Tire World's Tech Tips (7)

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Many Choose Used Over New Cars

A vehicle is often our first large investment. In addition, as we continue through life, it is usually our second largest investment after a home (unless we rent or live in our car).

Industry statistics show that almost three times as many people buy used cars as buy new. Why? Used cars have a lower cost; you don't lose a third of your investment when you drive one off the lot. They can be very reliable and you can find them just about anywhere.

According to one insider, many dealers have caused themselves a problem when emphasizing new cars. They have told people that cars are not reliable after 100,000 miles, making used more difficult to sell.

However, cars do not have a Mission Impossible-style device that causes them to self-destruct when the odometer hits 100,000 miles. While mileage is a consideration, the care a vehicle has had is even more important.

Volvo.com proudly promotes their "high-mileage club." To be a member, your car must have more than 500,000 miles. One member has a 1964 P1800 with over 1 million miles.

These days, with the "education" we receive from commercials, there is a tendency toward wanting the newest, fastest, shiniest and best - regardless of expense. In this "throw-away" world, some people will trade in a car the first time the brakes are worn, creating good deals for wiser consumers.

However, before you buy, have a reputable automotive store inspect the vehicle you are considering. Tire World has a VIP service to inspect the basics for $10. For a more thorough look at the vehicle you plan to purchase, you can add to the VIP service with

1. An engine diagnostics check covering compression and the engine's overall condition, and

2. A front-end alignment check, which goes over the suspension, alignment, etc.
Both of these cover aspects you may not be able to notice when driving the vehicle.

A more extensive look may be warranted regardless of the price range.

Research - the car you want and need

Rule # 1 - Do not get emotional.

Dealerships know emotion sells more cars than any number of balloons, hot dogs, or free trips to the moon ever could.

Rule # 2 - Do not get emotional.

Sure, it's fun to picture yourself cruising open mountain roads in your new, shiny convertible. It is, until you remember your growing family or how tough it will be with those frequent moves you've been prone to making.

Rule # 3 - Do not get emotional.

Consider your needs for the next vehicle. Also, instead of having your heart set on one model, try narrowing the choices down to 4 or 5. Find out, as well, which years the models you want were more reliable. Consumer Reports (ask at your library) conducts research on a multitude of products, vehicles being one of the most extensive areas they cover.

It's good to talk your choices over with people who know cars. You can also do research on the internet or at the library. Then test-drive some of your favorites.

You can learn more from NADA books available at the library or NADA.com, edmunds.com, KBB.com, etc. From these sources, you can find what your choices are worth before you begin negotiating with a seller. This is important, too, for any vehicle you may be trading - that is, unless you're happy receiving only $500 for something worth $2,000.

You can also, for a fee, get some good information from carfax.com or autocheck.com regarding the history of the vehicle by inputting the vehicle's VIN.

Test Drive - Is it as good as it looks?
Keep in mind, however, that your research won't tell you if a particular engine sounds like it swallowed marbles or the transmission acts like a cat coughing up a hairball.

(Future Tire World Tech Tip of the Month issues will cover more on inspecting a car, test drives, choices of where to purchase used cars, etc.)

If you are purchasing from a dealer, even one promoting their 10,000-point inspection, consider finalizing the sale contingent on having your maintenance shop inspect the vehicle. If a private party owns the car, see if the car can be inspected before the purchase.

Tire World can do most repair work if you get a good price on one that "needs a little work." Our inspections can help you know what "needs a little work" translates into in dollars and if it makes sense for you.

The bottom line is that you can pay more for a new car with less chance of having problems. However, learning how to find and care for a great, used car is a valuable investment.

 We Sell Tires, too!