Buying a car is a significant achievement and the second most expensive investment after a home. But why are there so many myths regarding buying a pre-owned car before you've even delved into details? That's just plain prejudice to put off young hopefuls who're saving up for their own car. Or is it?
The thing is, always look at both ends of the argument. You never know the car might have serious problems not listed on Carfax; it might be a repossession or a lease return by an owner that loved it very much. Buying a pre-owned car is indeed a daunting process, but once you get past the prejudice and into the field, you will see how beneficial it is and quite affordable too!
Myth #1: Pre-Owned Cars Are Junk
Ouch! Too harsh, don't you think?
Look, agreed, a pre-owned car may have exchanged many hands and could be hiding something faulty under the hood, but that's why dealerships enforce a thorough check-up before taking a pre-owned in trade! They don't just doll out cash to every Tom, Dick & Harry with a spluttering engine. The dealerships make sure they're stocking up cars that another owner can use with dignity.
Myth #2: Low Mileage & High Maintenance Costs
Oh really? Tell me, how many pre-owned cars did you ow- Oh, I see your 2022 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition parked there so nada!
A thing worth knowing: If you find a sleek pre-owned, only to find out it's been driven around 20,000 miles, don't assume; ask for its ownership history and maintenance records. If it was leased for a year, its mileage is bang-on budget. And if you find a high mileage car, it's also a good deal. Higher mileage means the engine is in excellent condition, the shocks are working, and it will last many years.
Myth #3: Get a Low Mileage Pre-Owned Car
Oh, I bet you were the top in your class on conspiracy theories. Anyways!
In some cases, a pre-owned car with low mileage will coincide with a long period of ownership, which is a red flag. So, you ask for service history, and if there are too many service runs, avoid that beauty! But you will also find low mileage cars that were repossessed or ended their lease so, 20,000 - 40,000 miles per annum is a good benchmark to gauge the car's engine health in question.
Myth #4: Jeez! Just Get a New Car. It's Better!
We all have that one friend seeing a cloud with a platinum lining, don't we?
Peer pressure is one social construct that has led many to ruin or be on a track they can’t maintain. Follow your guts, do your research, and budget for a range of vehicles you will thoroughly inspect and get Carfax-ed. While getting a new car is the dream, getting a pre-owned one shows how dedicated you are to bettering your chances!
Myth #5: Pre-Owned Cars Are a Mystery Box
Yeah! And, so are the lotto tickets you keep blowing all your cash on Gertrude!
Once again, we ardently stress that dealerships just don't take in cars beyond saving. If you're that apprehensive about a pre-owned, there is always a CPO. Though slightly expensive but cheaper than a new car, a CPO is manufacturer-certified and comes with many warranties & specials if you can budget for it or get car financing. It's a functional car, not some jack-in-the-box!
Pre-owned car myths are why we can't have good things. But now we're past that, so how about that 2017 Nissan Sentra S, guaranteed certified, high mileage, and churns out a good 27 mpg!
Our reputable dealership, Patriot Subaru, serving the very charming city of North Attleboro, MA, thrives because folks eventually get over the myths and reap the benefits from our fantastic assortment of pre-loved vehicles.
We'd love a visit from you to get you financed for a thumping-good pre-owned car!
