Three Reasons Used Cars Are Better Than New

Every year, over 50 million sedans, coupes, vans, trucks, and SUVs are sold in the United States. Of those sold, about 75% are pre-owned vehicles. Why are used cars so much more popular than new ones? Here are three reasons why.

Certified Vehicles

It used to be that when you bought a vehicle from the market of used cars, you were going to have to deal with some deficiencies, such as faded paint, worn tires, dirty seats, or rust on the frame. Buying pre-owned also meant that you wouldn't have the luxury of a warranty if anything went wrong. Fortunately, consumers now have the option to buy certified used cars that are as close to new as possible. Certified pre-owned vehicles are carefully inspected by dealerships, and any problems are fixed. That means the interior is cleaned, the paint is fresh, and any dents, dings, or scratches are repaired. They even have the new car smell. Furthermore, since these vehicles have been so closely inspected, they are offered with a factory warranty. That means you can drive off the lot with a vehicle that is new in all but name, but carries a reduced price tag since it is considered pre-owned.

Same Safety Features

Years ago, people would buy new sedans or trucks in order to have the latest safety features. Drivers wanted air bags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Fortunately for buyers of used cars, these features are standard, or at least very commonplace. Since the mid-1990s air bags are installed in every car. Since 2011, anti-lock brakes have been necessary requirements in all vehicles sold in the U.S. Buyers can easily find a model that is a few years old with all of the best safety equipment. This means that a pre-owned automobile can offer the same level of safety as a new one, at a greatly reduced price.

Better for the Environment

In years past, the environment was generally not something considered by the average automobile buyer. Fortunately, consumers today are more aware of how their purchases impact the world. For every new truck or convertible that is built, a large amount of energy is used to create it. In fact, some recent studies have shown that the energy used to build a new vehicle is greater than the energy emitted by that vehicle over the course of its lifetime. Furthermore, for every new vehicle, a pre-owned model goes unused. The unused vehicle then has to be disposed, creating waste. If you buy an auto that is several years old, a new one will not be built, and an old one will not be junked. It is a win-win situation.

In closing, it is clear why the majority of vehicles sold in the United States every year are used. They offer buyers a driving and ownership experience comparable to a new model, at a fraction of the price. The choice is easy; choose your next truck, coupe, or wagon from the market of used cars.