

Let us first confirm that, yes, a used car still costs less than a brand-new car, and always will. The economy’s ups and downs have compounded the new car market in recent years. However, used car shopping remains as approachable as ever.  

By buying used, you’re able to bypass several of the fees and taxes typically associated with new car buying. Insurance costs are curtailed, as used cars have already depreciated in value and thus come with reduced premium rates. Furthermore, if there’s a specific new model you have your eyes set on, chances are you can find a comparable, more affordable model that’s only a year or two older. 

2. They Also Save You Money Down the Line 

When you buy used, you’re not just saving money on the purchase price – you’re making a wise investment. Used cars generally tend to be cheaper to maintain and repair than new cars. Used cars have been on the market for years, making their parts more readily available for purchase.  

New cars straight off the assembly line may not have odometer readings, but they also have no previous owner history, leaving you with no point of reference when something goes amiss. Before you purchase a used car, make sure you look into the vehicle’s history report, which gives you a comprehensive overview of its health and potential warning signs to stay alert for. Use CARFAX or a similar site to complete your due diligence. 

3. Less Vehicle Depreciation 

The adage about new cars is that they depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot. New cars typically depreciate by roughly 20 percent upon leaving the dealership. Their value then decreases an additional 10 percent during their first year of ownership. 

Used vehicles have already weathered that initial, unavoidable depreciation hit. As such, they’ll continue to depreciate at a much slower rate moving forward, making your cost-to-value ratio more stable as a result. 

4. A Larger Selection 

Variety is the spice of life. New car shopping automatically limits you to the styles and trends of this year’s models. But there are plenty of fish in the sea, and millions of unique used cars to select from. From vintage cars no longer in production to optional colors and features that were exclusive to a particular year’s model, your dream car awaits amidst a sea of virtually infinite options. 

5. More Car for Your Buck 

Modern vehicles are built to last in ways we never imagined at the turn of the century. 200,000 miles on the odometer is the new 100,000 (or close enough to it). Most new vehicles come with generous manufacturer warranties that could potentially be transferred to you after you buy. And with the advancements that have been made with safety features and apps, buying an older model carries less risk than it did in the past.

For these reasons and more, there’s never been a better opportunity to get the most bang for your buck when you buy used. 

Discover the Used Car of Your Dreams Today 

Now that we’ve covered how much sense it makes to buy used, your next step is finding your dream car amidst our used selection here at Charge-A-Car.  

Schedule your test drive today and prepare for the huge savings heading your way. We’ll get you completely financed and squared away before you drive off our lot. After one trip to Charge-A-Car, you’ll discover why used car shopping is the only way to car shop. 

Fix or Flip? How to Handle a High Repair Estimate

We’ve all been there. You encounter an issue with your vehicle, dutifully take it to a garage or dealership, and are rewarded with a repair estimate that blows past your budget. Inevitably, the question enters your brain: do I bite the bullet and pay for repairs, or is it time to trade my vehicle in for another ride? 

It’s a genuine dilemma, because there aren’t necessarily right or wrong answers. But with Charge-A-Car‘s help, you can make an informed decision and proceed accordingly. 

Step One: Analyze The Cost 

First off, don’t beat yourself up over a large repair bill! Even for drivers who are as diligent with their self-maintenance as possible, some high-priced repairs are unavoidable. No automobile is designed to last forever, and wear-and-tear items like belts and brake rotors inevitably need to be replaced. Then there are battery failures, which almost always cost a pretty penny. 

Keep in mind that it’s almost always less expensive to repair your car than buy a brand-new car, and it’s often still cheaper than trading for a newer, used vehicle. But when you’re dealing with a big-ticket issue such as a failed transmission or blown motor, and the estimate surpasses $5,000, it could be time for a big decision. 

Step Two: Weigh the Pros and Cons 

For the sake of this example, let’s say you’ve just been handed a $5,000 service estimate. It’s a daunting number, making the decision to fix or flip more overwhelming. Before the situation can snowball, break it down into a list of pros and cons. Then, after considering every factor, decide which side you fall on. 

Pros for Fixing: 

  • FIX if you’re saving for a brand new car and are confident the repair will keep you on the road in your current vehicle for another year or two. If a new car still seems like a viable option afterwards, you’ll hopefully have saved enough to make it possible.
  • FIX if you’re planning to trade for a comparable vehicle. Although trading for a used vehicle may be cheaper than paying for the fix, there’s no guarantee that any vehicle you trade for won’t come with its own set of issues. Check CarFax.com or a similar source to check the vehicle’s history before deciding. 
  • FIX if the car means a lot to you. Seriously, don’t discount sentimental value. If the car was a gift from a loved one or a dream car you worked hard to afford, don’t give up on it just because a calculator tells you you’re making the right move. You may wind up regretting it. 

Pros for Trading Up: 

  • FLIP if your current car has been experiencing recurring issues. If you’ve been making frequent trips to the garage recently, it’s most likely time to move on from it. 
  • FLIP if the repair bill is more than half the value of your vehicle. Consider trading up at this point, as the next issue you encounter could lead to a total loss.
  • FLIP if your current car is seriously lagging behind in modern safety features. If your car lacks emergency braking, collision detection, blind-spot monitoring, or other modern safety amenities, consider trading up to a more recent model for the sake of your own safety. 

Step Three: Make the Call 

Ultimately, the decision to fix or flip is your own. If you’re still having doubts or have questions, our team of professionals will guide you to the right path. Value your trade with Charge-A-Car today, and if you decide it’s time to flip, schedule a test drive! We’ll settle the finances before you drive off our lot, ensuring you some much-needed peace of mind as you drive towards life’s next destination.