New vehicles lose value the second they leave the lot.

With used cars, depreciation is not a problem.

1. The first year, a new car loses anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of its value. When you buy a used car, someone else takes that financial hit and so, you can spend the same amount you would spend on a basic new car and get a higher trim level, a lot more features, or a better model year.

2. Newer cars have longer lifespans. Mileage used to be a reason to retire a car. Not anymore. Provided all of the elements have been properly cared for, modern engines, transmissions, and electronics can last much longer. With the right care, I have seen vehicles go way past the 200,000 mile mark, and a car that has been used and has an 80,000 mile count will certainly have years of lifespan to give.

3. You Can Research Its History

   There is a lot of information that can tell you the history of a car. EpicVIN, for example, can tell you if a car in question has been in an accident, if it has had a title issue, or has missed a maintenance milestone. You can gain this information without spending any money. Having history about a car before purchasing it can help avoid nasty surprises.

4. Lower Insurance and Registration Costs

   Used cars have lower insurance and registration fees. Over the life of the vehicle, this means lower costs. For most buyers, that is a few hundred if not thousand dollars every year, usually more on new cars.

5. You Get More for Less

There is a simple reason for the beauty of buying used: you are able to afford more. Whether it is driving a dependable sedan, a sporty coupe, or a family SUV, your budget goes further. I've assisted clients in picking up lightly used models with extra features for half the cost of a new car.

Final Thoughts:

It is a smart mechanic’s move, buying used. It is still the budget-friendly option. So long as you research, and check the car properly, a used vehicle can deliver years of reliable performance and great value. Before you sign anything, verify the history of the car with a service like EpicVIN. It’s a great way to protect yourself and ensure it is a purchase you can make with confidence.