5 Pros and 5 Cons for Buying Used Cars

Shopping for used cars is one of the best ways to get into a great ride at an affordable price. However, there are some things you need to know before you shop pre-owned. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons when it comes to purchasing a used car, truck, or SUV.

Pro: Shop the Features You Love

Shopping for used vehicles is one of the best ways to purchase vehicles with the added packages you want. Shop impressive tech, safety, and powertrain features at a fraction of the cost if you were to buy them new.

Con: You Might Be Behind on the Tech

While shopping used allows you to enjoy feature packages that you might not otherwise be able to when you shop new, you might be slightly behind the times. Vehicles three or even five years old will often be equipped with tech that’s not as great as the current offerings. Still, these tech and safety features offer the practicality and ease of use you want, even if they are not the latest version.

Pro: Save Big When You Shop Used Cars

It’s no secret that when you shop for used vehicles, you get to avoid the steep depreciation of newer cars. Shopping used also allows you to stretch your budget even further and shop makes, models, and even luxury vehicles that you may not have been able to afford otherwise. There’s always room for negotiation when you’re shopping used, and taking advantage of sales at your local used car dealers can bring down the price further.

Con: Plan for Tune-Ups Sooner

While you might snag some great savings upfront when you shop used, you should expect to bring in your used vehicle for a tune-up much sooner. Used vehicles, especially ones 3 to 5 years old, will require maintenance repairs, including brake pad replacements, wiper replacements, transmission oil replacements, and other smaller-scale, routine services.

Pro: Get the Makes and Models Drivers Trust

When you shop with your local used car dealer, you’ll be able to browse a variety of makes, models, and years when you shop used. The best part about shopping for these models is that you can rely on driver reviews and find a model that you know will work with your lifestyle needs.

Con: You Might Be Outside Your Manufacturer’s Warranty

Because you’re not getting a new vehicle, you might be worried about drivetrain and powertrain issues. This is a legitimate concern as many used vehicles will typically be outside of their warranty coverage. Because of this, it’s important to shop with a dealer you trust and even bring along a second opinion to make sure you’re getting a quality used car.

Pro: Shop Confidently When You Shop Certified Pre-Owned

When you shop for a certified pre-owned car, truck, or SUV, you can shop with confidence because the vehicle has undergone a multi-point inspection by the dealer. Certified pre-owned vehicles will cost a little more than pre-owned vehicles, but you’ll get the best of both worlds; an affordably priced vehicle and a newer vehicle that should be clear of any major mechanical issues.

Con: Bring Along Your Mechanic with Used Cars from Private Sellers

If you’re purchasing from a private seller, you won’t get that same level of confidence as if you were to shop from a used car dealer. Because of this, it’s important to bring along a mechanic you trust who can inspect the vehicle before you purchase it. This will give you better insight into the state of the vehicle.

Bottom Line When Shopping for Used Cars

Overall, shopping for used vehicles does not have to be an intimidating or stressful process. There are plenty of affordably priced used vehicles you can explore. Shop your local used car dealers and explore all the available options for pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs.